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Compact SUVs

Some of the better Ute’s in this segment include the

• Honda CR-V
• Toyota RAV4
• Ford Escape
• Nissan Xterra

But if you want a good all-rounder, you’ve got to check out the Subaru Forester.

This Japanese stalwart might not be a suburban beauty queen. But under the hood lives the latest version of Subaru’s reliable boxer engine.

While it’s not a “pin you to the seat” powerhouse, the little flat-4 offers enough power to get you there on time. It gets great gas mileage. It’s a super-duper low emissions vehicle, and the engine’s compact design gives the Subie a lower center of gravity than its competitors. Combine this with a reasonable amount of ground clearance, Subaru’s fantastic All-Wheel Drive system and you have a small SUV that drives great both on & off the pavement.

Subaru Forester

$20,495 – $29,995
Seats – 5
MPG – 20 city / 27 hwy

The Subaru Forester gets great marks for reliability, and drivability. So if you can get past the rather yawn-inspiring styling, you might find yourself experiencing that whole “Subaru Love” thing.

Mid-Sized SUVs

Honorable mentions in this category include;

Mention Worthy:

• Ford Explorer
• Jeep Grand Cherokee
• Honda Pilot
• Nissan Murano
• Toyota Highlander

Ford Flex

• $29,220 – $45,385
• Seats – 7
• MPG – 17 city / 24 hwy

While there are many outstanding options in the mid-sized category, the Ford Flex has proven to be a reliable people-hauler, with a penchant for style.

An example of the crossover-type SUV, this 7-seater is available in front, or all-wheel drive, and Ford’s twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 is available as well. Numerous interior & exterior upgrades are available. And adults can fit comfortably in the third row.

While this rather large CUV certainly won’t make it very far down a woodland trail, it can make life in the urban jungle very comfortable (and stylish too).

Luxury Mid-sized SUVs

Distinguished options include;

Some Options

• Lexus RX350
• Volkswagen Touareg

Porsche Cayenne

• $47,700 – $106,000
• Seats – 5
• MPG – depends on model

If you want a really nice SUV that’s as capable in the woods, as it is in the country club parking lot, then look no further than the Porsche Cayenne Pepper Edition.

This once awkward looking frankenmobile has traded its odd proportions for a more chiseled, athletic appearance. Powered by everything from a Hybrid drivetrain, to a twin-turbo V8, this “wealth flaunting-device” is fun to drive in any form.

Don’t expect a pillow-soft ride. But you will get amazing handling, unbelievable power, and real off-road capability. Though the price can climb past the $100k mark, the Porsche Cayenne is an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy their money.

Full-sized SUVs

Some decent contenders in the heavy-weight category include;

• Ford Expedition
• Toyota Sequoia

But the smart money is on the Chevrolet Suburban / GMC Yukon XL for the win.

One of the oldest nameplates in the business, the Chevy Suburban (and its Ivey League cousin, the GMC Yukon XL) has been hauling people & towing stuff since the 1930’s. Now in its 13th generation, this American workhorse has seating for 8, with a ½ ton towing capacity of 8,100 lbs, and a ¾ ton towing capacity of 9,400 lbs.

This big hauler is for people who regularly tow heavy trailers, or transport lots of people…or do both at the same time. If you just want to haul your soccer team to the playoffs, a thriftier 7-seater CUV like the new Ford Explorer would make more financial sense. But if you require the out-&-out capabilities of a full-sized, body-on-frame SUV, then the Chevrolet Suburban and the GMC Yukon XL deserve a serious look.

Chevrolet Suburban

• $41,335 – $56,580
• Seats – 8
• MPG – 15 city / 21 hwy

GMC Yukon XL

• $42,415 – $56,315
• Seats – 8
• MPG – 15 city / 21 hwy
Large Luxury SUV’s

Notable Bling-Buggies

• Infiniti QX56
• Mercedes GL
• Mercedes G-Class

In years past, the only “luxury SUV” were the Range Rover & the Jeep Wagoneer. They had leather seats, power windows, and some serious off road ability. They didn’t have TV screens or 20-inch rims. And rappers didn’t drive them in their videos. They were made to traverse rouged terrain, with a modicum of comfort.

Today, full-sized luxury ute’s are more concerned with fancy electronic bobbles, than actual abilities. But customers care more about stuff like a chilled glove box, and “look at me!” styling than actually crossing a desert. So big luxury SUV’s are meant to appeal to passenger in us, rather than the explorer.

However, there is hope!

If you want to go from impressing clients, to exploring that state park, while towing a boat, or hauling picnic gear, then the Toyota Land Cruiser is for you. This off-road legend is a best-seller in places like Australia & the UAE, where comfortably traversing the odd plateau is a priority. For the North American version, Toyota’s full-sized off-roader gains a bunch of Lexus-grade trim, making it as luxurious as it is capable.

Seating for 8, a silky smooth engine, and build quality that’s a sight to behold. The Toyota Land Cruiser is the embodiment of a luxury car. But it has 8.9 inches of ground clearance, and a locking center differential. So it’s like having a luxury hotel room…that can move itself to get a better view.

If you just want Bling, buy the Mercedes GL. But if you want to “Bling it” in the Backcountry, the Toyota Land Cruiser is the way to go.

Toyota Land Cruiser

• $68,920 +
• Seats – 8
• MPG – 13 city / 18 hwy

Hybrid SUVs

If you want to have your cake, and eat it too, then you’ll be glad to know that there’s several economical Hybrid SUV’s on the market. These include;

• Lexus RX450h
• Toyota Highlander Hybrid
• Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid

But if you want to get the most bang for your buck, then have a look at the Ford Escape Hybrid. It starts at $32,000 (which is pretty reasonable for this class), it gets 30 MPG in the city, and it looks like a rough & tumble SUV (even though it’s a crossover).

Ford Escape Hybrid

• $31,860 – $34,370
• Seats – 5
• MPG – 30 city / 27 hwy

You can have AWD, or front-wheel drive (this one gets 34 MPG in the city), and the Limited model adds near-luxury trim to an already sharp looking interior. Compared to other Hybrid SUV’s, the Escape Hybrid offers an equivalent amount features and fuel economy, for a much lower price.

 

Off Road SUVs

While many SUV’s have strayed from their intended purpose, some have stuck to their off-road roots. This small group includes;

• Jeep Grand Cherokee
• Toyota Land Cruiser
• Mercedes G-Wagen
• Jeep Wrangler

If you want a serious off-road machine, that’s both capable & reliable, you’ve got to check out the Toyota FJ Cruiser.

This giant toy truck has 9.6 inches of ground clearance, 8 inches of suspension travel in the front, 9-inchs in the rear, and a selection of serious differentials & skid plates. It’s clear that this truck was meant to be driven off road.

Toyota FJ Cruiser

• $25,790 – $27,380
• Seats – 5
• MPG – 17 city / 22 hwy

Power comes from Toyota’s trusty 4.0 liter V6, and the interior comes decked out with water-resistant fabric & rubber carpets. Though this truck might not appeal to everyone, it does appeal to the sort of person who knows what approach & departure angles are. And those are usually very adventurous people.

 

 

 

 

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