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Midsize SUV Links
Aside from the media listed in the Our Sources section, we find the following websites to be useful:
FuelEconomy.gov is a government website containing updated Environmental Protection Agency fuel-efficiency estimates for individual vehicles. Statistics for past and current model years are included, and fuel-economy ratings for older models have been updated to reflect current testing standards.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is a nonprofit organization that tests new cars, trucks and SUVs and assigns safety ratings in an attempt to cut down the number of annual losses due to crashes. Vehicles are evaluated based on different impact scenarios, and scores are fairly easy to understand and interpret.
The National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) conducts government-sponsored crash tests of most current vehicles. While its methods differ somewhat from those of the IIHS, the NHTSA website still offers a wealth of information about each vehicle's performance in testing, as well as coverage of potential safety concerns and advances in engineering technology.
Edmunds.com offers an interesting article called "Family Hauler Shoot-Out" that compares and contrasts minivans, crossovers and full-size SUVs. Each type of vehicle is ranked in such categories such as passenger room, access, cargo capacity, towing, all-weather capability, off-road capability, safety and fuel economy. It's an interesting discussion that may help you decide which type of vehicle is best for your family.
What's on tap for midsize SUVs
With unstable gas prices and a shaky economy, the SUV has seen its popularity decline. Automakers are shifting away from larger, heavier SUVs toward more user-friendly and efficient crossovers, station wagons and hatchbacks to satisfy the need for roomy, versatile vehicles. However, families and active individuals continue to appreciate practical and stylish sport utility vehicles, especially in the small and midsize categories, seeking more fuel-efficient models.
Mercedes, BMW and Porsche all plan to launch hybrid powertrains for existing SUV models. The Mercedes ML450 BlueHybrid is expected to be powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 and electric motor producing a combined 321 horsepower. Although tuned for performance, the efficient two-mode hybrid powerplant is expected to achieve 25 to 30 percent better mileage than the current ML 350. BMW may also install a hybrid powertrain in the X5 SUV. A hybrid version of the BMW X6 is also a possibility. Porsche is readying a high-performance hybrid version of the Cayenne SUV.
The aging Cadillac SRX is being replaced by a sporty new model that is somewhat smaller, with only two rows of seats. Aimed to compete with the popular Lexus RX, the 2010 Cadillac SRX borrows design cues from the Cadillac Provoq concept car seen at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show. The new SRX goes on sale during summer 2009.
The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee was shown at the 2009 New York Auto Show with revised styling, an attractive new interior and a new flex-fuel V-6 engine that promises better power and fuel efficiency than the current V-6.
A new Ford Explorer is planned for possible release in 2010 as a 2011 model. The next-generation Explorer will become a car-based crossover SUV boasting improved fuel efficiency thanks to Ford's upcoming EcoBoost technology that uses downsized, turbocharged engines.
The truck-based Kia Sorento will change into a unibody crossover for the 2010 model year, with all-new styling, three rows of seats and a choice of four- and six-cylinder engines.
Midsize SUV Manufacturer Links
