In the saturated sport/utility market, you have big time players like the Ford Expedition and diminutive models such as the Subaru Forester. Each vehicle serves a purpose, providing room, comfort, and portability for passengers.

In the middle of the market are numerous vehicles sold by every manufacturer with a presence in the US market. Once the sole purvey of Jeep, everyone has jumped in with their own models including Japanese automaker Suzuki who has the Grand Vitara. (more…)

Playing in advance, Lexus presented the next generation of the RX Suv at Los Angeles car show that will arrive to the market in June 2009. Changing the design of the headlights and the muzzle, with much more imposing grille and bumper.

The rear is more squared and cornered then the previous model, but the shape of the trapezoidal headlights helps make the line more slender. There are some changes that even more evident: the inclination of the pavilion and new lines of side windows make the RX 450h a cleaner version. (more…)

Mercedes took advantage of being the last automaker to show their new vehicles on Wednesday’s Press Day, by wrapping three of them in Christmas presents and unveiling them one by one.

The first, and the most important gift was the official introduction of the Mercedes GLK, the automaker’s all-new, small sport/utility vehicle. Handsome, with chiseled lines and a boxy look, the GLK may seem out of place during these days of avoiding all things SUV. Mercedes indicated as much, but stressed that the GLK is the perfect transition vehicle from the big SUV that their competitors sell (think Cadillac Escalade) to something that is smaller and more responsible. (more…)

There are certain vehicles that develop an aura over the years. The Toyota Land Cruiser certainly falls into that category. From a utilitarian beginning, it has become a bit more modern without losing the toughness we all loved.

Toyota has always taken a unique approach when it comes to their model lines. The company prefers to launch a model and then stick with it unlike most other car companies. The Land Cruiser is a classic example. The truck was first designed in 1951 with full scale production beginning in 1954. It has come in versions ranging from convertibles to station wagons. As it closes in on 60 years of production, the Land Cruiser is still the lead SUV model for the company. That’s staying power! (more…)

Many of the luxury or large sized SUVs are filling up dealership lots, while some of the best downsized SUVs continue to sell. Many of these smaller, car-based vehicles are good alternatives to larger models since they get better gas mileage while delivering the same level of amenities, power and practicality that consumers expect.

Three small upscale SUVs like the Volkswagen Tiguan, the Land Rover LR2, and the Infiniti EX35 are at the top of many review panels. The Tiguan and the EX35 have great performance and exceptional handling. The Land Rover LR2, in comparison, out-performed all other similar sized vehicles in off-road tests without any low-range gearing. The Tiguan and the EX35 are new models, while the LR2 replaces the Land Rover Freelander. New prices for these three vehicles range from $35,000 to $40,000. (more…)

Going back to the 70’s and 80’s, if you had a family, most case scenario, you had a station wagon. Then along came the development of the SUV, a truck body on a car chassis. The SUV was a necessity for every household, even eclipsing the popularity of the minivan which was known as the family vehicle of the 90’s. (more…)

Are you tired of high gas prices? Are you driving a gas guzzling SUV, or a similarly large sized vehicle? Many of us are already feeling the ever tightening pinch to our pocketbooks as the price of everything from food, to clothing, gets higher and higher.

If you are one of the many who are worried about whether or not you can still afford to drive your gas-guzzling SUV or larger sized vehicle, then now is the time to sell your vehicle. If you are considering selling your “tank”, as some would call it, in exchange for a more economical saver, than it is important to get the very best price possible. After all, as the price of gasoline continues to fluctuate, the value of your vehicle will continue to depreciate. You may find yourself upside down in a loan on one of these vehicles. You may find that nobody wants to buy something so large because of miles given per gallon. (more…)

Sport utility and recreational vehicle owners are getting hit twice by higher crude oil prices; not only are they being hit by the higher operating costs to run these vehicles with the prices of gas, but also by it’s quickly depreciating value that are put on these vehicles.

All across the country, car and truck dealers are feeling the new reality as their beautiful, fully-loaded sport utility vehicles collect dust in their lots. The old proverb of, “can’t even give them away,” seems especially fitting, as Americans are now neglecting the low mileage SUV’s, and turning to the hybrids and higher fuel efficiency models instead. (more…)

Cadillac releases the 2009 Escalade Hybrid offering drivers both luxury and performance, without the sacrifice of fuel efficiency. Many hybrid SUVs are built with a slightly smaller body than the regular models, but the Escalade Hybrid maintains its full size without compromising its performance. The new Cadillac Escalade Hybrid will keep all the power of the regular Escalade, built with a 332 hp V8 engine, which has enough power to tow 5800 pounds in rear wheel drive; or 5600 pounds in four wheel drive.

This powerful beast has the estimated city driver getting around 20 miles per gallon, in which Cadillac boasts is more than comparable with the mileage on other smaller model vehicles, such as the 2008 BMW X3 or the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The hybrid features will include auto stop, electric power, and regenerative braking. (more…)

Crossover vehicles are among one of the hottest car trends that is rapidly sweeping the automobile world today. However, most people who purchase these vehicles aren’t even aware of what the “crossover” really means. They appeal to a multitude of buyers who want benefits of both SUVs and cars, hence the word “crossover”.

These vehicles differ from usual sport utility vehicles in that they have completely independent suspension, which gives them a better handling and a smoother driving when on the road. They are perfect for those who have no need for heavy cargo, or drive on rough terrain, as they are not really designed for driving off-road. They are a lot easier to get into, providing much ample space. They are lighter, quieter and have superior aerodynamics. They are more fuel efficient for mileage and have better brakes. (more…)