Monday, December 7, 2015

Right-Sized: Every Mid-Size Crossover SUV Ranked from Worst to Best

–Like heavy-metal music and the Vitamix food processor, the mid-size crossover-SUV segment has for decades courted an unwavering legion of devotees. Often offering rugged personalities and some promise of off-road capability, these vehicles provide most of the features that active families are looking for without breaking the household budget. Once almost entirely comprised of truck-based vehicles, the segment has evolved to the point where the majority of entries are based on fully modern chassis and powertrains that offer ride quality and efficiency unthinkable just years ago. Still, a couple of traditional body-on-frame mid-sizers remain, faithfully offering the same honest and familiar values as they did when the segment was born last century. ---Whatever your needs—a true off-road beast or something roomy with which to schlep around the family—you can bet you’ll find what you need in the current crop. Read on to see how they stack up.–Practicality is the name of the game when creating a tolerable family transporter, and the Journey has it in spades—excitement, however, is another story. Buyers get a choice between a 173-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder or a 283-hp 3.6-liter V-6 as well as front- or all-wheel drive.–Its attractive and comfortable interior offers plenty of storage and can be outfitted with seats for five or seven. The base Journey’s ride is composed, but the sportier R/T’s is too stiff for all but the smoothest roads. READ MORE ››–With its angular looks, the Outlander Sport cuts a swath through the sameness of cookie-cutter crossovers. A 148-hp 2.0-liter four with front-wheel drive mates to a five-speed manual; a continuously variable transmission (CVT) is optional and can be had with all-wheel drive.–For more power, there is a 168-hp 2.4-liter four with a CVT; front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive optional. There are some pluses—a low base price and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty—but the Sport won’t steal an enthusiast’s heart. READ MORE ››–The name sounds odd, but the Touareg offers a comfortable ride and spirited performance—something we all can understand. Powertrains include a 280-hp VR6 and an optional 240-hp turbo-diesel V-6 with 406 lb-ft (although the latter is part of the stop-sale order). An eight-speed auto and all-wheel drive are standard on both.–The Touareg is large, comfortable, and quite capable off-pavement. The VR6 is adequate in terms of performance; the diesel is fuel-efficient but gets pricey with options. READ MORE ››–While most of its competitors now have car-based platforms, the 4Runner remains a body-on-frame SUV and true to its truck roots. This yields benefits off-road, where it is sturdy and capable. In daily driving, however, it can't match modern crossovers that offer more room and a smoother on-road ride.–For the hard-core mudder, there’s the TRD Pro with knobby 31.5-inch tires and heavy-duty suspension. A 270-hp V-6, five-speed automatic, and rear-wheel drive are standard; all-wheel drive is optional. READ MORE ››–Based on the Frontier pickup, the burly Xterra remains one of the last holdouts in the fight against car-based crossovers, although it's about to lose the fight—it's been discontinued for 2016. (We left it on this list for those who might still be able to score one at the local Nissan shop.)–Its 261-hp V-6 laughs in the face of fuel efficiency regardless of its transmission—either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic. Rear-wheel drive is standard; four-wheel drive is optional. The Xterra is best off-road, especially with options like a locking rear diff, hill-descent control, and Bilstein shocks. READ MORE ››–With utility and rugged good looks, the Sorento is a value-oriented ride for those seeking to avoid the stigma of a minivan. The base engine is a 191-hp four-cylinder; a 240-hp turbo four and a 290-hp V-6 are optional. The V-6 offers third-row seating.–A six-speed automatic is standard as is front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive is available. When properly equipped, the V-6 model with all-wheel drive can tow 5000 pounds. The Sorento offers a supple ride, accurate steering, and a great warranty. READ MORE ››–The Santa Fe Sport is the smaller, five-passenger crossover in the Santa Fe lineup, with handsomely rugged styling. Engine choices include a 190-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder and a 264-hp 2.0-liter turbo four; both mate to a six-speed auto.–Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional. Also optional is a power liftgate that opens when you stand behind it with the fob. Handling is acceptable, if not sports-car sharp. With a nicely appointed cabin, the Santa Fe Sport is a solid all-rounder. READ MORE ››–You might love it, you might hate it, but regardless of how you feel, the Murano’s design makes it stand out in a sea of sameness. The Murano also drives as smartly as it looks, with steering that is nicely weighted and brakes that inspire confidence.–The 260-hp V-6 is up to the job of moving the Murano in a spirited manner, and the CVT is much improved over previous examples. The interior is nicely appointed with handsome leather. In addition, the Murano delivers a quiet and composed ride. READ MORE ››–The Edge’s bold styling, roomy interior, and plethora of modern-tech options appeal to those seeking a do-it-all crossover with some swagger. A 245-hp 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder powers the base model; optional engines are either a 280-hp 3.5-liter V-6 or a 315-hp 2.7-liter twin-turbo V-6.–The Edge features standard front- or optional all-wheel drive; all have a six-speed automatic transmission. The grille was designed with aerodynamics in mind, with active shutters for extra fuel savings. READ MORE ››–Whether you want to climb a mountain or just move up the ladder of success, the Grand Cherokee has you covered. With a choice of four 4x4 systems plus an optional Quadra-Lift air suspension, there’s no obstacle too difficult to tackle.–The base engine is a 295-hp 3.6-liter V-6; a 360-hp 5.7-liter V-8 or a 240-hp 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V-6 are optional. Comfortable interiors are trimmed with high-quality materials, offering upscale options as well as 3G Wi-Fi and the Uconnect infotainment system. READ MORE ››—

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