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Australian Comparison Test of 9 SUVs (with Video)

3K views 3 replies 2 participants last post by  v4m0 
#1 ·
This is a very interesting comparison test of 9 mid-size SUVs, including the Cherokee. There is also an embedded 8 min. video. Cherokee was in their top 4 picks (likely second), although they singled out the CX5 as the eventual "winner" - their "verdict" is below!

I am posting this on the UK board since I can't find an Australian-only thread and I suspect that the models are similar to UKs.

For the North Americans, here is a "cheat sheet" on the tested models:

Nissan X-Trail ST-L: Rogue
Jeep Cherokee Longitude: Latitude/North
Mazda CX-5 Maxx Sport: CX5
Honda CR-V VTi-S: CRV
Ford Kuga Trend: Escape
Toyota RAV4 GXL: RAV4
Subaru Forester 2.5i-L: Forester
Kia Sportage Platinum: Sportage
Hyundai ix35 Elite: Tucson

Verdict
Picking a winner from this lot was difficult because each had its own strong points and, truth be told, a buyer looking for a particular quality depending on their individual tastes, needs and budget could easily be swayed in a particular direction.

But there are those that are shuffled towards the bottom of the pile. The Ford Kuga rides and handles well, but its comparative lack of space makes it less attractive in a class of what are, after all, meant to be general purpose carry-alls.

The Forester lacks engine refinement, outright performance and driver involvement but it has the space inside and would be the pick for those who want to do more than occasional off-roading.

The Sportage is good value, has an unpretentious honesty and handles itself well but the smaller engine makes performance a comparative struggle, with no major benefits in fuel consumption.

Sharp handling and steering, a fairly strong engine and catchy styling are among the RAV4’s strong points but there’s not much of a case for value, the ride is too choppy for comfort and the interior presentation won’t be to everyone’s taste.

Then there’s the Hyundai ix35 which, in Elite trim, offers extremely good equipment levels for a low price and generally has a good balance of performance, road manners and carrying ability. Fuel consumption and rear seat room could be better, however.

The new X-Trail offers plenty of space and practicality for families or sport junkies, is well equipped and generally pleasant to drive. At nearly $40,000 for the STL you’re paying for the extra fruit, while handling, ride and performance are only average, so it isn’t a stand-out on the road.

The same goes for the CR-V VTi-S with the exception of its strong engine (tempered by a dated five-speed auto) being a plus, as is the well-thought-out interior and amount of equipment for a keen price. Ride, handling and steering aren’t outstanding, however, and the seats lack support.

The Jeep Cherokee Longitude is interesting, not just for its looks but its towering performance advantage offered by its bigger engine. It’s also very well equipped but at a price: not just the higher cost of purchase than others, but in relatively high fuel consumption and lack of rear seat room.

That leaves the CX-5 Maxx Sport as our worthy winner and for a number of reasons. The petrol engine may be a little peaky but it’s also strong and manages decent fuel consumption. The CX-5 is also actually fun to drive, something which can’t be said about many rivals. Add an extra dollop of space, style, equipment and value and it finishes a nose ahead of the tightly packed medium SUV field.


http://www.drive.com.au/new-car-com...-v-ix35-v-sportage-v-kuga-20140618-zs9dh.html
 
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#2 ·
How do you find so many and extremely recently posted? :grin:
 
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