Based on the Jeep Grand Cherokee and slated to be the brand’s volume seller, Maserati’s Levante SUV has remained more-or-less in the dark despite its crucial role for the brand.

That will change soon as the SUV previewed in the Kubang concept (above) approaches production, which will take place in Italy. Originally, the brand had planned to build its luxury SUV alongside the Grand Cherokee, but strong demand for the American soft-roader kept it from happening.

Expected to launch in the first half of 2015, Maserati will offer both the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 with 410 hp and a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 with 530 hp while the European market will also be offered a diesel option.

Expect an eight-speed automatic transmission and a version of the all-wheel drive system currently found in the Quattroporte. Maserati will draw on the Jeep brand’s off-road expertise as well, but the vehicle will be pavement biased with an interior close in quality to the Quattroporte.

Last year, Maserati sold roughly 7,000 units, but the brand is aiming to increase its volume to as much as 50,000.

[Source: Edmunds]

Discuss this story at Luxury4Play.com

The post 2015 Maserati Levante Details Revealed appeared first on Sport Utility Vehicles : SUV.

Alfa Romeo’s UK brand manager has confirmed that an SUV model will be brought to market in the next two or three years.

Now that Alfa Romeo has access to all of Jeep’s portfolio of technologies, the Italian automaker is working on an SUV that will share much with the new Jeep Cherokee.

SEE ALSO: Alfa Romeo SUV Won’t Launch Until 2015

The new Cherokee platform is also used on the Dodge Dart and Alfa Romeo Giulietta, further reinforcing Marchionne’s motives of sharing platforms across the automaker’s portfolio.

Pictured above is the Alfa Romeo Kamal concept, which debuted in 2003. Needless to say, the mythical Alfa Romeo SUV needs to become a reality sooner than later.

GALLERY: 2014 Jeep Cherokee

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[Source: The Telegraph]

Discuss this story at AlfaOwner.com

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Land Rover is celebrating its 65th anniversary with a special edition of its Defender SUV.

Limited to 65 units in the U.K., Land Rover will build the Defender LXV with its 2.2-liter diesel engine and a six-speed manual transmission.

Based on the Defender Hard Top, the SUV is painted black with a contrasting grey roof, grille, fascia and headlight surrounds. You won’t find any gaudy 20-inch wheels here, just 16-inch sawtooth wheels with rugged off-road tires.

The cabin gets special touches too, with leather trim and orange contrast stitching on the seats, steering wheel and center console.

Land Rover is asking £28,765 for the Defender LXV, which translates to $44,500.

GALLERY: Land Rover Defender LXV

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It’s unwise to purchase a home without having a qualified expert give it a thorough going over, why should new cars be any different? Top-to-bottom, front-to-back, inside-and-out, the 2014 Subaru Forester is on the receiving end of AutoGuide’s weekly Five-Point Inspection.

This versatile crossover SUV is fresh off the sheet-metal presses. It was revealed at the Los Angeles Auto Show late last year and it’s now available at Subie dealerships across the country. The vehicle provided for evaluation was a 2.5i Premium model equipped with a novel shift-it-yourself six-speed transmission; this type of gearbox is unheard of in the Forester’s class… or just about any other vehicle segment for that matter.

Compared to last year’s model the 2014 version is built on a new platform with a wheelbase that’s nearly one inch greater. Additionally, the body is slightly longer and a whisker wider. But enough numbers, here’s what really matters.

The post Five-Point Inspection: 2014 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium Manual appeared first on Sport Utility Vehicles : SUV.

Once upon a time the automotive market was radically different. Just a few decades ago things were much simpler for consumers than they are today. Unless they’re shopping for a new Tesla, buyers face a borderline-absurd number of choices when they walk into a typical dealer showroom. This is why we’re here. Ask AutoGuide’s expertly trained, nationally certified Oracles are ready, willing and usually able to help new-car shoppers in distress. Think of them as caped crusaders fighting for what’s right… as long as they don’t have to get up from their desks or change out of their Velcro Hush Puppies.

Along with traditional sedans and pickup trucks modern vehicle lineups include automotive oddities like minivans and crossovers, not to mention the paradoxical four-door coupe, a half-breed that’s akin to the mythical liger (bred for its skills in magic). Car-based utilities are on the front-line of this sea change. Slowly but surely they’re starting to dominate the market like the Soviets dominated Eastern Europe, but instead of communism and an iron curtain think of trips to Costco and a new shower curtain.

This proliferation is good for consumers in need of spacious vehicles that deliver respectable fuel economy, but given how they’re multiplying like bacteria in room-temperature egg salad, choosing the right one is a monumental challenge.

This week Tammy sounded the alarm. She’s looking for a premium crossover and has about $50,000 to spend. That narrows things down to just about every car-based utility on the market today. Thankfully she has other criteria. Quality and reliability are important to her as are fuel economy and safety. She’s also looking for blind-spot monitoring, a roof rack and navigation, among other things. Giving our experts a general direction to head in, she mentioned vehicles like the Audi Q5 Hybrid, Lexus RX and Toyota Highlander. Vast amounts of cargo space are not a priority so compact luxury is the way to go.

Few things excite the Oracles like an automotive challenge and this is a big one. Hopefully they get as amped up about Tammy’s question as they do about scheduling an appointment with the allergist.

Suggestion #1: 2013 Volvo XC60

Sweden is the land of Viking warriors, social welfare and ABBA. This Nordic country dangles above the European mainland like a salami hanging in a deli; it’s even got its own natural casing, which consists of Norway to the west and the Baltic Sea to the east. In wintertime this barrier even crunches like a cured hog intestine.

Sweden is also famous for its high standard of living and its auto industry. The former comes courtesy of sensible government policy, the latter of bankruptcy and Chinese ownership. Saab ran out of gas a year or two ago, succumbing to an unstoppable one-two punch: the Great Recession and GM’s blundering management. With the Griffon brand on the receiving end of a Viking funeral the only automaker left to wave the blue and yellow standard is Volvo, the most ‘we’re not dead yet’ automaker in Sweden.

The company’s offering in the premium small crossover segment is the capable and safe XC60, a vehicle Tammy may not have considered. It offers a comfortable cabin, lots of nice features and a touch of Scandinavian luxury, which is understated and elegant, unlike, say, German luxury, which is demanding an opinionated.

The XC60’s base price is a little more than $35,000, well within budget. Loaded up with the necessary options that figure grows by a substantial amount… like 11 grand. With blind-spot monitoring, heated seats and a navigation system the car’s MSRP just about hits $46,000.

SEE ALSO: 2013 Volvo XC60 R-Design Review

One interesting feature offered on the XC60 is called City Safety. It’s an advanced driver-support technology that’s designed to prevent costly fender benders. It works at low speeds in stop-and-go traffic. If the driver isn’t paying attention and the vehicle ahead is stopped City Safety will automatically slam on the brakes to prevent a rear-end collision. If the motorist is doing their job the technology is completely invisible; it only intervenes when necessary. In demonstrations the system is quite effective, and best of all it’s standard on every XC60.

Shelling out nearly 50 large gets you a front-wheel-drive model with a 3.2-liter straight-six under the hood. It develops 240 horsepower and nearly as much torque. It’s matched to an automatic transmission with half-a-dozen gears. On the efficiency front this stylish Swede should average 21 miles per gallon in mixed driving; that’s 19 MPG city and 25 on the open road (not the best numbers in its class).

If all-wheel drive or additional performance are called for plan on spending more. An up-level turbo engine belts out either 300 or 325 horsepower depending on how it’s tuned, but even in base trim Volvo’s Dancing Queen is comfortable and plenty capable.

Get full Volvo XC60 details here

Suggestion #2: 2013 Acura RDX

More is less with the Acura RDX. When the company redesigned this luxury crossover a year or so ago they replaced the previous generation’s turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a big, honkin’ V6. Against the odds, fuel economy actually went up. The RDX’s combined rating improved by two miles per gallon, and that’s with more than 30 extra horsepower! This is eye-opening, especially at a time when manufacturers like Ford are aggressively downsizing their engines and bolting on the boost.

Like its Swedish competitor the RDX starts in the mid-$30,000 range. That gets you a 10-way power driver’s seat with adjustable lumbar support, a premium sound system, Bluetooth connectivity and a lot more.

To get the coveted navigation system one has to step up to a model equipped with the Technology Package, which is $3,700 extra compared to the base car. That’s a hefty chunk of change, a truckload of rolled quarters, but it’s more than just navigation. It includes a nifty multi-view rear camera, which can show three different views on the display screen as the vehicle backs up, AcuraLink real-time traffic and weather plus Xenon High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights that turn night into day.

Under the hood Acura offers drivers a choice, they can opt for a 3.5-liter V6 that delivers 273 horsepower or they can buy a different vehicle. The engine is matched exclusively to a six-speed automatic transmission; like a canoe it can be controlled with paddles… paddle shifters, that is. All-wheel drive is available for, you guessed it, more money.

SEE ALSO: 2013 Acura RDX Review

With efficient front-wheel drive this Acura should be able to make it 20 miles on a gallon of gasoline in city driving. Naturally it does considerably better on the highway, returning up to 28 MPG.

The RDX is quite entertaining to drive, relatively spacious inside and it’s attractively styled (Tammy even said she liked the looks of it in her initial e-mail). But best of all under its fancy bodywork and leather trim it’s a Honda, meaning it’s practically guaranteed to deliver problem-free driving until she trades it in for a hydrogen-fuel cell car in 2030.

Get full Acura RDX details here

Suggestion #3: 2013 Lexus RX

Just like Honda, Toyota’s reputation is built on a foundation of quality. It’s not something that’s sexy, and it isn’t fun, but reliability and longevity are extremely important factors to consider when purchasing a vehicle.

Lexus is Toyota’s crown jewel, a pure expression of sound engineering and automotive quality. Year in and year out this luxury brand is at the top of various surveys such as the annual J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study, which measures problems per 100 vehicles. In the latest edition of the survey, which was released a couple months ago, Lexus drove away with just 74 reported issues; the worst was Land Rover with 220! Interestingly from a quality standpoint the RX was the highest-rated vehicle by J.D. Power.

Base price for the entry-level RX350 is considerably richer than the competition here; it starts at 40 grand. At that level it comes standard with 10-way power-adjustable front seats, dual zone automatic climate control and a power tilt-and-telescoping steering column. As for safety, the RX’s 10 standard airbags turn the cabin into children’s bounce house in the event of a crash.

In order to get a nav system you have to step up to a model with all-wheel drive. That’s adds a bit to the bottom line, but the real kicker is that navigation is part of an $8,000 options package. It includes other features like a heavy-duty radiator, heated AND ventilated front seats as well as rain-sensing windshield wipers. That pushes the vehicle’s price to $49,905, just $95 short of the limit. Talk about brinksmanship.

SEE ALSO: 2013 Lexus RX350 F Sport Review

Like the Acura RDX the similarly-named Lexus RX is powered by a 3.5-liter V6. It delivers a decent 270 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque. Following the industry standard it’s matched to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Fuel economy is something that’s also important to Tammy and the RX is pretty efficient. According to Uncle Sam’s minions at the EPA, it stickers at 18 miles per gallon city and 24 highway, numbers that give it a combined score of 20 MPG. But blowing those out of the water is the hybrid version of this Lexus crossover.

All-wheel-drive models of the RX450h average 29 miles per gallon, stickering at 30 in the city and 28 on the highway. Those scores make it sizably more efficient than the standard version, but that added fuel economy comes at a price. All-wheel-drive hybrids start at more than $47,000. The most basic package with navigation adds another 8 grand on top of that, bringing the total to almost $57,000 – it’s a real budget buster. On top of that the added cost of the hybrid system is suspect; sure you’re saving the environment ,but in real world driving don’t expect to recoup the extra cash any time soon..

Get full Lexus RX details here

Suggestion #Honorable Mention

So far the Oracles have presented a trio of high-end crossovers, any one of which should suit Tammy’s needs. These frontrunners offer high levels of technology, lots of luxury amenities and decent fuel economy. But there are so many offerings in this vehicle class a couple more are worth mentioning.

The BMW X3 is one of the sportiest compact luxury crossovers. It’s offered with two different turbo engines: an efficient four-cylinder and a powerful straight-six. For Tammy a model with the base powerplant would be plenty. It serves up 240 horsepower and is matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Downsides to the X3 are relatively few. It gets expensive quickly and it probably won’t be as reliable as the Acura or Lexus, but still, it’s a fine choice.

Not to be outdone by other luxury nameplates, Mercedes-Benz also fields a compact luxury crossover. The GLK is a rugged, handsome-looking vehicle; it’s probably one of the most stylish in its class. Under that chiseled bodywork the powertrain consists of a 3.5-liter V6 that delivers 302 horsepower as well as a tried-and-true seven-speed automatic transmission. Starting price is about $37,000 but optioned up to Tammy’s liking it stickers for about $46,000. Like the BMW complaints are few and center on long-term reliability.

IN CONCLUSION

With such a rich menu of offerings what’s the best vehicle for Tammy? Should she go with beluga caviar, Kobe beef or just sip on a glass of Romanée-Conti La Tâche? In truth she can’t make a mistake; all of the crossovers presented by the illustrious AutoGuide Oracles are first-rate choices. They each come with long lists of strengths and will almost certainly serve her well for years to come.

The Volvo XC60 is a solid choice. It’s safer than an artillery bunker and offers some very interesting technology in the form of the company’s City Safety autonomous-braking system. This comparison’s lone Swede is even wrapped in a stylish suit, but the XC60 is not without a few downsides. It’s interior, while a pretty swanky place is getting dated at this time. Rear seat legroom isn’t plentiful either. It’s a great luxury crossover but it’s probably not the best.

The Lexus RX is another stupendous choice. It’s reasonably powerful and efficient, it’s loaded with comfort and convenience features and it’s one of the most reliable vehicles ever built. It will probably still be running strong after the sun explodes. It’s also quite large for this class of crossover, which could be an added bonus, though Tammy says cargo room isn’t her number one priority.

Unfortunately all that quality doesn’t come cheap. Whether it’s the base RX350 or the even more expensive hybrid model the RX is pricey. Technically it’s still within Tammy’s $50,000 budget, but barely.

More engaging to drive than the Volvo and a better value than the Lexus, Acura’s RDX is a strong contender, which is why the Oracles are recommending it to Tammy, plus everyone else already drives an RX. It’s a quality piece of engineering that gets pretty good fuel economy and offers lots of technology. Acura gets the nod in this week’s installment of Ask AutoGuide.

As always, good luck in your quest for a new car and thanks again for taking the time to Ask AutoGuide.

If you need a little assistance shopping for your next vehicle feel free to do the same. Send a short message to ask@AutoGuide.com. Let us know the basics of what you’re looking for. How many seats do you need? What size of vehicle do you want? How much are you willing to spend? With some of those fundamentals out of the way we’ll get busy to come up with two or three must-see vehicles that you’ll have to put on your test-drive list.

The post Ask AutoGuide No. 6 – The Crossover Conundrum appeared first on Sport Utility Vehicles : SUV.

Last week was a lot like the British ocean liner Lusitania; it got sunk, but this time around it wasn’t the Kaiser’s fault. Instead of falling prey to a German U-Boat it was torpedoed by the New York Auto Show.

Two days in the Big Apple, plus travel time to and from Manhattan ended up devouring the work week faster than competitive eater Oleg Zhornitskiy engulfed 128 ounces of mayonnaise (8 minutes if you’re curious, and we know you are).

Being the laboraholics they are, the Oracles (patent pending) were not happy about this situation. Skipping an installment of Ask AutoGuide is tantamount to unplugging a beeping carbon-monoxide detector instead of fixing the faulty water heater that’s poisoning the air. It’s dangerous and irresponsible. At the risk of sounding like a cheesy phone company TV commercial, they’re working overtime to make things right; sure, the service will still suck and internet speeds will be spottier than a white tablecloth after a wine tasting, but acknowledging a problem is the first step in fixing it, right?

2013 New York Auto Show Complete Coverage

The victim client this week is Sheldon, a family man that’s not pleased with his 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. It may be a people’s car but it’s not for this person. He bemoaned the compact sedan’s inadequate trunk space in an e-mail dispatched to AutoGuide. He’s not a fan of its cut-rate interior, either, which has more cheap plastic on display than a Tupperware tradeshow.

Sheldon is in the family way, which explains why a Jetta isn’t commodious enough. He and his wife have acquired a 4-month-old baby, presumably via birth, but abduction isn’t off the table. By the time the kid’s stroller is loaded in the VW’s cargo hold there isn’t much room for other stuff, like their Louis Vuitton tote bag and dishwasher-safe diaper pail. The couple also has a Scottish terrier puppy. Is this a car-related question or the back-story to a romantic comedy?

No matter, the AutoGuide Oracles® are here to help. Sheldon is after a new vehicle that’s more spacious than his Jetta but also stylish and fun to drive; he has about $30,000 to spend. He’s amenable to crossovers and not really interested in a lot of features. For him driving dynamics trump frivolities. Additionally he wrote “absolutely no domestics,” unless of course the experts have some really compelling reasons. We’ll see what they have to say. Grab your sweetheart (in the NORTHERN hemisphere, please), get some popcorn and hold hands because this rom-com is about to begin.

SUGGESTION #1: 2013 MINI Cooper S Countryman

If driver involvement is a priority then MINI is an easy recommendation. These small cars are like a fun-fair on four wheels but without carnies, their small hands and the aroma of cabbage. They’re the automotive equivalent of a packet of Pop Rocks – sweet, effervescent and somewhat lacking in the substance department.

Dynamics are important to Sheldon but so is practicality, which is why the Oracles have suggested the Countryman. It’s a small crossover vehicle that should check all of his boxes, plus it’s cuter than a litter of Labradors pups; his wife will surely love it.

Besides, whether you call it British or German (MINI is owned by BMW), it’s from the ‘Old World’ and Sheldon has already shown an affinity for cars from the Continent.

The base Countryman starts around $23,000, but who wants to slum it in an entry-level vehicle? (Especially one that’s lower than a Prius). That’s why the Oracles are pushing for the Cooper S version. It’s a couple grand more expensive but well worth the extra outlay.

The up-level S gets a turbocharged four-cylinder and puts down 181 ponies. The time required to reach a mile a minute is cut to just 7.7 seconds from a sluggish 11. A six-speed manual or automatic transmission is available.

SEE ALSO: 2011 MINI Countryman S ALL4 Review

There are a lot of advantages to the foot-loose-and-fancy-free Countryman, but there are downsides as well, one of which is cargo volume. The car offers a maximum of just 42.2 cubic feet, which isn’t that much, especially if another kidnapping child is in the works. And that’s with the rear seats folded. With a kid and a dog in the back you’re left with just 16.5 cu-ft – a singular cubic foot more than the Jetta’s boot. Additionally, service can be an issue because there aren’t terribly many MINI stores in North America. Your chances of living near a Suzuki dealer are probably greater.

Something else worth mentioning are the toggle switches that control the power windows, they’re just terrible. Ask AutoGuide Editor-in-Chieftain Colum Wood how much he loves them. Next!

Get full MINI Cooper S Countryman details here

SUGGESTION #2: 2014 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring

Mazda is the “zoom-zoom” brand. Just like MINI their reputation centers on building vehicles with lively dynamics and selling them at reasonable prices. Think of them as budget BMWs from Hiroshima.

Offering an entertaining drive is the company’s CX-5 crossover. The entry-level price for this elevated station wagon is about $22,000 out the door. It comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers an anemic 155 horsepower; it can be matched to an easy-shifting six-speed manual transmission or for a little extra wampum an automatic with the same gear count.

But again, who wants to suffer by living with a base-model vehicle? Sheldon has 30 big ones to play with and the CX-5 is happy to oblige.

A top-of-the-line Grand Touring all-wheel-drive model neatly dovetails with his budget, squeaking in by the film on the Oracles’ incisors. They’ve got more tarter than a Long John Silver’s. If AWD is unnecessary he can shave about a grand off that price and purchase his child a second-hand ATV, a pet ostrich or even a week at Space Camp.

Up-level CX-5s are powered by a more muscular 2.5-liter four-cylinder. Like they say, there’s no replacement for a bigger engine. It delivers a 184 horsepower wallop. Fuel economy isn’t too shabby, either. With the standard six-speed auto-box, front-wheel-drive models should be able to return 25 miles per gallon around town and up to 32 on the highway.

SEE ALSO: 2015 Mazda CX-5 Review

When it comes to practicality the CX-5’s maximum cargo volume handily trumps the Countryman, which really lives up to its “MINI” name. The Mazda has about 65 cubic feet of storage space with the second-row folded flat, or about 34 when all the seats are locked in their upright positions. A Sprinter van it is not, but it still offers enough room for a small family.

Get full Mazda CX-5 details here

SUGGESTION #3: 2013 Ford Escape

Now of course Sheldon doesn’t want an American car (he’s unpatriotic) but the Oracles just had to suggest one. They can act like defiant teenagers sometimes. After flying into a Doritos and Monster Energy fueled temper tantrum they insisted on recommending the red-white-and-blue Ford Escape.

Base price for this Kentucky-built crossover is comparable to the other two suggestions, right around $23,000. That gets you a front-wheel-drive model and a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine. But a measly 168 horsepower isn’t going to cut it for a driving aficionado.

The enthusiast’s choice is powered by Ford’s nearly ubiquitous 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine. It delivers a V6-like 240 horsepower with 270 lb-ft or twist. It’s smooth running and has lots of low-end punch. A six-speed automatic transmission is the only cog-crate offered. Sorry if you’re dying for a manual; nobody buys them so nobody sells them, and vice versa.

Fuel economy with that fire-breathing four-cylinder is 22 city, 30 highway. Of course all-wheel drive cuts into those numbers by a little bit.

With front-wheel drive the range-topping Titanium model stickers for a little less than $31,000 out the door. It’s interesting why Ford chose the 22^nd element on the Periodic Table as it top-of-the-line trim since titanium is not a precious metal. At least they didn’t go with something toxic like cadmium.

SEE ALSO: 2013 Ford Escape Review

But no matter which model of Escape you go with they’re all fun to toss around, perhaps not as entertaining as the MINI or Mazda but they are solid-driving little crossovers that feel like a slightly taller Ford Focus. Cargo volume is all over the CX-5 like glaze on a doughnut. With the rear seats folded it offers 68 cubic feet of volume, with them up (because there’s a baby and a dog back there) there are a little more than 34 cubes to play with. For a little perspective imagine one cubic foot 34 times. In spite its domesticity the 2013 Ford Escape is a good choice for families.

The enlightened minds at AutoGuide also insisted on pointing out that the Escape is perhaps more European than American, and both turbo engines are actually made in Europe, the 2.0-liter in Spain and the 1.6-liter in the UK.

Get full Ford Escape Titanium details here

SUGGESTION #BONUS ROUND: 2013 Mazda5 Grand Touring

The Oracles are going above and beyond the call of duty this week by recommending an unprecedented fourth vehicle to Sheldon. The Mazda5 is seriously worth his consideration.

It’s a minivan in the truest sense of the word. Family haulers like the Chrysler Town & Country and Honda Odyssey have gotten so huge over the years there’s nothing mini about them, except perhaps their masculinity.

The Mazda5 is comparable in size to the original Chrysler vans from 1984. Remember how tiny those K-Car-based vehicles were?

When it comes to hauling the Mazda5 seats up to six people… as long as at least two of them are younger than 7 years old. The third-row is inhospitable for adults. Still, cargo room is more than generous for a car of this size. It offers a choice of individual rows for the baby and the dog, or two full rows plus 44.4 cu-ft of trunk space – far more than the others.

The car is powered by a 2.5-liter four-banger that delivers an unimpressive 157 horsepower and slightly more torque. It can be matched to a manual six-shooter (on the base model only) or an archaic five-speed automatic transmission. Likewise, fuel economy is nothing special.

SEE ALSO: 2012 Mazda5 Review

As you’d expect by looking at its lackluster spec sheet this vehicle isn’t’ overly fun to drive. Thankfully it makes up for that with practicality and affordability.

Starting price for the 2013 Mazda5 is just about $20,000. It comes standard with all the features you’d expect including power windows, alloy wheels and a USB port. When you’re at your local Mazda dealer test driving the CX-5, check out this mini minivan.

Get full Mazda5 Grand Touring details here

NO REASONABLE OFFERS REFUSED!

The AutoGuide Oracles have presented a veritable smörgåsbord of vehicular options for Sheldon to peruse. All he has to do now is use the tongs and keep his head above the sneeze guard.

The MINI Countryman is probably the most fun-driving vehicle listed here, but it’s not perfect. Cargo room is a little lacking and it may be too sporty for a family. Also, MINI has a less-than-stellar track record when it comes to quality. In the most-recent J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) the brand finished in the bottom quarter of all automakers with 150 problems reported per 100 vehicles.

The Mazda CX-5 is a blend of practicality, efficiency and fun, which makes it a jack of all trades. Just avoid the overmatched 2.0-liter base engine. In typical Japanese fashion Mazda has a strong history of building solid, long-lasting vehicles and the CX-5 should withstand the test of time.

With EcoBoost power the Ford Escape is speedy and sophisticated. It’s a fine all-around choice except for one issue, it’s American. Also, there been some quality issues… many in fact. The vehicle has faced a significant number of recalls ranging from defective rear child locks to potentially faulty fuel lines. The majority of issues pertain to models powered by the 1.6-liter engine but still, call-backs are always troubling.

Lastly, the Mazda5 is a mini minivan, offering generous interior space and room for six. Unfortunately it’s let down by an outdated drivetrain, and compared to these others has unimpressive driving dynamics.

After carefully weighing all of their options and studying the finalists AutoGuide’s illustrious Oracles have decided to recommend the Mazda CX-5 as the best option for Sheldon. It’s got the driving dynamics, interior space and track record that make it a solid choice.

As always, good luck in your quest for a new vehicle and thanks again for taking the time to Ask AutoGuide.

If you need a little assistance shopping for your next vehicle feel free to do the same. Send a short message to ask@AutoGuide.com. Let us know the basics of what you’re looking for. How many seats do you need? What size of vehicle do you want? How much are you willing to spend? With some of those fundamentals out of the way we’ll get busy to come up with two or three must-see vehicles that you’ll have to put on your test-drive list.

The post Ask AutoGuide No. 5 – In the Family Way appeared first on Sport Utility Vehicles : SUV.

It was impressive enough when the 2013 Range Rover debuted 700 lbs lighter than its predecessor, but the smaller and more agile Range Rover Sport tugs its belt even tighter to lose 800.

Not only that, but Land Rover is now offering the smaller SUV with a 340-hp supercharged six-cylinder engine along with the familiar 510-hp supercharged eight. Additionally, the car now comes with two third-row seats for occasional and painful use. Land Rover hasn’t said what the legroom measurements are, but don’t count on fitting anyone much bigger than a sack of potatoes in there.

SEE ALSO: 2013 Land Rover Range Rover Review

In true Range Rover form, the cabin is chock-full of high-quality interior pieces along with new bucket seats in the first and second rows.

Despite adding the seats, Land Rover only extended the car by two inches overall — although the wheelbase is a full seven inches longer. Just like its larger and more expensive Range Rover sibling, the brand says this SUV has enhanced off-road capability as well as improved road manners.

That, of course, comes hand in hand with the all-aluminum chassis that also helps the larger Range Rover to have greatly improved handling as well.

2013 NY Auto Show Complete Coverage

Pricing starts at $63,495 including delivery for the SE trim level which is also new for the truck this year. The entry price climbed a little this time, but that’s nothing compared to where things top out. The Autobiography model rings in at $93,295, which is roughly $5,500 more than the starting price for the same trim level with the 2013 model.

Of course the weight savings will also vastly improve mileage, as will the standard engine start-stop technology – although EPA estimates are unavailable at this time.

GALLERY: 2014 Range Rover Sport Mega Gallery

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Discuss this story at RangeRovers.net

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Like veteran 911 operators AutoGuide’s expertly trained staff is here to help at anytime, day or night… as long as they can respond via e-mail and at their convenience. Ask AutoGuide is our newest weekly feature and it’s off like a prom dress.

Literally tens of people have written in asking for assistance in purchasing a new vehicle. The oracles have been working overtime to provide answers, and they’re none too pleased. As salaried employees they don’t get time and a half for clocking more than 40 hours in a week. Rumor has it the International Union of Psychics and Soothsayers will start an organizing drive soon.

In any event Drew sent in a frantic e-mail asking for help; you could practically hear the desperation in his fingertips as he pounded out the message. Clicking “send,” his trusty Packard Bell delivered the note at 56K-speeds, or beyond.

Now contrary to what you might expect, dear reader, Drew is actually all squared away in the automotive department. He put out the distress call for his father who’s in grave need of a new set of wheels, and we don’t mean chrome-slathered 22s. His 1996 Subaru is giving up the ghost, and with retirement nigh it’s time for some reliable transportation.

What’s dad looking for in a new car? What are his criteria? Well, he’s in the market for something sensible. He’s got around $25,000 to spend and wants a dependable, efficient, no-frills car. A midsize sedan is a good fit for him, or possibly a compact crossover. However, pappy’s not a fan of station wagons, practicality be damned.

Thankfully these are fairly mainstream requirements. There’s literally a bumper crop of sedans and crossovers that meet these conditions, but like previous installments of Ask AutoGuide there’s an important catch, a potentially disastrous caveat that could send the oracles into an automotive tailspin.

Drew’s dad has to have all-wheel drive. Because of this requirement the bountiful carnucopia starts to look a little sparse. Still, the oracles have been given marching orders and here’s their report.

SUGGESTION #1: 2013 Jeep Patriot

The Jeep what? Believe it or not this off-road brand actually makes vehicles other than the Grand Cherokee and Wrangler. The Patriot is a compact SUV with handsome styling and a great price. It may be a bit of a forgotten nameplate in the market, but it’s something of a hidden gem and the value choice in this week’s installment of “Ask AutoGuide!”

A 4×4 Sport model starts at just about $19,000, which is a steal by today’s standards. That price gets you a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 172 horsepower and a shift-it-yourself five-speed manual transmission. Fuel economy is 23 miles per gallon around town and up to 28 on interstate jaunts.

Want a continuously variable transmission? Trick question, nobody does, but to get an automatic “gearbox” in the Patriot you’ll have to shell out an additional $1,100. If the slipping sensation imparted by the CVT is too much to bear, 2014 model-year Patriots will receive a traditional six-speed automatic transmission and up to 30 MPG. They should arrive at dealers in a few months’ time.

The oracles toyed with all-wheel-drive versions of the Ford Escape and Chevrolet Equinox, among many other vehicles. These two options are more sophisticated and rewarding to drive than the Patriot, but beyond the $25,000 budget cap. Sad trombone with a sprinkle of depressed tambourine.

Chrysler has never had a reputation for quality, but all automakers have made tremendous strides in this area over the past 20 years. Reliability *shouldn’t* be an issue with the Patriot. In addition, this compact Jeep has been in production for a number of years now so any major issues should be ironed out by now.

But enough speculation, the Patriot has a couple rhinestones in its value-priced crown that are worth trumpeting. It’s a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and it drove away with an award from Kelley Blue Book for offering the best “5-Year Cost of Ownership” in the compact SUV segment, topping the lackluster Mitsubishi Outlander Sport and Honda’s vaunted CR-V.

The Patriot may not be the most sophisticated or fun-to-drive vehicle, but it’s decent at what it does and is a tremendous value. Dad will probably feel like he robbed a bank if he buys one.

SUGGESTION #2: 2013 Subaru Legacy

Next up, the Subaru show. Drew’s pop already owns a Legacy, but it’s disintegrating like the RMS Titanic, which has been parked on the bottom of the North Atlantic for more than a century. It makes perfect sense to recommend a vehicle from a manufacturer he already has experience with.

Subies fit the bill perfectly for a number of reasons. They’re generally pretty well built; they have a strong reputation for longevity and with the exception of the BRZ sports car, every single one of them is sold with all-wheel drive. Game, set, match.

The legacy is a great choice because of its no-nonsense nature. With a manual transmission the entry-level 2.5i model starts around $20,300. If a soul-sucking CVT is required plan on spending a grand more.

SEE ALSO: 2013 Subaru Legacy 2.5i Limited Review

The car’s 2.5-liter boxer four-cylinder delivers a competent 173 horsepower along with 24 miles per gallon city and 32 on the highway. In heavy-footed AutoGuide testing the car averaged of 27 MPG, damn impressive for a generously portioned sedan equipped with all-wheel drive.

The Legacy also has a comfortable and spacious, if not luxurious interior. Additionally it’s earned coveted “Top Safety Pick+” honors from the IIHS. You could probably plow it into a falafel factory at 75 miles an hour and walk away unscathed, but really hungry. This car is definitely worth checking out.

SUGGESTION #3: 2013 Subaru Impreza… and Beyond

Beyond the John Wayne (Le)Gacy, Subaru offers a throng of other suitable vehicles. If dad wants something a little smaller than a midsize he can go with the Impreza, a C-segment car that’s offered as either a traditional sedan or a versatile hatchback. It’s a couple bucks cheaper than the Legacy, starting around $18,000 with a manual transmission. As with its big brother, a CVT automatic is $1,000 extra.

It’s also important to point out that while it may be a compact, that classification is relative. Compared to a 1996 Legacy, it’s only an inch shorter in length.

Interestingly, the hatchback is only 500 bucks more than the sedan. Other companies have big up charges for the luxury of extra interior space. For instance Ford charges a $3,000 premium for the five-door Focus model compared to the sedan. Talk about getting robbed…

Within the confines of the Impreza’s engine bay rests a 2.0-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder. The 148 horsepower it serves up is a little weak, in the same way a cup of chicken broth doesn’t cut it as Thanksgiving dinner. Luckily it’s thrifty. In urban conditions this little flat-four is can go up to 27 miles on a gallon of gasoline; on the open road it ups the ante to 36.

SEE ALSO: 2012 Subaru Impreza Hatchback Review

Another Subaru worth mentioning is the Forester, but since dad’s not a fan of station wagons this one is probably off the list. Still, he may want to consider the newly introduced XV Crosstrek; think of it as an Impreza on stilts.

It’s a functional five-door that can milk a gallon of gasoline up to 33 miles on the highway, which supposedly makes it the most efficient all-wheel-drive crossover in America. If that fuel went any further it’d have stretch marks! The XV Crosstrek is also powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.

For a dash of color this vehicle’s available in Tangerine Orange Pearl paint, which really pops. Please note, that’s “pearl,” not “peel,” which would be bad.

CHOOSE YOUR OWN (AUTOMOTIVE) ADVENTURE

And with that the oracles have spoken, well, about as loudly as text on a screen can talk. With any luck their advice is the sound product of sober minds. They compared a number of different reasonably priced all-wheel-drive vehicles from manufacturers as diverse as Jeep and Subaru. Of course there are plusses minuses to each car, and now there’s a verdict.

To recap, Jeep’s squared-off Patriot is the value option in this story. It’s an American Revolution in a veritable ocean of Japanese options. This little SUV is very attractively priced, offers reasonably good fuel economy and strong crash-test performance. The folks at KBB even gave it an award. However, from a quality standpoint Chrysler’s checkered past gave the oracles pause and ultimately resulted in a “nay” vote.

The Subaru Impreza is a solid compact car with an efficient drivetrain, but it’s probably a little underpowered. It’s also on the small side, which earned it no favors with the oracles. They like big cars for small money.

Finally, the winner of this week’s competition, the third installment of Ask AutoGuide, is the Subaru Legacy. With a comfortable interior, reasonable power and efficiency, plus a track record for reliability it drives home with top honors and is, according to the oracles, the perfect vehicle for Drew’s father. The 2013 model promises to be a different kind of familiar to him, and a huge step up from his rapidly decaying ’96 model.

As always, good luck in your quest for a new car and thanks again for taking the time to Ask AutoGuide.

If you need a little assistance shopping for your next vehicle feel free to do the same. Send a short message to ask@AutoGuide.com. Let us know the basics of what you’re looking for. How many seats do you need? What size of vehicle do you want? How much are you willing to spend? With some of those fundamentals out of the way we’ll get busy to come up with two or three must-see vehicles that you’ll have to put on your test-drive list.

The post Ask AutoGuide No. 3 – Dad’s Dilemma appeared first on Sport Utility Vehicles : SUV.

Attention foreign diplomats, drug lords and anyone living in Bogotá, Columbia: your new ride is ready. Mercedes-Benz is introducing an armored version of its M-Class SUV, the latest addition to its Guard family of vehicles.

The Germans know a thing or two about armor, and the ML is built like a Königstiger tank from the Second World War. The truck’s passenger compartment is protected by special laminated glass, while the A-, B- and C- pillars as well as the roof and firewall are constructed of special steel that “increases structural firmness.”

The Mercedes M-Guard was designed from the beginning for armored-car duty. During development, engineers incorporated special attachments into the vehicle’s structure. They allow for the easy addition of protection elements. The company claims this ground-up approach is more effective than adding armor to a vehicle after the fact.

What does all of this mean? Well, the M-Guard complies with the VR4 protection class in accordance with BRV 2009 (Bullet Resistant Vehicles 2009) standards. In plain language it can resist hand-grenade blasts as well as bullets fired from .357 and .44 Magnums. Inspector “Dirty” Harry Callahan would approve.

SEE ALSO: 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML 350 BlueTEC Review

Supporting the added mass of all that armor, the special-service ML features a standard AIRMATIC suspension with adaptive dampers. It’s also been fitted with stronger axles to handle the increased weight. Run-flat tires add additional piece of mind.

Surprisingly the addition of armor plating does not detract from passenger space or luxury. The M-Guard’s luggage capacity and payload ratings are identical to a standard M-Class.

The M-Guard is offered with two different engine options. The base powerplant is an efficient and torque-rich BlueTEC diesel V6. It puts out 258 horsepower. If gasoline is a more appropriate fuel a 408-horsepower V8 is also available. A seven-speed automatic is the only transmission offered.

With the addition of the ML 350 and ML 500 Guard models Mercedes-Benz offers customers nine armored vehicles to choose from. The lineup runs from the ever-popular E-Class to the flagship S-Class. Even the military-grade G-Class is in on the action.

The new armor-plated Mercedes M goes on sale March 15. In Germany the ML 350 Guard starts at €105,050, about $137,000. The ML 500 Guard model kicks off at a richer €118,650, roughly 155 grand.

Discuss this story at BenzWorld.org

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Welcome back to the all-you-can-eat Top-10 buffet! You know you want more, and AutoGuide’s happy to serve up another heaping helping of facts, neatly garnished with a sprig of fun. Grab a plate, load it up and tuck in to another generous portion of automotive infotainment.

Last week C-Segment sedans battled it out for back-seat supremacy, and the Volkswagen Jetta drove away with top honors. But that was then, this is now. Movin’ on up the vehicular scale, mass-market, three-row crossovers are today’s target.

SEE ALSO: Top 10 Compact Sedans with the Largest Back Seats

These SUV replacements generally offer fashion-forward families more style and capability than traditional minivans, though not necessarily more interior space. We’ve rounded up 10 popular models, each equipped with a six-cylinder engine and all-wheel-drive. Which one offers the most space to unfortunate passengers forced to ride in the back of the bus? You know what to do…

The post Top 10 Crossovers with the Most Third-Row Legroom appeared first on Sport Utility Vehicles : SUV.