Sporks On Wheels: The Most Useful Features in Crossover SUVs
When shopping for a crossover for the family, it’s easy to become overwhelmed with the 30-plus products on the market, let alone be able to hone in on what really separates one from the other in terms of how family-friendly they are.
One way to approach this is to take a look at some of the different features available that are not only nifty, but also neat and, in some cases, nimble (Hint: fold-away rear seats, power liftgates). Here’s a quick look at some of them.
Ford Flex
With seating for up to seven, the 2013 Ford Flex boasts a lot of family-friendly features and storage space galore. The Flex has a standard center armrest with interior storage, 10 cup holders, an overhead console with sunglasses holder, hooks for grocery bags in the cargo area, a rear pull-out drawer with cup holders and storage, and a 50/50 split-folding third-row seat. Neat options include a class-exclusive second-row refrigerated console and 40/40 second-row reclining seats with power folding release. The exterior can be outfitted with optional roof racks and carriers and a power liftgate.
Ford Escape
The new 2013 Ford Escape has more cargo space than the previous model and includes numerous clever spots for hiding and toting various family paraphernalia. These include umbrella holders on the seats, a hidden floor bin in the second row, and ticket holders in the sun visors.
The rear seats fold back easily with the push of a button and a lever release to provide sufficient space for luggage, ski bags or a bicycle. Loading and unloading is a snap with the available hands-free power liftgate. All that’s necessary is a gentle kicking motion under the center of the rear bumper and the liftgate automatically opens or closes. The system has an internal safeguard built in so that the liftgate cannot open or close if an animal darts underneath the bumper or when the vehicle is in motion and hits a bump in the road.
Other useful storage and convenience features include eight cupholders; USB ports in the center console and a 110-volt inverter located in the back of the floor console for easy plug-in of laptops, cell phones or other electronics; a center console space to hold a one-liter bottle, CDs or an MP3 player; a card holder below and a stowage bin above the center of the instrument panel, and a rear cargo management system. Check out more about the clever storage spaces in the 2013 Escape in the video below.
Ford Explorer
The seven-passenger 2013 Ford Explorer has a first-row center floor console with arm rest and storage bin, overhead console with sunglasses holder, and cargo hooks. Optional features include a cargo cover for the interior and roof rail crossbars for the exterior.
Have a connected family? The Explorer offers a media hub that tucks into the center console. It bundles two USB ports, a set of RCA jacks for gaming systems, and an SD card slot for music or data.
Honda CR-V
The compact, five-passenger 2012 Honda CR-V features a handy upper and lower glove compartment, a conversation mirror with sunglasses holder that allows the driver to check on the kids in the back seat without turning around, eight cup holders, a retractable tray table, an under-seat storage bin, and cargo area tie-down anchors. Optional interior features include a dual-deck storage shelf and a rear entertainment system with seven-inch display, DVD player, wireless headphones and remote. The exterior can be optioned with a short roof box, roof rack, or skateboard, surfboard, ski, and bike or kayak attachments.
Honda Pilot
The three-row, eight-passenger 2012 Honda Pilot SUV has 10 cup holders, cargo area tie-down anchors and cargo area bag hooks. Available as options are a conversation mirror with sunglasses holder, cargo area dividers, cargo cover and interior bike attachment. On the exterior, the Pilot offers an available roof rack, attachments for ski, snowboard, surfboard, bike and kayak, soft roof cargo bag, hitch mountain bike attachment, and a power liftgate with lift-up glass hatch.
Kia Sportage
The 2013 Kia Sportage provides a center console with armrest and storage, fold-away rear-center armrest with dual cup holders to help keep things tidy in the cabin, Optional features include a cooling glove compartment and cargo cover. Roof rails can be added to the exterior of the Sportage for even more toting capability.
Mazda CX-5
New this year, the 2013 Mazda CX-5 has more room for gear and passengers than before, plus a driving position that’s nearly perfect. The load bay is long and low for easier access. And, while the single-pull release mechanisms for the 40/20/40 split rear seat back cushions requires the rear head rests to be removed first before folding, Mazda provides two dished trays outboard of the load area into which these headrests neatly fit.
For busy families always on the go, one really family-friendly feature has to be the door bottoms that extend down and around to cover the door sill. This keeps dirt, rain, slush and snow off the sill—and off driver and passenger feet, shoes and clothing.
Toyota RAV4
This compact 2012 Toyota RAV4 crossover can seat five comfortably, or it can be optioned with a third row, although that makes it cramped except for small children. Nifty standard features include multi-function center console with cup holders, cell phone pocket and center console, dual glove box, and an under-floor storage compartment in the cargo area. Optional features include a cargo cover and a 120V AC power outlet, while the top-line Limited model can be optioned with leather seating, heated front seats and a rear-seat entertainment system—to keep the kids happy and occupied during family trips.
Cadillac SRX
The 2012 Cadillac SRX luxury crossover features a unique rear compartment Cargo Management system featuring a segment-exclusive U-Rail track system with adjustable cargo fence to separate and hold items in place when the SRX is in motion. When not in use, the cargo fence can be removed, retracted and secured beneath the load floor. An optional area divider, organizer or cargo net can be used in place of the tubular fence. Bungee cords or nets can be easily connected to the four steel loops in the corners of the compartment. A waterproof bin is located in the rear compartment load floor and provides a space to house damp or dirty items following a family beach outing, serves as a cooler or a spot to secure small items out of view.
The rear programmable liftgate makes loading and unloading easy, allowing convenient access to more than 29 cubic feet of storage space behind the second row seats. That’s enough to hold four rolling suitcases, sports equipment and other sundry items. Fold flat the 60/40 split-rear seats and the cargo capacity increases to more than 61 cubic feet, enough to easily accommodate a baby stroller or bike.
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
The First Years Car Seat Integrates First Parental Alert System
Child safety in the car just got a welcome boost as TOMY, the manufacturer of The First Years car seat, unveiled the first parental alert system available from any car seat manufacturer.
The system alerts parents of potentially life-threatening situations to their child passengers, such as:
- The child seat is not installed correctly.
- The child becomes unbuckled or wriggles loose while the car is in motion.
- The child is inadvertently left in the vehicle after the parent or caregiver leaves the vehicle.
- The child is at risk of injury or death due to heatstroke or extreme cold temperatures in the vehicle.
Called The First Years IAlert, the safety monitoring and alert system is seamlessly incorporated into The First Years IAlert Convertible Car Seat, a new product coming out this fall from the company within The First Years True Fit Convertible Car Seat line. The First Years car seat line is for use with children weighing from 5 to 65 pounds.
The First Years brand has been recognized by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA’s) and awarded its 5-Star Ease-of-Use Rating. Currently in prototype stage, when The First Years IAlert Convertible Car Seat is ready it will be submitted to the NHTSA for their testing as well.
Easy to use
Getting the alert system ready to go is quite simple and only takes minutes. Just download the mobile app and set up the prompts for the IAlert system.
The system enables monitoring of the child’s car seat, and notifies parents via smartphone if the rear-facing car seat is not installed at the desired angle, if the child becomes unbuckled or gets out of the seat when the car is moving, if the parent or caregiver leaves the child in the car after reaching their destination, or if the temperature in the back seat becomes dangerously hot or cold.
Check out the video below to see how The First Years IAlert system works. The First Years IAlert Convertible Car Seat will be available at retailers this fall. Pricing for the new car seat will be released closer to launch.
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
2012 Honda Civic: Recall Alert
Honda is conducting a voluntary safety recall of certain 2012 Civic compact cars over concerns about potentially faulty driveshafts.
A notice on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) site lists the potential number of affected vehicles at 50,190. Documentation from Honda (PDF) indicates that approximately up to 8.4 percent of the vehicles in the recall may contain the condition.
The problem
The NHTSA bulletin says that during assembly of certain 2012 Civics, the process required to seat the driver’s side driveshaft and set the retaining clip was not completed. As a result, the driveshaft may separate.
If separation occurs, the engine will no longer be able to propel the vehicle in any gear and the vehicle may roll away if the parking gear has not been set when the gear selector was placed in Park position. This situation increases the risk of vehicle crash and injury.
In a statement, Honda said that it has not received any reports of crashes or injuries related to this issue.
What Honda will do
Honda will notify owners of affected 2012 Honda Civic coupes and sedans to take their vehicles to an authorized Honda dealer to have the driver’s side driveshaft inspected and replaced, if necessary, at no charge. The Honda safety recall campaign is expected to begin on or about June 21, 2012.
In the meantime, owners of 2012 Honda Civic coupes and sedans with any questions or concerns may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009. Reference the Honda safety recall campaign No. S40. In late June, owners of these vehicles will be able to go online to www.recalls.honda.com to determine if their vehicles require repair.
Owners of vehicles involved in the campaign may also contact the NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or go to http://www.safercar.gov. Reference the NHTSA campaign ID No. 12V256000.
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
2013 Hyundai Elantra GT Priced From $19,170
The 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT made its world debut in February at the Chicago Auto Show. Now, pricing on the new hatchback's been released, and the South Korean automaker is asking $19,170 for the standard GT, before options but including destination.
The GT is the third model to spin from the latest Elantra lineup, which includes the 2012 North American Car of the Year, the Elantra sedan, and the new Elantra Coupe. The five-door shares some running gear with the sedan, but has its own style and Hyundai says, the best gas mileage in a class that includes the Ford Focus, Subaru Impreza, and VW Golf.
The Elantra GT comes with Hyundai's latest 1.8-liter four-cylinder standard, with a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions sending power through the front wheels. Like the Elantra Coupe, however, the Elantra GT doesn't match the sedan's 40-mpg EPA highway fuel economy rating, which could mean an asterisk of Hyundai's own when it comes to marketing its class-leading gas mileage. The GT earns EPA-estimated ratings of 39 mpg highway with either gearbox.
Hyundai's made several changes to give the GT a more sporting character than the base sedan and coupe. The GT gets Driver Selectable Steering, which alters the electric power steering system's responses to cover a wider range of sport, comfort, and "normal" responses than the single-mode steering on the other versions. The GT also gets its own suspension settings, with stiffer rear springs and Sachs shocks. A choice of tire sizes parallels a choice in suspension packages.
According to Hyundai, the Elantra GT is the lightest car in its class, with more passenger and cargo room than the Focus and Golf, and better aerodynamics than the Impreza and Golf. It's also fitting the Elantra GT with a lot of standard equipment to justify the nearly $20,000 sticker price: each one comes with satellite radio; a USB port; power windows, locks, and mirrors; steering-wheel audio controls; Bluetooth; and cruise control.
For $2,750 more, the GT Style package adds on 17-inch wheels, a sport suspension, panoramic sunroof, aluminum pedals, and leather seating and steering-wheel trim. A Technology package runs $2,350, and includes a rearview camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, automatic headlamps, and a navigation system--and can only be added along with the style package.
With automatic-equipped cars, the base price rises to $20,170, and the package prices remain the same. With both, the six-speed automatic Elantra GT is priced from at least $25,270--still substantially less than a fully loaded Ford Focus Platinum.
We'll be driving the Elantra GT, along with the Elantra Coupe and Veloster Turbo next week. Stay tuned for driving impressions on June 25 or before--and until then, catch up with our full review of the 2013 Hyundai Elantra sedan.
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
2013 GMC Terrain Denali Priced From $35,350
The plush new 2013 GMC Terrain Denali goes on sale in the fall wearing a base price of $35,350, including destination.
GMC will offer two powertrains in its most luxe compact-crossover SUV for the new model year. Last year's 264-horsepower, 3.0-liter V-6 has been axed from the model range entirely. The base 2.4-liter, 180-horsepower four-cylinder is offered in the Denali as a fuel economy and price leader, while the old six is replaced by a new 3.6-liter V-6, rated at 301 horsepower.
All Terrains come with a six-speed automatic and a choice of front- or all-wheel drive.
The base Terrain Denali price increases to $37,100 when all-wheel drive is specified. Adding the V-6 to the front-drive model pushes the price to $36,850, while nudging the AWD model to $38,600.
Terrain Denali V-6 crossovers also get 19-inch wheels, bundled in with the cost of the engine.
The Denali edition carries all the standard features found on the base Terrain, except where upgraded. Added to its blocky, bluff styling are a mesh grille and bright trim all over the mirrors, door sills, and tailgate. The cockpit gets its own seats with red stitching, wood trim on the dash and steering wheel, and a power passenger seat with eight-way controls.
Denali models get revised front shocks, and new or recently added safety features such as forward collision alert, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitors and rear cross-traffic alert systems are standard. On the features list, the Denali has a standard power tailgate, garage door opener, and Intellilink, the connectivity suite that links mobile apps like Pandora to the Terrain's audio and Bluetooth controls.
Options on the Denali include a tow package; navigation; a rear cargo cover; and roof rails.
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
2013 Buick Verano T: It Stands For Turbo, But It’s Silent
Turbocharged fours are the new V-6s, at least among compact and mid-size sedans. For the 2013 model year, the Buick Verano jumps on the forced-induction bandwagon, but it does it in a discreet way--making the "T" in turbo silent.
Silent, in that it's badged subtly, without reference to the added power under the hood, even though the new Verano T turns the smallest Buick into a much more energetic performer, according to preliminary performance figures. With its 2.4-liter, 180-horsepower four-cylinder, the standard Buick Verano is an adequate performer, if not too exciting. It accelerates to 60 mph in 8.6 seconds, and earns EPA ratings of 21/32 mpg.
The Verano T? It's downsized in displacement to 2.0 liters, but uprated to 250 horsepower, with peak torque of 260 pound-feet on tap from as low as 1,700 rpm to 5,500 rpm, or most of the way to redline. With the new power levels, delivered through either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic, the Verano T is estimated to hit 60 mph in 6.2 seconds--or less--and top speed is tire-limited to 129 mph.
With the boost, the Verano joins a movement that's seen some even bigger sedans go four-cylinder only--sedans like the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, the 2013 Ford Fusion, and the current Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima. But while the turbocharged four is expected to earn highway fuel economy of about 30 mpg, it will won't match the top gas-mileage numbers in the mid-size or compact class. The larger 2013 Nissan Altima four-cylinder earns 38 mpg on the highway; the bigger Buick four-doors now both have eAssist mild-hybrid technology standard, giving both the Regal and LaCrosse 36-mpg highway fuel economy.
Buick says the Verano T is aimed at buyers wanting stronger power, not a high-strung driving experience. Steering and suspension settings are changed to give the Verano T its own driving character, but the tweaks aren't radical. The mechanical changes include retuned front shocks that are said to stiffen the ride less than 10 percent, while they manage the turbo four's nearly 100 pounds of additional weight on the front end. The electric power steering has revised tuning and remapped assistance levels; together they're intended to give it a firmer feel more in common with Japanese and German competition.The Verano T's notable for what it didn't require: no aggressive air intakes were needed for better turbo breathing, there's been no change to the 235-series tires, and no changes to the rear Watt's-link suspension, either. It's specifically not a sport sedan in the mold of the Regal GS; Buick's engineering and marketing team feels there's a need for exactly one of those vehicles.
It's unlikely any more powerful Veranos are in the works, but, that said, the Verano T could have some backward compatibility. There's no official decision, but the changes wrought on the turbocharged sedan are clearly going over well enough that there's talk of applying them to the base car. For example, the ZF-sourced electric power steering system stores up to seven profiles used by GM vehicles around the world; switching base cars to Verano T spec could be as simple as a firmware upgrade.
As the new top-line model, the Verano T gets the usual added standard features. They include dual exhausts; sport pedals; a small trunklid spoiler; and features from the Verano's leather and convenience packages, including Bose audio, heated seats, and a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel.As for the rest of the Verano lineup, the normally aspirated sedans earn some minor changes for the new model year as well. Intellilink, the app-connectivity suite, is now standard on all Verano sedans, as is a rearview camera, and Intellilink now connects to the available navigation system when it's fitted. Blind-spot monitors with cross-traffic alerts are now bundled in the convenience, leather, and premium packages, and pushbutton start is available. A new FamilyLink feature lets subscribers ping the vehicle to find out where drivers might be--it's opt-in, for those with location-privacy concerns.
And finally, two new colors are added: Luxo Blue Metallic and Carbon Black Metallic.
The Verano's a quiet, well-executed piece, but it's been a difficult car to peg in traditional segments. It's a more luxury-minded choice than other compacts, and one of the most fully developed and best-priced options in a class of also-rans that counts the new Acura ILX and the more pleasing TSX; the outgoing Volvo S40; the pricey Audi A3; and non-premium-brand sedans like the Honda Civic and Volkswagen Jetta.
The 2013 Verano T goes on sale in late 2012, with pricing yet to be announced.
Full disclosure: We've driven prototypes of the new 2013 Buick Verano T, but the prototypes are still in the final phases of engineering and approval. So while we've driven the car in this form, we've been asked to hold driving impressions until later this year when production cars are available. Stay tuned for seat time with us in the Verano T this fall--and until then, for more information on the current four-door, see our full review of the 2012 Buick Verano.
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
2013 Family SUVs And Crossovers: Buyer’s Guide
Do you need to shuffle varied numbers of people and amounts of cargo from one place to another, daily? If you've done some shopping around you know that it can be tough finding just the right crossover or SUV to fit the bill, in terms of price, features, versatility, safety, and styling. For 2013, there are a number of redesigned vehicles to consider, ranging from compact family SUVs and crossovers all the way to full-size family-friendly haulers.
Compact
2013 Buick Encore
With the addition of the 2013 Buick Encore to the brand’s expanding lineup, Buick is targeting its all-new compact luxury crossover against the BMW X1 coming soon and the Audi Q3, which may not be far behind. One point worth noting, in terms of cargo capacity that’s important to family crossover buyers, is that the Encore has 48.4 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded down, and 18.8 cubic feet with them up.
Inside the Encore, the “terrific looking” dashboard seems to flow into the door panels. A standard seven-inch color LCD display works with the available navigation system and Buick’s IntelliLink voice activated system, which will be standard.
But families will really appreciate the Buick QuietTuning or active noise cancellation feature. Whether on a long ride or during hops around town, the cabin of the Encore is supremely quiet. And QuietTuning is standard in all Encore models.
Safety-conscious families will note the ten standard airbags, cornering brake control, and brake assist. Optional safety technology includes rear vision camera, front and rear park assist, forward collision alert and lane departure warning.
2013 Ford Escape
The all-new 2013 Ford Escape compact crossover gets high marks from our editors, who rate it an 8 (out of 10), especially for its tight new styling, taut ride and handling, and high estimated gas mileage. “After eleven years, a changeup: the 2013 Ford Escape drops the faux-SUV pitch and reels off authentically athletic looks and performance.”
The new Escape also has more cargo space than the previous model and includes numerous clever spots for hiding and toting various family paraphernalia. These include umbrella holders on the seats, a hidden floor bin in the second row, and ticket holders in the sun visors. And the new hands-free tailgate option opens and closes the hatch with the swing of a foot.
Other stellar attributes of the Escape include best-in-class safety technology, from standard stability and curve control to optional rearview camera, parking sensors, active park assist and blind spot monitors with cross-traffic alerts.
2013 Mazda CX-5
The 2013 Mazda CX-5, Mazda’s first all-new crossover in some time, replaces the now-discontinued Tribute and is aiming to take on the likes of the new 2013 Ford Escape, the redesigned 2012 Honda CR-V, the Toyota RAV4 and the Chevrolet Equinox.
Our editors found the CX-5 to be one of the best-handling crossovers they’ve driven, while also lauding its smart, sporty styling, comfortable and well-bolstered front seats, and more-than-adequate room in the back seat for six-foot adults.
The load floor is long and flat and the 40/20/40 split rear seat has a clever folding arrangement. The only drawbacks seem to be somewhat sluggish acceleration and the fact that the CX-5 only has six airbags, when some competitors are offering up to ten. All in all, though, our editors rate the 2013 Mazda CX-5 an overall 7.4 (out of 10).
2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
Derived from its Impreza half-sibling, the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek compact crossover is an all-new model name making its first appearance in the company’s product portfolio. As with nearly every Subaru, the XV Crosstrek will come with standard all-wheel drive, a feature increasingly popular with American consumers, and will arrive at dealerships sometime this summer.
But this is no Impreza clone. The XV Crosstrek achieves its separation by starting with larger 17-inch wheels and a higher 8.7-inch ground clearance than the 5.9 inches standard on the Impreza. The front disc brakes are also bigger.
Exterior styling notable in the XV Crosstrek includes the new front grille and fascia and new rear bumper design, along with a different rear spoiler, standard roof rails and tinted glass.
On the inside, the specs of the XV Crosstrek are not much changed from the Impreza. With the 60/40 split-rear folding seat down, there’s 52.4 cubic feet of cargo space. A removable rolling cargo cover, tie-down loops, grocery bag hooks and waterproof tray are other familiar Subaru features.
Available in well-equipped Premium and Limited models only (no base), the XV Crosstrek has optional power moonroof and a navigation system with a 6.1-inch touchscreen. The All-Weather package, including heated front seats and exterior mirrors and a wiper de-icer is optional on Premium and standard on Limited.
Mid-size
2013 Ford Explorer Sport
Ford adds excitement this year to the Explorer lineup with the addition of the 2013 Ford Explorer Sport, billed as the first-ever performance version of the Explorer. What’s different? Start with 350-horsepower 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine mated with a six-speed automatic transmission. In the words of our editors, the Explorer Sport is “basically an Explorer SHO.”
There are also new styling details: the Explorer name appears on the front of the vehicle, new wheels and polished tips on the high-performance exhaust. Other Sport features include rearview camera, 4WD with Terrain Management system, front heated seats, 12-speaker Sony Premium Audio system with HD radio, and SYNC with MyFord Touch. Optional safety technology includes inflatable rear seat belts, Active Park Assist, and Blind Spot Information System with cross-traffic alert.
The 2013 Ford Explorer Sport, priced from $40,720, goes on sale late this year.
2013 Hyundai Santa Fe
There are not one, but two models of the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe mid-size crossover to appeal to growing and established families. There’s the two-row five-passenger Santa Fe Sport, out first this fall, and the three-row Santa Fe suitable for seven passengers, available early next year. Both offer, in the words of our editors, “aggressive new styling, terrific fuel economy, and a ton of features for a reasonable price,” which translates to our 7.8 (out of 10) overall rating for the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe.
Hyundai’s BlueLink telematics system will be available and features remote start capabilities. BlueLink also incorporates navigation and Bluetooth streaming for apps such as Pandora, and it works in conjunction with a smartphone. Other features available on some models include push-button start, heated and cooled front seats, and automatic climate control. An optional panoramic sunroof adds to the feeling of openness.
The Hyundai Santa Fe Sport and Santa Fe will both be available in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. As for safety technology, all Santa Fe models have seven airbags, including side curtain airbags and a driver’s knee airbag. The three-row Santa Fe will offer the first Blind Spot Detection system in a Hyundai vehicle.
2013 Nissan Pathfinder
When it goes on sale this fall, the all-new 2013 Nissan Pathfinder mid-size crossover will be more car-like than truck-like, although it will still offer an available four-wheel drive traction system. But the biggest change, outside of its sleek exterior design, is the interior—Nissan actually calls it a full-sizer inside, and the packaging in the third row makes the sixth and seventh passenger seating much more accommodating. There’s also a panoramic roof on the list of features.
As for power, the Pathfinder will sport a V-6 engine paired with continuously variable transmission, a combination that Nissan says will produce a 25 percent better fuel economy on the EPA combined cycle that the 2012 model. The new Pathfinder’s aerodynamic body should also help with fuel economy.
Not much else has yet been released about the Pathfinder, but we’ll be covering it in more detail as information becomes available.
Full-size
Although not yet due for a complete redesign, the trio of General Motors full-size crossovers, the 2013 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia, do receive modest facelifts and freshening.
2013 Buick Enclave
Our editors find the 2013 Buick Enclave “one of the most distinctive and comfortable full-size crossovers,” and hail the “substantially upgraded interior” while giving it an overall 8.2 (out of 10) rating. Exterior changes include a new front fascia, new headlamp design and new hood. But it’s the interior that boasts the most change: new trim, materials, more soft-touch surfaces and ‘live stitching.’ The eight-passenger Enclave, along with its siblings, the Chevy Traverse and GMC Acadia, features the industry-first front-center airbag and, for the first time, available side blind-zone alert and rear cross-traffic alert systems.
2013 Chevrolet Traverse
The 2013 Chevrolet Traverse receives an updated exterior and interior, along with more infotainment options that our editors note are “the better to take on the Ford Flex and Explorer.” With an overall 8.0 (out of 10 rating), the three-row, seven-passenger Traverse, boasting 12 cupholders, innovative SmartSlide second-row feature, and 24.4 cubic feet of space behind the third row, is definitely a family hauler. The new front-center airbag will be standard on LT and LTZ, while the side blind-zone alert and rear cross-traffic alert systems will be standard on LTZ.
2013 GMC Acadia
Going on sale later this year, the 2013 GMC Acadia and Acadia Denali eight-passenger crossovers sport some new exterior design elements and technology and safety updates. On the exterior, the Acadia has a new three-bar grille, LED daytime running lamps, new taillight design, wraparound rear glass and a new rear spoiler. On the inside, the Acadia has upgraded soft-touch materials, French stitching, red ambient dashboard lighting, and the SmartSlide seating system standard. Also standard is the GMC Color Touch Radio, an infotainment system with capacitative touch controls and available IntelliLink and HD Radio. All GMC Acadia models feature the front-center airbag, while the side blind-zone alert and rear cross-traffic alert systems are standard on Acadia Denali and available on Acadia. A rear vision camera and six months of OnStar service are standard on all models.
2013 Mercedes-Benz GL Class
Designed for families seeking a three-row full-size SUV with the utmost in luxury, the all-new 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL Class offers more of just about everything: more room, power, safety and amenities.
Exterior styling, while subtle, is most apparent in the front end and is crisper and more angular than the 2012 model. Available in GL350 BlueTEC 4MATIC, GL450 and range-topping GL550 models, the GL Class is powered by a revised 240-horsepower, gasoline-fueled 3.0-liter turbodiesel, a 362-horsepower 4.7-liter twin-turbo V-8, and a 429-horsepower version of the same twin-turbo V-8, respectively.
A new seven-speed transmission, electric power steering and intelligent alternator management help increase fuel efficiency. Standard safety features include Collision Prevention Assist, Brake Assist, Attention Assist and Crosswind Stabilization.
On the inside, the new GL Class boasts increased shoulder, elbow and headroom in all three rows, and a third row power seat is now standard across the line. While the two upper models can be equipped with an On and Off Road package, the GL Class, in general, is ideally suited for long-distance highway cruising.
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL Class goes on sale this fall.
-----
For information on other SUVs and crossovers, by highest rated, price, MPG, year/model and popularity, go to our New SUVs/Wagons page.
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
2013: Infiniti Ups EX, FX SUVs to 37–But Drops G25 Sedan
It's a move that's been expected for more than a year--now, for the 2013 model year, two of luxury brand Infiniti's crossover SUVs will get an engine upgrade.
At the same time, the upscale division of Nissan will drop a slow-selling V-6 from its G sedan lineup.
Infiniti says the new model year will finally bring a higher-displacement engine to the EX and FX lineups. Last year, the EX35 and FX35 used a 297-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 found in many other Infiniti and Nissan vehicles. This year, both will swap up into the 3.7-liter version of the engine that's been available in other markets for a year or more. In these applications, the bigger six will make 325 horsepower--and will necessitate some badging changes, to EX37 and FX37, respectively.
Meanwhile, in the G sports-sedan lineup, Infiniti is dropping the base V-6 that joined the model range just last year. The G25 had been pitched as a more efficient, less costly model for the brand to sell against competitors like the Lexus IS 250 and front-drive luxury compacts like the Audi A3. Infiniti says sales of the G25 will continue through December of this year, or until dealer stocks are depleted.
The move will leave the Infiniti lineup without a lower-priced model, likely, until the arrival of its new compact front-drive vehicle sometime in 2015. That vehicle will share some of its architecture with the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class family.
Infiniti also has pruned the G37 Sport Appearance Edition and Limited Edition from the lineup for the 2013 model year. And in its G37 coupe/convertible range, the base Coupe has been deleted, while the pricey performance-oriented IPL G Convertible joins the lineup with a sticker of $61,495--more than $13,000 above starting prices for the two-door.
For more on these vehicles, see our full reviews of the 2012 Infiniti G25 sedan, FX sport-ute, and EX crossover.
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
2013 Ford Explorer Sport Priced From $40,720
It hasn't been confirmed by the usual routes, but the 2013 Ford Explorer Sport has been priced from $40,720 before destination charges and options, according to Ford's new-vehicle configurator site, updated this week.
The Explorer Sport takes the basic crossover package and puts a twin-turbocharged spin on it. With a 350-horsepower, 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 under its hood, the 2013 Explorer Sport promises performance like that of the Taurus SHO--but without those infamous initials stuck on its backside.
The Sport model comes standard with all-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic too, and Terrain Management controls that manage traction responses for surfaces from mud, to rocks, to sand, to pavement. The Sport model keeps the highest Explorer tow rating of 5,000 pounds, and gets more chassis and steering-system bracing and its own suspension tuning.
The outward changes stamp an "Explorer" name across the nose--like the "Flex" now etched on that crossover's face--and new wheels and polished exhaust tips.
The Sport's infotainment system includes standard SYNC, MyFord Touch, and a media hub with dual USB ports, an SD card slot and a set of RCA jacks. Safety equipment includes a standard rearview camera and options for blind-spot monitors, active park assist, and for a set of inflatable rear seat belts, new to the Ford lineup within the past year.
As for luxury touches, the Explorer Sport has power front heated seats; automatic climate control; and a Sony audio system with HD radio and 12 speakers. Options include a navigation system; a DVD entertainment system; remote start; a dual-pane sunroof; a power tailgate; a tow package; and adjustable pedals.
The Explorer Sport goes on sale late this year.
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
NPR’s "Click And Clack" Downshift Into Reruns
It's the end of an era at National Public Radio, and for car buffs everywhere that dedicated a few hours every weekend to listening to Tom and Ray Magliozzi, better known as Click and Clack, the Tappet Brothers.
The Magliozzis, who've been recording new Click and Clack shows for 25 years, announced on their radio show that this season marks the end of new broadcasts.
Tom, who turns 75 this month, is deemed responsible in a blog post on the duo's website, titled "Work-Averse Brother Decides that Even One Hour a Week Is Too Much"--though brother Ray admits it may be time to "stop and smell the cappuccino" after more than 1,200 recorded shows over the course of a quarter-century.
Car Talk started as a local Boston-area radio show in the 1970s, and was picked up by NPR in the 1980s. Callers have real questions about car repairs and maintenance, of course--but are subject to the brothers' comedy bits, puns, and multiple diversions and trips down memory lane as they wend their way toward a diagnosis of the problem.
The show's following attracts more than four million listeners each week, across more than 350 radio stations and the SiriusXM satellite radio network.
The Magliozzis will stop production of new radio shows in September of this year. Their print column will continue, and old radio shows will be reworked into new episodes.
Could they come back? A reunion's unlikely, the brothers say, but anything's possible.
"Right?" asks Ray?
"Absolutely not," says Tom. "My brother can go chase himself. I’m done."
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
