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Crossover SUV Comparison

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Comments

  • wlbrown9wlbrown9 Member Posts: 867
    Isuzu was not awarded any damages but the jury found that 7 statements were untrue and one was published with reckless disregard for the truth. So after CR may have published untrue statements about the Trooper Isuzu would have the 'right' to dispute what was published if they thought it was wrong. The lawsuit found the CR acted IMHO incorrectly. You can call it "defameing" them...I've read various accounts of both sides but I was not at the testing or even the trial, so I have formed my opinion. I have subscribed to CR in the past and used their info for various thing. I have not always agreed with their assesments of products but sometimes have.

    So who do I look to for info? I try to research info from various sources (even the discussion groups on Edmunds) and make an informed decision. I don't think there is an absolute authority to be blindly trusted.
  • freealfasfreealfas Member Posts: 652
    "We are crossing-over into CR bashing"

    At least it's not FS bashing anymore....lol
  • wlbrown9wlbrown9 Member Posts: 867
    Good. I'm not a Ford fan and really like the GM crossovers...but valuewise the FreeStyle would be hard to beat if it fit your needs. I've seen them advertised for less than $21K with DVD. I don't think they would really match up head to head with say the Enclave, but might be a better value even for a Limited in the mid $20K range vs low $30s. Just depends on what you want.

    I've said all I am going to about JDP, CR, etc.
  • chuckhoychuckhoy Member Posts: 420
    Until The Boss overruled me, I was leaning towards Freestyle over Outlook. But, the greater space in the Outlook won out. Also, it is her car, so she had final say. That and I like sleeping in my bed... :P
  • wlbrown9wlbrown9 Member Posts: 867
    Good job Chuckhoy. I have not tested the Acadia, Outlook, Enclave or FreeStyle. I think I would like to have one of the GMs mainly because of the room. I was really thinking a couple of years ago that I might move up to a Yukon/Tahoe to replace my '00 Trooper. Then along came the GM crossovers. They would fit my needs and then some as would the Yukon/Tahoe. But the wife is driving a 2004 Envoy XL for the extra room and passengers when needed. So, we might not really need 2 large haulers. I've looked a little at the 5 passenger Envoy and Ascender. I could get a pretty decent one of those for low to mid $20K range vs probably $30K plus for one of the crossovers. Not quite as roomy in the driver & passenger seat, but would probably work. So, as long as the Trooper (well, maybe until next year) keeps doing okay, I will probably just keep that. I've gotten used to having just one vehicle payment :-).
  • If you are going to five passenger, you ought to consider the Hyundai Santa Fe (very well rated), the Mazda CX-7 (very zoom zoomy), or even the Ford Edge (roomy and good looking). The Envoy and Ascender should both be heavily discounted as their sales tank, but I think you can expect good prices for any of these products. All could be had for less than $30K.

    You will find that the Envoy and Ascender are bigger than the Trooper, but likely offer no more interior room, if any more at all.
  • wlbrown9wlbrown9 Member Posts: 867
    The 7 passenger Envoy we have does not have the interior room that the Trooper does...really like that extra space. I'm 6'1" about 200 lbs with long legs. Trooper fits well. That is why I would really like to go with a vehicle as large or larger especially in driver and passenger space. I do tow a little, but 3500-5000# tow rating would be enough.

    I have not looked that much since I likely to wait another year to do anything. But $22-$23K for a medium loaded Ascender is tempting... If I would go up to $29-$30 K I would definitely be looking at the larger GMs. Decently equiped Tahoe/Yukons are advertised weekly for $28K-$29K considering the hefty incentives. With GSM pricing, I could probably even get the Outlook or Acadia for that price range without sunroof, DVD, etc. I thinking if I was willing to spend $32-33K the Buick Enclave is real tempting, but even considering I could probably sell my Trooper for $3-5K private sale, I don't know that I want to put out that much on a vehicle. We did that on the Envoy XL SLT 3 years ago...I'm thinking we need one kind 'high' end 6-8 passenger hauler and the other more basic.

    I almost hate vehicle shopping when it comes time to get serious. Too many options and some that I probably should consider like the Edge and FS or new Taurus waggon whatever they are calling it, the GM crossovers, etc were not out there last time we went through this. At least this would be mostly for me and not having to please the wife until it is time to replace the Envoy XL :-).
  • All good considerations on your part. I had a Trooper and loved its very roomy and versatile interior, especially with the very compact exterior length (real easy to park and to garage). The Acadia/Outlook/Enclave are behemoths by comparison.

    You could also get an excellent deal on an Explorer. Or have you considered the Jeep Commander? Very boxy vehicle with tidy dimensions, but lots of room. It is expensive, but not selling at all well, so the deals will be there.
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    This is not a crossover forum anymore!

    A little off-topic drift is to be expected. Please feel free to post to the topic! :)

    I think we've taken the CR "debate" about as far as we want to here.

    tidester, host
    SUVs and Smart Shopper
  • albookalbook Member Posts: 1,282
    I had a Trooper and loved its very roomy and versatile interior, especially with the very compact exterior length (real easy to park and to garage). The Acadia/Outlook/Enclave are behemoths by comparison.

    You have to compare apples to apples here. These two vehicles are totally diferent- the only thing they have in common is Gm once owned part of Isuzu. With the lambdas, you get a decently large vehicle with a lot of interior space. It's been a while since I've been in a Tooper, but i doubt it has the passenger volume of the lambdas (without the third row).

    Or have you considered the Jeep Commander? Very boxy vehicle with tidy dimensions, but lots of room.

    The Jeep Commander is tiny on the outside, and smaller on the inside. Both the 2nd, and 3rd row are childs play. I'd say go for the Explorer. Less Expensive, Less contriversial (though i think it looks good) styling.
  • albookalbook Member Posts: 1,282
    No no no no no, you weren't talking about the Veracruz, you were talking about the BMW X5 6 cylinder.

    Let's go to Edmunds and look it up....

    BMW X5:
    4982 lbs
    260 hp
    225 ft-lbs of torque


    I didn't know the acadia was lighter than the Bimmer. No wonder it's slow! It's a porker!
  • albookalbook Member Posts: 1,282
    That's an idea that would probably squash all power complaints about the Lambdas. A nice torquey deisel with about 240hp that would help the lambdas from the get go, all the while getting great gas mileage. i hope this is in GM's plan book. Diesel seems now to be the way to go. Even hybrid high Toyota seems to be keeping a close eye on this one.

    Is it true that GM continues production of it's sportvans? I though they ended prodution shortly after Ford's van.
  • arumagearumage Member Posts: 922
    Hyundai is bringing the 3.0L turbodiesel making 240hp to the Veracruz by MY2010. I know GM and Ford are both working on diesels for the light duty trucks for MY2009, but I don't know if they would work in the lambda's.
  • jimjackjimjack Member Posts: 43
    I have looked hard at the Acadia as well as it's partner the Outlook (Saturn). I pull a boat (4k pounds) some 15 times a year for wake boarding (water ski) and haven't found a better choice. I can get the Acadia for cost (SLT2 model). The MDX (Acura) was a great choice but the Acura dealer will not bargain as I need him to. the others I would look into but won't because they can't pull the boat are Mazda CX9 and Hyundai Veracruise. they're rated @ 3500 lbs. The Freestyle by Ford pulls but 1K lbs. so that's not working.
    The Gas mpg is important to me. I currently have a 2002 Chev Suburban which gets 13 mpg. I gain some $200.00 -$250.00 each month savings on gas with the Acadia.
    Or... I go with the Honda Ridgeline witch is a completely different vehicle but something to consider..
  • arumagearumage Member Posts: 922
    An AWD Honda Pilot may work for you. It is rated at 4500 lbs, and people are getting great deals on them right now. People say that their not quite up to par with a few of the newer models, but they'll definitely do what you want for the price you want.
  • albookalbook Member Posts: 1,282
    Since when does the Pilot tow 4500 lbs? Last I remember, it was only 3500. That Ridgeline is REEEEEEAAALLLLYY nice, though. If he didn't really need a CUV, he could get that, and tow 5000lbs. It wouldn't handle on the road as well, and gas mileage would be close to his Suburban, though. So if he's looking for towing and a good deal, Acadia's probably the way to go.
  • stevedebistevedebi Member Posts: 4,098
    "It wouldn't handle on the road as well, and gas mileage would be close to his Suburban, though. "

    With careful driving the Ridgeline should produce 18 / 23 MPG, respectable for a pickup, and (I think) better than a Surburban.
  • bobw3bobw3 Member Posts: 2,989
    How many passengers are you carrying?? If you need 6-7 pass capability, then I think you're right. Coming down from a Suburban the Acadia would be a good choice based on your needs.
  • arumagearumage Member Posts: 922
    Since when does the Pilot tow 4500 lbs?

    Straight from Honda's website:

    *Towing requires installation of power steering fluid- and automatic tranmission fluid-cooler, both available exclusively from your Honda dealer. Premium unleaded fuel is recommended when towing above 3500 lbs. Capacity of 4500 lbs. is for boat trailers and 3500 lbs. for all other trailers. Refer to the owner's manual for additional towing information.
  • albookalbook Member Posts: 1,282
    With careful driving the Ridgeline should produce 18 / 23 MPG, respectable for a pickup, and (I think) better than a Surburban.

    Honda puts out numbers 16 city & 21 highway. Old Suburban was 14 and 18. New Suburban is 15 and 21. I didn't say the Ridgeline was worse than the Suburban; I said it was close.
  • albookalbook Member Posts: 1,282
    i guess that's believable. The Ridgeline and MDX both claim to tow 5000lbs.
  • albookalbook Member Posts: 1,282
    If you need real towing capacity, and only 5 seats, the Volkswagen Toureg is the best option. It's still a CUV (I believe) yet pulls over 7000lbs. It's pricey, but deprication must be steep, because I've seen well loaded V6's only 2 years old for 20-25k.that's 15-20g off original sticker.
  • texasestexases Member Posts: 11,084
    Can the Toureg V6 tow 7000? I've heard the V6 is underpowered (overweight?) without towing anything. Don't think I'd want to tow w/o the V8.
  • jimjackjimjack Member Posts: 43
    The need for passengers is not an issue for me. I normally drive form project to project on my own. I would drive from time to time with me wife as a change from her 3 series BMW for the obvious needs of shopping. I do pull the boat but not more than 15 times during the summer however. It is then when I would need the power to pull the 4k lbs. Otherwise, I'd look into other vehicle types.
    Have read many consumer reviews on the Acadia. The main rap is the 6 speed tranny. It seems to become indecisive in it's shifting on the highway. Range of MPG is odd from theses folks. Most claim around 18+ some claim unhappily about 14-16 mpg. One nailed my concerns perfectly. Need to pull 4k lbs narrows the field greatly. I believe the Acadia AWD will likely do what I want a car to do. The MDX is 8K dollars more. As one of you said, the ridgeline is not a bad choice either. The interior of the Acadia is not all too bad either. Would likely put a nice set of 20" wheels on it thought. Hmmm
  • wlbrown9wlbrown9 Member Posts: 867
    Sorry...we had a '99 & '00 Jeep GCL and I would not go back to a D/C vehicle again, even with a factory bumper-bumper extended warranty. D/C would not stand behind these 2 vehicles (brake issues on both, plus a number of other repairs). 5 star dealer as well would not step up either. So, D/C has lost us as customers FOREVER.

    Explorer and Expedition have not impressed me with fit, finish and interior quality when we considered them in the past. They may have changed since I looked at them, but earlier Explorers IMHO rode like log trucks, rattled seriously and had less than competitive quality interior materials.

    We have had good luck with the GMC Envoy, so I guess I'm down to considering GM, Toyota, Mazda, Hyunda & Honda famlies of vehicles. Well maybe the Ford Edge or new Taurus wagon replacement for the Freestyle will get a look. But right now my thinking is a lower end 5 passenger to replace the Trooper at some point and probably one of the GM Lambadas to replace the Envoy XL for a 7/8 passenger ride.
  • jimjackjimjack Member Posts: 43
    The Toureg is a nice vehicle but the ratings from some of the magazines don't bode well for the choice. It will pull the boat but it too is most costly than the Acadia with the comparable equipment.
    V8 power for tow.. The V6 is a stretch I must suggest. I will likely require the dealer to but a hitch on the tow receiver and pull my boat for a 5 mile stretch on some decent upgrades for the appropriate evaluation. My Suburban has been a great vehicle to date. Zero difficulties. Surprised me actually. But the MPG is killing me
  • albookalbook Member Posts: 1,282
    The Toureg V6 has 276 hp, and weighs a hundred lbs more. So if you think you have enough power in Acadia, then you shoukld be fine.
  • albookalbook Member Posts: 1,282
    Sorry...we had a '99 & '00 Jeep GCL and I would not go back to a D/C vehicle again, even with a factory bumper-bumper extended warranty. D/C would not stand behind these 2 vehicles (brake issues on both, plus a number of other repairs). 5 star dealer as well would not step up either. So, D/C has lost us as customers FOREVER.

    Though I might be a little biased (had ten GREAT problem free years with one of their products) You shouldn't right DCX off. THat was Jeep 8 years ago, so these problems probably won't happen to you on a current Chrysler/ Dodge model. Besides, the new lambdas are knocking down GM haters left and right. And all sorts of MDX's are being traded in for them. So maybe you should give Chrysler a chance, too. I think the Aspen gets good reviews.
  • mchappellmchappell Member Posts: 52
    Do you own the Suburban? If so, you're happy with it, and it's problem free, paying more for gas due to bad MPG is still cheaper than buying a new vehicle. $35-45K can buy a LOT of gas.

    Of course, if you have the new car itch, or are doing it for environmental reasons, that doesn't really matter.

    Mark
  • wlbrown9wlbrown9 Member Posts: 867
    Well, Chrysler had their chance about 2002-2003 when neither they or their 5 star dealer would step up and help with a brake issue that was showing up on a large percentage of their Jeep GC. Later they did issue a TSB calling for new calipers and rotors for the '99 - '02 years. Another TSB for brakes for the '03 & '04 model years, class action lawsuit for brake repairs. So, they never did willingly admit to their problems.

    As far as the Aspen goes, it is a Durango with at different skin. I test drove the Durangos when we were looking around at the Jeep early on...may have been the only SUV with a worse ride than the Explorer at least in my opinion. My choice between a basic Aspen and basic Yukon would be the Yukon. Plus, I'm just not a 'Hemi' type of guy. Tired of the Ram Tough, Hemi, and all those other 'bumpkin' commercials that D/C seems to play all the time.
  • freealfasfreealfas Member Posts: 652
    news flash D/C exists no more, D is D and C is C at the fire sale rate of $7+billion.

    maybe they will do something about the bumpkin' commercials but I'll guarantee the'll keep churning hemi's out for all that will buy them.
  • baggs32baggs32 Member Posts: 3,229
    may have been the only SUV with a worse ride than the Explorer at least in my opinion

    Those of you who have test driven Explorers in the past would be very surprised at the latest version. I test drove one in '04 and now own an '06. The difference between the two is very noticeable in a good way.

    Ride comfort is great, interior is well built and extremely quiet (quieter than a Lexus RX IIRC) and you can't beat the utility. Gas mileage is still a bit below the CUVs but you can save a lot of $$ at purchase time to make up for that these days.

    As for the towing issue, I've always been under the impression that you don't want to tow the max the truck is rated for. Is that not a fair statement these days?
  • ilitilit Member Posts: 71
    Hi all,

    I found this article from the following Web Site. It's also posted in Hyundai Web Site:

    http://http.vitalstreamcdn.com/rightsrep_vitalstream_com/hyundai/motorTrend/index.html

    You probably have to paste the entire address in order to get to that site.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    "It looks like Buick may have a winner on its hands with the Buick Enclave, its new crossover with three rows of seats. The Enclave is seeing the biggest increase in consumer purchase intent of any model on Edmunds.com at the moment, indicating strong sales and little discounting."

    What's Hot, What's Not This Summer (Auto Observer)
  • bobw3bobw3 Member Posts: 2,989
    Any historical statistics on the relationship between "purchase intent" and actual sales for any other vehicles?
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    There was a list in the linked article unless I misunderstand what you are asking.

    The Wall Street Journal (subscription link) has a blurb -"Edmunds is even gearing up to alert consumers when interest in a model is hot or cold, the better to anticipate price changes."

    The example the WSJ used was May crossover tracking:

    "The Acadia got looks from 60,446 Edmunds visitors, and was No. 1 in this four wagon race. The MDX was No. 2 at 35,704, the RX fell to 24,766 lookers and the Veracruz was pitching in with 19,022 lookers. Purchase intentions followed a similar track, with the Acadia No. 1 in May with 14,393 visitors exhibiting behavior consistent with buying an Acadia within four to six weeks."

    and

    "Edmunds data indicates that the Aura has gained traction since January."
  • kjm11379kjm11379 Member Posts: 16
    I talked to Mazda Corp. today via phone, they confirmed that the new 2008 CX-9 will have the new 3.7 liter V6 engine that is listed for the 2008 Canada CX-9. Dealerships are not talking about it because they want to get all the 2007's with the smaller engine off of their lots first. Mazda Corp. did not have the hp or the mpg or the tourge ratings as of yet, but they told me that dealers have already been given their allocation sheets for 2008 for delievery in Sept. or Oct. The new 2008's should being building after July 4th. If anyone gets info on the HP or anything else please update...
  • u045777u045777 Member Posts: 33
    Is the new Toyota Highlander considered a crossover suv? I love the removable jumpseat in the 2nd row! That feature combined with fold flat 3rd row seats definately makes it a mix of a minivan and suv in my opinion. Does anyone else think that the 2008 HL should be included in this very dry discussion group?
    I can't wait to test drive one! I've looked at the MDX, Outlook, Acadia, CX9, Sequoia, & Tahoe. Each one has pluses and minuses. I still desire a more versitile vehicle with: ample room for 6 or 7 passengers, the latest features, reliable, powerful and efficent. The new HL looks like it is just what I'm looking for.
  • arumagearumage Member Posts: 922
    It should be definitely included, but it is even smaller (width and length) than the Veracruz, which is the smallest of the current group. I'll be interested to see how it stacks up as far as space and comfort is concerned.
  • jimjackjimjack Member Posts: 43
    But will the new Mazda pull 4500 or more lbs.. that's my only need at this point. They all seem to be nice autos. The Buick Enclave has a nicer interior than the Acadia but is of a matter of choice to each buyer.
    The Highlander sounds good but will it handle a 22' boat. Will it be stable enough? Is it out yet?
  • texasestexases Member Posts: 11,084
    Highlander's not out yet. Seems like 4500 lb is at the upper limit of all of these 3.5l V6 vehicles. Don't know how, but you may want to try towing with your chosen vehicle before buying. Don't want to have the VW Toureg with the Airstream problem...
  • jimjackjimjack Member Posts: 43
    Definately..
    I have done this before(towing my boat on a test drive).
    The MDX is 5k lbs and the Buick/Acadia is @ 4500lbs capacity.
    Hook it up and drive the puppy. This will surely elininate any decisions stuck in pergatory..
  • poof100poof100 Member Posts: 20
    The final #s for the 08 CX-9 3.7L are the following:

    278hp
    263lbstq

    The 08 3.7L will NOT have Direct Fuel Injection as most thought it would.
  • Is this the same 3.7 planned for Lincoln?
  • baggs32baggs32 Member Posts: 3,229
    I think the Lincoln version gets 300 HP. The Explorer and Mustang are rumored to get it too in a year or so which will mark the end of the Cologne 4.0L V6. I'd imagine those two will get the detuned version that Mazda is getting.

    Isn't the next Mazda6 supposed to get the 3.7L too?
  • tappy1tappy1 Member Posts: 3
    We are trying to decide between the following new crossovers:
    Acadia, Enclave, Outlook, CX9, Veracruz. They have so many similarities it is hard to choose. We currently have a Sienna and don't want a van anymore. ( We do like all of the space you get with one though.) Does anyone know which would hold it's value best--we will be leasing.
    Which do you think handles best?
    Thanks
  • freealfasfreealfas Member Posts: 652
    They all have their pros/cons, only you can make the final decision based on test drives and deals available. Do the homework, have fun selecting as you will get all different kinds of answers around here that will probably only muddy the water. none are perfect and each has its camp of owner's that like them

    my $.02
    lambda's have the most interior room and are heaviest

    cx-9 handles best(from what i've read)poor 3rd row comfort

    veracruz nice interior and warranty good comfort in all rows

    '07 freestyle best value if you are on any kind of a budget and great mpg in the real world which I can attest to as an owner. for real world mpg on the other's, other owner's will have to chime in. great space in all 3 rows
  • texasestexases Member Posts: 11,084
    CX-9 - make sure the ride/handling tradeoff is worthwhile to you.
  • carcom2carcom2 Member Posts: 212
    Test drove both the other day and unless there was something wrong with the demo Veracruz, I did notice plenty of noise going over bad roads. Hard for me to believe many think this is a quiet riding vehicle.

    Acadia had much better isolation of noise over bad bumpy roads and I think it handles better too. Also much easier access to 3rd row and more storage behind 3rd row.

    Veracruz is off my list.
  • kjm11379kjm11379 Member Posts: 16
    where did you get the final numbers from on the 08 CX-9? Any word on the MPG for the new 3.7Liter engine?

    Thanks
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