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Since its debut in 2003, the Porsche Cayenne has been Porsche’s best selling model. While the company has received scorn for abandoning its sports car emphasis for an SUV, the Cayenne has been a success. The Cayenne actually sells more than all other Porsche models combined. The profits that Porsche has made from the Cayenne, has allowed the company to remain largely independent amidst a turbulent automotive industry in recent years.

The 2011 Porsche Cayenne is all-new. While visually the changes from the 2010 model are subtle, there are significant improvements in the new Cayenne. Exterior styling is more curvy and it rear fender is reminiscent of Porsche’s sports cars. Its interior has improved look and functionality. It has new instrument panel and center console, which borrows from Porsche’s new Panamera four-door luxury hatchback. The Cayenne also has sculpted vents, and a new touch-screen.

The 2011 Cayenne has a larger interior. While it is still a five passenger SUV, the wheelbase is longer allowing for a couple more inches of legroom. Further, the backseat now slides six inches forward and back to better accommodate rear seat passengers. With rear seats down (they do not fold completely flat), the Cayenne has 60.2 cubic feet or cargo room. With rear seats up, cargo volume is 23.7 cubic feet, up more than four and a half inches from the 2010 model.

The 2011 Cayenne is more efficient. By using lighter materials including lighter tires and wheels, a lighter instrument panel, and more aluminum, Porsche has shaved more than four pounds off its weight. Porsche has also made significant changes in the Cayenne’s four-wheel drive system. The Cayenne no longer has a low range transfer case, which reduced weight by 150 pounds. This change has been made without reducing Cayenne’s off-road ability.

The Cayenne has a variety of engine offerings. The base model has a 3.6-liter, 300 horsepower, V-6 engine. For performance enthusiasts, the Cayenne S model comes with a 4.8 liter, 400 horsepower, V-8 engine and the Cayenne Turbo has a turbocharged 4.8 liter, 500 horsepower, V-8 engine. The Cayenne turbo goes from 0 to 60 in about 4.5 seconds. Even the base V-6, goes from 0 to 60 in just over seven seconds.

For those who want a more efficient option, Porsche offers a 3.6-liter hybrid engine in the Cayenne. It saves fuel by shutting down when stopped and when driving downhill, the engine will shut down and run off battery power until the gas engine is needed. All models have an eight-speed automatic transmission. Prices for the base Cayenne V-6 will start at around $50,000 and the Cayenne Turbo sells in excess of $100,000.

The 2011 Porsche Cayenne is manufactured in Leipsig, Germany. It is lighter and more efficient for 2011. The Cayenne retains its excellent handling for an SUV. It shares many of its components with the Volkswagen Touraeg, which is also a new SUV model worth considering in the mid-size class.

admin | Luxury SUVs | 09 2nd, 2010 | No Comments »

Dog owners are a big portion of new SUV buyers. About 45 million American households have at least one dog. The ability to conveniently and comfortably accommodate and transport their pet or pets plays a big role in which vehicle consumers buy. Automakers are increasingly looking for ways to attract new buyers and adding features that attract dog owners are one way to do just that.

The Automobile Association of America (AAA) is out with a list of top vehicle picks for dog owners. A total of 11 vehicles were on the list, which was dominated by SUVs and crossovers. The list was divided into six different categories to help motorists best identify the vehicle that meets there needs, budget, and preferences.

The best SUVs for dogs on the list include the Volvo XC60 in the luxury class, Honda Element, Toyota Venza, Ford Escape Hybrid, Hyundai Santa Fe and Subaru Forester. Compact hatchbacks such as the Nissan Cube, Kia Soul, Mazda3, Mini Clubman, and BMW 3 Series wagons rounded out the list.

The Volvo XC60, Hyundai Santa Fe, and Ford Escape Hybrid have accessories that include rubber mats for the cargo area, a pet barrier that securely fastens, and tie down points for kennels and crates. The Toyota Venza adds waterproof rear seat covers and an adjustable harness/booster seat for pets.

The Subaru Forester has lower ground clearance than many other SUVs. The cargo area 27 inches above ground makes it easier for pet ingress and egress. Dog owners can also purchase special accessories such as a portable ramp to make entering and exiting easier for less agile dogs.

The Honda Element has really targeted dog owners. With its standard hose off interiors, which are easy to clean, the Element is targeted at buyers with an active, rugged lifestyle. It has had an edge with dog owners since it debuted for the 2003 model year. In 2010, Honda upped the ante by offering a “Dog Friendly Package” for all trim levels of the Element.

The Element’s “Dog Friendly Package” offers a metal and mesh kennel in the rear cargo area with a spill-proof water bowl and soft bed mat. Fitted covers for the rear seats with dog-bone prints and all-weather floor mats are also included in the package. Also included in the rear is a built-in electric fan, perfect to keep Fido cool and refreshed. The package also includes a portable ramp that stows underneath the kennel, a tote bag with a leash, dog tag, collar, and bag dispenser for doggie cleanup.

AAAs list is a good guide in choosing the best SUVs for dogs. Even if you are a dog owner and the SUV you purchased does not include special accessories designed for dogs, many of the items can be purchased online or from your local pet store.

admin | Uncategorized | 08 19th, 2010 | No Comments »

Truck-based SUVs are not going away any time soon. Despite the recent trend towards crossover car-based SUVs, Automotive News is reporting that GM will build its next generation Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon, due to come out in 2013 or 2014, on its truck-based platform shared with the popular Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra full-size pick-ups. The planned new SUV GMC Granite will also be built on the platform.

Truck-based SUVs were very popular during the 1990s and early part of the last decade. Models such as the Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Tahoe, and Toyota 4-Runner generated huge profits for their respective automakers during this time. Truck-based SUVs have better off-road and typically better towing capability than their crossover counterparts. Since the turn of the century, automakers have shifted to building more crossover style SUVs due to their improved fuel economy, ride, and handling.

The current version of the Tahoe and Yukon were introduced for the 2007 model year. 2010 models received a mild mid-cycle refresh which included a revised door trim, a slightly raised bumper, side torso air bags, and improved side structure. The Tahoe and Yukon have continue to sell well for GM, despite fluctuating gas prices and a weakened economy.

The models are popular with law enforcement, fire, and Emergency Medical Services agencies. They perform well in adverse weather conditions including snow and ice and have the ground clearance to get through rough terrain and mild flooding.

The Tahoe and Yukon have evolved over the years, with improved refinement, luxury, and fuel economy. They now offer such amenities as power release folding second-row seat, rearview camera, navigation, rear seat DVD, remote start system, USB connection, and heated seats. Hybrid Tahoe and Yukons are also available.

The price for a base two-wheel drive Tahoe LS starts at about $37,000. A well-appointed Tahoe LTZ with four-wheel drive can easily top $50,000. Both Tahoes and Yukons are assembled in the United States.

admin | Full-size SUVs | 08 11th, 2010 | No Comments »

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (“IIHS”) is out with its list of Top Safety Picks for 2010. The big change in this years list was that the IIHS included rollover crash testing in its evaluations. This is an important safety consideration, as according to the IIS, more than 9,000 people die each year in rollover accidents. Protection for driver, front passenger and rear passengers involved in front, side, and rear collisions were the other components of the testing. All vehicles tested must have electronic stability control.

For 2010, twenty SUV models have made the list. While European automakers have historically been the standard bearers for safe vehicles and safety innovations, this year’s list of SUV winners includes automakers from five different countries: Hyundai, Japan, Sweden, United States, and Germany.

Subaru was a big winner on this year’s list. The Japanese automaker continues to build on its reputation for safety. Despite only ranking 11th in U.S. auto brand sales in July, it had vehicles in the small size SUV, midsize SUV, midsize car, and small car list. It was the only automaker to be a top safety pick in every vehicle class in which it competes. All Subaru models come standard with all-wheel drive. Their vehicles earned five star safety readings.

Small size SUVS making the top safety list for 2010 were: the Honda Element, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Patriot (with optional side torso airbags), Subaru Forester, and Volkswagen Tiguan.

In the midsize class, the Audi Q5, Cadillac SRX (built after May 2010), Chevrolet Equinox (built after March 2010), Dodge Journey, Ford Flex (built after January 2010), GMC Terrain (built after March 2010), 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 2011 Kia Sorrento (built after March 2010), Lexus RX, Lincoln MKT (built after March 2010), Subaru Tribeca, Toyota Highlander, Toyota Venza, 2010 and 2011 Volvo XC60, and 2010 and 2011 Volvo XC90 made the top safety pick list.

Safety is an important factor when choosing a new SUV. These crash studies are performed by the IIHS, which is wholly funded by auto insurance companies. Safety ratings have an impact on car insurance rates.

admin | Insurance | 08 6th, 2010 | No Comments »

Debuting this fall is an all-new SUV, the 2011 Nissan Juke. This compact SUV, which could more accurately be called sub-compact slots between Nissan’s Rogue SUV and the Versa hatchback. However, the Juke has a style and performance all its own. Nissan is billing the Juke as a sport crossover vehicle where “all-wheel drive agility and handling meets turbocharged performance.”

The Juke certainly has unique styling. Although its curvy shape shows resemblance to the Rogue, its lizard-like headlights and rally style fog lamps stand it apart. The Juke’s rear door handles, which are up high near the windows, also stand out, as well as the brightly painted center interior console. The black and gray plastics that typically adorn a vehicle’s interior panels are shaken up in the Juke by such interior colors as glossy red.

The big news for the Juke is its engine. Making its debut in the U.S. in the Juke is Nissan’s turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder power plant. The engine produces 180 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque and is mated to either a continuously variable automatic transmission (“CVT”) or a six-speed manual. The Juke offers three trim lines: the S, SV and SL. All-wheel drive SV and SL models all come with the CVT.

The Juke weighs between 2,920 and 3,225 pounds depending on the options and all-wheel drive. It is expected to have 0-60 times of about 8 seconds. With its 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, fuel economy is expected to be very good, about 28 mpg city and 34-mpg highway with 30 mpg in mixed driving. The Juke also offers crisp handling.

The Juke’s curvy shape sacrifices utility. While it offers seating for five passengers, it actually has less cargo space than the compact Nissan Versa hatchback, which competes against such model as the Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, and Ford Fiesta. With its rear seats up, the Juke has 10.5 cubic feet of rear storage space. When the 60/40 folding rear seats are down, its cargo volume expands to 35.9 cubic feet. This is actually less cargo room than the 2011 Mini Countryman.

The 2011 Nissan Juke will begin hitting U.S. showrooms in October. The starting base price for a front-wheel drive S is expected to be below $20,000, which is about a thousand less than a Rogue. A well-optioned SL with all-wheel drive is expected to be under $30,000.

The Juke will have a final assembly in Japan for all-wheel drive models and England for two-wheel drive models. It offers a unique blend of styling, performance, and utility. The Juke’s competitors include the Mini Countryman and Mitsubishi Outlander Sport.

admin | Compact SUVs | 08 5th, 2010 | No Comments »

The Rogue, Nissan’s first entry in the compact crossover class, first debuted for the 2008 model year. For 2011, the Rogue receives its first refresh, with interior and exterior revisions. The 2011 Rogue has a new grille and fascia, chrome-accented door moldings, and a new rear end design with a rear spoiler. The engine, a 2.5 liter, 170 horsepower, four-cylinder engine with Continuously Variable Transmission, remains unchanged since its 2008 debut.

The 2011 Nissan Rogue is offered in three trim lines: the S, the SV, and the Krōm. One of the trim lines has changed names for the 2011 model year. What was the SL trim in prior Rogues is now known as the SV. All models offer seating for five, the same four-cylinder engine and an all-wheel drive option.

The Krōm is the up level trim. It is differentiated from the other trim by its slightly different grille and front fascia, fog lights, body-colored mirrors, distinctive rear fascia with central exhaust outlets, and 18-inch alloy wheels. For comparison, the S trim has 16-inch alloy wheels while the SV has 17-inch alloy wheels.

Even the base S comes with an impressive set of standard features that includes power windows and locks, air condition, tilt steering wheel, and cruise control. Standard safety features include head-protecting side curtain airbags. The two-wheel drive S is expected to have a starting price of about $21,000.

The Rogue, which has final assembly in Japan, is based on the same unibody platform that Nissan uses for its Sentra compact car. The Rogue is actually the longest SUV in the compact class. Even longer, by one inch, than the Toyota RAV-4, which has third row seating. However, its curvy body shape limits its cargo room, which is significantly smaller than its three largest competitors the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, and Toyota RAV-4.

The Rogue’s styling and crisp handling differentiate it from its peers. New options for 2011 include the model’s first navigation system and USB interface. Fuel economy for the 2011 Nissan Rogue is expected to be about 22 mpg city and 26 mpg highway for all-wheel drive models.

The Rogue has been a success for Nissan. While it sells only about half as many models as its main competitors, sales have been increasing. Nissan hopes that the refreshed Rogue will continue that trend. The 2011 Nissan Rogue goes on sale in September 2010.

admin | Compact SUVs | 07 31st, 2010 | 1 Comment »

The all-new 2011 Ford Explorer has been unveiled. The model is very important for Ford as it hopes to take market share back in the mid-size SUV class. Ford has rebounded to make a profit for the past five quarters and is hoping to build on its success from the 2010 model year.

The 2011 Explorer represents a big change for Ford. For the first time, the Explorer is built on a car-like unibody platform, where the body and frame are combined. All prior Explorers, 20 years of models to be exact, were built on the truck based body-on-frame platform. The new architecture is quieter and more aerodynamic and allows for better handling and fuel economy.

Fuel economy in the 2011 model is expected to be about 30 percent better than the 2010 model with the turbo-charged four-cylinder EcoBoost engine with an average of 18-mpg city and 26-mpg highway. This is comparable to a 2010 Toyota Camry with a V-6. Even the V-6 will have best in class fuel economy. The Explorer comes standard with rear-wheel drive and has a four-wheel drive option.

Despite the change in architecture, the 2011 Explorer’s ground clearance is 8.2 inches, only .1 inches less than the 2010 model. This ground clearance combined with four-wheel drive should continue to make the Explorer well suited for off-road driving.

Ford offers five SUV models: the Escape, Edge, Explorer, Flex, and Expedition. While they may appear to be a similar size and have similar styling, the Explorer is considerably larger than Flex and offers seating for 7 passengers, unlike the Edge, which does not offer third row seating. In fact, the new Explorer is nearly 4 inches longer than the 2010 model. Impressively, despite its added length, the 2011 Explorer is 150 pounds lighter than the 2010 model, with its new platform and use of lighter materials.

The 2011 Explorer will be offered in three trim lines, base, XLT, and Limited. The up-level Eddie Bauer trim is no longer offered. The Explorer’s V-6 produces 290 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque. It is rated for towing up to 5,000 pounds. Ford is introducing a new turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost engine in the 2011 model year. In the Explorer, it produces 237 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. Towing capacity is not yet know for the four-cylinder engine. Both engines make use of a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The 2011 Explorers is being built in two separate locations. V-6 Explorers are being built in Lima, Ohio while EcoBoost models with the turbo 4 cylinder engine are being built in Ford’s Valencia, Spain plant. Despite all the improvements, the 2011 Ford Explorer will have a starting retail price of about $29,000, $1,000 less than the 2010 model. A bevy of options will be available, with a fully optioned Explorer costing nearly $40,000.

The 2011 Ford Explorer goes on sale this winter. It should be a strong competitor to models such as the Chevrolet Traverse, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Santa Fe, and Jeep Grand Cherokee.

admin | Midsize SUVs | 07 27th, 2010 | No Comments »

Two years ago, when gas prices surpassed $4 per gallon in the U.S., many believed it signaled the decline of the SUV class. However, since then gas prices have moderated to around $3 per gallon and auto manufacturers continue to make SUVs more efficient. SUVs have rebounded in a big way. In 2011, there will be more new SUV models than ever before.

One new model entering the SUV market is the 2011 Mini Countryman. The Countryman is Mini’s take on an SUV. It borrows its styling and engines from the Mini Cooper, but offers noticeably more space and an all-wheel drive option. It is the first Mini model to offer true four passenger doors, with room for 5 passengers.

The Countryman has a length of 161.3 inches, nearly 13.5 feet, comparable to a Honda Fit. However, the Countryman is nearly 4 inches wider than the Fit with a width comparable to a Volkswagen Jetta. The added width is noticeable as the Countryman has 8.8 inches more shoulder room for driver and front seat passenger than the Cooper. Overall, the Countryman is nearly 15 inches longer than the Cooper and offers a significantly higher seating position.

Rear seat passengers also travel in more comfort. The Countryman has rear seats that slide 5.1 inches and have a recline option, giving the vehicle added versatility. It adds up to a total of 41 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded flat, enough to hold a cartful of items from Costco. With the rear sets up, the Countryman has 12.2-cubic feet of cargo room.

The Countryman will be offered in two trims. The base model offers Mini’s modest 1.6-liter 120 horsepower engine while the S trim line offers a turbocharged version of the 1.6 liter engine that produces 181 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. The S delivers much more spirited driving performance with 0-60 times under 8 seconds, even with all-wheel drive.

Both Countryman trims are sold with the choice of either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The all-wheel drive option adds about 150 pounds to the model’s weight. Even in S trim with all-wheel drive, the Countryman should get about 25 mpg city and 33 mpg highway, making it one of the most fuel efficient SUVs on the market.

The Countryman S comes with 17 inches tires with 18 and 19-inch options. Mini’s renowned go-kart style handling is still present in the Countryman. When it goes on sale in the U.S. in early 2011, the Countryman will undoubtedly be the best handling SUV on the market.

Mini, which is owned by BMW, has final assembly of the Countryman in Graz, Austria. It is the first Mini to be built outside of Great Britain. The Countryman is expected to have a base model suggested retail price of about $24,000 with S trims easily topping $30,000 with added options.

admin | Premium Compact SUVs | 07 23rd, 2010 | No Comments »

The Land Rover LR2 competes in the growing premium compact SUV category. With the introduction of the Audi Q5, Volvo XC60, and forthcoming BMW X1, the premium compact SUV category is one of the hottest SUV categories. These 5 seat SUVs provide the utility and efficiency of a compact SUV but with premium comforts.

The LR2 was first introduced into Land Rover’s lineup for the 2008 model year. It replaced the similarly sized but outdated Freelander. The LR2 was all-new when it debuted. It was the first Land Rover model to offer Roll Stability Control as an option. Final assembly for the model is in Land Rover’s home country of Great Britain.

For 2011, the LR2 receives a minor refresh. The model is offered in only one trim, the HSE. It is powered by a 3.2 liter V-6 engine with 230 horsepower and 234 pound-feet of torque. It is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The LR2 has a 0 to 60 time of about 8.4 seconds with good braking. While not a speedster, the LR2 has solid driving dynamics with good handling. The model has manual selected gear changes available through the CommandShift system and a driver-selected sport mode for more spirited driving.

The LR2′s fuel economy is rated at 15mpg city and 22 mpg highway. This is somewhat low for its class. Competitors such as the Acura RDX, BMX X3 and Audi Q5 get a little better mileage. Its greater use of fuel may be partially due to its off-road features and capability.

Being a Land Rover, the LR2 maintains rugged off-road capability. It has 8.3 inches of ground clearance and can go through 20 inches of water. The LR2 comes standard with a four-wheel drive. The LR2 has excellent safety equipment that includes roll stability control, seven airbags with side curtains, emergency brake assist, dynamic stability control, antilock brakes and electronic traction control.

Driver and passengers ride in luxury in the LR2. Available features include a keyless startup, stadium seating for rear passengers, USB audio input, premium sound systems with 7 or 12 speakers, leather seating, rain sensing wipers, and controls on the steering wheel.

For 2011, the LR2 has a starting manufacturer’s suggested retail price of about $36,000. It is a quality premium compact SUV. However, Land Rover may need to make significant changes to the model soon to keep up with its growing number of competitors.

admin | Premium Compact SUVs | 07 19th, 2010 | No Comments »

SUV owners pay more for auto insurance. SUVs have average insurance costs 10-20% higher than a typical passenger car. This may not seem logical, as SUVs tend to better protect drivers and passengers in an accident. However, there are a variety of factors that contribute to the added insurance expense for SUV owners.

Because SUVs are larger than your typical passenger car, they tend to cause more property and bodily injury damage when involved in an accident. Physics indicate that a 1,800-pound Smart car would not fare well in an accident against a 5,600-pound Chevrolet Suburban. Despite safety advances in recent years, SUVs are more likely to be involved in roll over accidents, which can be very costly in terms of property damage and bodily injury claims for insurance companies.

SUVs have also become more popular targets for thieves. The styling, comfort, and options such as large chrome wheels that attract customers also attract car thieves. In fact in 2007, according to the Highway Data Loss Institute, the Cadillac Escalade ESV was the most stolen vehicle. The 2007 Escalade has an insurance claim frequency of about 15 per 1,000 insured vehicles. The average amount of loss paid per claim for an Escalade is over $13,000, and it was one of the most stolen vehicles on the road over the past decade. As a result, Cadillac Escalade owners pay more for insurance.

With new SUVs costing on average more than $30,000, the replacement cost of a stolen SUV can be very expensive to insurance companies. Repairs for an SUV also tend to be more expensive than for cars. Parts tend to more expensive adding to costs.

Insurance companies compensate for these extra costs by charging higher premiums for SUV owners. However, there are ways SUV owners can save on insurance. Prices can vary hundreds of dollars per year between companies for SUV owners. By getting an auto insurance quotes comparison, SUV owners can compare the rates for different insurance companies and save on their policy.

admin | Uncategorized | 07 13th, 2010 | No Comments »