Crossover SUV Comparison

[Deleted User]

You may be right. However, "slower traffic keep right" is a common sign where I am from.

Not only is it frustrating when stupid people assert their right to drive slow in the left lane, but it is dangerous. Oops, there I go again.

tenpin288

There is no law requiring one to move to the right hand lane

Actually, there is in at least one state. Here in Pennsylvania, the law is "Keep right except to pass". It is posted on most multi-lane roads but tends to be ignored a lot unless there is a police car nearby.

kenym

I believe it is the same in Ohio. :shades:

nxs138

In North Carolina, the driver's handbook specifically states that you must stay in the right lane unless passing. Whether or not this is also a law in not clear. I have also been told that there are indeed "no cruising in the left lane" laws in some states.

barnstormer64

But it wasn't that long ago that the national speed limit was 55MPH

And more often than not, violated.

carlitos92

Actually, the daytime speed limit on about 60% of IH10 as it travels the 800+ miles from Beaumont to El Paso in Texas is 80 mph. Frankly, it could be and maybe should be higher in parts of desolate West Texas.

... You can really make some time when you can drive 83 with no fear of reprisal...

stever

with no fear of reprisal

Except at the pumps, LOL.

barnstormer64

At 80mph and no stops, you can make it across Texas on I-10 in just about 10 hours! Compared to 14.5 hours at 55 mph.

Yikes!

carlitos92

True.

At least travelling east, there's a 5,000 ft. drop in elevation. I guess you could call that "downhill." That's gotta help MPG, right? :shades:

As an extreme example of the speed/mileage equation (and in my case, of the ignorance of youth), I once set the cruise control on my Civic at 120 mph for a bit. I got about 160 miles at that speed before I had to fill the tank. I ended up calculating that my 33-mpg Civic went to about half that number at prolonged near-redline speeds. Turns out those lovely VTEC motors weren't meant to STAY at 7,000 rpm for too long.

Epilogue: the Mobil-1-fed Civic went on to live a happy life - and with a wife and kids, I don't do that kind of funny business anymore.

arumage

Weight will go up with some of the added features the FS get like the new engine and transmission, both of which are heavier. Also features like power liftgate will add some extra weight.

ux149

After having already test driven the Acadia and Outlook, I finally got to sit in an Enclave today. The driver's area is sweet. But the second row of seats is disappointing - just like Acadia's captains chairs except without armrests. The Buick "Product Specialist" who said she travelled with the exhibit was unaware the Buick would not yet be offering a 2nd row console. The Enclave on display has one. This vehicle is very close in size to the Escalade I had a few years ago. But second and third row confort are not in the same league. I took some photos but I don't know how to post them. :confuse:

stever

The easiest way to post them is to go to your CarSpace page and then click on Manage Albums under Your Photo Albums. Follow the prompts to copy the photos from your computer to an album.

Once that's done, each photo will have a box with a URL that you can copy/paste to embed a photo into a post.

albook

Looking at pictures of CUV's listed on this forum. Looked at a lot of pictures of the Acadia and CX9. Looking at the Acadia, it's a good looking, bold vehicle, but in some veiws, it's kind of boring. It's not as fun to look at as the CX9. THough the Acadia doesn't really look its size, It doesn't look as athletic as the CX9. And the touches aren't as luxo. THe CX9 looks almost like it could compete with the Lexus RX/MDX. Of coure, the Acadia has it's huge amount of perks, like one of the best in class feul economy, and most cargo room in it's class behind all three row, and of course one of the best in seating comfort, and some of the best features, it's just not as sporty. If I was buying a CUV right nnow, I would have to get my priorities straight. Would I give up space, convienience and good looks for a sports car that seats seven? Harder decision than it might sound.

thegraduate

And...no offense, freealphas...I have nothing against the Freestyle, but you must have the only car out there that does better than its EPA ratings....if you're getting 30 mpg 65mpg then good for you...but frankly I think you need to re-measure that. You're doing better than a 4 cylinder Honda Accord, which is much lighter and more efficient than the FreeStyle.

I'm gonna chime in here briefly, in freealfas defense (not on the offensive here, just adding some info). I drive a Honda Accord 4-cylinder, and see as much as 6-7 MPG above highway sticker (you read correctly - 40 MPG) when driven just right (around 70 MPH with NO passing/acceleration/downshifting/AirCon). I whole-heartedly believe it is possible to get the numbers people are quoting in their FreeStyle CUVs. I never would have believed it if I hadn't started doing so well myself when I really shoot for super mileage.

I got home from a beach trip today, but drove at a consistent 82 MPH with A/C and a good bit of slowing to 70 and speeding back up, and I got 34 MPG exactly.

(My Accord I-4 Auto is rated at 24/34 on the old 2007 standards, 21/31 on the upcoming 2008 ones).

ux149

Thanks Steve. Here are a few: Long and Lean!" Note that the 2nd row has the console in the vehicle. Note: The rear door is not fully closed!

ux149

Is this a joke? There is less than 4" between the second and third row seat- less than the width of your hand!

beach15

Uh...that's a Mitsubishi Outlander.

ux149

Oops, my bad! The Mazdas were beside the Mitsubishis at the auto show. I must have in a state of shock thinking that anyone would put a passenger back there. Thanks for the observant correction.

bobw3

I wasn't able to see the photos, but since the 2nd row seats slide forward, maybe they were in the rearward most position, which is why the legroom in the 3rd row looked so small. I'm not sure about the Acadia's 3rd row when the 2nd row is in the furthest rearward position.

The problem with interior photos is that they'll try to make them look as spacious as possible. So when shooting the 2nd row, they'll move the 1st row up to a 5'0" person seating position and move the 2nd row all the way back. When photographing the 3rd row, they move the 2nd row forward as much as possible. You can sometimes tell by looking at the seat tracks to see the position.

That's why I look at legroom measurements. They're also not perfect, but better that photos. With my Freestyle, the 2nd row bench doesn't slide, so what I get is what I get. And according to Cars.com, what I get is 41.2", 40.4", and 33.2" in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd row legroom, as compared to the Acadia's 41.3", 36.9", and 33.2". I wonder where the 2nd row is for the Acadia to get those dimensions? Also, the behind the 3rd row luggage space is 20.7 for the Freestylevs 19.7 for the Acadia. Yes, there's more hip room for the Acadia, but then it's 3.5" wider, and it's also 4" taller. Personally, I'd rather not have to climb up into a vehicle. Since the interior headroom of the Freestyle is identical to the Acadia, I'm guessing that the extra 4" of Acadia height means that much climb-in height. The Acadia is also about 700lbs heavier according to this site.

Maybe these numbers aren't exact and granted you really have to sit in the vehicles, but I still believe the numbers over the photos, especially when you have a sliding 2nd row.

http://www.cars.com/go/compare/trimCompare.jsp?acodes=USB70FOC191A0,USB70GMS241A- 0

zplnfan

California driving handbook even goes so far as to state that even if you are driving the speed limit or higher, the law requires you to keep right unless passing. I try to explain that to those who insist that they have the right to be in the left lane going exactly the speed limit, that if someone were driving 85 mph in the left lane and I came along going 86 mph, they should move over.

May I add one other annoyance while I'm at it? It's those who get on the freeway going 55-60 mph, and with no car anywhere near in the right two or three lanes, move immediately to the left lane. I don't get it?

passat_2002

There is a huge amount of interstate highway in this country where the left lane is a whole lot smoother than the right. It's hard to swallow having to stay in the right lane while driving the posted speed limit, while those who exceed the limit are supposedly the only one's entitled to the smoother left lane. Is that what you're suggesting?

stever

That seems to be the law here in Idaho. There is one stretch of interstate just outside of town where trucks are required to drive in the left lane for several miles. Not sure why, but I bet it's related to the road condition.

Better Driving to Make the Roads Safer is probably a better place to keep kicking this around.

freealfas

"There is a huge amount of interstate highway in this country where the left lane is a whole lot smoother than the right. It's hard to swallow having to stay in the right lane while driving the posted speed limit, while those who exceed the limit are supposedly the only one's entitled to the smoother left lane. Is that what you're suggesting?"

The ignorant American driver in a nutshell... smoothness is a road condition not driving practice. There is NO ENTITLEMENT in driving there is RIGHT OF WAY, slower drivers regardless of speed legal or otherwise are supposed to give way to faster drivers. Grow up and swallow it, read your states driver's manual and investigate its laws, my guess is that you have more than a learner's permit and have driven on the highway's here in the US and know the realities fo the speeds drivers are traveling at. Drivers are supposed to be in the right lane except to pass in most if not all states regardless of speed. If you are passing a string of slower cars by all means use the left lane, if you are done and the right lane is unoccupied for a stretch move back to the right as that is where you belong because usually there is always someone faster than you.

To play the road smoothness or speed limit card to rationalize cruising in the left lane regardless of the traffic amount and or speed coming up behind you is irresponsible, inconsiderate and in most states illegal and did I not mention ignorant. There are 2 lanes for a reason, one to cruise in and one to pass in...think about it.

barnstormer64

I look at it this way. If I'm in the left lane, doing 10mph over the speed limit, and you come up behind me doing 15 mph over the speed limit, I'll possibly move over to the right to let you pass if I feel like it.

But if the right lane is clear, you can just as easily move over to the right and pass me. There's no extra danger involved, and it shouldn't make you mad.

If it's heavy traffic, I may not move over because this is what usually happens:

1) you come up behind me and want to pass

2) I finally manage to find a place to pull over to the right into heavy traffic, and you attempt to pass

3) then you decide to slow down, and/or the guy behind you speeds up a bit, and suddenly I'm trapped in the slow lane, while you move along just at the same speed I was going before, because you're too chicken to keep going full speed ahead (or there's just not room for you to do it).

For that reason, I stay in the left lane when I feel like I'm going plenty fast. And if I happen to see you speeding up behind me at 20mph faster than I'm going, I'll probably move over if I can. But if you just "appear" in my rearview mirror all of the sudden because you're travelling so fast and the terrain prevents me from seeing you until you're on my tail, I probably won't feel inclined to move over. You just pass me on the right. If that's too difficult a maneuver for you, then perhaps you should slow down.

barnstormer64

There are 2 lanes for a reason, one to cruise in and one to pass in...think about it.

Most of the times, there's 2 lanes because that's what it takes to keep traffic moving. And it probably needs THREE lanes, anyway. :P

albook

Buy a FS then and you to can experience what those of us OWNERS are. The fact is I did get the mpg and can do it with regularity with a conscious effort and a light foot.

Why am I buying a Freestyle. Why get something outdated when I can have better interior space, and better acceleration, and better features? I wouldn't. Maybe I'll get an Acadia and drive at 65 miles per hour on the freeway and get 30 mpg. Sounds reasonable to me.
Oh yeah and you can get all of this at a price multiple thousands less than msrp and invoice making them significantly cheaper than the competition because people haven't gotten the clue yet.
No- the price is so low because no one wants a station wagon with no power and mediocre cargo room to replace their MDX/ Highlander/ other CUV.

bobw3

No- the price is so low because no one wants a station wagon with no power and mediocre cargo room to replace their MDX/ Highlander/ other CUV.

What vehicle are you talking about? Obviously not the Freestyle :P

carlitos92

The problem with this scenario is that not moving over is illegal for a reason. ...and technically, so is passing on the right. If I have to start to pass you on the right, I'm taking my life into my own hands because I don't know what you are going to do - stay put, or get over. Two cars doing this little dance at 70+ mph is stupid, reckless, and unnecessary.

Speed limits aside, and however justified your feeling of entitlement to the left lane, it's best if everyone can assume you are going to follow the law and keep right. That's the common ground, and thus the safety factor.

[Deleted User]

It is refreshing to drive in Germany or the Netherlands or Belgium, etc., where everyone--no matter how fast they are going--gets in the farthest right position they can, just as soon as they can (within feet sometimes of making a pass). The Porsches and BMWs and Mercedes doing 140 mph or better may not have to move right, but even they watch their mirrors for someone faster from behind. The payoff is less congestion, less need to slow down and speed up, and way less likelihood of a rear ender.

Passing on the right is illegal where I live, and the lack of discipline that allows or encourages such moves only contributes to the unnecessary bunch-ups and tie ups on multi-lane roads.

Back to the discussion with a curious question: why isn't the Pacifica in on this comparison?

freealfas

Just when you though it couldn't get any worse...The ignorant American driver part deaux.

"I'll possibly move over to the right to let you pass if I feel like it."

Review your local law and see what it says about what lane you are supposed to be traveling.

"But if the right lane is clear, you can just as easily move over to the right and pass me. There's no extra danger involved, and it shouldn't make you mad."

As noted previously, PASSING IS ILLEGAL on the right, thereby necessitating you to make way by laws to oncoming traffic to the right lane to make a legal pass available provided a suitable , safe space for you to merge is available.

The problem with the American motorist is encapsulated in these few choice tidbits not taking into ANY ACCOUNT local laws or common driving courtesy;

"I'll possibly move over"
"if I feel like it."
" There's no extra danger involved, and it shouldn't make you mad"
"I may not move over"
"suddenly I'm trapped in the slow lane"
"I stay in the left lane when I feel like I'm going plenty fast"
"I probably won't feel inclined to move over"
"You just pass me on the right. If that's too difficult a maneuver for you, then perhaps you should slow down"

You and your attitudes are the very reason there are accidents on the highway, traffic a problem, and road rage.

Laws are there for a reason, to follow, I may drive quickly and moderately over the speed limit but I am adamant about lane courtesy and passing. Your arrogance is astounding as to what is portrayed in you post and it is yet another reason why driving has become unbearable and more tragicaly, unsafe because that is how you are operating you vehicle. Stupidity and arrogance kill behind the wheel.

jrocco001

Agreed - aside from the safety issues, its just common curtesy to stay to the right so faster traffic can pass, no matter if you "think you're going fast enough", which is very subjective.

I drive across a long two lane bridge every day, and quite often traffic gets jammed up b/c of left lane loiterers doing the posted speed limit. Very frustrating.

bobw3

Two wrongs don't make a right. So for those driving at illegal speeds, don't try and sound too high and mighty about those breaking the law by driving in the left lane. You're BOTH doing something illegal. I may do 5 mph over the speed limit, but I do only drive in the left lane to pass. And if I'm driving in the left lant doing 65mph passing a truck doing 60mph, don't expect me to speed up to 75mph while passing just because you're now on my tail.

freealfas

So says the buyer of a '95 cutlass and even better, a '94 elantra when you thought you were being a forward thinker in going Korean before it was all the rage it is now when in reality you were just being cheap. I can see why you are so adamant about not being caught with your pants around your ankles again in terms of what's under the hood if you know what I mean...

Go buy the Acadia then and bring it by and we can compare...and we can start with who'll have more money in their pocket at the end of the deal, and then we'll see who has less weight to carry around, and then we'll see how much less gas I'll have to buy, and then we see the incrementally less amount of space you will have behind your occupied 3rd row, and then we'll each say mine looks better... whatever.

Buy what you like I never said the FS was the end all be-all, my only point is that it was a good use of corporate parts, safe, economical, forward thinking, capable, agile, faster than it's competition, comfortable, and affordable 2 YEARS ago while GM/Hyundai were still figuring out what CUV stood for hence we weren't having this exchange back then.

I do have a problem with how Ford is dealing the FS down the river and abandoning its forward thinking attributes to satisfy those like you with power inadequacy issues. Go nuts, even 18mos ago when we bought we got $4k under sticker, You will not be doing that with the new GM triplets any time soon because of fanboyism and all the wonderment of what is shiney and new. Bottom line and my greater point to all of this is the FS is the better VALUE every day of the week than what is available from the competition. Is it what YOU want to buy probably not.

freealfas

I never say you had to speed up, I said you needed to move over to make way for those that are doing 66mph and want to get by when you were past said truck and it was safe for you to do so regardless of whether you felt like it or not as it is the legal, SAFE and courteous thing to do..

jimlg

Wow! How many selfish and thoughtless drivers can there be on one forum?!? Those of you who feel justified in slowly passing on the left because you're technically exceeding the speed limit are hazards on the road. One of the best things about people following the "drive right, pass left" rule is that it creates space and room on the freeway, i.e. safer driving conditions. Almost half the time I encounter congestion on the freeway, it's totally unnecessary--caused by some stubborn driver observing his "right" to go 66 mph in the left hand lane and endangering himself and others around him in the process. I would think that on a forum that attracts people interested in cars and driving cars, this would be easily understood . . .

passat_2002

Perhaps we are just not worthy.. but we do know how to spell deux.

freealfas

I'm ignorant to spelling french words, you're ingorant to what lane you are supposed to be traveling in, I'll take mine every day of the week, worthy has nothing to do with it.

barnstormer64

Almost half the time I encounter congestion on the freeway, it's totally unnecessary--caused by some stubborn driver observing his "right" to go 66 mph in the left hand lane and endangering himself and others around him in the process. I would think that on a forum that attracts people interested in cars and driving cars, this would be easily understood . . .

Trust me, I know if I'm causing a traffic problem. And if I am, I'll pull over.

But I'm NOT going to pull over and half to slow down and get trapped in the slow lane just so I can let some yay-hoo pass me by on the left and get 2 car lenghts in front of me and then have to slow down again, boxing me in.

He can slow down BEHIND me, instead of ahead of me.

And trust me, it'll only be a bit of time before any gap ahead of me is filled . . either by me, or by somebody else in front of me in the right lane pulling back in to the left lane.

And for those saying I'm being unsafe and illegal by not lettng you pass . . . well, you're already doing something illegal (speeding), which is also supposed to be unsafe. And you're being MORE unsafe than I am, since you're trying to pass me.

So which is worse? Your extra speed, or my refusal to move right and let you pass? :P

And as far as "ignorant American" . . well, if that was made by a European, I'll submit that I'm far less ignorant of how to drive effectively in the US traffic (at least in the area where I live) than you are.

Bottom line: if there's a ton of room up in front of me, I'm going to move over and let you pass if you can't pass to the right of me very easily. But you may have to give me a little time if I'm trying to get past a bunch of 18-wheelers bunch up in a sorta convoy.

Imagine that there's 5 trucks in a row in the right lane doing 65 mph (in a 65 mph zone), with hardly any gap between them. Further assume that I'm trying to pass them at 70 mph. If you come tooling up behind me doing 85mph, I see no reason for me to try to pull into their convoy and let you pass. I'll take my sweet time passing them (5mph above the speed limit), and then I'll pull over and let you pass.

Though most of the time I do that, the person behind me decides to cut into the right lane to pass me before I think it's safe for me to pull over in front of the trucks. I give respect to trucks, and don't want them to start even THINKING about braking because of me pulling out in front of them. I want them to KNOW that they can keep going at the same speed without slowing down.

Beieve it or not, I try to think about the other drivers, and what they might do.

So, I will pass the trucks, then wait for what I think is a reasonable distance to pull right. But I'm also watching to see what YOU'RE gonna do . . you may very well be the type who's gonna pull right to pass me in what I think is an unsafe manner. But I'm gonna make YOU do that, not me. I'm trying to be safe. At least safer than you. :P

hardhawk

The simple solution for the left lane blockers is to drive a 1964 chevy with railroad ties for bumpers. Just knock them out of the way and clear the lane! It amazes me how many people here in KS stay in the left lane on the super two lane roads that have passing lanes with signs saying keep right except to pass. It is infuriating for those coming the other way (without the passing lane) that also need to pass. People who occupy the left lane should have their license immediately suspended and their car impounded until they take a driving course and learn the rules of the road.

barnstormer64

I'm ignorant to spelling french words, you're ingorant to what lane you are supposed to be traveling in

And apparently we're both ignorant of the SAFE speed laws. :P

Oh, you don't think they're necessarily for safety? Well, I don't think the "drive to the right and only pass on the left" is always the safest thing to do, either. And I drive accordingly. So there! :surprise: :P

barnstormer64

I can top that . . . just today, a guy was doing probably 50mph in the left lane (in a 65mph zone that should at least be a 75mph zone in those traffic conditions) . . and he was driving with his HAZARD lights on. With three lanes to his right he could get into.

stever

The Pacifica isn't in on this comparison because it's a wagon. (Hey, that's what they keep telling me :P ).

Enough of the left lane camping posts please - take it to the discussion I linked earlier if want to keep beating on it. This topic is a car comparison one and that's what people coming here expect to read about. Thanks.

barnstormer64

The Pacifica isn't in on this comparison because it's a wagon

Well, they're ALL "wagons", really. Just some more "wagony" than others. But I guess that's not the macho image that they want to portray.

stever

I'm game for calling them anything that'll get us back on topic. :shades:

A couple of left lane posts have been removed - if yours is missing and you'd like a copy, send me an email. Then you can repost them over in Inconsiderate Drivers (share your stories, etc.).

tidester

Then you can repost them over in ...

And, as luck would have it, we have an active discussion going on over there right now on the very same subject!

tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper

[Deleted User]

Yes, all wagons. Chrysler does not call the Pacifica a "wagon." Amd it looks less like a station wagon than the Freestyle does. But both of them are too tall to be traditional wagons. The Subaru Outback, Audi allroad and Volvo XC (CrossCountry) seem more "wagon-y" than any of the others.

But apparently SUVs/CUVs that look like the Cadillac SRX, Freestyle and Pacifica don't get as much respect. I frankly don't get it.

saabturboid

For the first time I can give my opinion on these three vehicles since I spent time with each one back to back to back at the Minneapolis Auto Show yesterday. Firstly, Ford wasn't showing the Freestyle but had the re-badged version "Taurus X" up on a pedestal. I wasn't able to check out the interior but I can say the updated exterior look was very nice.

I own a Freestyle so my interior comparison is based off of my personal vehicle. I was astounded at how large the Acadia and its siblings were on the outside but how small they were on the inside. I could not discern any difference in internal size vs. my Freestyle, but when you look at it from the outside it looks to be the size of a Tahoe. The Freestyle seems to be a much better package from the standpoint of being small on the outside but roomy on the inside. The Acadia seems to have the opposite characteristics.

The CX-9 was a nice looking vehicle and didn't seem nearly as monstrous as the Acadia, but I was very disappointed in the third row seating arrangement. There isn't much leg room back there and unlike the Freestyle and Acadia certainly couldn't seat adults. The room behind the third row was also less than the Freestyle. Once again the Freestyle wins.

Hopefully those considering these types of vehicles will seriously consider the "Taurus X", silly name and all, because in my opinion it is simply a better package than the alternatives. And with the more powerful engine and traditional automatic people can't complain about a perceived lack of power and weird CVT any longer. FWIW over 37,000 miles I've never wanted more power and we love the smooth CVT.

There is still that "I won't buy a Ford" stigma, but in the interest of keeping it real I never thought I would buy a Ford (I've driven Volvos and Saabs all my life) but my family loves our Freestyle, and looking at the competition at the Auto Show only reinforced those feelings.

arumage

Without underfloor storage included the CX-9 actually has more storage space than the Freestyle, but I definitely agree that the 3rd row in the CX-9 was very disappointing to me, especially in the area of headroom.

I recently drove a Hyundai Veracruz. They only had a base model, but I was very impressed with all aspects of it, except storage behind the 3rd row and 3rd row entry/exit. It was the quietest vehicle I have ever driven, even at interstate speeds. The Acadia had a better 3rd row, but the Veracruz had a better 2nd row. The 3rd row seats have two recline settings and IMO were fine for adults. It was a base model with no options so I can't really comments on some of the nicer options, but the cloth seats did feel nice and were decently supportive.

[Deleted User]

Actually, the difference in length between the Freestyle and GM offerings are negligible. The FS is only 1.3" less in length than the Acadia. It's styling presence that makes the difference, plus the Acadia has a 6" longer wheelbase and is a bit taller. The Acadia is a somwhat wider, but makes up for that by offering several more inches of hip and shoulder room than the FS.

The Acadia cargo volume behind the 3rd row is over 2 cubic ft bigger than in the FS, so it makes good use of the small dimensional differences. Given their exterior and interior dimensions, I don't think one has a real advantage over the other, spacewise.

The FS is lighter, although not more maneuverable. It should get better mileage. The Acadia is quieter and has more preceived presence. Personal preferences will dictate choice, but it seems the longer wheelbase look is winning with most customers.

cason1

It's always interesting how two people can look at the same thing and see it completely different. Last week I stopped in to look at the Veracruz and saw what I assume to be a fairly base model (no leather, plastic steering wheel, manual A/C, etc)...probably something similar to what you looked at. I was completely underwhelmed. There were some neat touches like how the ventilation was set up for the rear, but the I felt that the cloth seats were extremely cheap looking and feeling and that the interior was decently laid out (but certainly nothing special), but the materials used seemed cut rate. The room in the 2nd and third rows was good, but I had more trouble getting into the third row than I had in the Acadia or the CX-9. I will say that any of them would be fine for me from a seating standpoint as the third rows will be children mainly and only occasional used by adults and I fit in all of them at 6'3" (head touched in the CX-9).

I realize that I was looking at the "cheap" (isn't it easy to call $28K cheap these days?) version of the vehicle, but I'm having trouble believing that my opinion will change with the more expensive models given what I saw.

One last observation...the Veracrus' exterior was much more attractive in person than from pictures, although the front grill is still not my favorite.

...and because every post here has to include something about Freestyles, I looked at them and I tried to like them, but while the exterior is simply boring, the interior would look more at home in a Focus than in a vehicle with a $30K price tag. Given the much more attractive options out there, I'll go elsewhere. I'll call that extra $200/year (or so) I have to pay for gas due to lower MPG a style tax and live with it.