Driven
Review > Keep on Truckin’Sport-utility vehicles are a popular alternative to the more staid sedans and minivans.
words by > Jim Gorzelany
THE sport-utility vehicle boom of the 1990s has slowed, but the vehicles remain popular with many drivers, and many new models being offered for 2007. Buyers young and old, with and without families continue to choose SUVs for their rugged personalities, unobstructed command of the road, fl exible seating and cargo-carrying confi gurations. While traditional truck-based models are still available, smaller, car-based “crossover” SUVs represent the fastest-growing segment of the market.
Here’s a look at the latest models that combine a sense of adventure with vehicular versatility.
Acura RDX
The sleekly styled, compact Acura RDX crossover SUV has an advanced Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system and rides on oversized 18-inch wheels and tires. A new 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine generates a strong 240 hp; it’s paired with a fi ve-speed automatic transmission that can be shifted manually via steering wheel-mounted paddles. Features include a voice-activated navigation system with real-time traffi c information. www.acura.com
Audi Q7
Audi’s first-ever sport-utility vehicle comes wrapped in a handsome exterior, with a roomy and functional interior and the automaker’s “quattro” all-wheel drive system. The midsize crossover Q7 is powered by a 350-hp 4.2-liter V-8 engine and six-speed automatic transmission, with a 280-hp 2.8-liter V-6 joining the line later in the model year. A newly available radar-based side assist feature is designed to make highway lane changing safer. www.audi.com
Ford Expedition
The full-size, truck-based Expedition series is updated for 2007 and adds an extended length EL version that seats as many as eight riders. A 5.4-liter V-8 engine generates an even 300 hp, which is suffi cient to get this large and heavy vehicle quickly up to speed, and drives either the rear or all four wheels (in off-road-ready 4WD versions) via a six-speed automatic gearbox. www.fordvehicles.com
Honda CR-V
The latest version of Honda’s CR-V crossover SUV is improved in nearly every regard, with fresh exterior styling, a handsome and handy interior and a fl exible 40/20/40 split-fold rear seat for carrying large objects of various sizes. A 2.4-liter 166-hp engine is mated to a standard fi ve-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive is optional for added on-road traction when the weather turns foul. www.honda.com
Jeep Compass
Jeep introduces its fi rst-ever crossover wagons for 2007, the Compass and the Patriot. The former (pictured) is the more rakish-looking of the two, while the latter comes wrapped in traditionally boxy Jeep styling and is more off-road worthy. Both include a 172-hp four-cylinder engine, with a choice of a standard fi ve-speed manual or a gearless CVT (continuously variable transmission). Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available. www.jeep.com