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This Buick provides its owners with an upscale feel at a budget price. While this vehicle has a variety of terrific qualities, what stands out most is its luxurious interior that appears to be fit for an SUV sold at double its price. That interior, matched with a timeless and classy exterior and a plethora of features that come standard gives it a top grade in terms of aesthetic appeal and comfort. For more environmentally friendly or frugal consumers, it should be noted that this vehicle gets 33 highway miles per gallon, giving it a far better fuel economy than most other SUVs. As for cons related to this vehicle, its engine leaves much to be desired in terms of raw power, and its cargo-hold may be a bit small for some potential SUV owners.
The Dodge Durango provides size, style and performance at a significantly lower price than most of its serious competitors. Its standard V6 engine offers its owners the power that many of the more affordable SUVs lack. For potential SUV owners who have large families or large carpools, this three-row SUV may be a perfect fit. When it comes to the Durango’s shortcomings, it only has modest carriage space for a vehicle of its size and is average with regards to fuel efficiency.
While this SUV hybrid is not substantially more fuel efficient than non-hybrid SUVs in terms of highway miles (33 miles per gallon), it offers its drivers terrific fuel efficiency on city roads (29 miles per gallon). Moreover, the fuel efficiency afforded to its drivers does not come at the expense of the vehicle’s style or comfort. Overall, the XV Crosstrek Hybrid is a great option for anyone who is looking for a stylish hybrid SUV that comes equipped with many standard features and has a great looking interior. The only real downside to this vehicle is that its carriage is fairly undersized.
The Mazda CX-5 is the perfect SUV for an individual looking for a stylish and sporty low-cost SUV. It is fairly fuel efficient (35 highway miles per gallon) and comfortable to drive, yet has an edge seldom seen in this class of SUV. If you are looking for a vehicle that is at least adequate in essentially all respects, yet possesses more flash than most other budget SUVs, the Mazda CX-5 should be at the top of your list of potential vehicles.
Although none of these options would leave you disappointed, there are plenty of SUV options out there if the cars above do not meet your particular preferences. Nevertheless, you would be well advised to strongly consider the vehicles noted above. Customers, critics and experts all agree that these vehicles provide their drivers with extraordinary experiences at a significantly lower price tag than many of their competitors. No matter which SUV you end up choosing, make sure to do your research beforehand.
When you say Honda, most people think about the dependability, and this auto maker’s reputation that has stood the test of time. The Honda CR-V is an economically priced, smaller SUV that is one of Honda’s best utility automobiles. Introduced in 1995, the manufacture is still rolling these cars off the line as fast as they can sell them. With a starting price of $22,945 and gas mileage of 23 in the city and 31 on the highway, it’s a bargain. This car is perfect for a family of four or under, and has a nice cargo area and plenty of upgrade options. Ranked #1 in inexpensive compact SUV’s, Honda did a spectacular job with this beauty.
When Ford first introduced the Explorer back in 1990, it started the SUV revolution. However, Explorer is known to be a gas hog and it is quite pricey for some families. The answer to this problem is the Escape. Ford began making this compact crossover in 2000. The new models have Flex-Fuel, which offers vast gas mileage savings. This vehicle ranks #7 in the most economical SUV’s and has nice add ons, like the hands-free lift gate. Starting price at $23,100 with gas mileage of 23 mpg in the city and 32 on the highway, the Escape is a great option for the spend-thrifty family.
Jeep is another name that people equate with quality and dependability. The Cherokee rolled off the lines in 1984. There are many trim packages available on this sports utility vehicle, so this does affect the price quite a bit. Once called the Jeep Waggoner, this car has had major transformations over the past three decades. First created for government and police use, their unique nature caught on and sales skyrocketed. With models like the Laredo, Grand, Briarwood and Classic, there is a great selection. The new 2014 models are priced at $22,995. With an excellent 4×4 package, this vehicle is made to tow boats and campers and for off-road fun. Gas mileage is 22 mpg in the city and 31 on the highway. Jeep is a part of the Chrysler Corporation, and they are known to be a quality SUV for the family.
They are compact and cute, but still considered an SUV. The Rav-4 was introduced in 1994 to rave reviews. This car was the answer to the prayers of those who couldn’t afford the larger ones, and really didn’t need the extra gas mileage. The Rav-4 is a smaller, more compact SUV, but it still has enough room to comfortably seat four. This car offered consumers what they wanted, four wheel drive, more cargo space and the fuel economy of a smaller vehicle. Some say that this small wonder paved the way for other compact SUV’s, like the Ford Escape and the Subaru Forester. The base price on this vehicle is $23,550. The average gas mileage is 24 mpg in the city and 31 on the highway. The Rav handles more like a car than most SUV’s, thus making it a great contender in the affordable category.
When Kia first started marketing vehicles in the US, some people were more than skeptical. Much has improved since the first cars rolled onto the lots. In 2002, Kia introduced the Sorento. While sales were a bit stagnate at first, new and improved body styles increased options and eventually sales. The third generation rolled out this year with a 3.3-liter GDI V6 engine. A bold choice of colors, and the Nappa leather trimmed seats, gave customers many luxurious choices. With standard front wheel drive and four wheel drive options, this mid-size crossover can compete with more expensive vehicles with ease. Price at $24,100, this auto gets 20 mpg in the city and 26 on the highway.
The first Subaru Foresters were cars that had eerie similarities to a station wagon. However, that was back in 1997 and the new 2014 models have expanded to quite an impressive crossover. These cars were always popular in areas where there was plenty of snow, like West Virginia. Part of the attraction was the all-wheel drive. They pretty much had the market on the all-wheel drive category for a car. Japanese made, these crossovers have a unique look and an excellent starting price at only $21,995. Subaru has some pretty expensive vehicles, but this one is surprisingly affordable. With gas mileage of 24 mpg in the city and 32 on the freeway, it gets good marks for affordability all the way around. There are eight trim packages available in all, and this car seems to still have a strong following in rural communities.
Introduced in 2007, the Nissan Rogue is not a crossover that got a great deal of attention until now. However, it has some pretty great features and a great price point starting at $23,650. Average fuel costs are 25 mpg in the city and 33 on the highway. It was a top pick for safety in crash test ratings, which makes it a great option for families. An amazing 70.0 cu. ft. of cargo space is not too bad either. The 2014 model was voted the fifth most popular SUV in the country. With four trim levels, and a sporty look that is unique to other vehicles in this class, this one stands out from the rest.
The 2014 BMW X5 has all the power any SUV driver needs, especially if they opt for the X5 with xDrive501. The 445-hp, 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine can take this intriguing 2.5-plus-ton SUV from a standing start to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds. An amazing feat. It’s also a blast to put this vehicle through its paces. For those who don’t want to shell out the additional $13k plus for the xDrive501 package, the X5 with xDrive35i with its 300 horsepower turbocharged inline-six delivers an eyebrow-raising 300 lb-ft of torque. More than enough to get you where you want to go in a hurry.
The powerful BMW X5 also gets decent gas mileage no matter which model you choose. The X5 50i gets an EPA estimated 14 mpg in the city and a respectable 22 mpg when cruising on the highway. The BMW X5 35i gets even better millage. According to the EPA, the 35i averages 17mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. That’s excellent for a vehicle with its size and power. Plus it’s quiet and smooth. Its boosted 3.0 liter engine delivers near instant throttle response and its 8-speed automatic transmission takes full advantage of it whether passing slower vehicles or simply zipping along.
When you add electronic power steering augmented by the new BMW active steering feature, the vehicle handles like a dream. This is definitely a driver’s automobile. The power steering system allows drivers to feel the road, yet control the vehicle with ease. It also lets drivers experience the agility of this beautiful beast. In fact it’s the way this BMW handles that often makes buyers hurry up and sign on the dotted line. They can’t wait to put the X5 on the road and enjoy it out in the real world whether whipping into a parking space or weaving through traffic.
The interior of the new BMW X5 is wonderful. Its heated leather seats not only feel good, they provide superior back support. Plus the seats adjust every which way and are sure to make both driver and passengers so comfortable they can ride all day. In this third generation X5 BMW has employed high-quality sound-absorbing materials that keeps the interior so quiet you barely need to talk above a whisper to be heard even at top speed. The dark colored décor makes grass, grease, and mud disappear in this Sports Activity Vehicle as BMW calls it.
There’s lots of room inside the X5 for people and things. The second row seats can move forward and back and fold flat to increase the cargo space. It has plenty of room to put luggage, camping gear, balls, bats, and pads for those with sport’s enthusiasts in their family. It roomy rear and power operated lift gate makes stacking the groceries a breeze when you have been out shopping alone. There is ample leg room so even tall, lanky, athletes can kick back and relax whether they are sitting in the front or the back. It’s the perfect vehicle for crusing with family and friends.
With the 2014 X5, BMW has not skimped when it comes to technology. From the tilting and telescoping steering column to the easy to see 10.2 inch navigational screen, it’s obvious BMW designed this vehicle with the passenger in mind. There’s an easy to use touch pad with Buttons that control all the basic functions, plus USB connectivity, a sweet audio system, Bluetooth and smartphone integration, power sunroof, and a host of active and passive safety features. All of this is in addition to BMW’s iDrive system. The interior also employs ergonomic elements to keep occupant safe and comfortable.
Besides offering all-wheel drive and Active Steer on all models, BMW also has a number of special packages leasers can add to their vehicles for a modest fee. The Driver Assistance package has a rearview camera and head-up display. The Driver Assistance Plus includes active drive assist, cruise control, blind-spot detection, and 360-degree surround view. The Luxury Line package contains roof rails, sport steering wheel, and 19-inch wheels. Purchase the Lighting package and you get automatic high beams and full LED lights.
There is also a Cold Weather package which boasts a heated steering wheel and rear seats along with retractable headlight washers. If you select the Premium package you get satellite radio, auto door closures, and keyless entry. There are also a host of other goodies just waiting to be discovered as you explore the world in your new 2014 BMW X5. Its flexibility and styling make it perfect for taking Cinderella to the ball or hanging with the guys at the ballgame.
Heading into dangerous territory? Take the BMW X5 Security. Built to meet the VR4 ballistic protection level, it even has an intercom which lets you talk to those outside your X5 without rolling down your window, and the power and speed to get you out of there quickly. The 2014 BMW X5’s third generation SUV is lighter and has added a rear-drive model. Their diesel model will be released in the U.S. soon.
There are lots of reasons to lease the 2014 BMW X5. When you consider its new aerodynamic body, eight-speed automatic transmission, adjustable suspension modes, enhanced dampers, active anti-roll system, and advanced telematics, and leasing it looks like a brilliant move.
Top SUV’s are rated according to three specific attributes: The quality of the manufacturer’s model, the reliability of the vehicle to sustain years on the road, and the resale value it maintains after it becomes a used car. If an SUV can meet your needs in each of these categories, it is one you can purchase confidently.
One quality option for those looking to purchase an SUV is the 2014 Toyota Rav 4. Toyota is well established as a quality, yet affordable auto maker with an excellent track record for satisfying its customers. The 2014 Rav 4 is no different. With a starting price in the mid $20,000 range and 29 mpg highway, the Rav 4 offers affordability both off the lot as well as down the road. Toyota brings the Rav 4 along a classy, stylish interior with leather style seating and push button start to exude luxury. As a 4 cylinder engine, you won’t be towing cruise ships anytime soon, but the majority of people will never come close. Crash testing has proven the Rav 4 to be an extremely safe vehicle, and Toyota is well known to produce quality products that often outlast the competition. On the downside, the Rav 4 is certainly not the most spacious vehicle, being classified as a “Compact Crossover” SUV. This leads to less capacity, and less overall “Utility” usage of the Sports Utility Vehicle package. Despite these drawbacks, the Rav 4 retains tremendous resale value; as all Toyota vehicles are known to do. For the budget minded SUV customer, the Rav 4 might be the way to go – but it is not the best.
If we look a little bit higher on the SUV option list, we would find the incredibly versatile and reliable 2014 Nissan Murano S SUV. At a price range entering the mid $30,000 level, the Murano comes with a higher budget. With that, however, comes great reward. Sporting a powerful V6 engine, rear-view camera and even a blind spot notification system, the Murano steps up the game in terms of power and applicability. An excellent navigation system, many packages for towing and cargo, and even a highway mpg in the mid 20’s, Nissan offers an excellent option that can easily perform any duty an SUV could be called on to do. Nissan is known for its reliability, making the vehicle reliable years down the road with standard maintenance. If there is a downside, it is that Nissan vehicles tend to not retain resale value as well as some of their counterparts, as their name is only recently being considered in the more reliable and quality category of car makers. Despite this, it is hard to argue against the Nissan Murano being an excellent SUV to own, and one that will serve you well for years to come. But there is one SUV that stands above it, and it really shouldn’t surprise too many people.
When you think of excellent quality, reliability, resale value and even luxury, Mercedes-Benz has to be the complete picture of all that realized. With a lengthy history of quality car making in the rear-view, a dedication to perfection, and now a dedication to make such quality affordable, it is a no-brainer that Mercedes-Benz makes it to the top of the list. Starting in the mid $30,000 range and approaching 30 mpg highway, the Mercedes-Benz GLK seeks to solve every question your car search has produced. Running a strong V6 engine with a smooth, 7 speed automatic transmission, the GLK has power to walk hand in hand with top of the line luxury and economy. You know you have as reliable a vehicle you could ever dream of with a Mercedes, and lets be honest – it looks flat out stunning. As imagined, resale value is excellent, as its top of the line brand name carries quite a bit of weight in the automobile universe.
Though slightly pricier than the previous SUV’s discussed, the GLX remains affordable; quite a feat considering what you are getting for your money. The GLX is a top of the line SUV, and all it takes is a test drive to make the transition from considering to sold. The Best SUV of 2014 takes the crown with strength, style, luxury and economy; making it truly the SUV to be envied in its class.
When considering the best rated SUV of 2014 the choice is not black and white due to the three different size categories. With that in mind this article will compare apples to apples so to speak which should give everyone researching SUV’s a good point of reference for their research.
Besides the size category price is a consideration. Comparing a Mercedes to a Kia will not provide the information you need if you can only afford to purchase a Kia. Separating the SUV’s with an affordable label verses a luxury label will narrow down your search.
This is the fastest growing class of SUV’s and is gaining popularity with just about every segment of the population. These small vehicles are big on the interior and family friendly. The affordable price range is under $30,000.
1) Honda CR-V. The CR-V has been popular since its introduction and leads the field here. Plenty of room on the interior and lots of standard features to go with Honda quality.
2) Buick Encore. Buick’s compact entrant is classy and good looking. It comes with loads of features standard and an interior to be proud of. The engine is a bit under powered but it is not meant for off road driving.
3) Mazda CX-5. The CX-5 is the fuel efficiency leader of the group and makes it a good choice for that reason. The Mazda also has excellent handling that makes it a safe choice as well.
Luxury compact SUV’s start at $30,000 and includes the manufacturers you would expect. Top level interiors and increased engine performance are big bonuses in this category,
1) Infiniti QX50. This Infinity has great road handling ability and a powerful motor. The interior is in line with Infinity’s high standards but is considered by some to be undersized.
2) Audi Q5. The Q5 is German engineering at its best. Agile handling to go with a nicely powered engine makes the Audi a good choice. Standard luxury interior make for enjoyable drives through the countryside.
3)BMW X3. The X3 has one of the roomiest interiors in this class and is a leader in fuel efficiency. More than enough power from the engine is balanced by the nimble handling.
With a starting price range of below $40,000 this group of SUV’s has maintained a good portion of the market share.
1)Buick Enclave. Buick gets the nod in this category also. The Enclave has refined interior features and superior agility on the road. Add in high safety scores for the win.
2) Hyundai Santa Fe. Hyundai sneaks in at number two with the most affordable of all the choices. Nice ride, loaded with standard features, and a great warranty makes this a good choice.
3) Jeep Grand Cherokee. The Grand Cherokee is the only real off road winner in this category. A roomy comfortable interior helps balance the rough ride common with Jeeps.
This groups price starts at $40,000 but well equipped models can go for $65,000 or more.
1) Acura MDX. The MDX is an Acura through and through. Great handling, seven seat comfort, and excellent fuel economy for the class brings this SUV to the top of the class.
2)Lexus RX 350. If the RX 350 doesn’t have it you probably don’t need it. Spacious interior, especially the backseats, and highest rated dependability are two good reasons to choose this Lexus
3)BMW X5. This X5 was redesigned for this model year and the improvements are notable. Agile driving ability, elegant and stylish interior plus a wide choice of powerful engine options.
With a starting price of $55,000 these are where SUV’s began. Seeing the two most notable models in the top three should come as no surprise.
1) Chevrolet Tahoe. No surprise here. The Tahoe just keeps getting better and more driver friendly. Great power train and comfortable interior.
2)Toyota Sequoia. The Sequoia sneaks in between the big two with a spacious interior for hauling lots of family members and a smooth ride.
3)Chevrolet Suburban. This is the last model of this design and is an excellent choice for families. Plenty of room and power for vacations and trips to the soccer field.
For the families where luxury is paramount and money is a small consideration these SUV’s start at $55,000 and can top $100,000.
1)Mercedes-Benz GL-Class. The GL-Class sports a strong diesel engine and a refined interior. This SUV has everything you want.
2)Lexus LX 570. Lexus is a leader in the SUV category and this model is one of the main reasons. Elegant interior, smooth ride, and actual off road capabilities make this one of the very best.
3) Toyota Land Cruiser. Toyota may be showing that it wants a part of the luxury market with this model. At $75,000 it is near the top starting price of the bunch. The Land Cruiser was built for off road driving but has interior comfort and ride to make it family friendly.
The best rated SUV’s would not be complete without mentioning Hybrids.
1)Lexus RX 450h, As you would expect the 450h has great fuel economy. Combine that with a spacious interior and great reliability for the top choice here.
2) Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid. The Touareg has great reviews which puts it at number two. The lofty price puts it out of the range of many buyers.
3) Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid. Subaru’s all wheel drive gives this hybrid traction all year round. The quiet interior makes long drives pleasurable.
There are some fantastic crossover SUVs on the market right now that are not only affordable, but dependable and safe as well. When any type of SUV is considered, it is due to a desire for a vehicle that can handle various road and weather conditions, as well as haul various passengers and cargo. The Hyundai Santa Fe stands out for larger families. There are several trim packages. The Sport is probably the more popular and comes with a 2.4 liter four cylinder engine. This smaller engine still offers 190 horsepower without sending its owner to the gas station everyday. The Sport’s estimated miles per gallon is 29city/29hwy. Even the Sport 2.0T that has a turbo charged 2.0 liter engine and pulls 264 horsepower, has an estimated miles per gallon of 20city/27hwy. Not bad at all. The starting MSRP for the Sport is about 24,700 and the Sport 2.0T is 27,950.
All of the Santa Fe models come with some basic features such as Bluetooth and iPod capabilities, spacious interiors, satellite radio, and an optional navigation system. However, as stated earlier, families tend to look at some essential things like safety and room, before the other perks. Although the Sport trims are nice they do only seat a maximum of five. If your family is looking to only haul people, and if you are a family of five, and are never planning on having a guest within your vehicle, then the sport is ideal. We all know that scenario is not likely, but for a family of 3-4, the Sport would work nicely. Luckily Hyundai offers a GLS and Limited version for their 2013 Santa Fe. The only true difference is the seating. The GLS can seat up to seven, but the Limited only seats up to six. The reason for this is due to the second seat row in the Limited, now has two captain chairs. Basic perks and options are basically the same across the board for all trim models of the Santa Fe, however, the panoramic sunroof that is offered on the other models is not on the GLS. The GLS has a starting MSRP of 28,350 and the Limited is 33,100. Both have a 3.3 liter V6 engine and a miles per gallon of 18city/25hwy can be expected. This is a decent miles per gallon, and you can still enjoy the subtle yet thrilling feel of 390 horsepower.
The big thing now is safety. All models come with anti lock brakes, and traction and stability control. That will guarantee a safer ride on wet or icy roads. The government front and side crash rating for the Santa Fe earned an impressive five stars. The side, curtain, and front airbags are large contributors to that rating, as well as the descent control and what is called “hill hold”.
Standard on all models is Blue Link which is Hyundai’s emergency system. It includes numerous services that include remote access and theft recovery.
Overall the Santa Fe, regardless of model, is the ideal SUV for larger families. There are other comparable SUVs, but none with all of the things in one that families tend to look at. The Hyundai Santa Fe offers affordability, roominess, and safety.
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