2009 Dodge Nitro SLT 4X4

Mid-sized sport-utility vehicle is an athlete’s tool box

By Nina Russin

2009 Dodge Nitro SLT

Two years ago, the Dodge Nitro won our ALV of the year award in the best value, off-road category. Jurors were impressed with the sport-utility vehicle’s combination of off-road capability and cargo features, including a sliding load floor that holds up to 400 pounds.

For 2009, Dodge refines the Nitro with some chassis enhancements, and additional convenience features. A four-speed automatic transmission is now standard on all models with the base 3.7-liter engine. Stiffer rear axle shafts, a re-tuned suspension and steering components improve the car’s handling. Revised brake calipers and a re-tuned booster produce better braking response.

The Nitro’s roster of convenience features now includes standard floor mats, a rear dome lamp, and automatic door unlock when the driver shifts into park. Express-down front windows are standard equipment on the upscale SLT and R/T models. Read the rest of this entry »

2009 Nissan Xterra SE 4X4

Mid-sized sport-utility vehicle gets a restyled front end and standard side curtain airbags

By Nina Russin

2009 Nissan Xterra

The Nissan Xterra is a multiple ALV winner, going back to the program’s beginning in 2004. Its off-road and cargo capability make the sport-utility vehicle a top pick among multi-sport athletes.

The Xterra shares its ladder frame chassis with the full-sized Titan pickup, with an independent front and leaf spring rear suspension.

The solid rear axle isn’t as compliant as an independent set-up, but it’s better suited for towing. The Xterra tows up to 5000 pounds, meeting our ALV standards.

The standard 4-liter V6 engine is an increased displacement version of the block in the Nissan Maxima and Altima, tuned for truck applications. Buyers can choose between a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission (tested).

Nissan’s San Diego design team refreshed the truck’s exterior for 2009, with a new grille, and body-colored side molding on the SE. Inside, the new model has a redesigned center stack. The upscale SE comes standard with leather upholstery. Read the rest of this entry »

2009 Subaru Forester 2.5XT Limited

Sport-utility function in a fuel-efficient package

By Nina Russin

2009 Subaru Forester 2.5XT

I’m hammering up the 17 freeway between Phoenix and Sedona in the ’09 Subaru Forester, after idling in wall-to-wall traffic just north of town. Through all of my weaving and cursing, the fuel gauge has stayed fixed at 23.6 miles-per-gallon. Either this is a very Zen car, or the fuel meter is broken.

Why not top off the gas and find out? After doing the math, I confirm that the gauge is working. The Forester is my new Bodhisattva.

For those unfamiliar with Buddhism, Bodhisattvas are the Mahayana version of angels on the right shoulder. The fact that the Forester has both saved me from myself and achieved better-than-average fuel economy means that it is a tolerant and spiritual car. Read the rest of this entry »

2009 Suzuki Equator Crew Cab Sport

Big truck; bigger value

By Nina Russin

2009 Suzuki Equator Crew Cab

The name, Equator, conjures up images of a truck much bigger than the actual product. Suzuki’s midsized truck shares underpinnings with the Nissan Frontier. While Nissan uses the Frontier to offer certain Titan features on a downsized platform, the Equator is the first vehicle to bring big truck capability into Suzuki‘s showrooms.

Because Suzuki has such a loyal base of motorcycle, ATV and marine customers in the United States, it makes sense to sell a light duty truck capable of hauling these vehicles around. That’s where the Equator comes in.
Read the rest of this entry »

2008 Kia Sorento EX 4X4

Mid-sized sport-utility vehicle with full off-road capability
By Nina Russin

2008 Kia Sorento

Though it’s one of the older models in Kia’s stable, the mid-sized Sorento is a good choice for families with active lifestyles. First introduced in 2002 as an ‘03 model, the Sorento is a value-priced alternative to the luxury Borrego.

Its durable body-on-frame chassis tows up to five thousand pounds, and when equipped with four-wheel drive, has the ability to negotiate serious off-road trails.

The four-wheel drive Sorento comes in two grades: the base LX and upscale EX (tested). Last year Kia introduced a new, more powerful V-6 engine for the LX. The EX retains the 3.8-liter block from former models.

Paired up with a standard five-speed automatic transmission, the larger V-6 provides good power and a smooth ride. It lacks the fuel economy of competitive offerings with six-speed automatic transmissions, especially on four-wheel drive models. Average fuel economy for the test car is seventeen miles-per-gallon.

Engineered for off-road durability

Body-on-frame construction has the advantage of durability when compared to unibody vehicles, although that can come at the expense of a rougher ride. The ladder frame that the Sorento is assembled on is rigid enough to withstand the kind of torsional stress that occurs on off-road trails. The ladder frame also makes it better suited for towing.

Having taken the Sorento on some nasty off-road trails, I can vouch for the model’s off-road capability. Standard underbody skid plates protect sensitive parts of the chassis from rock damage.

A full-sized spare adds a little weight, but also gives drivers the security of having a real tire should they get a puncture. A standard hitch makes the Sorrento trailer-ready out of the box.

Viable commuter car

With the exception of its rather poor gas mileage, the Sorento is a viable everyday car for urban commuters. A luxury package on the test car replaces the standard part-time four-wheel drive with a full-time torque-on-demand system ($3000).

The same option upgrades the standard cloth seats to leather and adds seat heaters, a sunroof, a premium audio system, and alloy wheels. The option includes a lot of content for the money, but it isn’t necessary for people who can live with the simpler interior.

The low gear range on the part-time four-wheel drive system provides the low gears and torque for true off-road driving. Buyers who live in areas with bad winter weather will benefit most from the full-time system: an on-board computer detects wheel slippage and automatically transfers engine power to the axle with the best traction.

The Sorento has an independent front suspension and solid rear axle: the five-link rear end gives the driver better control when towing. Although some solid axle trucks have a rough ride, I find the Sorento’s suspension quite compliant.

Power rack-and-pinion steering is responsive at all speeds. The Sorento’s thirty-five foot turning radius makes it fairly easy to do the occasional U-turn.

A thick C-pillar makes for a rather large blind spot towards the rear. The rear wheel restricts access and egress to the second-row seats, which could be an issue for larger families.

Curb weight on the EX 4X4 is almost 4300 pounds: the four-wheel drive mechanism adds about two hundred pounds to the truck. Its weight makes the Sorento feel heavy on the highway. The engine seems a little anemic during hard acceleration into highway traffic, or when passing other vehicles at speed.

Four-wheel disc brakes with four-channel antilock braking stop the Sorento in a firm, linear fashion without being grabby. As with all of its current models, engineers made safety a priority. The Sorento comes with standard electronic stability and traction control as well as side curtain airbags.

Well configured interior

Kia did a great job of giving us active types the features we need inside a car: multiple powerpoints, a compass and ambient temperature display, cupholders big enough for water bottles, and enough small storage bins to stash books and maps.

An eight-way power driver’s seat has plenty of lower back support to make the Sorento comfortable on longer trips. Keyless entry, air conditioning, power windows and door locks are standard on the EX grade.

The second-row seats have enough legroom in the outboard positions for average adults, though taller people may feel cramped. The center console restricts legroom in the center position, especially if passengers are using the cupholders that flip out in back.

The rear seat folds flat to extend the cargo floor. To fold the seatbacks flat, the driver must first flip the seat bottoms forward and remove the headrests. It’s not a difficult operation, but the extra steps add a measure of time that may bother some owners.

A storage area under the cargo floor is a great place to hide valuables at the trailhead. Tie-down hooks in the cargo area make it easier to secure large items. a standard tonneau cover keeps items in back away from prying eyes.

Flip-up glass on the liftgate allows the driver to load in smaller items easily. Standard roof rails make it easy to add a bike rack or external luggage carrier. There’s a rubber step pad on the rear bumper to make it easier to reach the roof.

Industry leading warranty

Kia continue to offer buyers its ten-year/100,00 mile warranty that includes five years of roadside assistance. The Sorento received five-star federal safety ratings for frontal and side-impact protection, and a four-star rating for rollovers.

Base price on the test car is $26,195, not including a $700 destination charge. The Sorento is on display at Kia dealerships nationwide.

Likes: A mid-sized sport-utility vehicle with true off-road capability and towing up to 5000 pounds. The Sorento is one of the best values in the mid-sized sport-utility segment. It received excellent scores in federal safety tests, and comes standard with side-curtain airbags and electronic stability control.

Dislikes: Fuel economy for the four-wheel drive model is not very good. The second-row seats are time consuming to fold flat, since the operation requires flipping the seat bottoms forward and removing the headrests.

Quick facts:

Make: Kia
Model: Sorento EX 4X4
Year: 2008
Base price: $26,195
As tested: $30,095
Horsepower: 262 Hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque: 260 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: Yes
Off-road: Yes
Fuel economy: 15/20 mpg city/highway
Comments: Base price does not include a $700 destination charge.

2009 Jeep Liberty Sport

Second-generation sport-utility vehicle appeals to off-road enthusiasts.
By Nina Russin

Last year, Chrysler rolled out the second-generation Jeep Liberty: a mid-sized sport-utility vehicle with standard four-wheel drive and two grades:

2009 Jeep Liberty Sport

the base Sport (tested) and upscale Limited.

Both are powered by a 3.7-liter V6 engine rated at 210 horsepower and four-speed automatic transmission. A diesel version is available in Europe, but so far, Chrysler has no plans to bring that model to the States.

The current model is larger, with more aggressive exterior styling than the former version.

An optional sky slider roof on the test car ($1075) opens up the top of the Liberty, offering buyers a similar driving experience to the soft-top Wrangler. A control on the overhead console opens the roof from the front or rear.

The waterproof canvas top slides back like an accordion. It’s a very cool feature on off-road trails, since it gives both rows of passengers fresh air and  clear view of the sky.

Unfortunately, it’s noisier than heck on the highway. Driving from Phoenix to Los Angeles, the roof became extremely noisy above eighty miles-per-hour, even though it was completely closed.

Two available four-wheel drive systems.

Of the two available four-wheel drive systems, the part-time Command-Trac comes standard on the Sport, with a shift lever on the floor console that engages rear-wheel drive, high or low-range four-wheel drive on the go.

High-range four-wheel drive locks the front and rear axles together to improve traction on wet or snow-covered roads, while the low-range is best suited for true off-roading, when one or more wheels may be off the ground.

Both the full or part-time four-wheel drive systems carry the Jeep trail rating: they meet internal engineering standards for deep water fording, wheel articulation and directional control. Having taken a Jeep Liberty on a gnarly trail through a southern Indiana woodland, I believe it will handle whatever its owner wants to throw at it.

Standard hill descent control maintains a speed of five miles-per-hour on steep downhills, giving the driver better control of the vehicle than applying the brakes. Hill start assist is also standard: it prevents the truck from sliding backwards when accelerating from a stop on a steep grade.

Attractive package for active lifestyles

Aside from the optional canvas roof, the Liberty is a good choice for buyers who need a mid-sized sport-utility vehicle with reasonable towing capability. Available stain-resistant fabric is a plus for people like myself who get dirty when then play, and sometimes forget to bring a towel to cover up the seats. The fabric is anti-microbial, so it not only stays clean; it doesn’t start to smell after years of rides to and from the local trailhead.

After logging a thousand miles on the test car, I can vouch for the comfort of the front seats. They have plenty of lower lumbar control. Designers also extended the seat cushions this year for better leg support.

While no four-wheel drive car gets great gas mileage, I was able to equal or exceed the Liberty’s twenty-one mile-per-gallon EPA rating on the highway. Keeping the car in two-wheel drive on paved roads adds about a mile-per-gallon to its highway fuel economy.

The gas tank is big enough to give the truck decent range. I was able to drive from Phoenix to Palm Springs, about 250 miles, on about three-quarters of a tank of gas.

Peppy engine

The six-cylinder engine has plenty of pep for average city and highway driving. It does well in the critical twenty-to-fifty mile-per-hour range, merging into high-speed traffic, and has plenty of top-end power to pass other cars on the highway.

A five-speed automatic transmission would have given the Liberty better fuel economy, but the four-speed box performs well on hills. I didn’t notice excessive hunting between gears.

Engineers figured out how to make a rack-and-pinion steering system robust enough for off-road driving. It gives the Liberty better cornering capability and a smaller turning radius on paved roads.

Standard four-wheel disc brakes with four-channel antilock braking stop the truck in a linear fashion without being grabby. Engineers retuned the rear suspension for 2009, giving the vehicle a more linear feel.

Though the solid rear axle doesn’t offer the compliant ride of a fully-independent suspension, it keeps the vehicle more stable when towing a trailer. In the front seat at least, I didn’t find the ride uncomfortably rough.

Spacious interior

The new Liberty has a slightly bigger footprint than the model it replaces, translating to more interior room and cargo space. The front row feels quite open and spacious. Chrysler designers excel at interior packaging. The center console bin has a small shelf up top for electronic devices and a change holder: the bottom is big enough to hold a stack of compact discs.

The standard audio system includes MP3 compatibility and pre-wiring for Sirius satellite radio. Audiophiles can opt to upgrade to a downloadable hard drive that holds tunes and pictures, with an enhanced speaker system.

The second row has adequate legroom for two adults. Cupholders on the floor behind the center console leave almost no legroom for the middle passenger. The same equipment option that adds the stain-repellent fabric also includes a 115-volt inverter in back of the center console, so rear passengers can use their computers en-route.

Second-row seats fold flat using straps on the back of the seat cushion, creating an uninterrupted cargo floor. Folding the seats flat does require removing the headrests, but it’s a fairly simple operation. Buyers who want to carry extra-long cargo inside can opt for a fold-flat front passenger seat.

Despite its high ground clearance, the Liberty’s lift-over height is low enough to make tossing  a bike in back fairly easy. The test car also has optional roof rails.

A small waterproof storage area under the cargo floor is ideal for stashing valuables that won’t fit in the glovebox or center console bin. The under-sized spare is mounted under the truck. Buyers who plan to do a lot of off-road driving should opt for the towing prep package ($580) that adds a full-sized spare.

Off-road enthusiasts will also want to add the skid plate package, that protects chassis components from rocks and roots on the trail, and also adds winch hooks.

Standard safety

All models come with standard electronic stability control, traction control, four-channel antilock braking, front, side and side curtain airbags, hill start assist, hill descent control, and a tire pressure monitoring system.

Made in America

Drivers who want to buy a car made in this country will take heart in the fact that the Liberty is produced in Chrysler’s Toledo, Ohio assembly plant. Both the engine and transmission are also produced in the United States.

Base price for the Liberty Sport is $23,825, not including a $695 destination charge. As with all Chrysler products, the Liberty comes with a lifetime powertrain warranty.

Likes: Affordable mid-sized sport-utility vehicle with true off-road capability and towing up to 5000 pounds. The stain-repellent fabric is a great option for people who like to play hard and get dirty.

Dislike: Optional canvas roof is extremely noisy, especially on the highway.

Quick facts:

Make: Jeep
Model: Liberty Sport 4X4
Year: 2009
Base price: $23,825
As tested: $27,720
Horsepower: 210 Hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque: 235 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: Yes
Off-road: Yes
Fuel economy: 15/21 mpg city/highway

2009 Nissan Frontier 4X4 CC SE

Mid-sized pickup truck geared towards active lifestyles
By Nina Russin

2009 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab

The Nissan Frontier is a value-packed offering for drivers who like to venture off-road and tow the occasional trailer. The crew cab four-by-four model approaches the functionality of the full-sized Nissan Titan, in a smaller, more practical package.

Value-conscious buyers can opt for the base XE king cab model with rear-wheel drive, that retails for $17,460, not including a $695 destination charge. The four-wheel drive SE grade tested starts at $21,540.

Power comes from a four-liter V-6 engine and five-speed automatic transmission. A control on the center stack allows drivers to shift between rear-wheel, four-wheel high and low modes on the fly. The four-wheel high gears give drivers extra traction on ice and snow, while the low gears provide the extra torque necessary for off-road trails.

Geared to Active Lifestyles

Nissan’s design studio is located in San Diego, giving its staff good access to people who spend lots of time out of doors. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the Xterra sport-utility vehicle and Frontier pickup.

Both have the versatility athletes look for without a lot of comfort and convenience features they might not want to invest in.

The cargo bed on the Frontier is a perfect example: it comes from the factory with a waterproof bedliner and cargo tracks with tie-down cleats for securing large cargo. An optional bed extender that slides along the cargo tracks can divide the cargo bed into two sections, or make it longer.
A low liftover height makes it easier for women to load up the back.

Optional cargo trays and modular storage units make the bed as functional as the back of many sport-utility vehicles.

Easy to Take Off-Road

Engineers located all of the sensitive underbody components inside the frame rails: the Frontier has just under nine inches of running ground clearance. They also modified the V-6 engine that the Frontier shares with the Maxima, Altima, Murano and Quest, giving it a longer, smoother torque curve.

The five-speed automatic transmission includes a large overdrive gear to boost highway fuel economy: about nineteen miles-per-gallon on the four-wheel drive model. Its forty-five hundred pound curb weight and its two-box design hurts the Frontier’s overall gas mileage. Sixteen mile-per-gallon fuel economy is at the low end for vehicles in its segment.

The engine reaches peak torque at fairly low speeds, giving it excellent acceleration in the twenty-to-fifty mile-per-hour range. The Frontier can tow up to 6500 pounds: double our ALV minimum requirement.
The durable engine block requires minimal maintenance: it includes a timing chain in lieu of a belt, a forged steel crankshaft, and spark plugs rated up to 105,000 miles.

Front tow hooks and a full-sized spare are important features for anyone who drives off-road. Buyers can opt to add hill descent control and hill start assist, enhancing directional control on steep grades.

Nissan added a Pro-4X grade to the Frontier line-up last year, with enhanced off-road features. It adds skid plates under the fuel tank and oil pan, trail-rated tires, high-pressure shocks, and a limited-slip rear differential.

Small Enough for City Driving

The mid-sized Frontier rides on a 126-inch wheelbase . It fits easily in the average parking slot, and is more maneuverable on crowded urban highways than a full-sized truck.

The solid rear axle has a harsher ride than a fully-independent suspension, but it improves the truck’s handling when towing a trailer.

Standard four-wheel disc brakes with four-channel antilock braking stop the truck in a firm, linear fashion. Sixteen-inch wheels and tires provide a big enough footprint on and off-road. Buyers can dress up the exterior by upgrading to eighteen-inch alloy wheels.

A tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel gives drivers a better forward view. Manual seats on the test truck have surprisingly good lower lumbar support.

Speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering makes the Frontier maneuverable in parking lots, and gives it a positive on-center feel at speed.

Forward and rear visibility are surprisingly good. The wide B-pillar on the crew cab creates a large blind spot next to the driver which I found annoying. The side mirrors don’t compensate for it well: I had to look through the rear side window for oncoming traffic before changing lanes.

Practical interior

The standard cloth trim on the SE grade is attractive and easier to clean than leather. I was surprised by how good lower back support was on the manually adjustable seats.

All four doors have molded-in bottle holders. Both rows of passengers have access to large cupholders: in the floor console and in back of the center console bin. Rubber inserts are an annoyance: they cling to bottles and often end up outside the truck.

Two-twelve volt outlets allow the driver and front passenger to recharge portable electronic devices on the go. There are plenty of small compartments around the two front seats for stowing compact discs, cell phones and PDAs.

A two-piece glovebox holds maps and paperwork: the bottom section locks, providing secure storage for a wallet at the trailhead.

The standard audio system includes an AM/FM radio and single-slot CD player. Buyers can upgrade to a Rockford /Fosgate system that adds satellite radio, MP3 jack, Bluetooth compatibility, and a six-disc player.

Both front and rear passengers get overhead reading lamps. Designers put handles on both the A and B pillars, easing access and egress for smaller passengers. Crew cab doors are hinged at the front: the rear seats are quite easy to get in and out of.

An optional sunroof brings additional ambient light inside: a boon for second-row passengers. The second-row seats have ample head and legroom in the outboard positions. The middle seat is workable for short trips or holding a child safety seat.

Standard Safety

The SE grade comes standard with front airbags, active front head restraints, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Vehicle stability control is available as part of an option package that also adds hill descent control and hill start assist. Side curtain airbags are a stand-alone option.
Nissan builds the Frontier at its Smyrna, Tennessee assembly plant.

Likes: A mid-sized truck designed for active lifestyles. The cargo tie-down system in the cargo bed makes the Frontier easy to load up with bicycles and other large cargo. Nissan includes everything the driver needs to go off-road out of the box.

Dislikes: Poor overall fuel economy. The large B-pillar creates a blind spot on the driver’s side that the mirrors don’t compensate for.

Quick facts:

Base price: $25,960
Price as tested: $28,785
Horsepower: 261 Hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque: 281 lbs.-ft. @ 4000 rpm
Antilock brakes: Standard
Side curtain airbags: Standard
First aid kit: N/A
Towing: Yes
Off-road: Yes
Fuel economy: 15/29 mpg city/highway
Comments: Base price does not include a $745 delivery charge.

2008 Toyota RAV4 Sport 4X4

Compact sport-utility vehicle comes of age.
By Nina Russin

Toyota RAV4

When Toyota rolled out the original RAV4 in 1996, compact sport-utility vehicles were a rarity. Since then, almost every automaker has introduced a competitor, ranging from the sporty BMW X3, to the budget friendly Suzuki Grand Vitara.

But Toyota’s recreational active vehicle maintains a loyal fan base by combining the automaker’s legendary build quality with enhanced on and off-road performance. In addition to available four-wheel drive, new models feature hill descent control and ascent assist, that help drivers maintain directional control on extremely steep grades.

The RAV4 has always been environmentally friendly: at one point, Toyota produced an all-electric model. The current model runs on traditional gasoline engines, optimized for fuel economy. Both the standard four-cylinder and available V6 engines meet federal ultra-low emissions vehicle standards. Average fuel economy for the V6 (tested) is twenty-one miles-per-gallon.

New V-6 engine enhances power and towing capability

The 269-horsepower V6 engine, mated to a five-speed automatic transmission, accelerates from zero-to-sixty miles-per-hour in under seven seconds. An optional towing package boosts the RAV’s towing capacity to 3500 pounds, meeting our minimum ALV standards.

One of the biggest complaints about early RAV4s was their soft acceleration. Equipped with the V6, the RAV is a spirited performer. I was impressed by acceleration in the twenty-to-fifty range, which is critical for merging into high-speed traffic.

I drove the RAV sport on a recent trip to Ohio, where most of the highways were built thirty or more years ago. Back then, left-side entrance ramps weren’t considered dangerous. Now that traffic loads have doubled , jumping into the passing lane is a challenge.

Not only could the RAV accelerate hard enough to jump into dense traffic; the side mirrors provided enough visibility to see around cloverleafs covered with summer foliage.

Electronic power steering reduces vehicle weight

Toyota uses an electric power steering system on the RAV4 that’s similar to the unit on its hybrids. Unlike traditional power steering, the electronic system lacks a hydraulic power booster, saving weight, and eliminating a part that over time can degrade and leak.

Steering response from the electronic system is excellent at all speeds, and produces a positive on-center feel on the highway. Toyota integrates vehicle stability and traction control in what it calls its star safety system. All of the controls share sensors, so the transition from one to another is less obvious to the driver.

The sport grade comes with standard eighteen-inch alloy wheels: an upgrade from sixteen inch rims on the base model. A four-wheel independent suspension tuned for more aggressive driving keeps the RAV4 flat in the corners.

Available four-wheel drive includes a locking mode for off-road driving

Drivers who want enhanced traction can opt for four-wheel drive. On uneven or slippery roads, the system automatically transfers torque from the front to the rear wheels to maximize traction.

A locking switch on the instrument panel maintains the rear bias when the car travels at 25 miles-per-hour or less. In addition, four-wheel drive models come with downhill descent control and hill-start assist: technologies introduced on the ‘03 Lexus GX470 and Toyota 4Runner.

A button on the dash activates the downhill descent control: it maintains a speed of under five miles-per-hour on steep grades, giving the driver better directional control than braking. Hill start assist prevents the car from sliding backwards when accelerating from a stop.

While the RAV4’s off-road ability is much improved over previous models, it lacks a two-speed transfer case for extreme low gearing, and its 7.5-ich ground clearance may not be enough for very rough trails.

Stylish, comfortable interior

The test car has cloth upholstery: standard on the sport grade. I prefer cloth to leather in the southwest: it doesn’t get as hot in the summer, and it’s easier to clean. Although the manual seats in the test car don’t have lumbar adjustments, I found both the front driver’s and passenger seat comfortable on trips of two hours or more.

Passengers have plenty of access to bottle and cupholders. All four doors have bottle holders. Cupholders in the floor console are big enough for water bottles, as are those in a fold-down armrest in back.

Two twelve-volt plug-ins up front allow the driver and front passenger to recharge portable electronic devices. HVAC and audio controls on the center stack are easy to reach from either front seating position. A shelf at the base of the center stack holds six compact discs for the in-dash CD changer. The standard audio system is MP3 compatible.

A two-piece glovebox has a small compartment for documents, and a larger bin beneath for maps and books. A large bin under the center armrest holds portable electronic devices or a small purse.

The floor-mounted gate shifter helps the driver find low gears more easily. My only complaint about the interior design is the location of the side mirror adjustments on the front of the center console. It isn’t a very intuitive spot, and it’s hard to find if the driver needs to adjust the mirrors when the car is in motion.

The second-row seats move fore and aft to give second-row passengers more legroom. The RAV is available with a third-row seat that tumbles into the floor, although I wouldn’t recommend it on such a small car.

Cars without the third-row seat get two, under-floor storage bins for concealing valuables. Since most models have a rear-mounted full-sized spare, the tailgate is hinged to the side. I found the rear cargo area very easy to load: the liftover height is reasonable for a small person.

Second-row seats fold flat to extend the cargo floor: the RAV4 meets our bicycle friendly standards. Tie-down loops help to secure larger items in back.

An ALV best value

Base price on the upscale sport grade is $25,990, not including a $685 destination charge. Options on the test car, including the towing prep package, power sunroof, tonneau cover and carpeted floor mats bring the MSRP to $28,473.

The newest RAV4 is available for test drives at Toyota dealerships nationwide.

Likes: A much more powerful engine than on previous models with excellent fuel economy. A four-wheel lock mode along with downhill descent control and hill start assist improve the RAV4’s off-road capability.

Dislikes: Location of side mirror adjustment switches is hard to find.

Quick facts:

Make: Toyota
Model: RAV4 Sport 4X4
Year: 2008
Base price: $25,990
As tested: $28,473
Horsepower: 269Hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque: 246 lbs.-ft. @ 4700 rpm
Zero-to-sixty: 7 seconds
Side curtain airbags: Standard
Antilock brakes: Standard
First aid kit: N/A
Bicycle friendly: Yes
Off-road: Yes
Towing: Yes, when equipped with optional towing-prep package.
Comments: Base price does not include a $685 delivery charge.

2008 Kia Sportage EX 4X4

Affordable, compact sport-utility vehicle
By Nina Russin

2008 Kia Sportage

No vehicle in Kia’s lineup exemplifies the company’s evolution from bit player to a major force in the American market better than the Sportage. When the first Sportage rolled out fifteen years ago, its singular asset was the price tag.

The Sportage was the least expensive sport-utility vehicle on the market. Buyers who had never been able to afford a new car could buy a Sportage.

By the time Kia introduced the current model in 2005, it had established itself as a safety leader, while maintaining its value pricing strategy. The new Sportage received five star federal crash test ratings in frontal and side impacts, and has one of the highest levels of standard safety features in its segment.

A Sportage for every lifestyle

The current model is available with a choice of two engines: an inline four-cylinder or 170-horsepower V6. The test car is the upscale EX grade with a V6 engine and four-speed automatic transmission. Available four-wheel drive gives the Sportage moderate off-road capability.

Though the larger engine and all-wheel drive hurts its overall fuel economy, the V6 EX is a  better car on the highway than the four-cylinder.  The V6 has forty more foot-pounds of torque than the four-cylinder: peak torque occurs at lower engine speeds, for better acceleration.

Four-wheel drive adds the versatility that most buyers with active lifestyles require. The four-speed automatic transmission is the powertrain’s least appealing feature. It gets the job done, but a five-speed gearbox would have improved overall fuel economy.

Though the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson share the same rolling chassis, the Sportage is tuned for more aggressive driving. Gordon Dickie, who was Kia’s Director of Product Quality at the time, was responsible for tuning the Sportage.

Dickie had come to Kia from Mazda, where he worked on the MazdaSpeed products. The Sportage has stiffer suspension settings and a more positive on-center feel than the Tucson: both Dickie trademarks.

Solid highway performance

I had the dubious pleasure of driving the first-generation Sportage from Phoenix to LA: it had as much power as a box full of field mice, and shook like a banshee in the wind. To its credit, the current model bears absolutely no resemblance to the car it replaced. It’s quiet and refined, with ample power and a solid, stable footprint.

The V6 engine has plenty of power to maneuver through high-speed traffic. Though the transmission lacks large overdrive gears, it seems well mated to the engine, with no noticeable shift shock.

Visibility around the car is good: a standard rear wiper keeps the glass clear in rain and snow. Power rack-and-pinion steering feels precise at speed, while providing plenty of assist for maneuvering through parking lots.

A four-wheel drive lock button to the left of the gauge cluster gives the driver additional traction off-road. The driver can also disable the electronic stability control, allowing the wheels to spin on snow and loose dirt for better maneuverability.

Versatile interior

The upscale EX grade comes with a high level of standard comfort and convenience features, including single-zone climate control, a sunroof, AM/FM/cassette and CD player with MP3 compatibility, a tilt steering wheel, and power front seats. A luxury package adds leather trim, front seat heaters and an audio upgrade ($1300).

There are two, twelve-volt power points: at the base of the center stack and to the left of the liftgate in the cargo bay. All four doors have map pockets with molded bottle holders.

Two open bins, in front of the armrest and at the base of the center stack, hold small electronic devices. The glovebox is rather small: a grab handle above it is probably unnecessary for the type of off-road driving most owners will do.

Two cupholders in the floor console are also large enough for bottles. Second-row passengers get two smaller cupholders that pop out of the back of the center armrest. The center seatback in back folds down to serve as an armrest for rear passengers.

The outboard second-row seats have enough leg, hip and headroom for average adults. There is no floor tunnel, but the center console limits legroom in the center position.

Spacious cargo area

Levers on the rear seatbacks fold them flush with the cargo floor: the Sportage easily meets our bicycle-friendly standards. A standard tonneau cover conceals items in back, but is easy to remove for larger cargo.

The rear glass can open independently of the liftgate for loading in small items. Four tie-down loops secure large cargo stashed in back. A storage bin under the cargo floor has compartments to keep smaller items from slipping around.

A step-pad on the rear bumper makes it easier to load items up top. The EX grade comes standard with roof rails for attaching cargo racks.

The Sportage tows up to 2000 pounds: below our ALV standards, but adequate for a small trailer.

Standard safety

All grades come with four channel antilock brakes, traction control, and electronic stability control. The Sportage has front, side and side curtain airbags that protect both rows of passengers.

All Kias come with a ten year powertrain warranty that includes five years or 60,000 miles of roadside assistance.

The 2008 Sportage is on display at Kia dealerships nationwide.

Likes: An affordable compact sport-utility vehicle with moderate off-road capability and a high level of standard safety and convenience features. The Sportage easily meets our bicycle-friendly standards. Roof rails are standard on the EX grade.

Dislikes: A five-speed automatic transmission would have improved fuel economy, which is not particularly good on the four-wheel drive model.

Quick facts:

Make: Kia
Model: Sportage EX 4X4
Year: 2008
Base price: $22,895
As tested: $24,820
Horsepower: 173 Hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque: 178 lbs.-ft. @ 4000 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: No
Fuel economy: 17/21 mpg city/highway
Comments: Base price does not include a $625 destination charge.

2009 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0T SE 4Motion

New compact utility vehicle with sports car appeal
By Nina Russin

2009 Volkswagen Tiguan

As the rising cost of gas forces drivers out of their full-sized trucks, automakers are trying to make the idea of downsizing more palatable. Rather than bringing a bland utility vehicle to market, Volkswagen is infusing the 2009 Tiguan with the sporty performance of its popular GTI.

The Tiguan isn’t an inexpensive car: base price on the all-wheel drive test car is $28,875, not including the $690 delivery charge. And while its average fuel economy of twenty miles per gallon is better than the full-sized Touareg, the Tiguan isn’t exactly a gas miser. But it has the power and performance many direct competitors lack, along with a versatile cargo area, roof rails, moderate off-road capability, and a really cool panoramic sunroof.

The test car is the SE grade: one of two available trim levels with Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel drive system. Power comes from a turbocharged two-liter engine rated at 200 horsepower, and six-speed automatic transmission. The Tiguan accelerates from zero-to-sixty in just under eight seconds, and has a top speed of 129 miles-per-hour.

Turbocharging gives the Tiguan exceptional low-end torque. Driving the car on city streets and highways, it feels very much like a Volkswagen sport sedan.  A high level of torsional rigidity results in excellent steering feedback at all speeds. Engineers used lightweight construction materials whenever possible to minimize curb weight and enhance gas mileage.

Standard seventeen-inch wheels on the SE grade provide a stable footprint, while a fully independent suspension gives the Tiguan responsive ride and handling. Four-wheel disc brakes, standard on all trim levels, stop better on wet pavement and are easier to service than drums.

Its short wheelbase makes the Tiguan easy to maneuver through crowded streets, or on narrow off-road trails. Seven inches of ground clearance is enough to clear tree roots or rocks on unimproved roads; however, the engine compartment is not designed for fording water. Towing capacity is 2200 pounds: not enough to meet our minimum ALV standards.

The test car comes with three options: a navigation system with rearview backup assist camera and a multimedia socket ($1950), rear side airbags ($350), and the power panoramic sunroof ($1300).

Smartly designed interior

I found a lot to love in the Tiguan’s interior: as the architect Mies van de Rohe once said, “God is in the details.” The upgraded cloth upholstery is attractive and practical: it stays relatively cool in the Phoenix summer heat. The SE grade comes with an eight-way partial power driver’s seat and eight-way manually adjustable passenger seat. Lower back support is excellent for both front seating positions.

Navigation information appears in two spots: on a screen in the center stack, and on an information display in the gauge cluster. If the driver wants to see audio and navigation information at the same time, he can program the screen to display the playlist, while route directions appear on the information display.

Redundant audio and cruise control buttons on the steering wheel minimize driver distraction. The steering wheel is height adjustable to accommodate drivers of different sizes.

A bin in the center console includes the compact disc slots, a 12-volt power point and the MP3 plug in. There are two other 12-volt outlets: in the center stack, and in back of the center console bin. Two cupholders in the floor console are large enough for water bottles. The electronic parking brake control is next to the gear shift lever. The six-speed automatic transmission includes a manual shift option.

Both rows of passengers have plenty of small bins and cubbies for stashing paperwork and portable electronic devices. All four doors have map pockets; the front doors also have bottle holders.

Second-row seats recline, and can move fore and aft up to six inches to give passengers additional legroom. The middle seat folds down to provide an extra set of cupholders. Given the size of the car and the transmission tunnel, two passengers will be more comfortable in back than three.

Reading lamps in the overhead console and to either side of the panoramic sunroof illuminate both rows. The second-row seats fold flat to extend the cargo floor. The front passenger seat can also fold flat for transporting longer items.

With the second-row seats in place, the cargo area can hold some small boxes and luggage, but stashing bikes and other large cargo requires folding the seats flat. A standard tonneau cover protects items stashed in back from prying eyes.

Standard safety

All models come with front, side and side curtain airbags: rear side airbags are optional. Standard four-channel antilock brakes and electronic stability program help the driver to maintain directional control on wet or icy surfaces.

The Tiguan is available as either a front or all-wheel drive car. Base price on the front-wheel drive model is $23,200. All-wheel drive models begin at $28,875. The standard warranty includes all scheduled maintenance for three years of 36,000 miles.

The new Tiguan is rolling into Volkswagen dealerships nationwide.

Likes: Exceptional power and performance: the Tiguan is a compact sport-utility vehicle that feels like a sport sedan. All-wheel drive gives the Tiguan all-weather and all-terrain capability, while the optional panoramic sunroof provides both rows of passengers with plenty of ambient light.

Dislikes: Poor fuel economy. The cargo area with the second-row seats in place is too small for bicycles, camping gear and other large items.

Quick facts:

Make: Volkswagen
Model: Tiguan SE 4Motion
Year: 2009
Base price: $28,875
As tested: $33,165
Horsepower: 200 Hp @ 5100 rpm
Torque: 207 lbs.-ft @ 1700 rpm
Zero-to-sixty: 7.9 seconds
Bicycle friendly: Yes
Off-road: Yes
Towing: No
Antilock brakes: Standard
Side curtain airbags: Standard
First aid kit: N/A
Fuel economy: 18/24 mpg city/highway
Comments: Base price does not include a $690 delivery charge. All scheduled maintenance is free for the duration of the three year/36,000 mile warranty period.