Crossover SUV

Choosing The Right Crossover SUV For Your Family

Today’s families spend a lot of time on the go in their vehicles. A family does not have to be large to need a six to eight passenger vehicle. If a mom and dad and two children are going somewhere and the grandparents or any of the kids’ friends go along, six or more seats come in very handy. Vehicle options exist today for large families that were not available fifteen years ago. A roomy and comfortable new option is a crossover SUV.

The Birth of the Crossover SUV

Most six to eight passenger vehicles are either SUVs or crossover SUVs. For large families, finding an affordable vehicle used to mean buying a full size vehicle that guzzled gas. With the growing popularity of SUVs with their truck-based frames, auto manufacturers looked for some way to design them with better steering and maneuverability than a truck. This led to the birth of the crossover vehicle. The first, Toyota’s RAV4, appeared in the mid-1990s with Subaru’s Outback a close second.

A conventional SUV vehicle is constructed like a pickup truck, with a body made separately from the frame and then bolted to it. A crossover SUV is constructed with the frame and body of the vehicle is a single unit, just like an automobile. Traditionally SUVs were tougher than crossovers and could tow more weight and haul more cubic feet of cargo. As the crossovers have developed, however, their capabilities have grown. Vehicle manufactures began to aggressively promote the crossover SUV as the great new evolution of SUVs minus the old high volume of gasoline use.

Today the crossover SUV has become the most popular passenger vehicle in America. In a crossover SUV comparison to traditional SUVs, the newer models are not only roomy and enjoyable to drive; they achieve much better gas mileage than earlier SUVs. Apparently, auto manufacturers have been listening to consumers when they have complained about the need for vehicles with more than five passenger seats. They have not only added more seats but they have put them into some of their more popular vehicle models.

Excellent Crossover SUV Reviews

Ford Flex

Crossover SUV - Ford Flex

Its average gas mileage is 16 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway. The price ranges from $29,000 to $37,000.

The 2012 Ford Flex is a full sized crossover SUV that seats six or seven passengers and holds approximately 83 cubic feet of cargo. With a 3.5 liter, V6 engine with 355 horsepower and six-speed automatic transmission, the Flex has plenty of “get up and go”. Other features include:

- 44.3 inches of leg room in the rear seats.
- SYNC communication and entertainment system
- Arm rests with cup holders for rear seats.

GMC Acadia

Crossover SUV - GMC Acadia

The 2012 GMC Acadia is a crossover SUV with a 3.6 liter, V6 engine with a towing capacity of 5200 pounds. It has a six-speed automatic transmission, seats eight and has a gas mileage ratio of 17/24 mpg comparing city mileage to highway mileage. It has less leg room that the Flex, with only 36.9 inches available. Standard features include some excellent safety features:

- Side curtain overhead airbags
- Side-impact airbags for all riders in the front seat
- Electronic stability and traction control
- Seats eight with its cargo capacity of around 117 cubic feet

This is an excellent choice for hauling a boat or RV and camping equipment and might very well be the best crossover SUV 2012 in overall specifications. The price ranges from $32,000 to $46,000.

Mitsubishi Outlander

Crossover SUV - Mitsubishi Outlander

The Mitsubishi Outlander surpasses all the other crossover SUVs in miles per gallon. The average is 23/28 mpg in a vehicle with six air bags, vehicle stability controls, and front wheel plus all wheel drive features. Standard features on all three Outlander trims are:

- Six air bags
- Electronic distribution of brake-force with anti-lock brakes
- Traction control
- Internal monitoring of tire pressure

The rear seats provide almost 37 inches of leg space while the back holds 72 cubic feet of cargo. The price ranges from $22,000 to $28,000.

Toyota Highlander

Crossover SUV - Toyota Highlander

The 2012 Toyota Highlander is a mid-size vehicle with a 2.7 liter engine with FW (front wheel drive) and available all wheel drive. With five speed automatic or manual transmission, cargo capacity of up to 95 cubic feet, and a mpg split of 20/25, the Highlander has plenty of pep. It seats seven and provides adequate rear leg room of 38 inches. The price ranges from $28,999 to $37,000.

Nissan Pathfinder

Crossover SUV - Toyota Highlander

The 2012 Nissan Pathfinder is another one of the mid-size vehicles offered for families. It tows up to 6000 pounds, has cargo capacity of 79 cubic feet and seats up to seven passengers. This 4 liter, six-speed automatic transmission engine has 266 horsepower with a mpg split of 15/22. Rear leg room of 34 inches is smaller than average. It has Intelligent Key passive entry start and the option of a six CD changer system. The price ranges from $26,000 to $39,000.

Buick Enclave

Crossover SUV - Buick Enclave

The 2012 Buick Enclave is one of several choices of luxury crossover vehicles. It seats seven and stores 115 cubic feet of cargo. A remote engine starter and rear DVD entertainment system with tri-zone automatic climate control are standard on all trims. The mpg split is 17/24 and it seats seven passengers. This vehicle has the smooth ride and beautiful appearance expected of any Buick. The price ranges from $36,000 to $45,000.

Lexus GX 460

Crossover SUV - Lexus GX 460

The Lexus GX 460 provides good fuel efficiency as well as a very comfortable ride. It offers automatic climate control and remote starts. The 2012 Mercedes Benz R-Class crossover is a luxurious vehicle with four doors and a top hinged rear lift gate. With 302 horsepower and all wheel drive, the driving dynamics are pleasant and fun. The starting price is $52,690.

A crossover SUV is a good choice to select for your family because of their increased fuel efficiency and additional interior room. It will drive and ride like a car while working like a truck.

Crossover SUV – Lexus GX 460 Review Video