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Sport Utility Vehicles
When Ford unveiled
the Escape eight years ago it offered an extremely functional compact
sport utility vehicle, and it was an instant hit. The Escape had
impressive sales for the next several years, but Ford made a giant
tactical error. It didn't offer any major improvements, and competition
grew and gained ground. Realizing
significant changes were overdue, Ford authorized a redesign in 2008 and more new features in 2009.
While most manufacturers are creating a sleek crossover sport utility
vehicle or remodeling an existing offering, Kia has introduced the 2009
Borrego, its first truck-like sport utility vehicle. Has Kia made a mistake or is the Korean manufacturer dumb like a fox?
Time will tell, but there's no doubt Kia is gambling traditional
midsize SUVs still have appeal.
While Honda and
Toyota deservedly receive praise for their competent vehicles, Nissan
has resided quietly in their shadows. But test driving Nissan vehicles
during the past 10 years has made me appreciate the high quality of the
lesser-revered Japanese automaker. I recently drove two of my
favorite Nissan vehicles, each for a week. The 2009 Altima Coupe and
the 2009 Murano are solid choices for any scrutinizing car shopper.
Diesel-fueled automobiles have been fixtures in Europe for years, but the trend has never been embraced in the United States. The U.S. government has always been cautious with regard to diesel fuel and its reputation for high particle emissions.
So it’s surprising I was driving around in the new 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL320 BlueTec, a turbo-diesel sport utility vehicle. This Mercedes and Dodge’s heavy-duty trucks are the first diesel-powered vehicles to pass the rigid the country-wide EPA emission requirements.
Declining minivan
sales doesn’t mean people movers are outdated. School
carpools and youth sports teams still need transportation versatility, and large families require seven-passenger vehicles.
Understanding the concept, Chrysler came out with the Dodge Journey for
2009. Much like the family station wagon evolving into minivans, the
latest incarnations are midsize crossover sport utility vehicles like
the Journey.
Price is the over-riding factor for many car shoppers in tough economic times. Getting a “deal” is more important than ever, so one would assume a budget-minded company like Kia would be perfectly positioned. The Korean automaker has always prided itself in offering affordable vehicles. And since being purchased by Hyundai and adding quality, Kia has enjoyed improved sales and reputation. The Sedona, one of Kia’s mainstays, is a well-equipped minivan with a price that can’t be matched by top competitors. The Sportage, a compact sport utility vehicle, is also a value leader, but has drawbacks. 
When Honda came out with the Pilot six years ago the Japanese automaker quickly had another hit. The Pilot became one of the forerunners in the eight-passenger midsize crossover segment. It’s a sport utility vehicle whose car-like qualities and hauling capabilities were lauded. Despite the accolades, one aspect of the Pilot got exposed – third-row seating was lacking. It wasn't accommodating and the guess is in many Pilots the third row lay flat and it was left unused.
Although many car buyers now like smaller and more versatile sport utility vehicles, others still want traditional truck-based SUVs. As such, Toyota hopes it can continue to prosper with the 4Runner. Launched in 1983, it’s still prominent in the Japanese manufacturer’s versatile SUV list.
The 2009 Suzuki
Grand Vitara is one of the stronger values in the compact SUV class.
It has a standard 4-cylinder engine and a more powerful available V6
with slightly revised styling. I drove the 230-hp 3.2L V6 with a
5-speed automatic. This not so small feeling SUV seats five and has a
side-hinged rear cargo door.
The
2008 Hyundai Veracruz falls short, but the South Korean manufacturer has set lofty
goals and made significant progress in its attempt to compete with
Toyota, Honda and even premium Lexus.
Copyright 2009 The Weekly Driver. All rights reserved.
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