I have always wondered what is so special about crossover vehicles. I decided to review the crossover vehicles at my local car dealership and 5 of them caught my eye. My top favorite were the 2011 Nissan Juke, 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander GT, Mazda CX-9, Audi Q5, and Acura RDX.
2011 Nissan Juke
This crossover is meant to take the place of the Nissan NX . If you don’t remember, the Nissan NX is from the 90’s and it was a major attraction. Compared to this, the Nissan Juke glitters like gold. New body style and wider based tires allow for better handling and smoother transitions while driving. The tires have also been rotated toward the front of the car for better handling in 4-wheel drive, increasing this sports crossover’s ability to climb steeper hills with less effort. As far as safety goes, the wider tires and overall body style of this new crossover allows for better impact structure in case of an accident. To top this off, this hatchback is not only great for carrying the kids or other family, it is more gas efficient. With a 4-cylinder engine you get 32 highway MPG and all the technological advances of our time. This car is definitely on my the top of my list for love at first sight, and the price, well depending on how technological your life is runs between $19,000 and $25,000.
2010 Mitsubishi Outlander GT
This crossover is a beautiful reflection of what a crossover should look like. Compared to this Mitsubishi Lancer, this car has definitely got more style and appeal. This car is quite a bit more expensive than the Nissan Juke, but has added amenities. The base price for the Mitsubishi Outlander GT is $30,000. It is also a little harsher on gas due to its V-6 engine, but the power behind this cross over is amazing. This crossover offers a third row seat, (though it doesn’t allow much leg room). The All Wheel Drive does have a serious impact on the ability of this car to move when not much else will, and the weight of this vehicle allows for easier passing on snowy roads.
The overall crash test rating for this vehicle was high. With the comfort, style and safety of this crossover, I have put it in my top 5.
Mazda CX9
The Mazda CX9, in my opinion, does not have the beautiful exterior that the Mitsubishi Outlander has or the Nissan Juke, but don’t let it fool you. The Mazda CX9 has the luxurious interior that we all look for. The comfort and power of this vehicle is cleverly disguised in a family car body. This cross over is not as fuel efficient as I would have hoped but the power from the V-6 engine and the added leg room for your passengers definitely makes it worth the difference.
The technology of this crossover is impeccable. Rain sensing wipers keep your hands on the wheel, as does the Bluetooth hands free phone system. This allows for safer travel with family and friends while still allowing you to use your phone. To add to this, this car has sensors built in to prevent accidents and monitor your blind spots better than any other vehicle on the road today. As far as safety goes, this car is definitely my #1, with full airbags that protect from the side, the front, and the back allowing maximum protection of your children. Priced as low as $29,000 new, this is my favorite safety crossover of all times.
Audi Q5
This vehicle’s beauty is definitely included in the price, the Audi Q5 ranging between $ 35,000 and $42,000 new this crossover definitely has it’s perks. It is not for a large family with its 5 passenger capacity but does offer great handling. The wide mount tires allow for better curve hugging ability and stability. This vehicle is also equipped with the headlights that we all hate to face, LED. These are the terrible bright headlights that even when dimmed can blind the people coming toward you. These headlights also pivot for better view of your surroundings.
As far as safety goes, this vehicle also provides blind spot detection by a small light that pops up in your side mirror. As far as overall control, this vehicle uses the Anti-Lock Brake system to adjust traction levels in the snow and rain to avoid hydroplaning. It can also be equipped with a rear back up camera for added safety, of course at an added cost.
This car is in my top 5 because of style and safety, however, because of price, it is not in my top 3.
Acura RDX
The Acura RDX is an amazingly gorgeous crossover vehicle. It is a little more expensive than I had anticipated, but it is well worth the asking price. Starting at about $33,000 this luxury/turbo/ family car was definitely on my top list of cars to at least drive once.
The front tires are rotated as far to the front of the vehicle as possible to allow for the safest maneuverability possible in a car. The all-wheel-drive allows for traction that cannot be beat. It comes standard with rearview camera and LED headlights, plenty of storage, automatic climate control and side airbags. Acura also allows for many options that most car manufactures do not, of course for added price. It also comes standard with keyless remote systems which help make your life easier on those snowy days.
If I needed to buy a new car, this one would be sitting in my driveway.
