With one driver's hands griping a sporty steering wheel and the automatic transmission's manual shift mode set in the lowest gear, a Forester 2.5XT Touring edition applies big torque from a gutsy turbo-charged four-cylinder engine to all four wheels through a four-wheel-drive (4WD) mechanism which operates automatically. Read More »
Now for 2012, both the two-door Wrangler and four-door Wrangler Unlimited shed an antiquated iron-block engine in favor of Chrysler's new Pentastar 3.6-liter dual-cam V6 built with an aluminum cylinder block and VVT (variable valve timing) controls. The Pentastar V6 generates 285 hp at 6400 rpm with 260 lb-ft of torque at 4800 rpm. Read More »
Stretching more than 13 feet long and decorated with a bulbous face featuring round rally-style headlamps and curvaceous fender blisters capped by frog-eye amber running lights, Nissan's streamlined little wagon has the elevated stance and cargo capacity of a small-scale SUV with four flank doors for passengers and a liftgate at the tail for accessing the rear cargo bay. Read More »
Virtually silent at start-up with only the electric motor switching on, the Escape Hybrid leaps forward on command with help from the electric motor, which can propel the wagon up to 44 mph. When more power is needed, a generator cranks up the gasoline engine in only a fraction of a second. Read More »
Fender blisters bulge around front wheels to forge a forceful stance, as the roofline arches over the cabin and strips of flank windows get black-capped pillars. At the rear long red lamps define edges of a top-hinged tailgate, which curves down and fits snugly against the bottom bumper. Dramatic styling continues in a spacious cabin filled with creative designs, extensive safety equipment and downright fancy features. Read More »
All of the engine's power goes to turn the front wheels which also steer this vehicle. Having the front wheels both turn and steer -- when combined with the stiff unitized structure and lively suspension -- makes Terrain uncommonly agile, but that's the big idea behind GM's design for the easy-driving Crossover SUV. Stretching more than 15 feet long and six feet wide, this slippery wagon rides on a stretched platform and stocks a economy-minded four-cylinder engine or powerful V6. Read More »
Boxy square with chiseled shoulders and a flat roof floating over the five-passenger cabin with narrow windows in the image of an armored military vehicle, Toyota's dedicated off-road SUV looks like it came out of the Auto Nouveau School of Chunky Car Design. Read More »
Fact is, Volkswagen's Tiguan, an agile and downright gutsy Crossover SUV which bears a peculiar name, has attitude. The sleek five-door hatchback wagon, with seats for five in a well-stocked cabin, has a tight structure and precise mechanical components derived from German engineering, plus the muscle of a high-tech turbo-charged four-cylinder engine. Read More »
