Living in the suburbs has its advantages. It gets you away from the traffic and pollution of the city. It can offer a safe place for raising children and often offers a quiet, peaceful lifestyle that cannot be found in the city. However, it does have its disadvantages. If you live in the suburbs and work in the city the daily commute can be a grueling and slow march through exhaust filled landscapes. If you’ve got to make that march, here are 5 great SUVs to help you.
The Ford Escape is so fun to drive. Get the 3.0L V6, it’s 240hp of excitement. The Escape handles curves like a sports car. It hugs tight and stays level. There is room for 5, so you’ll always have room for the carpool and the hatch space has plenty of room for everyone’s gear and laptop bags. The cabin seals well and blocks out road noise and there is enough leg room for every passenger. I own an Escape and it makes my commute so much easier than it was before. The Ford Escape starts at $21,240.
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is small on the outside, but roomy on the inside. There is seating for 5 in a comfortable environment. The hands-free link system offers a USB port for your devices, so you can browse music by voice command and make calls in traffic without having to fumble with your phone. The 2.0L MIVEC engine gives you plenty of highway power while offering lower gas mileage, up to 31 MPG on the highway. The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport starts at $18,495.
If you’re looking for some real style for your daily commute, check out the Honda Pilot. Everyone will want to join your carpool when they see you roll up in this SUV and with seating for 7 there will be room for each co-worker. The 250hp V6 has the juice to pull the whole office around as well. Inside you’ll find a USB audio interface for your devices, a bluetooth hands free link, satellite navigation, a rearview camera and even second row integrated sunshades. Ride in style for only $28,470.
Hyundai Santa Fe
The Hyundai Santa Fe is a great option for the daily commuter who wants luxury options at a bargain price. Hyundai has made a major effort recently in offering all the techie options of high-end vehicles in their affordable rides. The Santa Fe offers a 6.5 inch navigation screen, iPod and USB ports, a 10 speaker stereo system with 605 watts of high-fidelity output, and hands free calling all for thousands less than the luxury brands. Get in a Hyundai Santa Fe for $23,225.
Lexus RX
For those with the most elegant tastes, and the cash to back it up, nothing beats the Lexus RX. It is luxury and power wrapped in a stunning package. The 3.5L V6 produces 270 horses for those moments when the road suddenly opens and you get to run hard. The smooth 6 speed transmission shifts with such negligible feel that you’ll hardly notice it’s there. The seating is luxurious leather for the most comfortable ride to the office and the technology onboard leaves nothing to be desired. The Lexus RX starts at $39,075.
