The CX-3 is the smallest of its three SUVs, a crossover that might be mistaken for a hatchback. The Mazda CX-3 makes for yet another entry in the small crossover SUV segment. This emerging class, blazed by the Nissan JUKE five years earlier, now includes models from Honda, Jeep, Chevrolet, … Read more
Mazda has had much success with its small utility vehicles, selling the Tribute from 2001 to 2011 and the CX-7 from 2007 to 2012. Still, the automaker had lacked a strong competitor to go up against the likes of the Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, and the Toyota RAV4, and a … Read more
Honda has enjoyed much success with its first two utility vehicles. Notably, its compact CR-V leads in that segment, while its larger, three-row Pilot competes effectively in its own space. A third model, the subcompact HR-V, was introduced on May 15 and six months later it is tearing up an … Read more
Car manufacturers sometimes choose odd names for their vehicles. Most such names, including the Mazda Bongo and the Mitsubishi Pistachio, never make it to the US as marketers wisely intervene and demand changes. The Nissan Rogue has one of those names that slipped through the cracks, although it is doubtful … Read more
There are no lack of SUVs on the market and Nissan itself is well represented. From its diminutive Juke to its burly Armada, there is something for everyone — six lines of utility vehicles to choose from. A Nissan Murano was a recent weekly driver, a five-passenger midsize crossover SUV. … Read more
Toyota is well represented in the midsize sport utility vehicle segment. Its seven-passenger Highlander is a crossover model, based on a car platform and offering the body rigidity and handling these types of vehicles are best known for. Four trim levels are available; standard front-wheel drive can be upgraded to … Read more
Medium range crossover combines performance with efficiency. The recent arrival of an Audi Q5 TDI Quattro in my drive marked the third of three crossover utility vehicles I’ve received from this German luxury manufacturer within the past year. The exquisite seven-passenger Q7 arrived first, what serves the full-size end of … Read more
Infiniti’s sporty crossover shows much muscle. It is a privilege to receive new cars every week for test drives. My weekly drivers range from plebeian subcompact hatchbacks and humble sedans to flamboyant sports cars and natty luxury barges. Crossovers compose about half the vehicles tested — such is the growing … Read more
Small crossover extends Audi’s product range. Audi’s product expansion continues, its latest vehicle a compact crossover utility vehicle designed to serve as another gateway model to the brand. The 2015 Audi Q3 joins larger Q5 and Q7 crossovers, and is itself a five-passenger vehicle retailing from $32,500. The Q3’s competitive … Read more
A sporty CUV with luxurious features. Mazda is one of the smaller of Japan’s six automakers that still maintain a stake in the US market, trailing Toyota, Honda, Nissan and Subaru, but well ahead of Mitsubishi in vehicle sales. Concern that Mazda might someday exit the market have been brushed … Read more