Infiniti introduces the first model from its alliance with Mercedes-Benz. The Frankfurt Motor Show is now in progress and the Infiniti Q30 is one of several notable models making its global debut. The newest model from Nissan’s luxury brand has a crossover look, but it is very much a compact … 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
The Ford Escape is the smallest SUV sold in North America. In other markets, including India, the EcoSport serves the growing subcompact crossover utility vehicle segment. A Chennai manufacturing facility may soon produce a US-spec version in time for the 2017 model year. “One Ford” represents a business strategy adopted … Read more
It wasn’t all that long ago when Nissan introduced its Juke crossover, what had some analysts scratching their heads in wonder. Sure, the styling itself was polarizing, but the segment the diminutive Nissan occupied was virtually nonexistent. Until now. Nissan got the subcompact SUV segment growing, but now it needs … 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
The second generation of the Ford Edge sporty crossover utility vehicle makes a midyear debut, delivering a superior overall package than the earlier model. Ford introduces two new engines, makes all-wheel drive available across all four trim levels, and holds pricing in place while offering a bevy of new technologies. … 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
What’s new at the 2014 Moscow International Auto Salon. Take a look at the current Chevrolet utility vehicle line and you will find traditional Suburban and Tahoe SUV models at the top followed by the Traverse and Equinox crossovers. What the bow-tie brand has been lacking until now is a … Read more
One year after taking delivery of my first 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee test vehicle, the fourth model pulled into my driveway. Among Grand Cherokees the Summit appropriately occupies the apex of the model line although the Grand Cherokee SRT costs much more and acts like a sports car. It is … Read more
Invariably, when I am asked my opinion about a new passenger vehicle, the conversation includes one or more crossover utility vehicles (CUVs). These models are immensely popular and represent today’s version of the sport utility vehicle. SUVs are built on truck-based platforms while CUVs have “crossed over” to car-based platforms. … Read more
Infiniti has changed its model naming convention by assigning a “Q” or a “QX” to precede the two-digit name for every vehicle that it sells. The “Q” precedes every car model, the “QX” designation is for its utility vehicles. Thus, a 2013 G Coupe is now a 2014 Q60 and … Read more
Lexus needs no introduction, but as Toyota’s luxury brand it has lacked a pair of engine choices that some of its chief competitors offer: diesels and turbocharged engines. Don’t expect to see a diesel-powered Lexus stateside anytime soon — its multiple hybrid offerings fill the need for improved fuel economy. … Read more
Shop for a larger sport utility vehicle and you’ll soon find that the market is now dominated by crossovers. These are models that dispense with traditional body-on-frame or truck-like construction in favor of unibody or car-like construction, the latter providing a more rigid frame for a better handling ride. This … Read more
It isn’t too often that the same model shows up in my driveway within three or four months, but when one does there is usually a different engine or drivetrain layout that sets these vehicles apart. In the case of the Buick Encore, it was a model year change that … Read more
“Three is a charm,” was one thought that came to mind when a Venetian Red Pearl Subaru Outback showed up as my weekly driver recently. Just a few weeks earlier I spent some time with the Subaru Legacy and over the summer a Subaru Forester arrived unbidden. No Subaru model … Read more
Bring it on. The first mass-produced fuel cell vehicle will not come from Honda, General Motors or Toyota, who are among the biggest names associated with this emerging technology. Instead, the winner in the race for the first hydrogen-powered vehicle will be Hyundai when its 2015 Tucson FCV (fuel cell … Read more
My wife’s favorite vehicle is the Toyota RAV4, an important disclosure I want to get out of the way before touching on the salient points of this crossover utility vehicle. Fortuitously, a 2013 Toyota RAV4 Limited arrived in our driveway the very week her aged RAV4 was beginning to show … Read more
German automaker Porsche will be very busy at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show this month. The company will be in California to make two world premieres and three North American debuts, including the Porsche Macan, a compact sport utility vehicle. The small SUV represents Porsche’s fifth model line, entering … Read more
Few models define the compact sport utility market as well as the Honda CR-V. Certainly, the Toyota RAV4 and Ford Escape have their place, but the CR-V may offer the best combination of fuel efficiency, value and safety of any model on the market. The 2014 Honda CR-V is priced … Read more
The upscale brands are embracing their crossovers, SUVs that ride more like a car than a truck. Infiniti is no exception, offering three models plus the QX56 SUV. I got a hold of one of the last of the 2013 models for my weekly drive, the all-new Infiniti JX35, what … Read more
Buick Encore: Premium, subcompact crossover SUV. Most Buick and GMC vehicles are sold under one roof, part of a strategy that GM put forth more than two decades ago. Pontiac was included in that directive, one that made it possible for consumers to shop across three brands and inspect numerous … Read more
Acura MDX The Acura MDX is a seven-passenger midsize luxury crossover sport utility vehicle. It is sold in front- and all-wheel drive configurations and is priced from $42,990. Introduced in 2001, the 2014 Acura MDX begins the third generation for this model. Model Highlights The MDX features the brand’s “jewel eye” look … Read more
Youngsters the world over are fascinated with LEGO toys, those colorful, inter-locking plastic bricks that can be crafted into virtually any design. My two sons are no exception, so when my oldest boy found out about a show featuring LEGO artist, Nathan Sawaya, being held in Alamance County, NC, we … Read more
There is nothing ordinary about the Nissan Juke NISMO. Take one part SUV and another part rally car and what you have are the makings of a highly unusual vehicle. About as unusual as the Nissan Cube, but one that provides a far superior driving experience than its quadrate platform … Read more
The Nissan Pathfinder made its US debut for the 1987 model year originally as a five-passenger SUV powered by a standard 2.4-liter four or an optional 3.0-liter V-6 engine. It was based on Nissan’s small truck platform and it stayed that way for three generations. 2013 Nissan Pathfinder Beginning in … Read more
The automotive market is filled with compact crossover sport utility vehicles, a segment typically identified as five-passenger front- and all-wheel-drive models. Top models include the Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Chevrolet Equinox and the Nissan Rogue. The Mitsubishi Outlander also competes in this segment, bringing an all-new model to … Read more
GLK250 is priced from $38,950. The German car manufacturers including Mercedes Benz have taken a leadership position in introducing new diesel products in recent years. Along with BMW and the Volkswagen Group, today’s diesel engines are quieter, fuel efficient and clean burning. They are also 50-state compliant as the current … Read more