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The De-volution of the SUV
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| From small to big, and somewhere inbetween |
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| Updated |
Jun 10, 2004 22:14:01 |
| Rating |
 116 ( -10 -8.62% ) | | Author | Meghan Searles |
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Description:
When it comes to SUVs, Darwin was wrong. Rather than evolution, the vast SUV segment is undergoing a kind of devolution, as a growing number of smaller, SUV wagon cross-breeds invade the gene pool. This new species of utility vehicle, sometimes called 'sport utility wagon,' sometimes classified as 'crossover compact SUV,' offers drivers the cargo capacity and 4x4 handling of a sport ute, while keeping a smaller, more nimble profile for everyday driving.
For the past decade or so, the sport utility market has expanded not just in size, but in the number of choices available to car buyers. New vehicle shoppers can now find an almost bewildering number of models on dealer lots: full-sized SUVs (typically seating 7 or more people, like the Chevrolet Suburban), mid-sized models (accommodating five people, such as the Ford Explorer), mini- or compact utes (seating 4-5, with a littler profile, such as the Honda CRV), luxury utes (in full- and mid-sizes, from the Lexus RX300 to the Mercedes M-Class), and specialty vehicles, like the Hummer H2.
A New Breed of SUV
Now add to that list a new kind of SUV altogether: the crossover wagon. This category includes vehicles such as the Toyota Matrix, Mitsubishi Outlander, Subaru Forester, Pontiac Vibe and, at the luxury level, Audi Allroad and Volvo XC90, which combine elements of SUV capabilities with the ride, handling and (in most cases) fuel economy of a station wagon.
It seems like the perfect time for family-friendly crossover wagons to make their mark. Despite an overall slump in new car sales due to tough economic times, SUV sales were still at record levels in August 2002, and entry-level, or 'small' SUV sales make up a growing proportion of that segment. In addition, women purchase up to 40 percent of new SUVs - and many of those purchases are intended for use by families.
To Buy or Not to Buy?
Potential crossover wagon buyers include young, active families and individuals who need a multi-purpose vehicle with room to tote their gear, but don't want a large SUV taking up the whole driveway. A sporty, modern, compact look make these good choices for urban driving and parking, while decent gas mileage and interior creature comforts make sport utility wagons good suburban commuting cars.
Just as the SUV market itself is crowded with numerous offerings, the crossover wagon sub-segment also offers a lot of choices. Below, we take a closer look at three of the top choices in this segment: the entry-level Pontiac Vibe, mid-range Mitsubishi Outlander and high-end luxury Audi Allroad.
Pontiac Vibe: Youthful Rhythm
A peppy, sporty-looking wagon, the Pontiac Vibe offers a roomy interior, reconfigurable seating and available all-wheel drive. Resembling a smaller version of the not-pretty-but-very-functional Aztek SUV, the wedge-shaped Vibe has a wide, low stance that gives it surer footing around corners. Fog lights and 16-inch wheels and tires are standard equipment.
A 1.8-liter four-cylinder motor making 130 horsepower and 125 lb.-ft. of torque is the standard engine on the Vibe; it can be matched to a standard five-speed manual transmission or an optional four-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is available on models with automatic transmission.
In addition to the base motor, the Vibe GT model is available with a souped-up 1.8-liter, 180-horsepower four cylinder. Matched with a six-speed manual transmission, the tweaked 1.8-liter is suited to a driver who wants a little more speed in their daily commute.
Gas mileage is very good for all Vibe models: those with manual transmission rate 29 mpg in the city/36 on the highway; automatics get about 28 mpg around town/33 on the highway; all-wheel drive models drop to 26 mpg city/31 highway.
The Vibe's best feature is its interior, which is spacious and convenient for carrying all sorts of gear on daily jaunts or longer road trips. Rear seats are easy to fold down and create over 51 cubic feet of storage space is available when they are folded flat. The rear floor features a unique, cargo-securing system: two parallel tracks that run the length of the compartment with adjustable chrome tie-down anchors to help secure stuff.
A center console, which many consider essential for modern driving, includes a 12-volt power outlet for cell phone charger, two cupholders and five storage compartments, including a cell-hone holster. The dash may be a bit too modern-looking for some, but features stylish air vents and easy-to-use audio and climate control switches.
The standard stereo system is an AM/FM/single CD player; optional systems include a 6-CD in-dash changer. The optional DVD navigation screen sits high on the center of the dashboard, and the front passenger seat folds flat into a worktable for computer work, note-taking and other activities on-the-go.
Vibe handles well, but is not as extensively outfitted as most SUVs and wagons. Brakes are front disc/rear drum, except for the GT, which offers all-wheel discs. In addition, independent suspension and ABS are available as options only, not as standard equipment on the base model. Front air bags are standard; seat-mounted side bags are available. Other safety features and options include remote keyless entry, anti-theft system, child safety door locks, daytime running lamps and delay-entry lighting
Starting at $16,365 for the base SE model, and going up to $19,615 for the all-wheel drive version, Vibe is a good value for the money.
Mitsubishi Outlander: Urban looks, family-friendly spaces
The most SUV-like of the three vehicles in our comparison, Mitsubishi Outlander also is the most modern-looking in the category. The exterior design is masculine, almost macho-looking, with a wide grille and big tires. Like both the Vibe and larger, higher-end sporty SUVs such as the BMW X5, the Outlander has a wedge shape and sharply angled rear with liftgate.
Under the hood, Outlander is powered by a 2.4-liter, SOHC, 16-valve motor making 140 horsepower and 157 lb.-ft. of torque. All models come with a four-speed automatic with Sportronicâ„¢. The system allows drivers to choose standard "Drive" mode, which behaves like a typical automatic, or "Sport" mode for manual, clutchless shifts through the shift lever. Outlander is available with either all-wheel or two-wheel font drive.
The interior seats five adults comfortably. Rear seats split 60/40, and cargo capacity is 60.3 cu. ft. with the rear seats folded down (24.4 cu. ft. with seats upright). Cloth interior is standard on all models; leather is available as an option on XLS.
Standard conveniences include a folding rear center armrest with cupholders, as well as child seat tethers, a 12-volt power outlet in the cargo area for small appliances and a 4-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system. The cargo space is large enough for a week's worth of groceries or a couple of kids' worth of sporting equipment. The up-level XLS offers additional creature comforts such as an automatically-dimming mirror that displays ambient temperature and a directional compass, and a 6-speaker AM/FM/CD system.
The Outlander handles the road well, and the vehicle is thoughtfully designed for rider comfort - for example, the use of asphalt sheeting under the floorplan reduces road noise. The stiff, sporty suspension is designed for a car-like feel and is made primarily for urban and suburban driving, not off-roading. Brakes are front ventilated discs and rear drums; optional ABS on XLS models includes Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD). Gas mileage is 21 mpg in the city, 26 on the highway (20 city/25 highway for all-wheel drive models).
Safety equipment includes driver and front passenger airbags, child seat tethers and child safety locks. ABS is available as an option on XLS versions, as are driver and front passenger side airbags.
Starting at just over $17,000 and registering in the mid-20s fully equipped, the Outlander offers the looks of a true SUV without the bulk.
Audi allroad: An elegant answer to the crossover wagon question
At the high end of the crossover SUV segment, Audi's allroad quattro wagon/SUV offers classic luxury car looks, combined with off-road abilities and a sumptuous interior. allroad resembles a larger version of Audi's 'Avant' station wagons. Front and rear bumpers give a rugged edge to the vehicle's smooth lines; large tires and dual exhaust pipes look sporty.
allroad has an adjustable ride-height suspension that lets drivers raise or lower the vehicle to avoid obstacles in the road. The lowest ground clearance height - Level One - is 5.6 inches. Designed for traveling at speeds of 75 miles per hour or more, the low setting increases the vehicle's aerodynamics on the highway. Level Two allows a ground clearance of 6.6 inches, which is best for driving on paved road surfaces at speeds of up to 75 mph. Level Three raises ground clearance to a 7.6 inches for driving on rough urban and rural roads at 50 mph or less. Level Four lifts the car to 8.2 inches for very rough terrain at speeds under 22 miles per hour.
allroad is available with a standard 2.7-liter turbo or a 4.2-liter engine. The 2.7 T produces 250 horsepower and 258 lb. ft. of torque and can be mated to either a six-speed manual gearbox or a five-speed Tiptronic. automatic transmission. When matched with the six-speed manual, 0-60 mph time is a remarkable 6.8 seconds. The 4.2-liter engine makes 300 horsepower and 280 lb.-ft. of torque, and comes with the five-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission; 0-60 time is 6.9 seconds.
Fuel efficiency is not as strong as the smaller crossover wagons: the 2.7 T delivers 14.8 mpg on the highway, 9.4 mpg in the city with the manual transmission, and those numbers fall slightly for the automatic transmission. EPA ratings for the 4.2-liter model are not available.
Inside, allroad seats seven adults and up to 73.2 cubic feet of cargo area with a 60/40 split-fold rear seat. Seats provide firm lateral support and offer 12-way power adjustability for driver and front passenger, including power lumbar adjustment and dual climate controls.
Standard features include power sunroof, windows and locks, and leather trim. The standard audio system is a 140-watt AM/FM stereo with six-disc in-dash CD changer. A 200-watt premium Bose® sound system with subwoofer is optional, as is a navigation system. In the rear, the cargo area includes a retractable cover, two-position retracting partition net, concealed storage compartments, portable air compressor with inline pressure gauge and auxiliary power outlet
Safety features include side-curtain and driver and front passenger airbags, as well as side airbags built into the front seatbacks are all standard. Side airbags for rear passenger protection are optional. ABS and the Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP.) are standard equipment. A first-aid kit and an emergency warning triangle are also standard.
With a price tag beginning at $39,900, the all-road is one of the more expensive options in the crossover wagon category, but its sophisticated design and bold exterior make it a terrific choice for the 'discriminating' customer.
The future of the sport utility wagon
A decade ago, buying an SUV was considered an alternative to the stodgy station wagons and boring minivans that had dominated the family vehicle market for years. Now, the new lineup of wagon/SUV crossbreeds offers the best of both worlds. This SUV sub-species is worth researching carefully if you are in the market for a new vehicle.
Crossover wagons are here to stay, and their numbers are growing. As the SUV devolves into a kinder, gentler, more nimble machine, the new breed will give wagons a place in American driveways once again. |
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