2009 Nissan Pathfinder LE 4X4

Nissan’s seven-passenger sport-utility vehicle appeals to active families.

By Nina Russin

2009 Nissan Pathfinder

When Nissan first rolled out the current Pathfinder for the ‘06 model year, product planners described the truck as a “decathlete.” In my opinion, the metaphor is a bit exaggerated. But the seven-passenger sport-utility vehicle is a good choice for buyers wanting Xterra‘s functionality, but with more interior space.

Last year Nissan refreshed the Pathfinder’s exterior styling and added a second engine choice: a 5.6-liter V8 available on the upscale LE model. This year side curtain airbags become standard on all models. The LE V6 tested gets a wheel upgrade as well, to eighteen-inch alloy rims.

Crisp ride and handling

The four-liter V6 engine on the test car is a stroked-out version of the block used in the Nissan Maxima, Altima, Murano and Quest. Though it has considerably less horsepower than the V8 (a block shared by Titan and Armada), my guess is that fuel economy is much better.

Nissan hasn’t announced fuel economy figures for the V8 Pathfinder, but other trucks using the block are thirsty. Average fuel economy for the four-wheel drive V6 truck is sixteen miles-per-gallon.

The six-cylinder engine on the test car falls a bit flat in twenty-to-fifty mile-per-hour acceleration, attributable to the truck’s curb weight: just under 5000 pounds. Towing capacity of six thousand pounds is well in excess of our ALV minimum standards. The V6 engine has plenty of low-end torque for off-road driving, and enough on the high end to pass other cars on the highway with ease.

The standard five-speed automatic transmission does a good job of downshifting for power without excessive shock. Speed sensitive rack-and-pinion steering has good on-center response, and no noticeable steering wheel play.

The Pathfinder is a body-on-frame truck, making it more robust for off-road driving and towing. Despite that, it doesn’t beat up its passengers. A fully-independent suspension with front and rear stabilizer bars is compliant enough for road trips, and sturdy enough for off-road trails.

Although its 112-inch wheelbase and 192-inch length limit the Pathfinder’s maneuverability on narrow trails, the truck has all the features necessary for negotiating uneven terrain. All models come with a skid plate under the radiator. Buyers can opt to add skid plates under the oil pan, fuel tank and transfer case.

A tow hook in front helps drivers who need to get towed out of an unexpected hole. Minimum ground clearance on the test truck is 8.8 inches: sufficient to clear most rocks or roots along the way.

A two-speed transfer case provides extreme low gears for off-road driving. The driver can switch between automatic, four-wheel drive high and low modes using a dial on the center console. A switch nearby turns off the vehicle stability control, so the driver can spin the wheels. The Pathfinder comes with a full-sized spare tire.

Versatile interior

The interior has everything active types look for: an abundance of power points, cup and bottle holders, navigation system, rear backup camera, and a configurable cargo area. There are three twelve-volt powerpoints up front and one in the cargo area.

A standard tilt steering wheel can be positioned low enough to stay out of the driver’s line of vision. Audio, Bluetooth and cruise controls buttons on the steering wheel are easy to use without taking one’s eyes off the road.

Two-position memory on the test truck allows multiple drivers to program in seat, mirror and pedal positions. Heated seats on the test truck will appeal to owners in cold climates. Tri-zone climate controls with four overhead vents keep all passengers comfortable in temperature extremes.

The seats are firm, with adequate lower lumbar support. As with many three-row trucks, legroom is adequate but not abundant for those sitting in back. Most adults will be comfortable in the second row, but the third row works best for kids.

I was surprised at how easy it is to get in and out of the back row. Running boards on the test truck make it less difficult to climb over the wheel wells. They also ease access to the roof rack for loading cargo up top.

There are several enclosed storage areas up front: a deep center console bin, and a two-piece glovebox. Audio, temperature and navigation controls on the center stack are easy to reach from either front seating position. The driver can adjust the rear temperature using knobs on the overhead console. A second set of knobs behind the center console allows people in back to do the same.

Configurable cargo area:

Despite its ground clearance, liftover height on the Pathfinder isn’t excessive. The average adult should have no problems loading items in back. A step pad on the rear bumper makes it easier to load items onto the roof rack.

Designers stashed a first aid kit in the liftgate: an item which can come in handy after a day of adventure on the trails.

There’s enough room with all three rows of seating in place to stash the weekly groceries and some small duffel bags. Designers also added a couple of cubbies to keep small items from shifting around.

The rear seats fold flat using a single release lever on the back of each seatback. With the rear seats folded down, there’s plenty of room to slide a bike in with the wheels off.  Folding the second-row seats flat is more complicated: the operation involves folding the seat cushions forward and then folding the seatbacks down.

Standard safety

The LE model comes standard with front, side and side curtain airbags, antilock brakes, and electronic stability control. The Pathfinder received a four-star federal crash test rating for frontal impacts, but only a three star rating for rollover collisions.

Base price on the Pathfinder LE is $38,510, not including a $780 delivery fee. Nissan manufactures the Pathfinder at its Smyrna, Tennessee assembly plant.

Likes: A well-equipped seven-passenger sport utility vehicle that meets our ALV towing, off-road and bicycle-friendly standards.

Dislike: Floor mats are a $155 option

Quick facts:

Make: Nissan
Model: Pathfinder LE 4X4
Base price: $38,510
As tested: $41,295
Horsepower: 266 Hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque: 288 lbs.-ft. @ 4000 rpm
Zero-to-sixty: N/A
Antilock brakes: Standard
Side curtain airbags: Standard
First aid kit: Standard
Bicycle friendly: Yes
Towing: Yes
Off-road: Yes
Fuel economy: 14/20 mpg city/highway
Comments: Base price does not include a $780 destination charge.

2009 Dodge Caliber SXT

Compact crossover vehicle with big functionality

By Nina Russin

2009 Dodge Caliber

Rising fuel costs and tightening pursestrings may be the Dodge Caliber’s ticket to fame. The compact crossover vehicle combines many interior features found in larger trucks with better fuel economy and value pricing.

The Caliber is available in three grades, and a choice of three four-cylinder engines with either a five-speed manual or automatic transmission.

Rear seats are easy to fold flat and extend the cargo floor, making the Caliber bicycle friendly. An optional MusicGate feature adds an extra set of speakers in back: the speakers flip down from the liftgate, providing open-air music for a tailgate party. An optional flashlight that stows in the headliner comes in handy during a roadside emergency.

Designers culled features from Dodge minivans to transform the Caliber’s interior into a mobile recreation room: chilled cupholders, a 115-volt inverter, 12-volt powerpoints, a two-part glove box, satellite radio and a MP3 plug-in.

This year Dodge adds an available hard drive for downloading music and photos, as well as navigation with real-time traffic updates.

Car-like ride and handling

The test car is the SXT grade with a continuously variable automatic transmission and four-wheel independent suspension. Average fuel economy is twenty-four miles-per gallon. Four-wheel disc brakes and four-channel antilock braking, previously part of an option package, are now standard equipment.

The two-liter engine has plenty of power for the average commuter’s needs. It won’t race down the dragstrip in under twelve seconds, but there’s enough low-end torque for merging onto the highway, and adequate power on the top end to pass cars on the highway.

A standard timing chain doesn’t produce any noticeable noise. Chains or more durable than timing belts: they don’t require replacement during the average lifespan of the vehicle, saving the owner a big chunk of money.

The fully independent suspension provides a car-like ride, yet keeps the chassis remarkably flat in the corners. I was pleasantly surprised by how well the Caliber handled a decreasing radius cloverleaf ramp at speed.

On-center feel is adequate, though not exceptional. Engineers kept steering wheel play to a minimum, even at low speeds. A thirty-five foot turning radius makes it easy to do the occasional U-turn.

The front pillar is rather thick, and protrudes out into the driver’s line of vision: it’s quite noticeable when cornering to the left, or watching for oncoming traffic. Visibility to the sides and rear is good, despite the car’s thick rear pillar.

A standard rear wiper keeps the back glass clear in rain and snow.

Brakes are firm and linear without being grabby. The upgrade to four-wheel discs will help drivers in wet weather climates: they work better in rain and snow than drums, and are easier to service.

Well-equipped interior

Chrysler designers excel at interior packaging. The Caliber’s high roofline makes it feel like a bigger car than it actually is.

Up front, standard cloth seats have manual adjustments. The seats are firm enough to provide adequate lower lumbar support. Standard heated seats make travel more comfortable for people who live in cold climates. A sliding armrest allows drivers of all sizes to find a comfortable position.

White face gauges are easy to read. An ambient temperature display in the odometer is handy for drivers who like to play outdoors. Standard stain-repellent fabric appeals parents with small children, or athletes coming home from the trails.

Temperature and audio controls on the center stack are reachable from either front seating position. The standard audio system is MP3 compatible. The standard audio system comes pre-wired for satellite radio: Chrysler throws in a year of free service to Sirius/XM.

A premium sound package on the test car upgrades the audio to a Boston nine-speaker system with steering wheel mounted audio controls. It also adds the MusicGate: two speakers that flip down from the liftgate to broadcast music outside the car.

A chilled cupholder in the center console keeps drinks cold. All of the cupholders in the car are big enough for water bottles.

The center console bin is large enough to hold a stack of compact disks. A 115-volt inverter on the front of the bin allows the front passenger to plug in a computer or video games.

A two-piece glovebox  has a huge lower bin: big enough to hold a small purse. A shelf inside stows the owner’s manual and other important paperwork. The upper bin is smaller, but has enough room for small books, maps, or electronic devices.

Legroom in the second row outboard seats should be adequate for the average adult, although taller men may feel cramped. Cupholders behind the center console and a floor tunnel eliminate all legroom in the middle. There is plenty of head and shoulder room.

Configurable cargo area

A strap on the outside of seat cushions releases the seatbacks and folds them flat to extend the cargo floor. With the second-row seats folded down, the Caliber easily meets our bicycle-friendly standards.

A standard tonneau cover hides items in back from prying eyes. The cover is removable for larger cargo. The Caliber’s undersize spare tire is located under the cargo floor.

Standard safety

Standard safety features on the SXT grade include antilock brakes, front and side curtain airbags.

Electronic stability program and daytime running lamps are part of a security package that also adds a trailer wiring harness and engine oil cooler.

Chrysler builds the Caliber at its Belvidere, Illinois assembly plant.

Likes: The front-wheel drive Caliber is a versatile, fuel-efficient crossover vehicle with a well-designed interior and configurable cargo area that easily meets our bicycle friendly standards.

Dislike: Electronic stability program is only available as part of an option package.

Quick facts:

Make: Dodge
Model: Caliber SXT
Year: 2009
Base price: $17,600
As tested: $21,465
Horsepower: 158 Hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque: 141 lbs.-ft. @ 5000 rpm
Zero-to-sixty: N/A
Antilock brakes: Standard
Side curtain airbags: Standard
First aid kit: N/A
Bicycle friendly: Yes
Towing: No
Off-road: No
Fuel economy: 23/27 mpg city/highway
Comments: Base price does not include a $630 destination charge.

2009 Chicago Auto Show

Niche Automakers Making Small Big

By Nina Russin

2009 Subaru Forster

At a time when small is returning to favor, niche automakers are following in their footsteps. Nowhere was this more apparent than the recent Chicago Auto Show media preview, where manufacturers shared their plans for weathering the current economic storm.

While most of the car companies are licking their wounds after a brutal drop in sales last year, Subaru celebrated a gain in market share.

Thanks to the successful launch of its Forester sport-utility vehicle, the Japanese automaker experienced a twenty-two percent increase in market share. Subaru set sales records for the Forester, Impreza and Legacy last year, giving the company its largest presence in the US market since 1982.

Subaru will unveil the fourth-generation Legacy later this year.

Buy back program inspires consumer confidence

Hyundai, the Korean automaker that many considered an upstart just a decade back, also fared well last year. In addition to continue its value-pricing strategy and ten-year warranty, Hyundai partnered with EFG, a Canadian company, to create the Hyundai Assurance Program.

Hyundai booth at the Chicago Auto Show

Hyundai will buy back cars from any new Hyundai owner who loses his or her job.

In a keynote speech to the Midwest Automotive Media Association, Hyundai Motors America CEO, John Krafcik said that the buy back program was an example of “thinking unconventionally” in what he described as revolutionary times.

Later that morning, Hyundai unveiled the Genesis coupe: a sporty partner to the highly successful sedan.

The coupe comes with a choice of a turbocharged four-cylinder or naturally-aspirated V-6 engine. The four-cylinder version, equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, averages thirty miles-per-gallon on the highway. Pricing starts at $22,000.

Track models of the Genesis coupe appeal to weekend racing enthusiasts with upgraded wheels and tires, Brembo brakes and a track-tuned suspension. The track models come with xenon headlamps and a rear spoiler: pricing for the four cylinder starts at $26,750; the six cylinder begins at $29,500.

A R-Spec Genesis coupe incorporates many of the performance features of the track models at a lower starting price, by paring away some of their standard comfort and convenience features.

The coupe rolls into dealerships this month.

New Kia compact sedan

Hyundai’s sister company, Kia, introduced a new compact sedan that replaces the Spectra, and competes against the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla and Mazda3.

2010 Kia Forte

The Forte carries forth Spectra’s sporty styling and handling, with technology upgrades such as Bluetooth compatibility, satellite radio, MP3 and iPod compatibility. Standard safety features include side curtain airbags, active front head restraints, and side mirrors with integrated turn signals. The Forte goes on sale this summer, to be followed by a yet undisclosed model. Could a five-door Forte be in the Kia skunkworks?

The Forte is the first Kia being produced at the manufacturer’s new assembly plant in West Point Georgia. Kia plans to build half of its American market cars at the Georgia plant by 2013.

Suzuki stays strong

Suzuki retail sales were stable last year, thanks to its wide base of automobile, motorcycle and marine customers. The 2009 Equator pickup appeals to those customers by providing an affordable means for towing and hauling.

2009 Suzuki Equator

The Equator comes in extended and crew cab configurations. Standard safety features include side curtain airbags and electronic stability control. The Equator tows up to 6500 pounds.

A RMZ4 off-road model adds skid plates and Bilstein shocks.

An integrated cargo bed system makes it easier to customize the Equator for hauling bikes and other large items.

Active lifestyles cubed

Nissan cube

The pint-sized Nissan cube is the latest in a series of box-shaped lifestyle cars that began with the Honda Element and Scion xB. The 2009 cube shares the automaker’s B platform with the Rogue.

Power comes from a 122-horsepower four-cylinder engine and six-speed manual or continuously variable automatic transmission. Its small footprint gives the cube great fuel economy: thirty miles-per-gallon on the highway.

A refrigerator-style rear door makes the cube’s tall cargo bay easy to load. Rear passengers sit slightly higher than the driver and front passenger for a better view of the road.

Despite its small size, the cube can comfortably fit four adult men inside: a few of my colleagues hopped into a display car at the preview just to make sure.

Available technology upgrades include keyless ignition, a Bluetooth hand-free phone system, satellite radio and a Rockford Fosgate audio system with iPod interface.

There are four trim levels, ranging from the base 1.8 cube to the edgy-looking 1.8 Krom. The Krom comes with standard antilock braking, six airbags and exclusive exterior trim, including sixteen-inch wheels, a rear roof spoiler, a special grille and front fascia.

Happy birthday Miata MX-5

2009 Mazda MX-5

Mazda introduced the first Mazda Miata at the 1989 Chicago Auto show, and has used Chicago as a launch point for several subsequent generations. At this year’s show, Mazda celebrated twenty years of MX-5 by breaking out the sushi, and a few bottles of Kirin to go with it.

Since introducing the 1990 model, Mazda has sold 900,000 Miatas globally, proving that there is a market for affordable, two-seat roadsters.

The Miata isn’t the first small car that Mazda took a big risk on. Two decades prior to its introduction Mazda bought the rights to the Wankel rotary engine: a fledgling idea that became the basis for the highly successful RX-8 sports car.

A refreshed Mazda MX-5 rolls out for the 2010 model year.

Electric Ford Transit Connect

Jim Farley, Group vice president of marketing, reveals the 2010 Ford Taurus and 2010 Transit Connect

At last year’s Chicago Auto Show, Ford unveiled the Transit Connect: a compact commercial truck designed to compete against longer, less fuel efficient vehicles. The Transit connect has a small enough wheelbase to produce a thirty-five foot turning radius, and a big enough interior to hold a six-foot ladder.

Fuel economy on the gas-powered version averages twenty miles-per-gallon in the city and twenty-four on the highway. Pricing starts at $21,475.

This year, the battery electric Transit Connect DEV rolls out for fleet customers, offering businesses an environmentally-friendly alternative to the gasoline version.

Ford also unveiled its new Taurus SHO EcoBoost, building on the popularity of the original model. The new SHO will be a sleeper performance car, just like its predecessors, but with much better fuel economy. A 3.5-liter V6 engine produces 365 horsepower and 350 foot-pounds of torque, but averages twenty-five miles per gallon on the highway.

Steering-wheel mounted paddle controls let the driver manually select gears for the six-speed automatic transmission. Standard all-wheel drive improves the SHO’s wet weather handling.

The new SHO incorporates many recent safety innovations as standard equipment, including Volvo’s blind spot information system with traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. Pricing for the SHO starts at $37,995.

Green tires boost fuel economy

Bridgestone’s new Ecopia EP100 tires have thirty percent less rolling resistance than conventional treads with no sacrifice in wet weather traction. Bridgestone experts claim that the tires can increase a vehicle’s fuel economy by 4.2%

The tires come in fourteen-to-sixteen inch sizes, and are intended as a summer replacement tire for hybrid sedans.

Show and show biz cars

Mudflap, a movie car based on the Chevrolet Traxx concept.

Despite their ongoing financial struggles, General Motors and Chrysler put their best faces forward: General Motors with show cars used in the Dreamworks Transformer movies, and Chrysler with the new Dodge heavy duty Ram pickups.

The Chevrolet Beat concept car goes into production as the Spark, with forty mile-per-gallon fuel economy on the highway. The upcoming Chevrolet Cruze which replaces the Cobalt will have similar fuel economy gains.

The 2010 Dodge Ram heavy duty model now comes in a crew cab model, with a choice of 5.7-liter hemi or 6.7-liter Cummins diesel engines. The heavy duty Ram tows up to 18,500 pounds.

Meanwhile, the light-duty Ram goes green, with a two-mode hybrid model rolling out next year, and diesel availability the year after.

The Chicago Auto Show, now in its one hundred first year, is one of the most heavily attended auto shows in the country. Despite the bleak economic forecast, the Chicago Auto Trade Association which sponsors the show continues to see the event as “strong and viable.”

The show opens to the public this weekend and runs through February 22.

2009 Nissan Murano S AWD

Five-passenger crossover vehicle with all-weather capability

By Nina Russin

The first generation Murano, launched in 1993, appealed to drivers who needed the versatility of a sport-utility vehicle, but didn’t want to leave

2009 Nissan Murano

the ride and handling of a passenger sedan behind. The new Murano takes the original crossover formula and improves on it with a more refined power train and a first-class interior.

The Murano shares chassis components with Nissan’s popular Altima sport sedan: a fully-independent suspension and speed-sensitive steering provide similar ride and handling characteristics. A 3.5-liter V-6 engine and continuously variable transmission give the car plenty of low-end torque, for good acceleration in the critical twenty-to-fifty mile-per-hour range.

Four-wheel disc brakes with standard antilock braking help the driver to maintain directional control on a variety of road surfaces. Available all-wheel drive automatically sends engine power to the wheels with the best traction, for enhanced handling on wet or snow-covered roads.

Sedan-like styling

The Murano’s styling always conjures up thoughts of a sedan on steroids, thanks to its large wheels and coupe-like profile. The test car features standard eighteen-inch wheels. Customers who want a sportier look can upgrade to twenty-inch rims. Dual exhaust pipes peek out under the rear bumper, giving the back end an all-business look. Up front, the Murano maintains its aggressively styled grille, framed by horizontal halogen headlamps.

But it’s the cars interior that really sets it apart from the competition. With the exception of a rather funky keyless ignition device, the Murano’s simple but ergonomic design makes it an ideal vehicle for active lifestyles.

Manually adjustable seats with cloth trim on the test car are on the firm side, with separate lower lumbar styling. Large overhead reading lamps give both rows of passengers the ability to look through maps or magazines in low light conditions.

A tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel helps smaller drivers maintain a clear forward view and a safe distance from the front airbag. Audio and dual climate controls on the center stack are easy to reach from both front seating positions.

The Murano’s glove box is one of the biggest I’ve ever seen: large enough to hold a purse or a small pack. The center console includes a large bin for compact discs, with a twelve-volt powerpoint and a small top shelf for portable electronic devices.

The fuel filler cap release, a device often hidden under the dashboard or on the door, is located to the left of the steering wheel, where it’s easy to reach. Ditto for the vehicle stability off switch.

A standard AM/FM six-CD audio system is MP3 compatible. A large information screen at the top of the center stack displays music selections.

All four doors have map pockets but not bottle holders. Two large cupholders in the center console are large enough for water bottles.

Lack of a floor tunnel makes it possible for three passengers to sit in the second row, although the center console impinges on the middle passenger’s legroom. A bin in the back of the center console gives people in back a place to stash drinks or electronic devices.
Second-row seats are split 60/40: a strap on the seat cushion folds the seats flat without removing the headrests. The Murano easily meets our bicycle friendly standards with the second-row seats folded flat.

Despite its high profile, the back of the car has a low liftover height, making it easier to load items into the cargo bay. Levers to both sides of the liftgate collapse the second-row seats flat from the back. An optional tonneau cover is removable for larger cargo items. An underfloor cargo area with dividers is handy for stashing valuables away from prying eyes.

A convenience package on the test car adds roof rails, the tonneau cover, smoked rear glass and a car alarm.

A big car that handles like a small one

One of the nicest things about driving the Murano is that it feels a lot smaller than it actually is. Although it’s no hot rod, the engine has plenty of power for accelerating into high-speed traffic, or making the occasional emergency maneuver at speed. Variable effort power steering provides plenty of assist at low speeds for maneuvering into parking spots, without being sloppy in stop-and-go traffic. The Murano has a good on-center feel on the highway.

The suspension is compliant enough for the daily commute and the potholes that go with it. Front and rear anti-roll bars keep the chassis flat in the corners. Visibility is pretty good to the sides and rear, despite the Murano’s rather thick rear pillar. A standard rear wiper keeps the back glass clean in rain and snow. Rain-sensing wipers on the upscale grades make it easier to keep the front glass clean in mist and light rain.

Brakes are firm and linear without being grabby.

I mentioned the keyless ignition up front: it’s a design that makes no sense to me. To start the car, the driver inserts a pod into a slot near the steering wheel, and then presses a start button. It seems unnecessarily complicated: no improvement over a conventional ignition key in the steering column.

Standard safety

All models come with standard front and side curtain airbags, active front head restraints, antilock brakes, vehicle stability and traction control.

Base price on the test car is $27,930, not including a $745 destination charge. The all-new Murano is on display at Nissan dealerships nationwide.

Likes: An affordable crossover vehicle with available all-wheel drive that easily meets our bicycle-friendly standards. The attractive ergonomic interior includes most of the features active types need without a lot of nonsense to get in the way.

Dislikes: Keyless ignition is difficult to use.

Quick facts:

Make: Nissan
Model: Murano S AWD
Year: 2009
Base price: $27,930
As tested: $29,225
Horsepower: 265 @ 6000 rpm
Torque: 248 ft.-lbs. @ 4400 rpm
Zero-to-sixty: N/A
Antilock brakes: Standard
Side curtain airbags: Standard
First aid kit: N/A
Bicycle friendly: Yes
Off-road: No
Towing: Yes
Fuel economy: 18/23 mpg city/highway

2009 Mazda5 Grand Touring

Compact cross-utility vehicle seats up to six passengers

By Nina Russin

Two-thousand nine was a year of extremes, especially with regards to fuel prices. After prices peaked over four-dollars per gallon last July, they fell in December to levels drivers hadn’t seem in half a decade. Now that

2009 Mazda5

regular fuel has once again summited the two-dollar mark, people are looking at their full-sized trucks and wondering if they couldn’t make do with something smaller.

The Mazda5 is a possible solution for buyers who need to carry multiple passengers, but also keep their driving expenses within reason. With a base price of $22,675 for the upscale grand touring grade, Mazda’s  crossover vehicle is an affordable car that’s also fun to drive. Its standard four-cylinder engine and five-speed automatic transmission provide a surprising amount of power, while the car’s small footprint gives it the ride and handling characteristics of a sport sedan.

Three rows of seating accommodate up to six passengers, assuming that some of those passengers are small. I was able to fit into the back seats, but I don’t agree with the manufacturer’s claim of “generous” third-row legroom. 

Sliding second-row doors make it easier for parents to fit child seats in back. The second-row seats slide forward to ease third-row ingress and egress. Rear passengers can enter and exit the car without climbing over the rear wheel arches.

Third-row seats fold flat by releasing a single strap on each seatback, making the cargo floor large enough to load in a bicycle. Folding the second-row seats flat is more complicated: it requires flipping the seat bottoms forward, and, depending on seat position, removing the headrests as well.

The grand touring grade tested comes with most of the safety, comfort and convenience features its buyers will look for: antilock braking, side curtain airbags, MP3 and Bluetooth compatible audio system, a power moon roof, leather trim with heated front seats and multiple power points. Vehicle stability control is not available on any trim level: a surprising omission considering its proven safety benefits.

Positive fuel economy plus sporty performance

The Mazda5 is a light car given its six-passenger capacity. Curb weight is 3475 pounds, allowing engineers to achieve excellent performance with a small engine. Average fuel economy is twenty-three miles per gallon for city and highway driving.

Its small footprint makes the Mazda5 quite agile as well. It has excellent on-center response at speed, and stays flat in the corners, thanks to standard front and rear anti-roll bars.

A low center of gravity keeps the car stable on the highway. Five inches of ground clearance is enough to clear the average snowfall, but not adequate for off-road driving.

The chassis seems well balanced for a front-wheel drive car: I didn’t notice a tendency to push in the corners. Although front-wheel drive improves the car’s traction on wet pavement, it makes the Mazda5 a poor choice for people who want to tow trailers.

An electric power steering pump produces plenty of assist at low speeds while maintaining good response on the highway. Eliminating the hydraulic booster saves weight under the hood and eliminates a part that frequently wears out.

Standard seventeen-inch wheels and all-season tires produce a wide contact patch, while four-wheel disc brakes stop the car in linear fashion on both wet and dry pavement.

Visibility to the sides and rear is good: the car’s lower ride height minimizes blind spots to the sides of  the car. A standard tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel gives smaller drivers a clear forward view.

Standard rain-sensing wipers keep the front glass clean in intermittent rain, while a standard rear wiper improves visibility to the back in stormy weather.

Standard xenon headlamps produce a longer brighter beam than halogen, making it easier to see the road at night or in bad weather.

Ergonomic interior

Designers maximized room up front by integrating the gate shifter into the center stack, as opposed to the floor console. A manual shift option allows drivers to maximize fuel economy on the highway, or choose sporty performance on winding two-lane roads.

Redundant audio and cruise controls on the steering wheel minimize driver distraction. Audio and temperature controls on the center stack are easy to reach from both front seating positions.

Trying the audio system reminded me why I don’t like speed sensitive volume controls: the sound was unusually quiet at stoplights, and deafening on the highway.

There are two twelve-volt power points: at the base of the center stack, and to the left of the liftgate in the cargo area

Manually adjustable seats have adequate lower lumbar support. Separate armrests for the driver and front passenger travel with the seats.

There are two generous-sized cupholders in the floor console: the front doors also have bottle holders and map pockets. Second-row passengers have use of a center console that can slide fore and aft with the seats. Air vents in back of the front center console circulate air through the back of the cabin.

A standard power moonroof brings extra light into the back of the car. Theater-style seating gives all three rows of passengers a clear forward view.

The rear glass flips up independent of the liftgate for loading in small items. With all three rows of seating in place, there’s enough room in back for some groceries, but not much else. A small under-floor cargo area conceals valuables.

A light in the cargo area can turn on and off without the car running: it comes in handy when loading and unloading items at night.

Mazda produces the Mazda5 at its Hiroshima, Japan assembly plant.

Likes: An affordable six-passenger vehicle with an ergonomic interior, good fuel economy, and excellent ride and handling.

Dislikes: Lack of legroom in the third row. Speed-sensitive volume in the audio system overcompensates for road noise.

Quick facts:

Make: Mazda
Model: Mazda5 Grand Touring
Year: 2009
Base price: $22,675
As tested: $23,395
Horsepower: 153 Hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque: 148 lbs.-ft. @ 4500 rpm
Zero-to-sixty: N/A
Antilock brakes: Standard
Side curtain airbags: Standard
First aid kit: N/A
Bicycle friendly: Yes
Towing: No
Off-road: No
Fuel economy: 21/27 mpg city/highway
Comments: Base price does not include a $670 delivery charge.

2010 Volvo XC60

Premium crossover features collision avoidance technology

By Nina Russin

The Volvo XC60 that goes on sale this March may be the Swedish automaker’s most significant vehicle launch to date. The five-passenger crossover vehicle is the first production car to feature city safety, a low-speed collision avoidance system, as standard equipment.

There is one available drivetrain: a six-cylinder, 281-horsepower turbocharged engine, and six speed automatic transmission. Towing capacity is 3300 pounds: just shy of our ALV minimum standards. Antilock brakes, trailer stability assist, dynamic stability and roll control are standard equipment.

Volvo XC 60

Base price is $37,200, not including an $825 destination fee. The terra bronze pearl paint on our test car is one of several optional paint upgrades ($525). Optional wood inlays on the interior add $295.

All cars come with complimentary scheduled maintenance for the first three years or 36,000 miles.

The first car that can stop itself

Statistics from Volvo’s accident research team indicate that seventy-five percent of all collisions occur at low speeds, caused by distracted drivers.

City safety uses a laser sensor at the base of the windshield to monitor the distance between the driver and the car in front. If the sensor determines that a collision is likely, actuators precharge the car’s disc brakes so the driver can stop faster.

Should the driver fail to respond, city safety automatically applies the brakes. It can prevent collisions at speeds under nine miles-per-hour, and severely reduce their impact up to nineteen miles-per-hour.

Loves to play hard and get dirty

With design roots at Volvo’s concept center in Camarillo, California, the XC60 appeals to drivers who like to venture off the beaten path and take their toys with them.

All-wheel drive is standard, giving the XC60 better wet weather, snow and off-road performance. Nine inches of ground clearance is plenty to clear obstacles on unimproved roads. Standard hill descent control maintains a preset speed on steep grades to help the driver maintain directional control.

Front and rear skid plates protect chassis components under the car on uneven trails. Optional headlamp washers ensure that the path in front stays lit, even if the car is traveling in snow or deep mud.

A new panoramic moonroof, available as a no-cost option, opens up the top of the car above both rows of passengers. The front glass panel opens up to let fresh air in as well.

The rear seats fold flat without removing the seat cushions or headrests, making it easy to slip a couple of bikes in back. A standard first aid kit comes in handy for people who love the trails and have a few war wounds to prove it.

Cruising up the California coast

I had a chance to get behind the wheel of the new Volvo at a media event in Marin country this month. Since the North American rollout is two months away, we drove European spec cars which had different side mirrors, tires and speedometers than the American production cars will.

Before heading north on route 1, we had a chance to test city safety on a mock up scenario near the hotel. The Volvo engineers set up a series of car-shaped balloons at a remote parking lot. We were instructed to approach the barriers at nine miles-per-hour and keep our feet off the brakes.

Just short of the barriers, the brakes kicked in and stopped the car. The brakes apply at fifty percent of full power: not enough to throw passengers out of their seats, but not a pleasant experience either.

There’s no warning before the system kicks in: research showed that driver alerts were more confusing than helpful: the driver isn’t able to react fast enough to stop the car.

The hard braking is also intentional: Volvo doesn’t want to encourage drivers to let the car do its own braking, except in an emergency.

Blue sea, blue skies, and Barak on the radio

After the safety demonstration, we headed out of Marin county towards wine country, so we could experience the XC60’s turbocharged six-cylinder engine on some winding canyon roads.

The drive happened to take place on the day of the presidential inauguration. Not wanting to miss history in the making, we tuned in to the local news station.

The morning’s events in Washington made for a poignant backdrop to some of the most beautiful scenery this country has to offer. The lush vineyards gave new meaning to Aretha Franklin’s rendition of “America the Beautiful.”

The section of route 1 between San Francisco and Bodega Bay is a narrow two-lane road, loaded with blind corners and sharp turns. It can be misery in a big lunky vehicle. Conversely, the right car can make the drive more fun than any amusement park ride.

Despite its ample passenger and cargo capabilities, the XC60 is small and nimble enough to give the driver good control on challenging roads. The inline-six engine is a variation of the block Volvo uses in its S80 luxury sedan. Displacement is slightly smaller, but the standard turbocharger makes up what the modified block lacks in cubic inches.

Zero-to-sixty acceleration is just over seven seconds: plenty to get the driver away from the toll booth ahead of traffic. The six-speed automatic transmission is manually shiftable, allowing the driver to push the performance envelope. Sixth gear is a large overdrive gear to enhance fuel economy: eighteen miles per-gallon for city and highway driving.

The fully independent suspension has front and rear stabilizer bars to keep the XC60 flat in the corners. Engineers focused on torsional rigidity throughout the unibody structure, to give the car good steering response. As a result, the XC60 doesn’t suffer from excessive body roll and poor on-center feel that can come with a high center of gravity.

The European spec cars come with Pirelli PZero tires, versus all-season tires on the American cars. The Pirelli tires are harder: designed for more aggressive driving. Braking is firm and linear without being grabby.

The passenger cabin is quiet enough for first and second rows to converse comfortably. There’s a conspicuous absence of road and wind noise, even at highway speeds.

Available integrated booster seats

Parents with young children will appreciate available integrated booster seats: an option in the two outboard rear seats. The stand-alone option costs $495.

The power liftgate on our test car is part of a convenience package ($1000) that also adds audible front and rear park assist warnings, a grocery bag holder, and a twelve-volt power point in the cargo area.

Safety-conscious buyers will want to consider the collision avoidance package. It includes adaptive cruise control that maintains a preset following distance in traffic, drowsy driver alert, and the lane departure warning system ($1695). Volvo’s blind spot information system is a stand-alone option ($695).

Volvo’s personal car communicator senses heartbeats inside the car: it can determine if a would-be attacker is within the vehicle. The personal car communicator and keyless start cost $550. Bi-xenon headlamps produce a brighter, longer beam than halogen lamps: the stand-alone option costs $800.

Volvo builds the XC60 at its Ghent, Belgium assembly plant.

2010 Volvo XC60

Likes: Volvo’s newest crossover vehicle may be the safest car on the market, with standard city safety that can prevent low-speed collisions. The standard six-cylinder turbocharged engine yields sporty performance and good fuel economy. Active types will appreciate the versatile cargo area and standard roof rails.

Dislikes: The XC60 comes with an undersized spare to save weight and space. Buyers who plan to venture off-road should plan on buying a full-sized spare, and finding a place to mount it.

Quick facts:

Make: Volvo
Model: XC60
Year: 2010
Base price: $37,200
Horsepower: 281 Hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque: 295 lbs.-ft. @ 1500 rpm
0-60mph: 7.1 seconds
Antilock brakes: Standard
Side curtain airbags: Standard
First aid kit: Standard
Bicycle friendly: Yes
Off-road: Yes
Towing: No
Fuel economy: 16/22 mpg city/highway
Comments: Base price does not include a $825 destination charge.

2009 Toyota Matrix XRS

By Nina Russin

As gas prices soar, car buyers look for fuel-efficient alternatives to sport-utility vehicles. Leaving hybrids out of the picture, compact hatchbacks are an excellent solution to the dilemma. They have large, versatile cargo areas, yet their fuel economy rivals passenger cars.

The Toyota Matrix is a hatchback based on the Corolla platform. The compact Matrix averages twenty-four miles-per gallon for city and highway driving. Second-row seats fold flat to lengthen the cargo floor, which features an easy-to-clean vinyl surface and easy-to-use cargo tie-down system.

The floor is long enough to hold a mountain bike with the front wheel in place. On a recent trip to Sedona, my husband and I packed in a weekend’s worth of luggage, my mountain bike, and several grocery bags full of munchies.

Sporty XRS

The test car is the XRS: the sportiest of three available grades. It features a slightly larger engine than the standard and grades, with a five-speed automatic transmission.

While the Matrix S is available with all-wheel drive, the XRS comes exclusively as a front-wheel drive car. Front and rear underbody spoilers limit the car’s ground clearance to 5.3 inches, making it impractical for off-road driving.

Though fuel economy for the Matrix XRS isn’t as good as for the base model, the extra power makes a big difference on the highway. Driving north on the 17 freeway between Phoenix and Sedona, it was easy to pass slower traffic on the uphill grades. The automatic transmission downshifts hard, but accelerating hard on the hills had little impact on overall fuel economy.

The XRS comes with eighteen-inch wheels as opposed to sixteen-inch rims on the base model, a strut tower brace for enhanced torsional rigidity, and standard vehicle stability control.

A standard independent wishbone suspension is compliant, yet responsive. An electric steering pump provides variable assist, depending on the car’s speed. I had no problems making the occasional U-turn on Sedona’s two-lane roads.

Four-wheel disc brakes with four-channel ABS are standard. Braking is firm and linear.

Visibility is good all the way around the car, though a thick rear pillar makes it harder to see oncoming traffic when backing out of a parking spot. All grades come with a standard rear wiper, to keep the back glass clean in rain and snow.

Towing capacity is 1500 pounds: well below our ALV minimum standards.

Versatile interior

The Matrix interior is remarkably spacious for a compact car. The test car has standard cloth upholstery. Both the driver and front passenger seat have plenty of lower back support.

I was surprised by the amount of legroom in the second row. Since there is no tunnel through the floor, it’s possible for three small adults to be comfortable in back.

A gate shifter on the center stack clears up floor space for extra cupholders, and a two-piece bin that stores small electronic items on top, and compact discs beneath. The five-speed automatic transmission includes a manual shift option.

Standard comfort and convenience features include air conditioning, power moonroof, halogen headlamps and front fog lamps, intermittent wipers, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, power windows, door locks and keyless entry. The Matrix doesn’t come with a roof rack, but the XRS grade includes fixed anchor mounts.

A 12-volt power point and 115-volt inverter at the base of the center stack allow passengers to charge and use electronic devices on the go. The optional navigation system includes a MP3 compatible audio upgrade, with pre-wiring for satellite radio. The $1300 option is most beneficial for buyers who want the enhanced audio capabilities, since aftermarket GPS systems do a adequate job for a fraction of the price.

Redundant volume controls on the steering wheel help the driver to stay focused on the road.  The tilt and telescoping steering wheel enables smaller drivers to maintain a safe distance from the front airbag.

A large glovebox includes a storage shelf for the owner’s manual: it’s roomy enough to stash a purse or small pack at the trailhead. All four doors have map pockets with molded bottle holders.

Versatile cargo area

The second-row seats fold flat by releasing knobs on the outboard sides of the seatbacks. The cargo floor has a vinyl surface, which makes it easier to slide big cargo inside: it’s also easy to clean. Cargo tracks contain tie-down loops to secure larger items.

A hidden cubby to the left of the liftgate can hold a purse, small pack or first aid kit. The spare and jack are in a compartment under the cargo floor, where they are easy to reach.

Standard safety

The 2009 model has yet to undergo federal crash tests, but it comes well equipped with active and passive safety features: front, side and side curtain airbags, four-channel antilock brakes, vehicle stability control with traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system.

Base price on the Matrix XRS is $21,850, not including a $660 delivery fee. The new Matrix is available for test drives at Toyota dealerships nationwide.

Likes: A fuel-efficient compact car with a versatile interior, including a large, easy-to-clean cargo floor. The larger engine on the XRS grade adds a welcome power boost, especially when driving in mountainous areas.

Dislikes: Underbody spoilers reduce ground clearance, making it hard to drive the car off-road.

Quick facts:

Make: Toyota
Model: Corolla Matrix XRS
Year: 2009
Base price: $ 21,850
As tested: $23,810
Horsepower: 158 Hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque: 162 lbs.-ft. @ 4000 rpm
Zero-to-sixty: N/A
Antilock brakes: Standard
Side curtain airbags: Standard
First aid kit: N/A
Bicycle friendly: Yes
Towing: No
Off-road: No
Fuel economy: 21/29 mpg, city/highway

2009 Kia Borrego EX 4X4

By Nina Russin

When Kia introduced out the new Borrego last July, industry insiders worried that the automaker was swimming in shark-infested waters. Although product planners can’t  anticipate ebbs and flows in commodities, the roll-out coincided with a record demand for crude oil. For the first time in history, Americans confronted four dollar-per-gallon gasoline, and the market for large trucks went through the floor.

What Kia did anticipate was some tough competition from automakers it was relatively unfamiliar with. Lexus, Acura, Volvo, BMW and Mercedes-Benz all have bread-and-butter products in the mid-sized SUV segment. Although Kia expected some Borrego customers to come out of smaller models in its own lineup, it would have to conquest from other brands as well.

But the Korean manufacturer had faith in its tried-and-true strategy of combining value with a high level of content. Its ten-year warranty, about twice the industry average, didn’t hurt either.

Pricing for the two-wheel drive Borrego starts at about $27,000: a significantly lower price point than competitors such as the Lexus R330 and BMW X5. A buyer can upgrade to four-wheel drive, add a comfort and convenience package, and still come out under $30,000 for the six-cylinder model. A comfortably-equipped Borrego LX is an ALV best value.

Upscale off-road machine

The test car is the upscale EX four-wheel drive grade: pricing starts at $32,995 not including a $750 delivery charge. Except for its optional running boards, the test car has a tough exterior, with all of the features necessary for off-road driving.

The full-time four-wheel drive system has a low gear range for navigating uneven terrain. Downhill brake control and hill start assist, both features that help the driver maintain direction control on steep grades, are standard equipment.

Ground clearance of 8.5 inches is ample for clearing obstacles on the trail. Standard underbody cladding protects chassis parts from rock damage.

The Borrego’s wheelbase is 114 inches, making it longer than the Chevy Trailblazer and Jeep Grand Cherokee. Though the extra length translates to more room for third row passengers, it also makes the Borrego less maneuverable through narrow turns.

Although both V-6 and V-8 models exceed our minimum ALV towing standards, I’d recommend the eight cylinder engine for anyone who plans to haul trailers with regularity. A standard integrated tow hitch saves buyers the expense of hardware normally limited to option packages.

The Borrego is an extremely heavy truck: over 4,600 pounds for the four-wheel drive EX. Even without a trailer, the V-6 can hesitate on a steep grade.

The eight cylinder engine is a modified version of the block used in the Hyundai Genesis. Buyers who opt for the bigger engine will lose about a mile-per-gallon of fuel economy, compared to the V6. A six-speed automatic transmission on the test car stretches the gas mileage to about twenty mpg on the highway.

Although it adds weight, the full-sized spare tire is a necessity for anyone who planning to drive the Borrego off-road. Optional eighteen-inch rims and performance tires on the test car dress up the exterior. Buyers who plan to drive off-road should stick to the standard rims, and might want to add trail-rated tires.

Easy to drive in traffic

Despite its robust dimensions, the Borrego is a very easy car to get around town in. Power rack-and-pinion steering gives the seven-passenger sport-utility vehicle a thirty-six foot turning radius. Engineers opted for an independent front and multi-link rear suspension to enhance towing stability. Drivers should find the ride to have enough compliance for day-to-day commuting as well.

Visibility around the car is better than average, thanks to a narrow rear pillar that minimizes blind spots. A standard backup warning system on all grades sounds an audible alarm when the truck’s rear bumper comes too close to an obstacle.

An eight-way adjustable driver’s seat and four-way passenger seat are quite comfortable on long drives. A luxury package on the test car ($1500) adds leather trim, front seat heaters, and two position memory, so multiple drivers can share the car.

Considering its weight, engineers were smart to put large disc brakes on all four wheels with standard four-channel antilock braking. Despite its weight, the truck stops in a firm, linear fashion.

Standard traction control limits wheel-spin on slick surfaces, while vehicle stability control prevents excessive yaw from causing the driver to lose directional control.

Seating for seven

Buyers who plan to carry passengers in back should opt for the premium package that adds rear air conditioning controls. Sixteen vents throughout the interior do a good job of circulating air on a hot day, to keep third-row occupants comfortable.

The same option package upgrades the standard audio controls to a MP3 compatible Infinity system, and a sunroof that brings ambient light into the back of the car.

All passengers should find plenty of small storage areas and cupholders in their vicinity. Front-row passengers have access to a two-piece center console storage bin.

Three overhead reading lamps come in handy at night. The Borrego has multiple power points, including a twelve-volt outlet in the cargo area.

A lever on the second row seat tilts it up and slides it forward to improve third-row access. The third row has enough head and legroom for the average adult to feel comfortable.

Both second and third row seatbacks fold flat to create a large cargo floor that easily meets our bicycle-friendly standards. An under-floor storage area is handy for stashing smaller items.

Standard safety

All models come with front, side, and side curtain airbags. Models equipped with the eight-cylinder engine also have a driver’s knee airbag. Other standard safety features include electronic stability and traction control, antilock brakes and active front head restraints.

Kia’s standard ten year powertrain warranty includes five years of twenty-four hour roadside assistance.

The new Borrego is on display at Kia dealerships nationwide.

Likes: The mid-sized Borrego is a well-rounded offering, with similar content to other luxury sport-utility vehicles with a much lower starting price. A low gear range is ideal for drivers who want to venture off-road. The V-8 model’s 7500-pound towing capacity is double our ALV standards.

Dislikes: Poor fuel economy

Quick facts:

Make: Kia
Model: Borrego EX 4X4
Year: 2009
Base price: $32,995
As tested: $39,295
Horsepower: 337 Hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque: 323 lbs.-ft. @ 3500 rpm
Zero-to-sixty: N/A
Antilock brakes: Standard
Side curtain airbags: Standard
First aid kit: N/A
Bicycle friendly: Yes
Off-road: Yes
Towing: Yes
Fuel economy: 15/20 mpg city/highway
Comments: Base sticker price does not include a $750 delivery charge.

2009 Hyundai Genesis 3.8

Hyundai’s premium sport sedan gives other luxury brands a run for the money

By Nina Russin

I’m sitting behind the wheel of the new Hyundai Genesis sedan, pinching myself. Although the Korean automaker has significantly improved its build quality since entering the U.S. market in the early 1990s, this time, they’ve hit one out of the park.

2009 Hyundai Genesis 3.8

The rear-wheel drive Genesis comes with a choice of two engines: a 290-horsepower V6, or 375-horsepower V8.

Both powertrains feature a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift option: the six-cylinder utilizes an Aisin unit, while the eight-cylinder has a beefier ZF box..

The V6 is about half a second slower than the V8 in zero-to-sixty acceleration. But 6.2 seconds is nothing to sneeze at.

Since curb weight on the six-cylinder car is two-hundred fifty pounds less than the eight cylinder, fuel economy is significantly better: about 27 miles-per-gallon on the highway, compared to 25 for the bigger engine. The V6 runs just fine on regular fuel, while engineers recommend premium for the eight cylinder.

Seamless ride and handling

As suggested up front, the Genesis has ride and handling characteristics that rival much pricier luxury cars. Peak torque for the six-cylinder engine comes on at 4500 rpm: low enough to make full power available during an average merge into high-speed traffic.

The six-speed automatic transmission boosts fuel economy, and essentially eliminates shift shock.

A five-link independent front and rear suspension gives the Genesis a compliant, though not overly soft ride.

Anti-roll bars keep the chassis flat in the corners. I took a couple of cloverleaf ramps at speed, just to be sure.

Speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering provides plenty of assist at low speeds: a thirty-six foot turning radius makes it easy to pull the occasional U-turn. Yet on-center feel on the highway is excellent. Emergency lane changes are not a problem.

The side mirrors are quite large, but don’t obstruct the driver’s forward view when cornering to the left. Indicator markers on the side mirrors alert driver’s in neighboring lanes when the driver signals.

Visibility to the sides and rear is excellent, with minimal blind spots.

Engineers did an excellent job of isolating the cabin from road noise. On a similar note, there’s a conspicuous lack of wind noise around the windshield and side mirrors.

Front and rear disc brakes include four-channel antilock braking, to help the driver maintain directional control on wet or snowy roads.

Elegant interior

True to its heritage, Hyundai included many of the comfort features buyers look for as standard equipment: leather trim, heated front seats, satellite radio with iPod and MP3 connectivity, and a Bluetooth phone system.

A premium package on the test car upgrades the standard seventeen-inch wheels to eighteen inch wheels, adds a power sunroof, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, rain-sensing wipers, and surround-sound audio system. Two-position memory is also part of the upgrade, allowing multiple drivers to share the car.

Overhead reading lamps for both rows of passengers come in handy after dark. Keyless entry and start allows the driver to turn on the ignition using a button on the dash, and keep the key fob in his pocket.

Redundant audio and trip meter controls on the steering wheel minimize driver distraction.

A clean-looking center stack includes audio and dual-zone temperature controls. The seat heater buttons are on either side of the gate shifter, while the hood and fuel cap release are conveniently located on the driver’s side door.

A lockable glovebox is a handy place to stash valuables at the trailhead. Two twelve-volt power points allow multiple passengers to recharge electronic devices on the go.

The second-row seats have an exceptional amount of legroom in the outboard positions. A tunnel through the floor makes the center position impractical for anything but a child safety seat.

A fold-down armrest in back includes two cupholders. Behind it, a small door opens to create a pass through for skis and other long cargo.

The trunk is spacious enough for luggage, groceries and average-sized cargo. Lack of a wider pass-through makes putting a bike inside all but impossible.

Standard safety

The Genesis received five-star safety ratings for federal frontal, side and rollover collision tests. Standard safety features include front, side and side curtain airbags, active front head restraints, antilock brakes, and electronic stability control with traction control.

Hyundai’s ten year/100,000 mile warranty is the industry leader. It includes five years of unlimited roadside assistance.

Twelve-month vehicle return program

At the beginning of January, Hyundai announced that it has teamed up with Walkaway USA to offer customers a twelve-month vehicle return option on any car financed or leased through its dealerships. The program gives new car buyers additional protection from debt in these uncertain economic times.

Hyundai produces the Genesis at its assembly plant in Ulsan, Korea.

Likes: A well-equipped, reasonably priced sport sedan with segment-leading safety, and excellent ride and handling.

Dislikes: None

Quick facts:

Make: Hyundai
Model: Genesis 3.8
Year: 2009
Base price: $32,250*
As tested: $36,000
Horsepower: 290 Hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque: 264 lbs.-ft. @ 4500 rpm
0-60 mph: 6.2 seconds
Antilock brakes: Standard
Side curtain airbags: Standard
First aid kit: N/A
Bicycle-friendly: No
Towing: No
Off-road: No
Fuel economy: 18/27 mpg city/highway
Comments: Base price does not include a $750 delivery charge.

2009 Chevrolet Traverse LTZ

Seven-passenger crossover vehicle appeals to active families

By Nina Russin

Chevrolet’s newest crossover vehicle is perfect for families who need the passenger space and cargo capability of a minivan, but won’t drive a car that looks like one. The Traverse seats up to eight passengers when equipped with a second-row bench seat.

2009 Chevrolet Traverse LTZ

Second and third-row seats fold flat to create a long load floor for carrying large cargo. With all three rows in place, there’s enough room in back for groceries or a weekend’s worth of luggage. Standard roof rails make it easy to stash additional cargo up top.

A standard V6 engine has a flat torque curve for towing. The Traverse can haul up to 5200 pounds. A six-speed automatic transmission maximizes fuel economy: about 24 miles-per-gallon on the highway.

Curb weight is 4720 pounds: not surprising for a well-equipped seven-passenger car. Its weight makes for soft acceleration off the line, and gives the Traverse poorer gas mileage than smaller cars in the segment.

The test car is the upscale LTZ model that retails for $39,075. Standard features include twenty-inch alloy wheels, heated and cooled front seats, tri-zone climate control, a power liftgate, sunroof, a Bose audio system with satellite radio, navigation and a rear-view camera backup system.

The interior is thick with storage bins, cup and bottle holders and power points: in other words, all the comforts of home. Option packages add a second-row center console positioned between two captain’s chairs, a rear sunroof and engine block heater. MSRP on the test car is $41,585.

Innovative side mirror design minimizes blind spots

Its long wheelbase and thick rear pillar create large areas to the side and rear of the Traverse that would ordinarily fall outside the driver’s sight range. Knowing that, designers added wide-angle inserts to the side mirrors that minimize blind spots, and give the driver better visibility across several lanes of traffic.

A standard rear backup camera displays a wide-angle view in back of the car whenever the driver shifts into reverse. It’s an invaluable feature to families with small children who might walk behind the car where the driver can’t see them.

The six-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission provide adequate power for most driving situations. I noticed a slight lag in throttle response when I passed other vehicles.

But power is excellent in the twenty-to-fifty mile-per-hour range. Merging into highway traffic off an entrance ramp is a non-issue.

Variable-effort steering has more assist at low speeds for maneuvering around parking lots, while providing good on-center response at speed. There is noticeable steering wheel play at slower speeds: up to about forty miles-per-hour. It shouldn’t be a problem unless the driver needs to make a sudden evasive maneuver that requires going off the shoulder of the road.

A fully independent suspension provides a compliant ride for all three rows of passengers. Cornering is softer than a sport sedan, but the car doesn’t roll excessively. I was impressed by how flat the chassis stayed when taking a cloverleaf ramp at speed.

Engineers did an excellent job of isolating the passenger cabin from wind and road noise. The only exception is a pleasant belch from the dual exhaust pipes when the driver opens up the throttle.

Versatile interior for families on the go

Although the LTZ grade is on the pricier end of vehicles in its segment, buyers should be pleased by the high level of standard comfort and convenience features. Captain’s chairs in the first and second rows are extremely comfortable. Smaller drivers shouldn’t have a problem adjusting the driver’s seat for good forward visibility.

Standard two-position memory makes it easy for multiple drivers to share the car

A tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel enables small drivers to maintain a safe distance from the front airbag. Dual-zone climate and audio controls on the center stack are easy to reach from either front seating position.

The navigation screen doubles as an information display for audio settings and the rear-view camera. A digital readout in the gauge cluster includes the trip meter and ambient temperature.

Redundant audio, cruise and Bluetooth controls on the steering wheel minimize driver distraction.

All three rows of passengers get dual overhead reading lamps, and have access to twelve-volt power points. A 115-volt inverter behind the front-row center console allows passengers to plug in video games.

Second-row passengers can adjust fan and temperature settings using controls on the back of the center console. Four ceiling vents keep all three rows of occupants comfortable during temperature extremes.

Both center consoles have storage bins. The armrest on the front console slides fore and aft for the driver’s comfort.

A deep bin under the armrest is large enough for a small pack. The locking glovebox is also quite large: a woman’s purse will fit inside it.

Second-row seats have adequate legroom for most adults: tall men may feel cramped. A lever on the side of the seat flips up the seat cushion and moves the seat forward to ease access to the third row. It allows third-row passengers to enter the car without having to climb over the rear wheel arch.

Equally impressive is the head and legroom in the back row of seats. As a five-foot, six-inch adult, I was quite comfortable.

Large, configurable cargo area

Both second and third-row seats fold flat by pulling straps to the sides or backs of the seats. There is a gap between the seats with both rows folded down: it allows the seatbacks to fold flat without removing the headrests. The down side is that handlebars and bike pedals can get stuck on the way in and out of the cargo area.

A power liftgate allows drivers to load up the back of the car with cargo and not struggle with a latch release.

A small under-floor storage area is ideal for stashing valuables out of sight at the trailhead.

Standard safety

The Traverse LTZ comes standard with front, side and side curtain airbags, four-channel antilock brakes, traction and stability control. Standard OnStar automatically notifies police and emergency medical personnel if the airbags deploy.

All models come with a five-year/100,000 mile warranty. Chevrolet builds the Traverse at its Spring Hill, Tennessee assembly plant.

Likes: Extremely well-designed interior with a high level of standard comfort, convenience and safety features. The side mirror inserts and rear-view camera display do an excellent job of minimizing blind spots to the sides and back of the car.

Dislikes: Steering wheel play at low speeds, slight throttle lag during hard acceleration.

Quick facts:

Make: Chevrolet
Model: Traverse LTZ FWD
Year: 2009
Base price: $39,075
As tested: $41,585
Horsepower: 288 Hp @ 6300 rpm
Torque: 270 lbs.-ft. @ 3400 rpm
0-60 mph: N/A
Antilock brakes: Standard
Side curtain airbags: Standard
First aid kit: N/A
Bicycle friendly: Yes
Towing: Yes
Off-road: No
Fuel economy: 17/24 mpg city/highway