One alternative is to look for previously owned luxury SUVs. The nice thing about previously owned luxury vehicles is that the vehicles have usually been well maintained, and there are many reliable reviews available.

2007-2010 Cadillac Escalade photographed in College Park, Maryland, USA. Category:GMT926 Category:White SUVs (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Due to the size and weight of luxury SUVs some are rather sluggish, not giving the desired acceleration on take off or when merging or passing other vehicles. This can mean lower re-sale prices, and with a little knowledgeable haggling one can drive off the lot with a very nice luxury SUV for a bargain price.

Consider a Performance Chip

Large SUVs also tend to have rather low fuel economy. One tip is to add a performance chip to the vehicle. These chips can boost performance without major engine modifications and some can actually MPG by up to 30%!

Some performance chips work by oxygen regulation, and others work by increasing horsepower. The best performance chips available combine the two technologies into one chip.

In terms of which chip to get, the Stage 3 Surge O2 Chip Combo can be a good choice. The Stage 3 chip is available for around $300, and is easily installed; it takes about 10 minutes. It works in conjunction with the factory parts, and has a 10-year warranty. To find performance chips, you can Google ‘performance chips for sale’ and you will be presented with large selection of online stores that will be eager to assist you with your purchase. As always, do your homework and shop around.

After installation of the performance chip you may be amazed at the difference in acceleration, and in a week or two you may be equally impressed with how much better mileage you’re getting at the pump. So by shopping for quality pre-owned models and adding a performance chip, you could own the luxury SUV of your dreams and still afford your mortgage!

How to Boost Your Luxury SUVs Performance is a post from: New SUV.org

The Outlander’s Past

The Outlander, whose platform is based off the Mitsubishi Lancer compact sedan, was first introduced in the U.S. as a 2003 model. It was Mitsubishi’s first crossover, offering the utility of a larger vehicle with the driving dynamics of a smaller car. Mitsubishi lagged its competitors in introducing a compact crossover and the automaker tried to set the model apart by offering a sportier demeanor and distinctive styling.

A much improved and all-new Outlander debuted in 2007. Since then, the Outlander has grown wider and taller, while becoming more fuel-efficient.

The model has been a success for Mitsubishi, selling nearly 1,000,000 units worldwide since it debuted. It was also known as the “Airtrek” overseas. Mitsubishi hopes that the 2013 Outlander changes will keep the model’s sales going strong.

2013 Changes

The Outlander hasn’t been altered a whole lot since 2007. That will change a bit in 2013 as the Outlander will feature a more horizontally oriented front grille. The model’s chassis is also being modified and a new 6-speed automatic transmission is being offered, which should help boost fuel economy. The model will also be lighter in weight and offer new interior features.

In addition, Mitsubishi’s goals for the 2013 Outlander changes were:

- Added Convenience
- Advanced Safety
- Clever Utility
- Comfortable Driving
- Low Environmental Impact

Check out the Mitsubishi Outlander’s official website for more information.

Engines & Power

There are not expected to be much in the way of changes for the Outlander’s engine for 2013. The 2012 Outlander features the Super All-Wheel Control System, is equipped with magnesium paddle shifters, is built with a lightweight aluminum roof, and has a low center of gravity. The base trim has a 2.4L four-cylinder engine that delivers 168 horsepower. Shoppers can choose the larger 3.0L V-6 with its 230 horsepower output.

The base trim has a continuous variable transmission (CVT) system, while the up level GT offers a six-speed Sportronic® automatic transmission with Idle Neutral Logic.

The front suspension is MacPherson strut and the rear suspension is multi-link. Outlander offers a very smooth ride, yet the suspension system makes off-road driving much more comfortable than many of the higher priced models currently available. The four sensor, four channel ABS brakes are anti-lock and feature the electronic brake-force distribution technology.

Plenty Of Interior Amenities

The Outlander is somewhat rare in its class in that it offers both two-row and third-row seating. The Toyota RAV4 also can boast this. Third-row seating is standard on all but the base trim Outlander. The air conditioning system includes a micron filter, the steering wheel is leather-wrapped, the second row seats are fold-flat, and the up level trims include a nice 140-watt six-speaker sound system. The multi-information display is well-engineered and easy to program.

Exterior Features

The 2012 Outlander has a nicely designed mesh grille with a black surround and body color-keyed grille bar. Auto-off halogen headlamps are standard equipment on all trims. The rear LED tail lamps are highly visible in bad weather because of their unique clear lens design.

The flap-folding tailgate is also a standard feature on all Outlander trims. Chrome exhaust tips, black roof rails, and rear privacy glass are a few of the niceties included at no extra charge. The up-level GT trim features a power glass sunroof, heated side view mirrors, fog lights, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

Safety And Security

Mitsubishi has incorporated the Active Stability Control into many of its current models. Outlander benefits from this technology, which provides excellent lateral control of the vehicle through a sensoring system. The sensors automatically check the speed and measure it against the vehicle’s response to steering input.

Outlander comes equipped with three-point seatbelts. The front seatbelts have pretensioners, and the front seats have active head restraints. The LATCH system for child safety is standard on all Outlander trims.

Outlander comes with a full complement of six airbags. These include front dual-stage airbags for the driver and front passenger, side-impact airbags for the front seating area, and side-curtain airbags for both the front and rear seating areas. Sensors detect the rapidity of deceleration and the weight on the driver’s and front passenger’s seat to determine the exact level of front airbag deployment.

The Outlander comes with an impressive 100,000 mile, 10-year power train warranty and seven years of anti-corrosion protection. The roadside assistance program is good for five years and unlimited mileage. Those looking for an affordable SUV that gets decent gas mileage will want to take a close look at the 2012 and 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander.

The Outlander Sport

For those seeking a more compact, sporty model, buyers might want to consider the Outlander Sport, which is essentially a shrunken version of the Outlander. It is only offered with a four-cylinder engine and is more fuel-efficient.

The Outlander Sport has been a strong seller for the Japanese automaker since it debuted in 2011. The IIHS also named the model to its “Top Safety Picks’ list, making it among the safest 2012 SUVs. The Outlander did not make the list.

The Outlander is assembled in the U.S. The 2013 model will go on sale by fall 2012. An Outlander Plug-in Hybrid EV is expected to go on sale within the next year.

2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Changes is a post from: New SUV.org

In this Honda CR-V vs. Mazda CX-5 comparison, NewSUV.org wants to take a more direct approach to evaluating these two models. Below are 10 of the most important aspects buyers look for in a vehicle and how we rate them.

1. Exterior Styling – This is very subjective. Some people have a dislike for the rear end of the 2012 CR-V. We have a slight lean to the CR-V as the 2012 refresh does give the model a bit more stylish appearance overall. Winner: CR-V

2. Fuel Economy – Featuring Mazda’s SkyActiv engine technology, the CX-5 is the most fuel-efficient SUV on currently he market with an EPA rating of 26-mpg city and 35-mpg highway with front-wheel drive and the manual transmission.

The 6-speed automatic transmission in the CX-5 drops fuel economy to 32-mpg highway, which is only 1-mpg better than the CR-V and 1-mpg worse than the all-new 2013 Ford Escape with the 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine. With all-wheel drive, the CX-5 has a more modest edge of 25/31 vs. 22/30 to the CR-V. Winner: CX-5

3. Safety. Both models have six airbags and offer an optional rear-view camera. Both are also on the IIHS’ top safety picks, making them among the safest SUVs. Tie.

4. Interior Features – This is again more a matter of personal preference. Both offer modern, fresh interiors. Tie.

5. Interior Passenger Room – This is very close. The CX-5 does have an inch more rear passenger leg room and slightly more front and rear headroom. Edge: CX-5.

6. Cargo Room – The CR-V has five more cubic feet of cargo room than the CX-5 and is a clear winner. The CR-V just misses being the SUV with the most cargo room in its class.

7. Price – These two vehicles are similar in price. The CX-5 has a lower base price but both models top out at just over $30,000 with amenities such as navigation, leather seats, and power moonroofs. Tie.

8. Resale Value – The CR-V has been among the best resale value SUVs for years. The CX-5 is a new model but is should do well in this department based on how the Mazda CX-9 and Mazda3 have fared. Still, edge to the CR-V as a more known quantity.

9. Engine power – The CR-V has the clear advantage here with thirty more horsepower and is more than one second faster in 0-60 times. Mazda bucked the trend with new models offering less power but greater fuel-efficiency.

10. Driving Dynamics. Despite being underpowered, the driving experience in the CX-5 has been well received. It has good handling and cornering and it can still zoom-zoom, a little. Edge CX-5.

To recap, in this Honda CR-V vs. Mazda CX-5 comparison, the tally for the 10 categories was:

CR-V: 4 wins
CX-5: 3 wins
Tie: 3

The results were very close but we are giving the overall edge to the CR-V and Consumer Reports agrees. The CR-V just edged the CX-5 in road testing with scores of 77 and 75 out of 100, respectively. Both models finished behind the Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Forester. With is combination of great fuel economy and utility, the CX-5 is likely to join the CR-V as one of the most popular SUVs for women.

Which model do you think is better? Voice your opinion with a comment or vote in our poll below.

Honda CR-V vs. Mazda CX-5 is a post from: New SUV.org

2012 has brought a lot of great new models and interest from those looking at new models and aficionados alike. We have had numerous polls receive hundreds of votes. We thought we’d take this opportunity to look back at the polls that received the most votes.

Below is the list of our top 10 SUV polls of the past year:

#10. Which is your favorite 7-passenger luxury crossover?

#9. If you had $30,000 to spend on a new SUV, would you buy the Kia Sportage SX?

#8. Which model do you prefer? (Dodge Journey, Chevy Traverse, Ford Edge, None of the above)

#7. Which model do you prefer? (Chevy Traverse or Ford Explorer)

#6. Which is your favorite 5-seat midsize crossover under $35,000?

Nissan Murano photo: MJ/TR (´･ω･)

#5. Which is your favorite new crossover for under $35,000?

#4. Do you like the styling of the Subaru XV Crosstrek?

#3. Do you like the styling of the 2012 CR-V?

#2. Which Compact SUV Model Do You Prefer? (VW Tiguan or Kia Sportage)

And the number one most voted NewSUV.org of the past year was….

#1. What is your favorite new three-row crossover for under $35,000?

Each of the above polls has more than 75 votes so a pretty decent sample size. What do you think? Voice your opinion in our polls. You can vote in each of the links above at the bottom of the post.

We are running new polls in our blog all the time so bookmark our site and get your voice heard or feel free to leave a comment. We also encourage you to click the Facebook “Like” button, Google+, and Tweet our posts. And if you like what you’re seeing, sign up for the NewSUV.org RSS feed to receive each of our new posts sent to you inbox.

Top 10 SUV Polls of the Past Year is a post from: New SUV.org

The 2013 Traverse debuted at the 2012 New York International Auto Show with a facelift compared to the 2012 Traverse. The 2013 Traverse sports a new front grille with three-row chrome-finish, which is expected to make its way into the rest of Chevy’s SUV lineup.

The 2013 model has redesigned sportier tail lamps and new headlamp arrays, and a new fog light design. Also new for the 2013 Traverse is an innovative center airbag, which is between the driver and front passenger seats. This feature will also be found in its more luxurious sibling the Buick Enclave.

2013 Chevrolet Traverse photo: lotprocars

Interior Features & Engine

The 2013 Traverse also offers a new 6.5-inch touch screen with Chevy’s new MyLink system, which allows access to Internet-based applications such as Pandora and Stitcher, as an optional feature. Chevy also boasts a “more refined” interior and improved car-like ride and handling for the model. New wood trim accents will be standard on the LT and LTZ trims.

The Traverse’s engine is unchanged and the sole drive train remains the 288 horsepower 3.6-liter V6 engine. It remains to be seen whether Chevy can eek out more fuel economy for the engine, which for 2012 is rated at 17-mpg city and 24-mpg with front-wheel drive.

An older Chevy Traverse photo: Mrs. FireMom

The King of Midsize Crossovers

Chevy hopes that these updates will help keep the Traverses sales strong. For 2013, a new competitor looms – the totally reworked Nissan Pathfinder. The Traverse’s interior and cargo room is what sets it apart from many of its competitors such as the Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander and the 2013 refresh does nothing to change this. With 116 cubic feet of cargo room, the Traverse has the most cargo room in in its class and 25-30% more cargo room and seats up to 8 instead of 7 unlike its aforementioned competitors.

For full details on the 2013 Chevy Traverse changes, go to Chevy’s website.

2013 Chevy Traverse Changes is a post from: New SUV.org