Topic: Comparison Test: Mid-size Crossover SUVs

[Autos_Editor]

The Autos.ca staff reviews and compares mid-size crossover SUVs.

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[JohnM]

I'm not sure I can absorb a test of "mid-sized" SUVs where the weights range from 4000lbs to 5000lbs with the horsepower between 260 and 350.

Either an Audyssey van or a Jetta Wagon would surely offer the required hauling capability. 

Jim Kenzie refers to SUVs as "stupid, useless vehicles" and I'd have to say that what ever the job is, it can be done better by more efficient vehicles.

Probably the excellent review the Autos team has become known for but the whole category is superfluous.

Cheers,
John M.

[Snowman]

So Honda and Toyota chickened out and would not supply current models for the comparo? 

[mixmanmash]

On the Journey: " Our tester came equipped with the 3.6L V6, which puts out 283 hp and a respectable 353 lb-ft of torque.  I liked this engine which is smooth and powerful, but it’s let down by the lazy six-speed transmission."

Something's not right with the torque number.

Oh and minivans definitely offer more practicality and efficiency than any of these CUVs.  But we all knew that anyways.

[tpl]

Funny that people in NA like GIANT hatchbacks but not small or even medium ones. 'Cos these are all hatchbacks...you can tell by the pictures.

If I had to buy a vehicle in this size I'd buy the Flex myself.  I actually think that it is the best looking...a sort of early Volvo wagon look...square and uncompromising.

[BradT]

"In the end, the fine-driving CX-9’s comparative lack of features, high price and poor fuel economy relegated it to fourth spot".

Just wondering why it is in third place then?

The engine of the Sante Fe in the chart that is shown is for the sport model, not the XL.  The XL gets the 3.3 liter, not the 2.0 turbo methinks.

[tenpenny]

Jim Kenzie refers to SUVs as "stupid, useless vehicles" and I'd have to say that what ever the job is, it can be done better by more efficient vehicles.

So what can you offer me with AWD and three rows of seats that will comfortably fit 5'8" teenagers in the third row, with room for a dog and some hockey equipment?

Since you're convinced there's better choices, I'd like to hear them.

Sent from my Vic20 using Java Moose

[JacobBlack]

"In the end, the fine-driving CX-9’s comparative lack of features, high price and poor fuel economy relegated it to fourth spot".

Just wondering why it is in third place then?

The engine of the Sante Fe in the chart that is shown is for the sport model, not the XL.  The XL gets the 3.3 liter, not the 2.0 turbo methinks.

Two good catches! I've now fixed those and the other one from this thread. Cheers.

[mixmanmash]

Jim Kenzie refers to SUVs as "stupid, useless vehicles" and I'd have to say that what ever the job is, it can be done better by more efficient vehicles.

So what can you offer me with AWD and three rows of seats that will comfortably fit 5'8" teenagers in the third row, with room for a dog and some hockey equipment?

Since you're convinced there's better choices, I'd like to hear them.

Sent from my Vic20 using Java Moose

Toyota Sienna.  But really, do you need AWD?

[hemusbull]

My rating: first and indisputable is Hyundai/Kia, last is GM! The rest are proud participants...

[aquadorhj]

"In the end, the fine-driving CX-9’s comparative lack of features, high price and poor fuel economy relegated it to fourth spot".

Just wondering why it is in third place then?

The engine of the Sante Fe in the chart that is shown is for the sport model, not the XL.  The XL gets the 3.3 liter, not the 2.0 turbo methinks.

Two good catches! I've now fixed those and the other one from this thread. Cheers.

jacob,   the article says Kia is "5th place" even though it is on 4th place page.




that aside, I liked this feature.

i am surprised by Hyundai win.   recent big-mag comparo had santafe near the bottom.  but i like the car.
Arcadia is quite old now, so no surprise there. 

but for 40k to 60k price spread, you would think Acura would throw in MDX (or honda Pilot at least?)

Good job guys!!!! 

[OliverD]

Nice to see that the aging CX-9 is still competitive. It, along with the Flex, has always been a personal favourite in this category.

[OliverD]

Toyota Sienna.  But really, do you need AWD?

While AWD may not always be necessary it is certainly nice to have in many situations. I drove an older E430 4matic through a snowstorm the other day and it was amazing what a beast that car was. The combination of AWD + good winter tires is unbeatable.

[Weels]

but for 40k to 60k price spread, you would think Acura would throw in MDX (or honda Pilot at least?)

Good job guys!!!!

Or even the RDX... just so that Acura could say 'hey guys!  Look, we still make this!"
I've never driven one, but i'd guess it would probably finish mid-pack in this group

[bombastic]

I though Durango will be the mid-size SUV for Dodge, not Journey.

[Weels]

I though Durango will be the mid-size SUV for Dodge, not Journey.

From the article:
...but the Durango Citadel took a hit in the bumper that put it out of commission only days before our contest, so we accepted the valiant Journey in its place

[Black Hatch]

Jim Kenzie refers to SUVs as "stupid, useless vehicles" and I'd have to say that what ever the job is, it can be done better by more efficient vehicles.

So what can you offer me with AWD and three rows of seats that will comfortably fit 5'8" teenagers in the third row, with room for a dog and some hockey equipment?

Since you're convinced there's better choices, I'd like to hear them.

Sent from my Vic20 using Java Moose

Hey I can answer that.
The Third-row Comparison
http://www.autos.ca/forum/index.php/topic,83296.0.html

I'd go Explorer/CX-9 and up.

editted:
Remove dog/hockey equipment comment

[tenpenny]

Jim Kenzie refers to SUVs as "stupid, useless vehicles" and I'd have to say that what ever the job is, it can be done better by more efficient vehicles.

So what can you offer me with AWD and three rows of seats that will comfortably fit 5'8" teenagers in the third row, with room for a dog and some hockey equipment?

Since you're convinced there's better choices, I'd like to hear them.

Sent from my Vic20 using Java Moose

Toyota Sienna.  But really, do you need AWD?

Only if I want to be able to get up the driveway 4 months of the year.

That's why my wife ditched her corolla and got a forester. 




Sent from my Vic20 using Java Moose

[tenpenny]

Jim Kenzie refers to SUVs as "stupid, useless vehicles" and I'd have to say that what ever the job is, it can be done better by more efficient vehicles.

So what can you offer me with AWD and three rows of seats that will comfortably fit 5'8" teenagers in the third row, with room for a dog and some hockey equipment?

Since you're convinced there's better choices, I'd like to hear them.

Sent from my Vic20 using Java Moose

Hey I can answer that.
The Third-row Comparison
http://www.autos.ca/forum/index.php/topic,83296.0.html

I'd go Explorer/CX-9 and up.

But I doubt you can fit a dog/hockey equipment behind the 3rd row.

I have an explorers now, and I can fit 3 hockey bags behind the seat, two if one of them is a goalie.

So you see, categorically slagging a class of vehicle just shows that you're not very bright, even if your Kenzie.




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[Black Hatch]

Jim Kenzie refers to SUVs as "stupid, useless vehicles" and I'd have to say that what ever the job is, it can be done better by more efficient vehicles.

So what can you offer me with AWD and three rows of seats that will comfortably fit 5'8" teenagers in the third row, with room for a dog and some hockey equipment?

Since you're convinced there's better choices, I'd like to hear them.

Sent from my Vic20 using Java Moose

Hey I can answer that.
The Third-row Comparison
http://www.autos.ca/forum/index.php/topic,83296.0.html

I'd go Explorer/CX-9 and up.

But I doubt you can fit a dog/hockey equipment behind the 3rd row.

I have an explorers now, and I can fit 3 hockey bags behind the seat, two if one of them is a goalie.

So you see, categorically slagging a class of vehicle just shows that you're not very bright, even if your Kenzie.

Sent from my Vic20 using Java Moose

you're right I did not do a comparison of equipment that can fit behind the 3rd seat.
I retract the comment about hockey bags as I did not test that.

You can probably put equipment behind the Explorer, Flex, Durango, Acadia but hard-pressed to do so on the CX-9, Pathfinder