The latest edition of What Drives Us
It’s no surprise that the most sighted SUV in Dallas Park Cities is hands-down the Range Rover! Read on for the latest in SUV news and reviews.
Hyundai Kona
Hyundai hit it big with the introduction of the Kona subcompact crossover SUV. Rolling onto the scene last year as an all-new nameplate for Hyundai, Kona sets the bar in all that it delivers for the money while checking many of the boxes that shoppers in this competitive category want, including distinctive styling. Our test model Kona was the top-of-the-line Ultimate trim level fully loaded up with tech, safety, convenience and sound extras for under $30K including a 10 year, 100,000 mile warranty. Its turbocharged 1.6-liter engine is good for 175 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque and mated to a seven-speed automated dual-clutch transmission. The all-wheel drive option added an upgraded rear suspension design and a lockable center differential for enhanced off-road traction.
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
The fact that Mitsubishi reuses the nameplate “Eclipse” for an SUV illustrates just how big the crossover craze is. That’s right, Eclipse is no longer a sporty two-door, it’s now an expressively styled small utility vehicle. The Eclipse SUV’s engine is a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four, coupled to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Front-wheel drive is standard, with optional all-wheel drive. It delivers 152 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque and comes with a warranty similar to Hyundai’s. Our loaded-up tester topped out right at $32K. While some reviews would say Mitsubishi matches the competition in the segment, few would say it surpasses it, so the role that Mitsubishi hoped that Eclipse might play in its comeback remains to be seen.
Toyota Land Cruiser
Toyota’s success in the large luxury SUV segment comes from consistency. Straight-shooters love that the Toyota Land Cruiser has proven to be a dependable SUV for more than 60 years. Its current 381-hp 5.7-liter V-8 produces 401 lb-ft of torque, benefitting it both on-road and off-road. It’s the 24.6 gallon gas tank, rather than fuel economy that allows drivers to travel far between fill-ups. The Land Cruiser is rated at 13 mpg city/18 highway. Looks wise, it’s old school. In amenities, it’s average. With an $85K price tag, the Land Cruiser’s clientele are those who are pure loyalists to the brand and particularly those who value its off-road prowess, where the Land Cruiser retains its leadership.
Lincoln Navigator
Lincoln’s successful comeback has been staged with a $2.5 billion investment to overhaul Ford’s luxury brand lineup. The focus on redesigning vehicles in hot segments and differentiating them through a unique set of customer experiences is paying off handsomely for Lincoln, particularly in sales of the full-size luxury SUV segment. The Lincoln Navigator continues to bolster impressive gains for the brand. While base price models can be had for around $75,000, the fully loaded, long wheelbase Navigator Black Label made news in becoming the first Lincoln to ever carry a six-digit price tag. At any trim level, there is noticeable attention given to Navigator’s materials, fit, and finish, but not at the expense of genuine utility. The Navigator’s twin-turbo V6 engine is rated at 450 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque delivering a class-leading 8,700 pounds of towing capacity while still providing fuel economy of 18 mpg combined, which bests many competitors in the large luxury segment.
