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Story Published: Jan 10, 2006 at 4:58 AM PDT
Story Updated: Aug 31, 2006 at 2:10 AM PDT
Crossovers are built on a car platform, so they give you the space and versatility of an SUV, with more comfort, better handling and more miles per gallon.
In its 2006 Buying Guide, Kiplinger's (www.kiplinger.com) picks the Honda Pilot as best in class. The editors call this CUV "roomy and dependable" and they give it points for "power, safety and resale value." Plus it has room for eight.
Kiplinger's calls the Toyota Highlander hybrid the best new crossover. The Highlander hybrid is "no slouch when accelerating," the editors say. In fact, its electric motors actually "give it more power than the V6 gas model."
Consumer Reports gives top marks to the car-based Subaru Forester and the Lexus RX330. The editors say the Forester delivers "a very good ride and handles with agility. The interior is comfortable, and the cargo space is very useable, and the standard all-wheel drive provides an added traction in winter driving conditions."
The magazine says the Lexus RX330 "has a comfortable ride; a refined and responsive V6 engine; and handles better than most traditional truck-based SUVs. The interior is luxurious and quiet, and the rear seat is roomy enough for three." Consumer Reports says the new RX400h hybrid version "offers improved acceleration with incremental fuel economy gains."
You can expect to see a number of new crossover vehicles coming to market this year, including: the Ford Edge, Lincoln Aviator, Dodge Calibre, Saturn Outlook, Jeep Compass, and Mazda CX-7.
For more information:
Automakers Show Off Crossover Models
Auto Show Highlights Crossover Vehicles
Buick Enclave Balances Youth Appeal, Classic Design
Customer Choice Theme of the Auto Show