Topic: Motor Trend 2006 SUV of the Year

[smainville]

http://motortrend.com/features/news/112_news051025_suvoty/

[AVToller]

Well, that's THE KISS OF DEATH! Motor Trend has a LONG history of naming the worst vehicles imaginable as "Car of the Year".  Hopefully the Xterra can survive the "honour". 

[ovr50]

That's right - IIRC MT picked the Chevy Vega one year.  That didn't pan out too well.

[Snowman]

At least they picked a real SUV….not like the candy-arse half breeds like I drive. A friend of mine has a 4Runner…very capable machine and would have been my choice. I would dearly like to take a Toureg for a test session up in my old moose hunting grounds on the North Shore of Gitch.

[Bullet Blue]

I've always liked the Xterra. Glad it's finally getting some recognition as it has always been a capable SUV in my view.

[smainville]

At least they picked a real SUV….not like the candy-arse half breeds like I drive. A friend of mine has a 4Runner…very capable machine and would have been my choice. I would dearly like to take a Toureg for a test session up in my old moose hunting grounds on the North Shore of Gitch.

The problem is we always fail to make the distinction between SUV and CUV, your Highlander is not a candy-arse half breed.  I like Highlanders and they're pretty hard to beat in that category.  I would have to say that when I see an XTerra it often has a Canoe or Kayak on its rack, or you can see a whole lot of gear in the back.  My friend has one, hard on the wallet gas wise but absolutely loves it, built like a tank and though and reliable.

[Snowman]

At least they picked a real SUV….not like the candy-arse half breeds like I drive. A friend of mine has a 4Runner…very capable machine and would have been my choice. I would dearly like to take a Toureg for a test session up in my old moose hunting grounds on the North Shore of Gitch.

The problem is we always fail to make the distinction between SUV and CUV, your Highlander is not a candy-arse half breed.  I like Highlanders and they're pretty hard to beat in that category.  I would have to say that when I see an XTerra it often has a Canoe or Kayak on its rack, or you can see a whole lot of gear in the back.  My friend has one, hard on the wallet gas wise but absolutely loves it, built like a tank and though and reliable.

I like my Highlander very much, but it is not an SUV. It is a four wheel drive tall wagon and nothing else.

[smainville]

and ditto with my X-Trail...

[Shnak]

Who says a Sports Utility Vehicle has to be built like a truck? In my opinion, a Highlander is more sport than an X-Terra (handles more like a car, hence better), I haven't checked numbers but I'm pretty sure a Highlander can tow just as much as an X-Terra, and it sure can haul more stuff. Unless by Utility they mean having the ability to climb mountains with no roads and drive in the grand canyon through crevasses. Name me one thing the X-Terra can do that the Highlander can't do...

[ovr50]

Drive in the grand canyon through crevasses !!!

IMO "SUV" refers to utility rather than sport and that's why an X-Terra is a SUV and the HL is a crossover.

Just my take on it. 

[ktm525]

Who says a Sports Utility Vehicle has to be built like a truck? In my opinion, a Highlander is more sport than an X-Terra (handles more like a car, hence better), I haven't checked numbers but I'm pretty sure a Highlander can tow just as much as an X-Terra, and it sure can haul more stuff. Unless by Utility they mean having the ability to climb mountains with no roads and drive in the grand canyon through crevasses. Name me one thing the X-Terra can do that the Highlander can't do...

I define Sport as the ability to go whereever without fuss and Utility as the ability to haul your stuff with you.

As for situations where an Xterra will outperform a Highlander.

1) Pound each down graveled, washed-out,  pot- holed mountain access roads and forestry trails for 3 years and see which one stands up better.

2)I don't know for sure but the Xterra has a low range, skid plates, ground clearence  and more importantly a locking center differential. I don't know about the rear/front. If you don't understand why these things would be important to you then I suggest you run down to Toyota and put your money down on a Highlander.


Does the Highlander have tow hooks?

[Snowman]

Who says a Sports Utility Vehicle has to be built like a truck? In my opinion, a Highlander is more sport than an X-Terra (handles more like a car, hence better), I haven't checked numbers but I'm pretty sure a Highlander can tow just as much as an X-Terra, and it sure can haul more stuff. Unless by Utility they mean having the ability to climb mountains with no roads and drive in the grand canyon through crevasses. Name me one thing the X-Terra can do that the Highlander can't do...

 
A real “SUV” is not based on a car platform. It would take me 30 seconds to twist a Highlander into a pretzel on some of the trials I have been on. A “real” SUV requires full on-frame construction….period.

When considering “off-road” sport highway driving ability is not a top priority. The Toyota Highlander was one of the first “real” cross-over vehicles.

[ktm525]

and the Highlander is great at what it does. A station wagon with lots of headroom.

[gta_driver]

 A “real” SUV requires full on-frame construction….period.

The Freelander is based on a monocoque body design which is a variation on unibody construction. Moncocoque provides high torsional rigidity which, in combination with the fully independent suspension system, minimises body distortion during off-road use while providing a refined and comfortable ride on-road.

I've taken my Freebie through some punishing offroad courses with no problems, traversing breaches, crossing unexpected potholes, fording water to the top of my headlights, rock climbing and rock crawling.

[Snowman]

 A “real” SUV requires full on-frame construction….period.

The Freelander is based on a monocoque body design which is a variation on unibody construction. Moncocoque provides high torsional rigidity which, in combination with the fully independent suspension system, minimises body distortion during off-road use while providing a refined and comfortable ride on-road.

I've taken my Freebie through some punishing offroad courses with no problems, traversing breaches, crossing unexpected potholes, fording water to the top of my headlights, rock climbing and rock crawling.

There is no doubt the SE3 is the most capable from the Cute Ute bunch….with the exception of the Liberty. I would have to question the $10k premium to obtain that kind if ability when $40k will get a very capable mid-size SUV that is not considered luxury.

[Shnak]

Some people can appreciate the differences a Freelander brings you for $10k over an Xterra just as some people can appreciate the differences a WRX brings you for $10-15k over a Cobalt SS or Neon SRT4...

[gta_driver]

The on-road perfromance of the Freelander in my mind is worth the extra $10k, it handles like a high end European sports car, with precise steering, refined road manners, smooth shifting tiptronic, vault quiet interior, creature comforts and no body roll. It doesn't handle on road like an Xterra or Liberty which provide a more truck-like driving experience. The best part is that I can take the Freelander  off-road and punish the crap out of it. Its the best of both worlds.

[ktm525]

The Freelander may be capable today but lets see how it holds up after years from abuse. The Freelander may be good at what it does but it is world's away in terms of toughness compared to vehicles like the Defender (my favouritel LR), or the Toyota Land Cruiser. I am not biased towards size either. The most capable off-road vehicle I have witnessed was a Suzuki XL-5 ?? (Pre Samurai). With 30" tires and locking deifferentials this mini Jeep was unstoppable in the bush. When it tipped over it only took three guys to flip it back up onto its tires.

[Snowman]

Some people can appreciate the differences a Freelander brings you for $10k over an Xterra just as some people can appreciate the differences a WRX brings you for $10-15k over a Cobalt SS or Neon SRT4...

Again Shnak….you missed the point.

[Shnak]

Some people can appreciate the differences a Freelander brings you for $10k over an Xterra just as some people can appreciate the differences a WRX brings you for $10-15k over a Cobalt SS or Neon SRT4...

Again Shnak….you missed the point.

Weren't you saying that the Freelander wasn't worth the extra money over the Xterra or Liberty? It really sound to me like you didn't think all the luxury the Freelander offers for $10k wasn't worth it...