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Top 3 Highest Rated SUVs

admin — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 22:24:36 +0000

People choose SUVs for a variety of reasons. Some enjoy the ability to drive in many different terrains, while others prefer the room they provide. Most car manufacturers have jumped on the SUV bandwagon and added a line of SUVs to their collection; in hopes of producing the highest rated SUV.

So how do you choose the best? The following are the top rated SUVs for 2010. Each of the SUVs are rated at the top of the list by consumers for price, safety, reliability, gas mileage, handling, and several other factors.

1. GMC Yukon

This full size SUV has been a favorite amongst SUV purchasers for several years. Introduced to the public in 1992, the Yukon replaced the GMC Jimmy. Many changes have came with the Yukon, including a luxury version called the Yukon Denali.

The older models of the Yukon offered 2 door styles with room for up to 6 passengers, while the newer versions feature 4 doors with room for up to 9 passengers. Inside the Yukon you will find plenty of leg room to stretch during a long trip as well as space for carrying along the things you need.

The Yukon offers those inside a comfortable and smooth ride with lots of power packed behind it. This SUV performs well on the highway or off road. The Yukon features 3 row seating with easy fold down for extra space. The Yukon took many awards throughout it’s history, including Best SUV by Car and Driver magazine.

2. Lexus RX

The RX has been sold since 1996, and is a quiet affordable option for those who like the Lexus name and are looking for a quality SUV. Resembeling a Toyota LandCruiser the Lexus LS is the most expensive Lexus SUV available. It features seating for up to 7 people.

3 rows of heated seats, the 2nd and 3rd rows can easily be folded down. The RX feautured remote entry, 6 disc CD changer, and OnStar. This model SUV won several awards consecutive years in a row, including Best SUV,Highest resale value, and others, making it one of the highest ranked SUVs on the market.

3. Ford Explorer

One of the most popular SUVs around, the Explorer is a mid size SUV that has been around since 1990. An Eddie Bauer edition was added to the line of Explorers in 1997.

There are special Explorers made as law enforcement vehicles. The Explorer has a high resale value, and plenty of charm, speed, and gas mileage that is unbeatable for an SUV.

Environmentally Friendly SUV: Best SUVs for the Environment

admin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:21:33 +0000

Anyone who enjoys driving around in style knows that you just can’t beat the prestige, power and look of the SUV. The problem with this however is that most SUV’s on the market are not environmentally friendly SUVs, but are huge gas guzzlers accounting for a decent percentage of overall emissions. The truth is some people just like big cars and others well they just simply love the fell of an SUV under their bottom.

In the middle of a huge market reform car companies have been striving to create more environmentally friendly SUVs in recent years, this bodes extremely well for those who like big cars. More and more SUV Hybrid classes are being created and put on the market for the waiting public, we will discuss some of the pros and cons of reputable models to ever aid your choices.

Lexus RX

At around $33,000 you can pick up a Lexus RX 400h a luxury Hybrid SUV with the improved fuel economy and performance that only a hybrid can give. It gets 0-60 in 8 seconds and comes in standard and all wheel drive. This car truly strives to be green while continuing to make you feel like your in the black. It’s ride is comparable to its non hybrid counterpart.

For about the same price at $32,000 you can get the Toyota Highlander. If the Lexus married luxury to the environment ,this vehicle definitely is for those with families. It seats seven people making it the roomiest SUV on the market as of now. It rides with the luxury and power of its non hybrid counterpart but keeps the efficiency of a hybrid getting 27mpg. For growing families always on the move but weary of gas expenses this is the car.

Now for a little less money than the other two the Mercury Mariner Hybrid. The price tag for this is set at $28,867 and is virtually identical to the Ford escape hybrid. It comes equipped with AWD and a large amount of cargo space.

Another more affordable choice is the aforementioned Ford Escape Hybrid itself coming in at about $27,300. While this model is mostly identical to its non hybrid counterpart its powered by an Atkinson-cycle 4 cylinder engine which is combined with an electric motor.

With its fuel efficiency however it stands above all with its 31mpg on the highway, and 25 in the city. So relax if you are conscious of the environment yet want to remain in style there are choices out there for you.

3 Row SUV: Best Third Row Seat SUVs

admin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:58:35 +0000

For people who enjoy SUV’s for their comfort and large quantity of space, car companies have made a slight variation, an 2 Row SUV. This SUV is perfect for the growing family with three spacious rows and loads of amenities there is ample room for kids and even pets in the back.

Not only would this be great for families but those who frequently travel as well; there is nothing as important on a long trip as comfort on the road. Let’s take a look at some of the best in this class.

Lexus GX 460

Nearer to top of the line we have the Lexus GX460 which retails at about $56,000. This model is a 7 seat 3 row SUV. The 2010 model has been redesigned to incorporate design choices from the previous years, the made it sleeker, more rugged, and more square.This model gets 20mpg on the highway and 17 in the city.

Audi Q7 TDI

Another of the top of the line is the 2009 Audi Q7 TDI this comes in a little more expensive than the Lexus at $59,000. This model has 3 rows and 7 seats and 4 latch connecters. It is a beautiful car however it suffers in the area of gas efficiency getting only 18 mpg on the highway and 17 in the city.It’s a pretty big vehicle for those who may not be ready for it but if you’re in the market for one it’s probably just your size.

Now for a bit less the Ford Flex is a good buy at about $48,000.

The Ford Flex definitely has a style all its own looking like a mix between a station wagon and a minivan, with a little bit of pickup thrown in, the ford flex can definitely give that unique feel that you’ve been waiting for. The Flex also is a 7 seat 3 rowed machine, though it does have better gas mileage: 22 on the highway 17 in the city. Complete with all wheel drive for the comfort and security you need on the road, this machine has what you need.

Now if you’re looking for something a little less expensive the Mitsubishi outlander might be what you are looking for coming in at $25,980. This pretty much does what its supposed to do, like the others it has the same amount of seats and rows.

It gets 23mpg on the highway and 20 in the city, giving it the best gas mileage of the three. It runs on a four cylinder engine but doesn’t aim to dazzle, it’s primarily aimed to get you from point A to point B.

V6 SUV

admin — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 16:56:39 +0000

A V6 SUV is a versatile vehicle, as it’s owners can attest. Practical not only for the passenger transport capabilities, but within minutes of folding down a seat, has plenty of cargo space. The newest models resemble a cross between a mini-van and a car, and they come with front wheel or all wheel drive.

Still available but not as widely manufactured are SUV’s with off road capabilities, the traditional enclosed truck looking versions. Though they still have load hauling capacity; they contain more features to appeal to the passenger carrying side of their personalities.

More than ever there is a variety of models to choose from, in a variety of price ranges, and with a variety of safety and personal features.

Vehicles are rated for crash test safety by the government and the Insurance Institute of Safety. Interestingly enough the IIS has a higher standard of quality.

A V6 SUV given a 5 star crash rating by the government will not necessarily fair so high with the ISS. The Dodge Journey, Subaru Tribeca, Volvo XC60, Volvo XC90 and the GMC Terrain all received 5 star crash and 4 star rollover ratings by the ISS.

They all are equipped with front and side air bags, sturdier roofing structures and roof air bags are standard on some and optional on others. Price tags start at around $19,800 but gas mileage is nothing to brag about.

Lexus RX 450h

The best in class for mileage economy were the Lexus RX 450h which starts at $42,600, and the Mercury Mariner Hybrid which starts at $27,900. The Lexus claims to get 30 mpg city/ 28 mpg hwy.

The Mariner claims 30 mpg city/ 31 mpg hwy. Different reviews have similar ratings. These models are followed by the Toyota Highlander for $35,000 – 20/28 and the Toyota Rav4 at $27,900 – 19/26.

The much publicized problems with Toyota’s gas pedal dangers will cause consumers to shy away for awhile. Hybrids do not fair as well in safety ratings as their roof construction is not deemed as safe.

2010 Buick Enclave

The overall favorites are rated for handling ability, features and interior and exterior design. Number 1 on this list is the Buick Enclave. Starting at $34,600 this V6 SUV can carry up to 8 passengers or pull a 4500 pound load.

The interior boasts not only leather but burl wood trim. Features include a cell phone link, heated or cooled front seats, 6 speed automatic transmission and OnStar. All were impressed with the smooth, quiet and comfortable ride.

Tied for first was the Chevrolet Traverse starting at $28,700. Reviewers liked the spacious 3rd row seat and ample cargo space. Unique features include a rear view camera, DVD system, a navigation system and remote start. Gas mileage for either is around 17/24.

Nissan Murano

The Nissan Murano comes in third with a MSRP starting at $26,900. Mileage is around 18/23 and standard features on other models are optional here. Standard features include dual zone automatic temperature control, remote keyless entry, tilt telescoping steering column, and 6 CD changer with an audio input jack. Extras include leather interior, DVD entertainment system, 9.3 GB Music Box hard drive, voice recognition, push button ignition, or a navigation system. Roof mounted curtain airbags or a rear view monitor are also extra options.

Next in line is the Ford Flex which resembles a cross between an older model station wagon and a Surburban. Starting at $28,300 with mileage ratings of 17/24, prospective owners can choose from two rows of captain’s chairs or a traditional middle bench seat. The third row seat folds down electronically. Additional options include a DVD with an 8 inch screen, multi-panel roof, and a refrigerator.