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Crossover SUV Comparison

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Comments

  • vad1819vad1819 Member Posts: 309
    Van chassis are different then CUV's

    Yes. But some people is trying compare CUV with vans. Their size, driving abilities and ect. It's like someone called TX - crossover. I think, it is more a oversize wagon. TX is almost same Height – at Curb as Taurus 61.5 to 67.4.
    It's a lot difference way to choose a car. SUV, Van, CUV all have close propose for use. In my opinion vans came more from car-wagon base idea, and CUV came from SUV base idea. That's why I said early GM crossovers more SUV , then car base idea, if you understood what I have meant to say.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Journey looks interesting. I hope the interior looks better in person, but it seems very space efficient and Dodge came up with a few very clever storage ideas.

    Funny thing is the Journey basically replaced the SWB Caravan in the lineup.

    It should compete with the Rondo and Mazda5, but I think it's a bit bigger, so it may be cross-shopped with the bigger crossovers as well.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    He named the Pacifica:

    http://www.carspace.com/blogs/AlternateRoute/Ask-Dub-Schwartz-10

    Don't shoot the messenger! ;)
  • bobw3bobw3 Member Posts: 2,989
    A CUV is a cross between a car, SUV and minivan. The lambdas are more a cross between SUV/Minivan with very little car attributes, while the CX-9 I'd say is the most true CUV because from the driver's position, it drives, feels and looks more like a car than most CUVs, yet it has the attributes of a minivan (seating) and SUV. The Taurus X leans more torwards the car part of the CUV equation, but it still has the SUV (AWD) and minivan (seating for 7 adults) attributes. So it's more than just looks, but having the attributes of a car, minivan and SUV that makes a CUV. But something like the lambdas, in my opinion, have so little car-like attributes that they really don't belong in a CUV category, but are more like a sport SUV.
  • chuckhoychuckhoy Member Posts: 420
    As an owner of an Outlook, I can assure you that there is very little "sport" in it. It is a people hauler that has pretty good ground clearance. It is a good option for someone who does not have to tow a lot and has come to grips with the fact that they will never go off-roading.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I respectfully disagree. Look at the characteristics....

    It's a unibody. Car? Check. (Well, wagon is more like it, but still.)

    It offers the most cargo room and seating positions (8). Minivan? Check.

    All weather ability? AWD, stability control, elevated seating position for visibility. SUV? Check.

    Each competitor will lean more towards one or the other, but it's not a full-frame trucks and it lacks sliding doors. When it defies classification as one of the others (SUV, minivan), that's precisely what makes it a crossover.
  • albookalbook Member Posts: 1,282
    Well- the seating position of the lambdas is very SUV-Minivan (which is so comfortable for long trips) but the lambdas do have very car like rides, and don't forget that gas mileage. The new TX actually has more SUV styling to me, but that's just disguising a wagon with a nice third row. CX-9 does get my vote for true CUV.

    But then again, who's to say what a CUV is or isn't? (!)
  • albookalbook Member Posts: 1,282
    Put your hands where we can see 'em! You feel lucky punk?

    The Pacifica is a sad story to me. It had so much potential. But it was never redesigned. This is only the fault of Chrysler, who is arguably the most unstable of the big 3 (And Ford is worst off- but that's off subject). If they would have remoldeled it to compete with the Acura MDX, gave it more power (like 290 hp) maybe even a V8 option, it would have sold well. But what's done is done.
  • albookalbook Member Posts: 1,282
    It is a good option for someone who does not have to tow a lot and has come to grips with the fact that they will never go off-roading.

    And it handles and performs better than an average SUV of that size would. I'd say that's sport enough.
  • aviboy97aviboy97 Member Posts: 3,159
    The Pacifica is a sad story to me. It had so much potential. But it was never redesigned. This is only the fault of Chrysler, who is arguably the most unstable of the big 3 (And Ford is worst off- but that's off subject).

    I agree. When the Pacifica came out, it was a big hit. They should have redesigned it. I'm sure it would have done ok. BTY, Ford is turning things around, infact, I have sat and driven a few of their newer vehicles, and they have really stepped it up in terms of materials used and quality. According to many reliability surveys, they are doing much much better too. Remember, in the 3rd quarter this year, they showed a profit! Neither Chrysler or GM have showed a profit recently. Ford will rebound, not to where it used to be, but, they will be ok.

    Totally off subject, it seems that the new Malibu might really do well for GM. It's nice to see American brands getting back to business.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Agreed.

    Also, Pacifica was one of the first, so competitors had the advantage of waiting to see what worked and what didn't, and then refining the idea.

    Even though it looks like Pacifica will get the axe, the Dodge Journey (sort of) takes its place as Chrysler Corp's crossover. So they still offer one, just under a different name and brand:

    image
  • aviboy97aviboy97 Member Posts: 3,159
    Looks like a Caliber / Caravan mix, with a bit of the Outlander in the front fascia.
  • vad1819vad1819 Member Posts: 309
    Yes I agree it has something from Outlander.
    I finally got it. The automakers is pushing very hard to make line of CUV, that will be looks and drives like oversize station wagon. It should be 7 seats, size close to mid-size SUV, not a bigger, and not looks like a van, drives like a car with AWD option. The GM crossovers little too big to call them crossovers.
    The problem I see in that a 30,$$$ and higher. It should be in price range 25,000 to 35,000 with all options.
    Back in the 1991-96 Chevrolet was produced Caprice Wagon with third row seat. I think it was one of the first crossover-wagon. By the way it's almost same size as a TX.
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    It didn't offer an SUV-height seating position, AWD, or heightened ground clearance though. What you have without those, is a simple station wagon (nothing wrong with those). And, weren't they body on frame?
  • vad1819vad1819 Member Posts: 309
    No. I'm just said that the chevy caprice wagon was other option for people looking for 7 seat vehicle at that time. All crossovers are not for off road. That's why i was disagree with Motor Trend about how they tested crossovers. I think it no makes sense flying 60mph in the forest with the family.
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    No. I'm just said that the chevy caprice wagon was other option for people looking for 7 seat vehicle at that time. All crossovers are not for off road.

    Well, you said the Caprice Wagon was the first Crossover (all of these cars are wagons).

    And in my opinion, NO Crossovers are for off-road. If you want off-road, get a true SUV or pickup. AWD is for foul-weather and soft-roading; not running through gullywashers.
  • vad1819vad1819 Member Posts: 309
    Well, you said the Caprice Wagon was the first Crossover (all of these cars are wagon)
    Well, Taurus X is a WAGON, but someone called it CUV. It's like call a VW wagon a CUV, or AUDI allraod, Volvo wagon and .........
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    It also has a higher seating position and available AWD. Many people would call the Volvo XC70 a crossover as well (it's not very tall though, nor is the Allroad). And no VW station wagon is a crossover; the Touareg on the other hand...
  • freealfasfreealfas Member Posts: 652
    T-reX/FS is a CUV, it has all of the hallmarks of the other's that are considered CUV's so if it looks/sounds/walks like a duck, well, you know the rest...

    This argument has been hashed out around here long before this latest festival of insight...
  • vad1819vad1819 Member Posts: 309
    I have seen for first time TX/Freestyle at least wagon 3 years ago. The dealer that time called it as SUV, and told me it will replace Explore or Escape.
    Now in our days, any small SUV called CUV. Escape, CRV, RAV ..... all these are small SUV's, but automakers called them CUV for selling propose.
    In world how do you can compare Escape or RAV with Acadia or CX-9? The first ones are made as cans, the last ones real good vehicles.
  • freealfasfreealfas Member Posts: 652
    Just because the dealer called it a SUV doesn't mean it was. It was/is Ford's entry into the CUV market as it has the hallmarks of the designation as noted. Relying on dealers for information regarding the FS 3 years ago was not something one could do as more often the case the buyer who had done their homework knew more about the vehicle than the salesman. The FS was never going to replace Ford's SUV, the Explorer as the towing capacities and off road capabilities of the Explorer keep it firmly in the SUV market while the T-reX/FS geared for on road capabilities is Ford's entry into the CUV market.

    As for your argument regarding what you call small SUV's now being called CUV's for marketing purposes the early ravs/escape/crv that you mention were entries into and or created a smaller SUV market. They were not called CUV's at the time of their introduction due to the fact the CUV market really did not exist. Current marketing has moved them into the CUV market as they are more worried about on road as opposed to off road capabilities.

    As for comparing the early SUV/CUV's you mentioned with the current crop of CUV's does not make sense or really speak to the point. They are all CUV's now. they all have their different good/bad points and comparing a generation 1 escape/rav to a lambda/cx really is a moot point as they have evolved and occupy different segments of the same CUV market.
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    Just like sedans, there are different size classes, vad. The CR-V, Escape, Tribute, Mariner, RAV4, and Rogue are all compact CUVs, while Acadias are full size CUVs, etc... It's the same difference as having a Focus and a Taurus; both use the same idea (4-door sedan), but one is bigger than the other.

    And, your "can" comment baffles me. I'd wager you haven't driven vehicles like the new CR-V.

    And, any small SUV is not called a CUV. Heard of a Jeep Wrangler or Liberty? Toyota FJ Cruiser? Small "SUVs" are not called CUVs because they are small. They are called CUVs when they ARE CUVs, such as...

    Acura RD-X
    BMW X3
    Honda Element, CR-V
    Hyundai Tuscon
    Mitsubishi Outlander
    Saturn Vue
    Toyota RAV4

    All of these small Crossovers are, in fact, Crossover vehicles.
  • 99zoomr99zoomr Member Posts: 55
    I don't really care how the dealer or manufacturer "labels" a vehicle. They can call it a CUV, SUV, minivan, station wagon, or whatever. I'm going to compare it based on what I expect it to do for me and my family. I test drove an Outback, CRV, Highlander, RAV4, CX-7, Forrester, MX6, and a few other "vehicles" before deciding on the CX-9 as meeting my family's needs. (not just mine) It may not be what someone else wants or needs, and that's cool. And if someone wants to call it something other than a CUV, they're more than welcome to do it. I like to call it a "station wagon on steroids". Now if it only came with the woodgrain sides it would be the perfect vehicle... ;)
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I remember reading one comparo with a Subaru Tribeca, a Dodge Magnum, and a Volvo XC70.

    Funny thing is I'd put those in 3 different classes.

    The Magnum is a plain ol' wagon, a muscle wagon if you prefer. I don't even think theirs had AWD.

    The Tribeca is a crossover. And they tested a 7 passenger model, too.

    The Volvo is inbetween. I'd call it a wagon, I suppose, but Volvo claims that more people go off road in an XC70 than an XC90.

    That's not saying much. I bet 0.002% of XC70 owners go off road, while 0.001% of XC90 owners go off road. :D

    Any how, point is, even the magazines are clearly confused about how to categorize many of these vehicles with blended characteristics.
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    You've viewing this off-road thing through American eyes (even though you're Brazilian).

    Keep in mind Volvo sells these cars all over the globe. I bet, if you go to Europe, Asia, Australia, or Africa, these vehicle do get used off road. Maybe not rock-climbing, but certainly far more so than they do here.

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Hee hee, good point. My brother owns an apartment on a street that to this day isn't even paved.

    His Civic manages in those conditions, though I'm sure an XC70 would fare a lot better. His wife's Xsara Picasso does better than the Civic.

    I wonder how American eyes would perceive people movers like the Picasso and the Renault Megane Scenic. In Brazil, at least, AWD isn't an option on either one. Yet they are taller than the XC70.

    So, are these crossovers?

    image

    image
  • aviboy97aviboy97 Member Posts: 3,159
    I would say the XC-90 is a crossover, while the XC-70 is a wagon.

    I would also say that Volvo promotes off-road use in their vehicles, as that is how they are advertising them now here in the States.

    Subaru also promotes off-road use of their Outback, and Subaru claims that it is an SUV by saying in their commercials "the Outback is the most fuel efficient SUV". I think we will all respectfully disagree with the SUV statement. It's a wagon, just like the XC-70, Audi All-Road.
  • baggs32baggs32 Member Posts: 3,229
    Now in our days, any small SUV called CUV. Escape, CRV, RAV ..... all these are small SUV's, but automakers called them CUV for selling propose.

    Not exactly. You have look under the SUV tab at fordvehicles.com to view the Escape and Escape Hybrid. Ford classifies it with the Explorer, Expedition, and SportTrac.

    Honda doesn't say much about what the CR-V is but they do say the following on their CR-V "Performance" page:

    "The MacPherson strut front suspension handles speed bumps so well, you may not remember you're in an SUV. And all CR-V models offer available Real Time 4-wheel drive™, to help increase performance on adverse road conditions."

    Toyota also lists the RAV-4 as an SUV on their site.

    So it seems just being car based isn't enough to classify a tall, wagon-like vehicle as a CUV. At least not for the mfrs anyway.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Subaru calls it their sport utility wagon. I don't recall them ever calling it an SUV. Maybe an SUV alternative.

    The Outback, allroad, and XC70 are hard to categorize, but they're basically raised wagons.
  • freealfasfreealfas Member Posts: 652
    "The Outback, allroad, and XC70 are hard to categorize, but they're basically raised wagons."

    nothing hard about it, as you said, they are simply wagons with raised ride height and some off road capability to wander down the graded dirt road to the summer house.

    They are based on their wagon counterparts that came before them plain and simple not a lick of SUV to them.
  • aviboy97aviboy97 Member Posts: 3,159
    This morning, I was watching Sports Center on ESPN, and a Subaru Outback commercial came on, where they said "the Outback is the most fuel efficient SUV". I promise they said "SUV". Then the commercial talked about a $1,500 rebate and special financing.
  • vad1819vad1819 Member Posts: 309
    It's one more confirmation, that the Motor trend doesn't have idea what they're doing, when they do compare vehicles belong in different class and price range (lux or nonlux). They should compare volvo xc70 vs audi allroad. Yet, it's meaning last review from MT about mdx, cx-9 and acadia can be disregard. Sorry, owner of the cx-9. I don't know the acadia or cx-9 better, but both these vehicle are best in the class for this year. I look at price, size, driving experience, options, MPG all these parameters are close same.
  • tifightertifighter Member Posts: 3,782
    This could be a weird legal issue; the Outback is classed as a light truck for the CAFE fuel economy standards. They couldn't tell the government one thing and advertise another, could they? ;)

    25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0 / 03 Montero Ltd

  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    should compare volvo xc70 vs audi allroad.

    Audi doesn't make the Allroad anymore.
  • aviboy97aviboy97 Member Posts: 3,159
    Audi doesn't make the Allroad anymore.

    Apparently they have a new one comming out this spring.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I've seen it too (new Audi allroad quattro), though it may have been a concept.

    Volvo just put out a new XC70 as well.

    They do categorize the Outback with trucks but I think it qualifies under a loophole as a multi-purpose vehicle, just like the PT Cruiser (even more absurd).

    Still, Subaru calling the Outback an SUV is still quite a stretch.

    See? That's what happens when you serve free alcohol at the Regional Sales Meetings. :D
  • aviboy97aviboy97 Member Posts: 3,159
    See? That's what happens when you serve free alcohol at the Regional Sales Meetings.

    I think I hurt myself when I fell out of my chair after hearing that one!! LMAO!
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I'm sure you've attended a few of the Mazda ones.

    Is that when they came up with the Zoom Zoom ad for the 2.3l 4 cylinder Tribute? ;)

    Their newer crossovers are much better efforts.
  • aviboy97aviboy97 Member Posts: 3,159
    I have taken part in the more recent events of the past 2 or 3 years. Yes, "zoom-zoom" seems to fit better with the new SUV/CUV/Whatchamacallit's.

    Is that when they came up with the Zoom Zoom ad for the 2.3l 4 cylinder Tribute?

    That guy is no longer employed with Mazda. Last I heard, he was working for Saab, and his newest thing is "Born From Jets".
  • baggs32baggs32 Member Posts: 3,229
    "Born from Jets"

    Hmm, jets that don't fly. Interesting concept! :P
  • albookalbook Member Posts: 1,282
    I don't care what it looks like. It's BORING.

    After all the drama Chrysler has been in, at least we could say they make good looking cars. Then they made the new Sebring. Then the Avenger. Then this...
  • albookalbook Member Posts: 1,282
    Nope. I was reading the story on straight line about how used SUV sales are up tremendously.

    Not that hard to explain. CUv sales WAAAAYYYYY up. Even owners of '06-07 SUVS trading in for CUVs. So dealers have an overstock of Tahoes and 4Runners and have to slash prices. Now those in the market for used are finally realizing how much the prices have dropped.

    I think it was Karl that made the statement "that buyers are realizing that CUVs don't really get much better gas mileage and can't do as much. So we know that he doesn't have a Trailblazer in his garage. Plus, how many people who buy a new fullsize SUV really need what it can "do"? 1 out of 5?
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Here's the Straightline blog that I wrote today that you referred to.

    http://blogs.edmunds.com/Straightline/3847

    Bob
  • albookalbook Member Posts: 1,282
    I want to clear up my veiw of this market. I know that there will always be a need for some heavy duty SUVs-like full size SUVs. But Less than half of the people who buy these true SUVs really need them.

    The way the market is going, I forsee more SUVs designed exclusively for off roading like Jeep Cherokees and Toyota FJ cruisers and of course Range Rovers.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    That one's even funnier.

    I guess that's catchier than "Born from the Epsilon platform, which also underpins the old Chevy Malibu". :D

    I guess the marketing folks can pretty much say whatever they want.

    While we're on that topic, though, what do Saab, BMW, and Subaru all have in common?

    Saab doesn't have a crossover so that's not it...
  • stmssstmss Member Posts: 206
    They are based on their wagon counterparts that came before them plain and simple not a lick of SUV to them.

    For sure, they are more comfortable, quicker, handle better and better on fuel ;)
  • anythngbutgmanythngbutgm Member Posts: 4,277
    They all made aircraft engines? Along with Mitsubishi.

    A friend of mine is looking at the CX-9 as a replacement for his wifes troublesome, inefficient Suburban. The runner up is a new Highlander apparently. That one, I haven't driven yet.

    Anyone make the comparison on those two yet? I'm looking at it from more of a mileage and handling/accident avoidance perspective than acceleration/looks/quality (both are well respected) depts. I would like to replace my wifes 03' MDX with one of those if I can't talk her in to an Outback.
  • aviboy97aviboy97 Member Posts: 3,159
    Cannot think of anything....I kept comming back to turbo charged engines, but, I cannot think of the relevance to this thread in that respect. Unless we are talking about FHI in regards to Subaru....hmmm. I bet it has nothing to do with cars! I'm stumped!
  • aviboy97aviboy97 Member Posts: 3,159
    Anyone make the comparison on those two yet?

    The Highlander is a big quicker and a tad bit more fuel efficient, by 1mpg. The CX has better handling, cornering, breaking. The Highlander does not have RSC and a 5-speed tranny compared to Mazda's 6-speed. Auto climate control for the CX standard, option for the Highlander. The CX has more passenger room, especially in the 2nd and 3rd row. The CX has quite a bit more space behind the 3rd row as well. As far as looks go, that is totally subjective. Personally, I cannot stand the look of the rear end on the Toyota. Really, you need to look at both back to back and form your own opinion. Good luck.
  • 99zoomr99zoomr Member Posts: 55
    Before going with a CX-9 last February, I had almost ended up with an Outback. I'd looked at the Highlander (2007 version) but really wasn't too impressed with the SUV design and the price. However, we have a 2004 Camry, so I wasn't worried about reliability. The Highlander just didn't appeal to what I was looking for. Anyway, my wife felt the Outback was too small for us to use for longer trips, I wanted something that had more room for hauling my R/C stuff in, and I've had about a half dozen Mazda products going back to 1978. After checking out the CX-9, we decided it was the best all around vehicle for what we needed. It's much more practical for our family than '95 GMC pickup I traded in (although that was a great truck!), and so far after 9 months and 10k miles it's been very reliable.
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