VIDEO: Three Row SUV Showdown

Although consumers turned their backs on the biggest SUVs in the wake of 2008's gas-price spike, they have come back to family haulers, but on a slightly smaller scale. We put seven of these to the test to see which could please our experts and our family with its combination of driving quality, features and family-friendliness.

We pitted seven of the largest SUVs against each other in our latest Shootout.

The seven contenders, in alphabetical order:
2012 Chevrolet Traverse
2012 Dodge Durango
2012 Ford Explorer
2012 Honda Pilot
2012 Kia Sorento
2011 Mazda CX-9
2011 Toyota Highlander

We researched the segment's major players, models such as the Honda Pilot and Chevrolet Traverse, and priced midlevel trims with family-friendly features. That brought us to roughly $37,000, so we asked automakers to give us models below the price that would best serve a family of four.

Ford officials said they were unable to lend us an Explorer because they were in the midst of their model-year changeover, but it's such a large player in the segment that we secured a brand-new 2012 Explorer from a broker. A Hyundai spokesman said the 2012 Veracruz was getting several updates and would not be available in time for our Shootout. Subaru said it did not have a suitable Tribeca available in its fleet.

Comments

First Drive: 2008 Volkswagen Jetta TDI

Volkswagen’s 50-state-compliant Jetta TDI will be among the cleanest diesels in the U.S. Previews Amid the looming hordes of European luxury automakers planning a North American compression-ignition invasion in the next couple years, humble Volkswagen has announced its plans to return the Jetta TDI to the diesel dogpile in the spring of 2008. Powered by a new 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 140 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque, and either a six-speed manual or DSG automated manual transmission, the 2008 Jetta TDI will be cleared for sale in all fifty states. Some of the earlier diesels to make it to our shores over the next few years will only be available in 45 states; California, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, and Vermont have all adopted stricter emissions regulations for diesels that bar some vehicles from entry. Using technology developed under the BlueTec cooperative formed by Mercedes-Benz and Vo

smart fortwo, Unique Car Popularized in 'The Da Vinci Code' Movie, To Be Formally Introduced to Midwest by Windy City Smart Car

Models Displayed, May Be Driven at January 30 News Conference in Chicago Two smart fortwos smart fortwo, the popular, safe, environmentally superior automobile sold in 36 countries but not the U.S., is being formally introduced for the first time ever to Chicago and the Midwest on Tuesday, January 30 by independent distributor Windy City Smart Car and Smart Car Midwest, LLC, Palatine. Several models, including the smart fortwo Passion coupe and smart fortwo cabriolet convertible, will be unveiled at an 11:00 a.m. press conference at the film and television studios of Golan Productions, 1501 N. Magnolia (three blocks east of the Kennedy Expressway and a half block south of North Avenue). smart fortwo is featured in "The Da Vinci Code" motion picture. The car's introduction to Chicago comes a year or two ahead of smart fortwo's official entry into the U.S. The smart fortwo, a collaboration between Swatch and Mercedes, is made U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Dep

2007 Alpine Imprint RLS Demo Car based on Mercedes-Benz R500

Making Its Mark: The IMPRINT RLS The birth of the IMPRINT RLS marks the beginning of a new sonic era. While the exterior flaunts a sleek, elegant, one-of-a-kind style, the interior also houses the core Alpine IMPRINT sound technology – making its mark as the absolute show-stopping vehicle for 2007. The IMPRINT RLS by birthright started off as a Mercedes Benz R500 , and was slowly morphed into a car that transcends all laws of space and time. This futuristic concept-like car was brought to life by Alpine’s Advanced Application R&D team, Steve Brown, Gary Bell, Brent Davison with the help of Alpine Canada’s Glen Swackhamer and Rino Odorico. Breathing life into the RLS required a complete dismantling, relocating, building, and reinforcing experiment. Extreme modifications include gas and brake pedal relocation to allow the car to be driven from either front seat. To continue Alpine tradition of unconventional door and seat combinations, the IMPRINT RLS features a unique rotating assem

AutoBeat | blog Auto news, reviews, concepts, auto shows, first drive

Search This Blog

ads1