SMALL TO MID SIZE "CUTE UTES" CROSSOVERS

[regfootball]

Here's mine

1. Vue

2. CX-7

3. RAV (even though i hate its looks)

3. Outlander

3. Torrent (only due to GXP)

6. Equinox

6. Escape / Mariner (hybrid and v6 help)

8. CRV

9. Grand Vitara

10. Forester

Edited September 16, 2007 by regfootball

[Cory Wolfe]

Smaller - 179" long and less.

Grand Vitara

Tuscun

Patriot

Sportage

CR-V

Mariner

Escape

Forester

Larger - 180" long and more.

CX-7

RDX

Outlander

Vue

RAV4

Sorento

Torrent

Equinox

[regfootball]

oh crap, some i missed!

[regfootball]

Here's mine

1. Vue

2. CX-7

3. RAV (even though i hate its looks)

3. Outlander

3. Torrent (only due to GXP)

6. Equinox

6. Escape / Mariner (hybrid and v6 help)

8. Patriot

9. CRV

9. Grand Vitara

11. Compass

12. Forester

12. Sportage/Tuscon

Edited June 2, 2007 by regfootball

[Drew Dowdell]

I'm curious as to why the Forester is rated so low by you guys..... below the Compass?

[2chevs]

Yeah the Forester is one hell of a cute ute, and the Mitsubishi Outlander is one craptastic mess if you ask me (look wise).

[plane]

Vue

Equinox

Torrent

Escape

Mariner

Nitro

Crossovers that need to go.......

Outlander

Compass

Rondo

Tuscon

Jiangling Landwind X6

This link is for Emergency use only!!!!!!

[regfootball]

I'm curious as to why the Forester is rated so low by you guys..... below the Compass?

frameless windows

small

unattractive

lesbian stigma

[Satty]

Frameless windows are awesome. I probably would have forgotten about the Forester completely if I were making this list.

[regfootball]

i've had too many ear slicings by the frameless windows in my diamantes and GM cars in the past.

i suppose the rondo does belong on the list somewhere. near the bottom, of course. the rondo is pricey when optioned out.

Edited June 2, 2007 by regfootball

[pow]

• X3 3.0si
• VUE Redline
• CX-7 Grand Touring
• RDX 13.8
• VUE XR/XE V-6
• Equinox Sport/Torrent GXP
• RAV4 Sport V-6
• Forester 2.5 XT
• Escape/Mariner Hybrid
• VUE I-4/Green Line
• CR-V
• RAV4 I-4
• LR2
• Outlander
• Equinox/Torrent
• Forester
• Grand Vitara
• Escape/Mariner
• Sportage/Tucson
• Compass/Patriot

[the_yellow_dart]

i've had too many ear slicings by the frameless windows in my diamantes and GM cars in the past.

i suppose the rondo does belong on the list somewhere. near the bottom, of course. the rondo is pricey when optioned out.

EAR SLICINGS?

What did you do???

[Intrepidation]

Hmm...

• Vue Red Line
• Outlander (love the sharp looks)
• LR2
• Liberty (current)
• Torrent GXP
• Grand Vitara
• Forrester (pre-refresh..I like the front end better)
• RAV4 Sport V-6
• Escape
• Patriot
• CR-V

Of those, the top 3 are the only ones I'd really consider.

The Nitro, CX-7, and new Liberty are too big to be "compact" I think, hence why they aren't on the list.

Edited June 3, 2007 by Dodgefan

[Oracle of Delphi]

i've had too many ear slicings by the frameless windows in my diamantes and GM cars in the past.

i suppose the rondo does belong on the list somewhere. near the bottom, of course. the rondo is pricey when optioned out.

Sounds bloody!

[Cory Wolfe]

I'm curious as to why the Forester is rated so low by you guys..... below the Compass?

I love Subaru and I'm sure its a great vehicle, but the Forester is the one vehicle that I cannot stand the styling of. Plus, it's more of a wagon/hatchback than a crossover, to me.

Frameless windows are awesome.

Agree.

[regfootball]

• X3 3.0si
• VUE Redline
• CX-7 Grand Touring
• RDX 13.8
• VUE XR/XE V-6
• Equinox Sport/Torrent GXP
• RAV4 Sport V-6
• Forester 2.5 XT
• Escape/Mariner Hybrid
• VUE I-4/Green Line
• CR-V
• RAV4 I-4
• LR2
• Outlander
• Equinox/Torrent
• Forester
• Grand Vitara
• Escape/Mariner
• Sportage/Tucson
• Compass/Patriot

13.4, i thought. lol

[ZL-1]

Frameless windows are awesome.

Unless you own a MINI :AH-HA_wink:

[derrado]

[excluding tweeners like the CX-7, plus luxury compact SUVs and hybrids]

1. RAV4 (as much as it pains me to admit it)

2. Outlander

3. Vue

4. CR-V

5. Torrent (best looking compact SUV out there, pushes it into the top 5)

6. Mariner (even though it is a "Woman's Escape")

7. Tribute

8. Compass (would get a bit of a boost if it had a decent interior)

9. Tucson

10. Sportage

11. Equinox

12. Escape

13. Grand Vitara

[Duncan]

I don't understand you guys. The Grand Vitara is about the only mini-ute I would seriously consider for myself - it's the only one with a real body-on-frame structure, which means you could potentially take it somewhere that actually counts as off-road. That, and you can get it with a stick, which is always a plus. (Also, I'm partial to the engine - it's a 2.7-liter derivative of the same fine KL-series V6 that powers my current Mazda 626.)

My dad just bought a Honda Element, which is an absolutely perfect update of the Volkswagen Bus concept (roomy, easy-to-drive and supremely economical) - haven't taken it off-road, though, so we'll see about that yet.

As for the rest: The Torrent/Equinox still strike me as cheap, the RAV4 is now way overblown from its original concept (remember the first one in '96?), the Tucson/Sportage are boring as hell, the CR-V is even uglier than before (if that's possible), the Escape/Mariner/Tribute are incredibly old, the Nitro is a badly-designed piece of crap, I'll wait for the new Liberty, the Outlander is at least quick but has the unfortunate problem of being a Mitsubishi, and the Forester is barely more than a car.

And no, I'm not a big sport-ute fan. Why do you ask?

[derrado]

I don't understand you guys. The Grand Vitara is about the only mini-ute I would seriously consider for myself - it's the only one with a real body-on-frame structure, which means you could potentially take it somewhere that actually counts as off-road. That, and you can get it with a stick, which is always a plus. (Also, I'm partial to the engine - it's a 2.7-liter derivative of the same fine KL-series V6 that powers my current Mazda 626.)

My dad just bought a Honda Element, which is an absolutely perfect update of the Volkswagen Bus concept (roomy, easy-to-drive and supremely economical) - haven't taken it off-road, though, so we'll see about that yet.

As for the rest: The Torrent/Equinox still strike me as cheap, the RAV4 is now way overblown from its original concept (remember the first one in '96?), the Tucson/Sportage are boring as hell, the CR-V is even uglier than before (if that's possible), the Escape/Mariner/Tribute are incredibly old, the Nitro is a badly-designed piece of crap, I'll wait for the new Liberty, the Outlander is at least quick but has the unfortunate problem of being a Mitsubishi, and the Forester is barely more than a car.

And no, I'm not a big sport-ute fan. Why do you ask?

Trouble is, if you're not the off-roading type, the Grand Vitara falls flat. Sure, it's reasonably attractive and affordable, but it's also more unrefined than most, lacks brand equity, has a so-so interior and a big ugly tyre on the back (which I can somewhat tolerate on the RAV4 as it is vastly better in other areas). Besides, how many Suzuki dealers are around?

The Equinox strikes me as just a metal-for-your-money deal and a bit too 90's GM for my taste. The only reason the Torrent graces my good books is because I am a bit of a Pontiac fan and it is the most attractive cute ute out there.

The RAV4 may be much larger and different in concept to its predecessors but it looks great inside and out, has all the usual Toyota perks, a powerful V6 and is well-suited to either a family or a single person. The Outlander, I agree, is unfortunate in that it is a Mitsubishi, but alas it is quite a good car. Resale values and a cheapish interior are the only downsides I can see, and it is almost attractive as a Torrent.

The CR-V is a lot more... friendly than its predecessors and I am warming to its styling but it is terrible value. And the Escape/Mariner/Tribute triplets are pretty damn uncompetitive and I wouldn't recommend any of them bar the Hybrid variants. The Mariner, though, is pretty stylish and I suppose my vanity says I wouldn't mind it.

Damn. I feel like revising my choices. Push the Equinox and Compass up and drop the Tribute down. Done.

[regfootball]

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drive...rticleId=122496

huh huh edmunds even knows the CRv is CRaP!!!!!!!

[regfootball]

car and driver has a 9 chick ute comparo.

the steaming pile RAV4 won and the super cute girl rav4 takes 2nd. to match the size of the paychecks.

1.rav4

2.crv

3.rogue (depsite best handling and performance and power and cheapest base price)

4.outlander

5. grand vitara (where was the xl-7?)

6.vue

7.escape

8.tucson

9.liberty (why not patriot?)

where was the equinox?

[K.C.]

I thought C&D's comparison test was crap. Who takes a car based crossover into mud like that? This test had little validity to me since the vehicles were not used for their intended purpose.

[Camino LS6]

Although this is yet another segment I'd never consider, I will say this much after driving a Rav4.

It has surprisingly good power.

It felt so cramped inside that if it is number1 in the segment there is no need to look at any of the others.

[regfootball]

i had a RAV4 for 2 days and if that was the best........

i'd say more like their comparo was trash.

[enzl]

car and driver has a 9 chick ute comparo.

the steaming pile RAV4 won and the super cute girl rav4 takes 2nd. to match the size of the paychecks.

1.rav4

2.crv

3.rogue (depsite best handling and performance and power and cheapest base price)

4.outlander

5. grand vitara (where was the xl-7?)

6.vue

7.escape

8.tucson

9.liberty (why not patriot?)

where was the equinox?

10. Equinox.

Happy now?

[ocnblu]

It was ridiculous that they put a Liberty in there... a real SUV. They set it up to fail in that group of city runabouts. The Vitara straddles the market between Liberty and CR-V, so it is borderline. They should have put the Compass in this group, or Patriot.

I'd try out the Datsun Rogue after reading C&D's depiction and Edmunds owner reports. It's a shame I can't say I'd pick the VUE first, but hey.

[regfootball]

well the rav is junk and it won. i seriously wouldn't wish the rav an anyone. the thing will be a pile of junk in 5 years. it's flimsy and it won't even maintain engine idle with the A/C on. not to mention no mention of the terrible noise and vibration from the engine through the floor and seat. where was that?

9. Liberty. they are testing crossovers, which never are supposed to get much off road use vs. real SUV's, but then they design the test so it is criteria that they slog them all through the mud. Then, the vehicle that is supposed to be the best in the mud, they put in last place. what the f? choose what the fk you want your test to be about!

8. Tucson. I can't say much here other than they dieify the honda because of its cute interior but reality is the Tucson has a decent interior as well yet they say the whole vehicle feels old.

7. The Escape. best cruiser, open and airy cockpit. real seating space. decent off road. 'honest suv'. it's only bad mouthing was for brakes and lack of 4th gear. But the toyota wins with only 4 speeds too. WTF? oh well, the 09 escape is supposed to get a 240hp v6 and a 200hp four i think. at least its not a chick wagon.

6. Vue XE 3.5......big dings for weight and mpg. OK, the mpg is a legit concern. But mpg is mostly a function of weight in most cases. The RAV is pretty light, and boy its pretty flimsy. If I could get a more solid vehicle for this class and money, its a nice choice to have. I bet the vue's tailgate doesn't sound like its going to come off the vehicle and make a loud clink noise when you shut it like the RAV's does. The Vue also has a tremendously upscale interior, not a yucky Korean interior like the RAV does.

5. Grand Vitara. Suzuki must not be writing big enough checks to C/D. What i have encounted before is a little SUV with good interior space, nice layout and plastics, and good price. It has real offroad capability and cannot feel toylike like the RAV4. What it does lack is real engine power and that can be corrected. They had no reason to bash this vehicle like they did, considering they were supposed to be weighing highly for off road capability, which this vehicle has in spades.

4. Outlander. this was the vehicle that got the shaft. it's got a better tailgate/rear hatch than the RAV. It has a larger cargo area with more fleixibility and more comfortable seating with as much space. The interior is nicer and more normal. It's better priced has good handling. It even has optional paddle shifters. It has good styling. 3rd row seat. If there is any vehicle that out RAV's the RAV, it's this one. Yet mitsubishi does not write big checks like toyota does. that is why it does not beat the RAV.

3. Rogue. they pretty much come out and say its the best one but that they can't give it the title (because its not a honda or toyota). Ghosn should be fuming. "Somber" interior? My God did they sit in the CRV or RAV 4 for any length of time? I guess not because they would slit their wrists if had done so.

2. CRV. despite having terrible styling and no 6 cyl option, it is godlike. The interior may have good 'fit and finish', but from what i have seen before, the plastics are pretty average. Not worth accolades. Let's just chalk it up to this. You can put a purse on the floor by the shifter. So I guess girls like it. Just like buff books did with family sedans, they have reduced a popular class of vehicles to wussy, feminized 4 cylinder flimsyboxes and have glorified these fragile feminine characteristics into godlike status.

1. Simply put they gave the RAV #1 but they weren't driving what I drove (see RAV4 steaming pile topic). To put this bland and crappy of a vehicle at the top shows sheer volume about their journalistic focus.

What is funny is the as tested price of the RAV and CRV you could have a 3.6l 3 row suzuki XL7 which no doubt wuld probably be a superior functional vehicle all around. Or an Equinox sport. Or pocket the 5 grand of the rav or hoyotha and get an equinox.

Edited January 2, 2008 by regfootball

[frogger]

I don't think I'd ever buy in this segment for a daily driver. Drove a new Vue XE a few months back and did not enjoy it at all. Maybe the Mazda drives more carlike, I know the Vue still felt too soft and its supposed to be a relatively sporty feeling Cute Ute.

[regfootball]

From Canadian Driver.com about the Vue

North Vancouver, British Columbia - General Motors of Canada couldn't have asked for a better endorsement of the new 2008 Saturn Vue than the one they received from the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) recently. After the annual Canadian Car of the Year 'TestFest' in late October, AJAC auto writers voted the 2008 Vue the "Best New SUV/CUV, $35,000 - $60,000" after comparing it with the Hyundai Veracruz, Infiniti EX, Jeep Grand Cherokee Diesel, LandRover LR2, GMC Acadia SLT, Mazda CX-9, Nissan Pathfinder, Subaru Tribeca, Toyota Highlander, and Volvo XC70.

AJAC members tested the top-of-the-line Vue XR model with the new 3.6-litre VVT V6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission, the most expensive model in the Vue line-up at just over $36,000 including options. Normally, 2008 Vues range in price from about $25,000 to $32,000 before options, and in this price range, its competitors would include compact SUVs like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, Mitsubishi Outlander, Subaru Forester, Jeep Patriot, Ford Escape, Chevrolet Equinox, Pontiac Torrent, Hyundai Santa Fe, Suzuki Grand Vitara, Mazda Tribute, and Kia Sportage.

http://www.canadiandriver.com/testdrives/08vue.htm

so you'd think a vehicle like this would get higher than SIXTH.

[regfootball]

I don't think I'd ever buy in this segment for a daily driver. Drove a new Vue XE a few months back and did not enjoy it at all. Maybe the Mazda drives more carlike, I know the Vue still felt too soft and its supposed to be a relatively sporty feeling Cute Ute.

I definitely think you might enjoy an Edge. I wonder if the VUe Redline is a better drive.

Edited January 2, 2008 by regfootball

[regfootball]

sat in a Vue again today, and a Rogue.

The Vue gets hammered in the press due to heft, but the vehicle really feels more solid on the showfloor than the others. Thicker sheetmetal. Sturdier doors. Everything feels less temporary. I think that is worth something. feels roomy.

The Rogue is kind of a fun feeling rig, but it is noticably tighter inside than some of the others. In the back seat mostly. Cargo area is a bit tight too. I really like the dash layout though and the seats were comfy. I LOVE the dash vents. They are the standard round vents that are either open or closed and you rotate the whole vent to direct the air. Like on the vibe. Why can't all dash vents be like that? Anyways, i got a real good VIBE sitting inside the Rogue. (no pun intended). Any vehicle that greets you with paddle shifters on the wheel (even with a CVT) has got to be fun. blu, you'd like it.

Edited January 5, 2008 by regfootball

[ocnblu]

I do like the Datsun, it seems the most fun-to-drive in the class. British Car magazine gave it a surprisingly good review among family hatchbacks (the Euro version has butch, black plastic exterior trim, manual transmission and diesel engine availability.) I also like the new Escape, it looks tough, and if the powertrain options you report come to pass, it'll be a really nice, tight package. I don't know, the VUE just doesn't impress me that much. I love the interior... I am certain the whole vehicle is much improved over the old, plasticky version... but the fuel mileage sucks and I just haven't warmed to the looks. Edited January 6, 2008 by ocnblu

[regfootball]

Here's mine

1. Vue

2. CX-7

3. RAV (even though i hate its looks)

3. Outlander

3. Torrent (only due to GXP)

6. Equinox

6. Escape / Mariner (hybrid and v6 help)

8. CRV

9. Grand Vitara

10. Forester

time to update?

[frogger]

time to update?

Good call. Suzuki and especially Forester have improved.

[thegriffon]

Hmm...

1. Vue Red Line
2. Outlander (love the sharp looks)
3. LR2
4. Liberty (current)
5. Torrent GXP
6. Grand Vitara
7. Forrester (pre-refresh..I like the front end better)
8. RAV4 Sport V-6
9. Escape
10. Patriot
11. CR-V

Of those, the top 3 are the only ones I'd really consider.

The Nitro, CX-7, and new Liberty are too big to be "compact" I think, hence why they aren't on the list.

You think the Nitro, CX-7 and Liberty are too big, but include the Torrent?

Take a look at how big these trucks really are:

B-Segment             Seats  wheelbase   length      width      height
Units                          mm     "    mm     "    mm    "    mm    "
Chevrolet Niva          5    2450  96.5  4048 159.4  1770 69.7  1652 65.0
Daihatsu Terios         5    2580 101.6  4055 159.6  1695 66.7  1690 66.5
VW CrossFox             5    2469  97.2  4082 160.7  1689 66.5  1639 64.5
                  
Ford EcoSport           5    2490  98.0  4228 166.5  1734 68.3  1622 63.9
C-Segment
Units                          mm     "    mm     "    mm    "    mm    "
Honda Element           4    2575 101.4  4300 169.3  1815 71.5  1788 70.4
Nissan Qashqai          5    2630 103.5  4310 169.7  1780 70.1  1610 63.4
Hyundai Tucson          5    2630 103.5  4325 170.3  1795 70.7  1680 66.1
Jeep Compass            5    2635 103.7  4405 173.4  1761 69.3  1632 64.2
Jeep Patriot            5    2635 103.7  4411 173.6  1756 69.1  1637 64.4
Volkswagen Tiguan       5    2604 102.5  4427 174.3  1809 71.2  1683 66.3
Ford Escape             5    2620 103.1  4437 174.7  1806 71.1  1727 68.0
Ford Kuga               5    2690 105.9  4443 174.9  1842 72.5  1677 66.0
Mazda Tribute           5    2620 103.1  4465 175.8  1825 71.9  1760 69.3
Chevrolet HHR           5    2628 103.5  4475 176.2  1757 69.2  1657 65.2
Suzuki Grand Vitara     5    2640 103.9  4475 176.2  1810 71.3  1695 66.7
Jeep Liberty            5    2694 106.1  4493 176.9  1838 72.4  1808 71.2
Units                          mm     "    mm     "    mm    "    mm    "
Land Rover LR2          5    2660 104.7  4500 177.2  1910 75.2  1740 68.5
Honda CR-V              5    2620 103.1  4520 178.0  1819 71.6  1680 66.1
Mercedes GLK-Class      5    2755 108.5  4528 178.3  1840 72.4  1689 66.5
Nissan Xterra           5    2700 106.3  4540 178.7  1850 72.8  1813 71.4
Dodge Nitro             5    2763 108.8  4544 178.9  1857 73.1  1776 69.9
Subaru Forester         5    2615 103.0  4560 179.5  1780 70.1  1675 65.9
BMW X3                  5    2795 110.0  4565 179.7  1853 73.0  1674 65.9
Kia Sorento             5    2710 106.7  4567 179.8  1863 73.3  1730 68.1
Saturn Vue              5    2707 106.6  4576 180.2  1850 72.8  1704 67.1
Acura RD-X              5    2650 104.3  4590 180.7  1869 73.6  1656 65.2
Toyota RAV4             5-7  2660 104.7  4600 181.1  1815 71.5  1685 66.3
D-segment             Seats  wheelbase   length      width      height  
Units                          mm     "    mm     "    mm    "    mm    "
Audi Q5                 5    2807 110.5  4627 182.2  1880  74.0  1653 65.1
Volvo XC60              5    2774 109.2  4628 182.2  1891  74.4  1672 65.8
Nissan X-Trail (Europe) 5    2630 103.5  4630 182.3  1785  70.3  1685 66.3
Chevrolet Captiva       5-7  2707 106.6  4637 182.6  1849  72.8  1720 67.7
Mitsubishi Outlander    5-7  2670 105.1  4640 182.7  1800  70.9  1680 66.1
Nissan Rogue            5    2690 105.9  4645 182.9  1800  70.9  1658 65.3
Mazda CX-7              5    2750 108.3  4675 184.1  1872  73.7  1645 64.8
Hyundai Santa Fe        5-7  2700 106.3  4675 184.1  1890  74.4  1725 67.9
Units                          mm     "    mm     "    mm    "    mm    "
Ford Edge               5    2825 111.2  4717 185.7  1925  75.8  1702 67.0
Lexus RX350             5    2715 106.9  4735 186.4  1845  72.6  1680 66.1
Lincoln MKX             5    2825 111.2  4737 186.5  1925  75.8  1707 67.2
Buick Rendezvous        7    2851 112.2  4738 186.5  1871  73.7  1750 68.9
Jeep Grand Cherokee     5    2781 109.5  4741 186.6  1862  73.3  1720 67.7
Hummer H3               5    2842 111.9  4742 186.7  1898  74.7  1893 74.5
Volkswagen Touareg      5    2855 112.4  4754 187.2  1928  75.9  1726 68.0
Nissan Pathfinder       7    2850 112.2  4765 187.6  1850  72.8  1755 69.1
Saab 94X                5    2810 110.6  4770 187.8  1800  70.9  1680 66.1
Lexus GX470             5-8  2790 109.8  4780 188.2  1880  74.0  1855 73.0
Porsche Cayenne         5    2855 112.4  4782 188.3  1928  75.9  1699 66.9
Toyota Highlander       5-7  2790 109.8  4785 188.4  1910  75.2  1730 68.1
Nissan Murano           5    2825 111.2  4787 188.5  1882  74.1  1702 67.0
Jeep Commander          7    2781 109.5  4787 188.5  1900  74.8  1826 71.9
Mercedes ML-Class       5    2915 114.8  4788 188.5  1911  75.2  1779 70.0
Range Rover Sport       5    2745 108.1  4788 188.5  1928  75.9  1817 71.5
Chevrolet Equinox       5    2857 112.5  4795 188.8  1814  71.4  1703 67.0
Volvo XC90              5-7  2857 112.5  4798 188.9  1898  74.7  1784 70.2
E-segment             Seats  wheelbase   length      width       height
Units                          mm     "    mm     "    mm    "    mm    "
Mitsubishi Endeavor     5    2750 108.3  4830 190.2  1870  73.6  1710 67.3
Hyundai Veracruz        7    2805 110.4  4840 190.6  1945  76.6  1750 68.9
Acura MDX               7    2750 108.3  4844 190.7  1994  78.5  1679 66.1
Land Rover LR3          5-7  2885 113.6  4848 190.9  1915  75.4  1891 74.4
Honda Pilot             8    2774 109.2  4849 190.9  1994  78.5  1803 71.0
Ford Explorer America   6    2939 115.7  4851 191.0   -     -    1768 69.6
BMW X5                  5-7  2933 115.5  4854 191.1  1933  76.1  1765 69.5
Ford Territory          5-7  2842 111.9  4856 191.2  1898  74.7  1714 67.5
Infiniti FX Series      5    2885 113.6  4860 191.3  1928  75.9  1651 65.0
Subaru Tribeca          5-7  2749 108.2  4865 191.5  1878  73.9  1686 66.4
GMC Envoy               5    2869 113.0  4866 191.6  1897  74.7  1826 71.9
Chevrolet Trailblazer   5    2870 113.0  4872 191.8  1897  74.7  1892 74.5
BMW X6                  4    2933 115.5  4877 192.0  1983  78.1  1690 66.5
Kia Borrego             7    2895 114.0  4880 192.1  1915  75.4  1810 71.3
Dodge Journey           5-7  2890 113.8  4888 192.4  1835  72.2  1701 67.0
Units                          mm     "    mm     "    mm    "    mm    "
Mitsubishi Pajero       7    2780 109.4  4900 192.9  1845  72.6  1850 72.8
Ford Explorer           5-7  2888 113.7  4912 193.4  1872  73.7  1849 72.8
Cadillac SRX            5-7  2957 116.4  4950 194.9  1844  72.6  1722 67.8
Toyota LandCruiser 200  5-8  2850 112.2  4950 194.9  1970  77.6  1880 74.0
Range Rover             5    2880 113.4  4972 195.7  1956  77.0  1863 73.3
Lexus LX570             8    2850 112.2  4990 196.5  1970  77.6  1890 74.4
Suzuki XL-7             6    2857 112.5  4995 196.7  1835  72.2  1750 68.9

Edited October 18, 2008 by thegriffon

[regfootball]

Good call. Suzuki and especially Forester have improved.

wow, how bad was the Forester before? I drove one today, a new 09 and i thought it sucked. seriously.

[A Horse With No Name]

sat in a Vue again today, and a Rogue.

The Vue gets hammered in the press due to heft, but the vehicle really feels more solid on the showfloor than the others. Thicker sheetmetal. Sturdier doors. Everything feels less temporary. I think that is worth something. feels roomy.

The Rogue is kind of a fun feeling rig, but it is noticably tighter inside than some of the others. In the back seat mostly. Cargo area is a bit tight too. I really like the dash layout though and the seats were comfy. I LOVE the dash vents. They are the standard round vents that are either open or closed and you rotate the whole vent to direct the air. Like on the vibe. Why can't all dash vents be like that? Anyways, i got a real good VIBE sitting inside the Rogue. (no pun intended). Any vehicle that greets you with paddle shifters on the wheel (even with a CVT) has got to be fun. blu, you'd like it.

I feel the same way about the Rougue that you do about the subie.

I'd buy the Subaru about a billion times (ok, eleventy billion to the billionth power times) before I'd buy the Rogue. Hell, I'd buy a CRV before I'd buy a Rogue.

Chris

[regfootball]

The Rogue at first i thought would be good. Its not further evolved from the Kia Sportage.

[thegriffon]

I do like the Datsun, it seems the most fun-to-drive in the class. British Car magazine gave it a surprisingly good review among family hatchbacks (the Euro version has butch, black plastic exterior trim, manual transmission and diesel engine availability.) I also like the new Escape, it looks tough, and if the powertrain options you report come to pass, it'll be a really nice, tight package. I don't know, the VUE just doesn't impress me that much. I love the interior... I am certain the whole vehicle is much improved over the old, plasticky version... but the fuel mileage sucks and I just haven't warmed to the looks.

There is no Euro version blu. Europeans get three different, smaller crossovers—the Qashqai, a little smaller than the Tucson, the Qashqai+2, the lwb model with 7 seats, and the X-trail, a boxy model with extra-long overhangs. The Rogue has about as much in common with these as the Altima.

[Z-06]

Rogue is an underwhelming vehicle. I have to agree with Reg in the sense that its build quality is poorer than the Kia, and its CVT just kills it. I do not think it is available with manual transmission which would have not been a bad idea for this small vehicle. If people are shopping for vehicles in this class they should seriously look at the Patriot which is not a bad vehicle.

[regfootball]

Here's mine updated

1. Escape / Mariner

1. Vue

3. Outlander

4. CX-7

5. RAV

6. Grand Vitara

6. Rogue

6. CRV

9. Compass / Patriot

10. Equinox / Torrent

11. Sportage/Tuscon

12. Forester

13. XL7

what did i miss

Edited November 4, 2008 by regfootball

[pow]

Here's mine updated

1. Escape / Mariner

1. Vue

3. Outlander

4. CX-7

5. RAV

6. Grand Vitara

6. Rogue

6. CRV

9. Compass / Patriot

10. Equinox / Torrent

11. Sportage/Tuscon

12. Forester

13. XL7

what did i miss

Tiguan?

Interesting how you'd choose a Tribute over a CX-7.

[regfootball]

Here's mine updated

1. Escape / Mariner

1. Vue

3. Outlander

4. CX-7

5. Tiguan

6. RAV

7. Grand Vitara

7. Rogue

7. CRV

9. Compass / Patriot

10. Equinox / Torrent

11. Sportage/Tuscon

12. Forester

13. XL7

what did i miss

[regfootball]

Tiguan?

Interesting how you'd choose a Tribute over a CX-7.

240hp normally aspirated v6 with 6 speed automatic and updated handling, plus a nicer more functional interior. choice of a FUEL EFFICIENT 170hp 4 cylinder with 6 speed. major debits for the CX-7 for cheap interior, turbo motor that sucks fuel, and overall creepy styling. The ford products have sync also.

Tiguan gets debits for a small cargo area.

Edited November 4, 2008 by regfootball