The times have certainly changed for the sport utility market. While SUVs enjoyed tremendous sales success in recent years, the rising price of gasoline coupled with a weakened economy has driven down SUV sales more recently. As a result, dealers are struggling to move SUV inventory these days, even with attractive incentives. The hardest hit by this trend may be domestic automakers as they have relied on the sales successes of gas guzzling midsize and large SUVs.
Larger SUVs, however, not only were hit hard by fuel prices, but were also hit hard by an alternative – the crossover. Crossovers deliver the capabilities of truck-based SUVs, but with a car-based chassis, along with a more car-like ride and fuel efficiency.
According to MSN Autos, the top 10 most popular SUVs are mostly crossovers or small sport utilities. Thanks to high seating position, flexible people- and cargo-carrying capacities, and a lighter more fuel efficient platform, it should be no surprise. With many SUV owners that don’t use their SUVs for towing and hauling or off-roading, the smart choice is clearly going with a crossover rather than a truck-based ‘ute.
Honda CR-V
At the top of the list of most popular SUVs, which should be no surprise, is the Honda CR-V. Honda’s reputation for reliability and value alone go a long way on any vehicle, but the latest CR-V also adds sleek styling and a powertrain that delivers 20 miles per gallon in city driving and 27 miles per gallon on the highway. While Salinas CA Honda and Los Angeles Honda Dealers‘ customers are drawn to the the CR-V’s fuel economy, many site the crossover’s reliability and resale value as strong factors in their decision to purchase this vehicle.
Toyota RAV4
Second on the list is perhaps the CR-V’s closest competitor, the Toyota RAV4. When it was released back in 1996, the RAV4 was one of the first small sport utilities to get a unibody chassis. The latest variant is much larger, with available third-row seating and a choice of a fuel-efficient four cylinder, or a powerful V6 engine – the latter is a popular choice at Minneapolis Toyota Dealers and Olympia Toyota dealer. The 2009 Toyota RAV4 runs about $21,000.
Nissan Rogue
The Nissan Rogue is one of the compact crossover segment’s newest entries, but has also quickly become a sought after model. Nissan is targeting younger families with the Rogue, which it should easily appeal to. With styling similar to the larger, and Nissan Saint Louis’s popular Murano, the Rogue is powered by a powerful 2.5-liter four cylinder engine that delivers 170 horsepower and 175 lb. ft. of torque. Mated to this engine is a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that maximizes performance and fuel economy. At about $20,000, the Nissan Rogue packs plenty for the price.
Honda Pilot
For those who require more room and utility, the Honda Pilot has just been fully redesigned and offers plenty of space for a growing family. In addition, the new Pilot has unique technology such as Variable Cylinder Management, which enables the V6 engine to run on either four or three cylinders if necessary, depending on the engine load and driving conditions, which helps to save fuel. With other goodies such as a Humidity Control System, families visiting Honda Dealers like Honda Denver have found that there’s plenty of tech to come with the Honda Pilot.
Ford Escape
The Ford Escape was recently redesigned in 2007 and gives buyers plenty of choices. With rugged good looks, the Ford Escape looks much like its larger stable mates. In addition, it offers the choice of a 171-horsepower four-cylinder engine, or a powerful 240-horsepower V6, both of which are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Ford Dealers Chicago IL remind shoppers that there’s even a hybrid Escape for those who crave green technology.
Subaru Forrester
Another redesigned compact crossover segment is the all-new Subaru Forester. Following its redesign for 2009, it has already received numerous awards such as Motor Trend’s SUV of the Year award, and has earned a dedicated following among Subaru fans. The latest Forester is larger than ever before, with an available 2.5 liter turbocharged engine that delivers 224-horsepower. Coupled with all-wheel drive, the Forester adds traction for all-weather driving conditions, and Salinas CA Subaru shoppers have noticed that the latest model is far sportier than the outgoing model.
Toyota Highlander
Another Toyota that hits the list of most popular SUVs is the Toyota Highlander. Following its redesign in 2008, the latest Highlander is larger and more powerful than ever. With a refined interior and ride, along with the availability of a 270 horsepower V6 and even a hybrid model, the latest Highlander offers a little something for everyone at Toyota Dealers Orange County, Boston Toyota Dealers, and other locations across the country.
Acura MDX
For luxury SUV buyers, a popular choice is the Acura MDX, which just updated for 2007. As another model that has faced a recent redesign, it has new styling and new technology to make it a competitive contender in the premium segment. Among the Acura MDX’s unique features is Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive System, which has come in handy for buyers from Hartford Acura and Washington DC Acura as it adds plenty of traction for the powerful 300 horsepower V6 engine. With seating for up to seven passengers, the MDX offers a sporty, high-tech, and comfortable ride.
Nissan Murano
The larger sibling to the other Nissan on the list, the Rogue, the Nissan Murano is considered one of the original and most popular midsize crossovers on the market. Although its recent redesign looks much like its predecessor, it is actually completely new. The latest Murano features the popular Nissan VQ V6 engine that produces 265 horsepower and is mated to a smooth Xtronic CVT with Adaptive Shift Control. There’s even a dual panel power moonroof with a skylight in the back which is a huge draw for kids at Nissan Boston MA because it helps make the interior of the Murano airy and bright.
Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer also has remained a popular SUV since its introduction in 1990. The latest Ford Explorer is drastically different than its predecessors, with a larger interior, cleaner emissions, and a slew of helpful safety features. Explorer drivers can also get a voice command navigation system, which can deliver valuable data such as local gas prices, weather conditions, and more. Among Ford Tacoma’s SUV shoppers, many feel that the Explorer sized just right compared with its larger sibling, the Expedition.
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With the sport utility market changing, keep track of changes right here.
