As a result, Toyota's SUV is eclipsed by... Hyundai's Santa Fe. The Korean
offers everything that is missing in the RAV4, and more. In addition, the drive is refined, handling is solid, the powertrain is smooth (242-hp V6), the transmission is sophisticated (5-speed manumatic) and the interior is cozy, almost luxurious.
The question now is: will the package be good enough to surpass the CX-7? In my eyes, Mazda's SUV will earn the crown but only by a few points.
Ford Edge: surprise!
If it keeps launching products like last year's Fusion and next year's Edge, Ford could very well reach the light at the end of the tunnel.
The new Edge crossover is a really nice surprise. First, its 265-hp V6
delivers the second fastest acceleration in this category (0 to 100 kph in 8.0 seconds). And kudos for the slick autobox that shifts from first to sixth (sixth!) without the driver even knowing it.
Unlike the sporty Mazda CX-7, the Edge offers a mature ride and a heavier-than-light steering. The overall impression is that of a fortress. In fact, all the interior amenities help to create a cocooning feeling.
There are two main weaknesses, however: braking and road grip. The Edge recorded some of the longest stopping distances among all these SUVs. In addition, on gravel roads, the wheels spend too much time spinning before finding good traction.
That said, with an interesting base price of $32,999, Ford's crossover deserves the bronze medal in this category.
Honda CR-V and Saturn Vue Green Line: two opposites
Other than the previously mentioned Jeep Compass and Wrangler, two vehicles were priced under $30,000: the Honda CR-V and Saturn Vue Green Line. But that's all these two Japanese SUVs have in common...
Indeed, they are two completely different vehicles. The former is pleasantly nimble on the road, as if the SUV dimensions had no effect whatsoever on handling. The steering is both light and precise, allowing the driver to put the vehicle exactly where he or she wants. The suspension is well balanced and the overall ride is compliant.
Sure, the small 4-cylinder engine does not provide the same amount of excitement as the other, more powerful engines in this group. The CR-V reaches 100 kph from a standstill in 10.3 seconds, which is the second slowest acceleration time. Still, the vehicle sprints forward with more dynamic energy in the mind of the driver. That's the Honda recipe!
Green, but in last place
At the other end is Saturn's Vue Green Line. Obviously, the fully hybrid powertrain that shuts the gasoline engine off at idle is greatly appreciated by Mother Earth. GM promises an average fuel economy of 8.0 L/100 km, which is outstanding since all the other SUVs in this list hover around 11.0 L/100 km.
Too bad to find a hybrid system in a vehicle with such crying needs. The Vue's accelerations are noisier than they are efficient, while the 4-speed automatic transmission suffers from a lazy first gear. Moreover, the power steering lacks on-center feel. The overall drive does not ignite any emotions.
On the performance front, the Saturn Vue not only has the slowest acceleration (10.6 seconds) but also the longest braking distances. This is largely due to the rear drum brakes.
Actually, the fact that this vehicle is not equipped with 4-wheel disc brakes, let alone a stability control system, says a lot about its last place finish. The Vue, as green as it may be, is left with a couple of huge black eyes...
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| Hyundai Santa Fe (Photo: Hyundai) |
The question now is: will the package be good enough to surpass the CX-7? In my eyes, Mazda's SUV will earn the crown but only by a few points.
Ford Edge: surprise!
If it keeps launching products like last year's Fusion and next year's Edge, Ford could very well reach the light at the end of the tunnel.
The new Edge crossover is a really nice surprise. First, its 265-hp V6
 |
| Ford Edge (Photo: Ford) |
Unlike the sporty Mazda CX-7, the Edge offers a mature ride and a heavier-than-light steering. The overall impression is that of a fortress. In fact, all the interior amenities help to create a cocooning feeling.
There are two main weaknesses, however: braking and road grip. The Edge recorded some of the longest stopping distances among all these SUVs. In addition, on gravel roads, the wheels spend too much time spinning before finding good traction.
That said, with an interesting base price of $32,999, Ford's crossover deserves the bronze medal in this category.
Honda CR-V and Saturn Vue Green Line: two opposites
Other than the previously mentioned Jeep Compass and Wrangler, two vehicles were priced under $30,000: the Honda CR-V and Saturn Vue Green Line. But that's all these two Japanese SUVs have in common...
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| Honda CR-V (Photo: Honda) |
Sure, the small 4-cylinder engine does not provide the same amount of excitement as the other, more powerful engines in this group. The CR-V reaches 100 kph from a standstill in 10.3 seconds, which is the second slowest acceleration time. Still, the vehicle sprints forward with more dynamic energy in the mind of the driver. That's the Honda recipe!
Green, but in last place
At the other end is Saturn's Vue Green Line. Obviously, the fully hybrid powertrain that shuts the gasoline engine off at idle is greatly appreciated by Mother Earth. GM promises an average fuel economy of 8.0 L/100 km, which is outstanding since all the other SUVs in this list hover around 11.0 L/100 km.
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| Saturn Vue (Photo: General Motors) |
On the performance front, the Saturn Vue not only has the slowest acceleration (10.6 seconds) but also the longest braking distances. This is largely due to the rear drum brakes.
Actually, the fact that this vehicle is not equipped with 4-wheel disc brakes, let alone a stability control system, says a lot about its last place finish. The Vue, as green as it may be, is left with a couple of huge black eyes...