Print this Page | Digg It | del.icio.us

Tags: car and driver review test drive testdrive suv cuv ford escape honda crv cr-v hyundai tucson jeep liberty nissan rogue mitsubishi outlander saturn vue suzuki grand vitara toyota rav4

Tag Link: car and driver review test drive testdrive suv cuv ford escape honda crv cr-v hyundai tucson jeep liberty nissan rogue mitsubishi outlander saturn vue suzuki grand vitara toyota rav4

Car and Driver CUV comparo: Ford Escape v. Honda CR-V v. Hyundai Tucson v. Jeep Liberty v. Nissan Rogue v. Mitsubishi Outlander v. Saturn Vue v. Suzuki Grand Vitara v.Toyota RAV4
The mud hole didn’t look that deep. As it turned out, it was deep enough to be on a catfish farm. We did use a maple branch to gauge its depth. Okay, so maybe we didn’t get the branch all the way out there in the, uh, middle.

See, what happened was, we made an error in judgment common to off-roaders who are wet, weary, and want beer. The trail got rough—too muddy, too rocky, too vertical—but a paved road was only 1.2 miles distant. Who’d quit at that point? Especially since the only alternative was a two-hour off-road ramble in reverse. In the dark. In weather three degrees above freezing.

About 20 feet ahead of this deep catfish hole, the Mercedes-Benz GL320 CDI camera car had gotten stuck in another gooey clay hole. We took a vote and agreed to dispatch our fiercest off-roader, the Jeep Liberty, to go set it free. That’s how it was similarly torpedoed. A sunken Liberty ship....
Read Article
Car and Driver CUV comparo: Ford Escape v. Honda CR-V v. Hyundai Tucson v. Jeep Liberty v. Nissan Rogue v. Mitsubishi Outlander v. Saturn Vue v. Suzuki Grand Vitara v.Toyota RAV4



Comments:

Images hosted in your AgentSpace can now be posted in the comments section using the following syntax (case matters):
[img]IMAGE URL[/img]
Example: [img]http://agent004.myautospies.com/users/150/Sample-Gallery/sample1.JPG[/img]

Htay7500Htay7500 - 1/25/2008 9:05:25 AM
+10 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
really? have you tried all of them?

reply to this comment
Agent009Agent009 - 1/25/2008 9:06:07 AMView My AgentSpace
+9 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
He must have a lot of spare time

reply to this comment
_43LE_43LE - 1/25/2008 9:20:33 AM
+12 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
But when they put BMW on top they are spot on, right?

reply to this comment
bulldogzbulldogz - 1/25/2008 11:14:19 AM
+8 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
"...and both the toyota and Honda engines are gutless."

yet both have only 166HP and are faster 0-60 than the 210hp Jeep, the Rav4 also beats everything except the Saturn and Nissan.


reply to this comment
WhelanWhelan - 1/25/2008 9:33:46 AM
-6 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Ha, take your little small tall girly CUVs. I'll take a Liberty anyday of the week over the others, and park on top of them at the mall, LOL.

I'm pretty sure that the new Jeep Patriot and outgoing new Compass are the comparison CUVs for this contest. FWD w/ available AWD, better fuel mileage and similar size. The Jeep Liberty compares more with slightly larger SUVs, it's not much smaller than a Jeep Grand Cherokee. It's in another segment classified as small SUV. The Jeep Liberty is not a Crossover by ANY MEANS. It's an off-road SUV! Get it right fools.

My fiance has a 2005 Jeep Liberty Renegade and I installed the light bar kit for her right after she got it. Man can that thin get through the slop. Not only that but the engine just rips with torque. Oh and it's RWD, something the others don't offer with their cutesy FWD.

Sorry folks, I'm a die hard Jeep fan and there will be one in my driveway at all times, regardless if it's mine or my soon to be wife's. Give me rugged or give me death. I wonder how many times not mentioned the Jeep had to pull the others from the muddy slop. Probably more than they mention.



reply to this comment
bulldogzbulldogz - 1/25/2008 11:15:30 AM
+9 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
dude, the Liberty is the epitome of chick truck, I bet you also liked the Suzuki Samurai too.


Htay7500Htay7500 - 1/25/2008 8:04:51 PM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
I agree with the above, jeep has been going somewhere with their cars.


racinghartracinghart - 1/25/2008 10:13:22 AM
+2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
once upon a time a Jeep was comparable to a Land Rover product

reply to this comment
ripper350ripper350 - 1/25/2008 10:31:18 AM
-3 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
all small suv's are a joke, they don't have 7 passenger seating, they can't haul jack squat, they don't get as good gas milage or handle like a car... so what is the POINT?

reply to this comment
S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 1/25/2008 10:41:11 AMView My AgentSpace
+4 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
The Toyota RAV4 and Mitsubishi Outlander are both available with seven seats.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 1/25/2008 10:38:48 AMView My AgentSpace
-3 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Would you have posted this if the Toyota hadn't won? Be honest.

reply to this comment
AirlinerAirliner - 1/25/2008 10:49:11 AM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Actually S4... I am surprised that they didn't measure the Chevy Equinox, Kia Sorento nor the Mazda CX-7 which not only represent the respective brands at the price threshold they placed for this comparo... But I think the CX-7 would have smoked most of these.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 1/25/2008 1:44:05 PMView My AgentSpace
-2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
The Mazda should've been here, yes.

But the Equinox is a POS last-gen GM product, and the Koreans are already represented by Hyundai.



ShredmoShredmo - 1/25/2008 10:06:45 PM
+2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
CX-7 is slow for it's MPG. It is the best looking by far, however. If gas was free, I'd consider one.


BigShow50BigShow50 - 1/25/2008 10:55:55 AM
+8 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
cptamazing is an inbreed, brothers of nascardude, coming from the same "Uncle Daddy"...Congrats to the winner in this comparo-battle. Now where's Round 2? And what's that about?

reply to this comment
answeranswer - 1/25/2008 2:13:44 PMView My AgentSpace
+3 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
cptamazing is neither a captain nor amazing.

Discuss.



_43LE_43LE - 1/25/2008 6:39:44 PM
+2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
:)


WhelanWhelan - 1/25/2008 11:07:53 AM
0 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
They did forget a few models. Like the above mentioned Equinox, CX-7, Ford Edge, Dodge Nitro (Jeep Liberty cousin), and Pontiac Torrent.

I feel some of these could be classified as mini-utes instead. There are like 3 classes here. A crossover to me would be something like the Pacifica, Murano, Edge, etc. A mini-ute or cute ute, would be the Mitsu, CR-V, Rav 4 and other mentioned in the comparo. And the Liberty is def. a small SUV.


reply to this comment
ShredmoShredmo - 1/25/2008 10:03:27 PM
+2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
It is nearly the only true small SUV (the Liberty). LR2, maybe (based on advanced off-road characteristics). Wrangler 4 door, yep. Wrangler 2 door is what I'd drive if gas was less than $2 a gallon.

Is there a Midsize SUV? Most of these are large jacked up station wagons, except for the Jeep Grand Cherokee, 4Runner, LR3 and a very small hand full of others.



S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 1/27/2008 2:45:12 PMView My AgentSpace
+2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
The Torrent and Equinox are embarrassing. They shouldn't be here. The next iteration of small GM SUVs will be much better.

Ford is already here- Escape.

Nitro = Liberty, which you said...

And the CX-7 should be here, yes.



2ndbimmer2ndbimmer - 1/25/2008 11:26:45 AM
-2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
What is weird for me, unfortunately I have had the dissapointemtn to drive all of these cars. Renting from enterprise a lot for work. The vehicle I thought was by far and above the best was the jeep liberty!!! I dont have an hour to spend typing my thoughts of each individual vehicle, but there is no way I would be caught dead in any of these vehicles, but the least annoying of them all was the Jeep.

reply to this comment
PlanBPlanB - 1/25/2008 12:20:05 PM
0 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Its a good article but the choice of trucks they chose to review is a little...off. Why include a Jeep Liberty in this comparison of CUVs(should've been the Patriot)? in that case you might as well add the Nissan Xterra(which probably would've won). The Vue is also too big, they should've gone with the Chevy Equinox/Pontiac Torrent for this.

reply to this comment
theoptimisticpessimisttheoptimisticpessimist - 1/25/2008 12:50:28 PM
-1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
The Jeep lost what a shocker. The only vehicle with a low range and built to go off-road. Those who say the
Jeep shouldn't be in this camparison are right. I wish Car and Driver would stop testing REAL SUV's, they just want them dumb down to be jacked-up cars.

The last line of the Jeep review tells it all,"If you want a four-wheel-drive truck, why not buy a four-wheel-drive truck?” If you don't know the benefits of a real SUV over a truck, you shouldn't go into the back country or better yet you should review 4X4's.

Me, I'll take the Jeep.


reply to this comment
WhelanWhelan - 1/25/2008 2:58:57 PM
+2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
At least I'm not alone on this one. The Liberty by no means belongs in this comparo. The Liberty should actually be going up against the likes of the Hummer H3, Land Rover LR2, etc. If they wanted to put a like vehicle in there, they could have used the Dodge Nitro. Same car as the Jeep except it does not have the 4WD option that is available in the Liberty. Thus more of a competitor if they are thowing these cars together in a comparo.

I'd easily pick the Jeep, and yes if your going off-roading the benefits of a SUV are a multitude over a Truck. One namely being weight transfer, you get more weight on the rear axle thus the rear wheels help to push more when mucking it out. Put a truck in that spot and you need to add sandbags or cinder blocks.


reply to this comment
AnthonyAnthony - 1/25/2008 3:25:22 PM
0 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
This looks about right from test-driving the Toyota, the Honda, the Mitsubishi and The Hyundai, although I am kind of shocked that the Ford and the Saturn beat the Hyundai!

If only Lexus had a CUV...I bet the Hyundai would beat that according to Car and Driver.


reply to this comment
WhelanWhelan - 1/25/2008 4:41:10 PM
-2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
The new Saturn VUE is definitely a better car than the Hyundai, looks better, performs better. Ever been in a Tuscon with a V6. It's a 2.7L wimp. My Matrix felt like it pulled more than this thing at WOT. I drove the Kia Sorento to which is the cousin with the same engine, totally horrid.

The VUE gives you a smooth 3.5L V6 with 260hp. And when the Redline comes out it is goin to be a looker for sure.


reply to this comment
ShredmoShredmo - 1/25/2008 5:29:55 PM
+2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
It is an imcomplete list. Too bad the new Forester is going to be a couple months too late to make it to the test. Should have tested the old one. It was their top pick of small SUVs recently for several years in a row, also, it landed on the top 10 fastest cars $25k-$30k recently. It would off-road better than all but the Liberty. All this without a pesky roll-over warning. Hmmm.

reply to this comment
Htay7500Htay7500 - 1/25/2008 6:58:29 PM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
I know!! why isn't the forester on this?? it would be my choice overall.


Htay7500Htay7500 - 1/25/2008 6:59:24 PM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
btw, did you hear there will be a diesel for it in a few yrs?


theoptimisticpessimisttheoptimisticpessimist - 1/25/2008 8:47:50 PM
+2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
"It would off-road better than all but the Liberty"

You have got to be kidding, independent suspension, car frame, and no low range. the Jeep would leave it whimpering on the anything but a dirt road.



ShredmoShredmo - 1/25/2008 9:49:14 PM
+3 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Optimist,
I said all but...
The only existing vehicle the same size as the Liberty that is better off-road was it's predecessor, the Regular Cherokee. With it's 4.0L in-line, it was just about perfect. So we are in agreement.



ShredmoShredmo - 1/25/2008 9:53:54 PM
+3 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
In fact, I'll boost your post as a courtesy to reflect that.


theoptimisticpessimisttheoptimisticpessimist - 1/26/2008 1:24:03 PM
+2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Rat's forgive my dyslexia I didn't see "All". Please forgive, I have boosted you accordingly.


RupertRupert - 1/26/2008 7:34:12 PMView My AgentSpace
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Interestingly the Liberty is called in Cherokee in Europe - it was its replacement.


ShredmoShredmo - 1/27/2008 9:20:39 PM
+3 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Rupert,
I learned something today! Never knew that. It makes sense though. They should have kept the Cherokee name in the U.S. too.



PorschinatorPorschinator - 1/25/2008 7:02:57 PM
+2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
I believe it is a fair list. Toyota and Honda have done a great job with the compact SUV segment. They designed the RAV4 and CRV to be good all around vehicles. They also know that typical drivers would never go off road or go off road a fraction of the time and concentrate on typical useage needs.

Another issue is that it is difficult to make an excellent Off-Roader and On-Road SUV cheaply. Low end SUVs are usually one or the other. Typically Land Rover is best for that due to suspension options and we all know what they cost. For off road needs I would get the Jeep.


reply to this comment
krackerhatesmekrackerhatesme - 1/25/2008 8:44:32 PM
+2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Would these things even see a puddle deeper than six inches? Pot hole can get that big I guess.... I see a lot of chicks drive Jeeps... why is that? Anyway people who buy these like to take this to the local grocery store or maybe put a bike rack and take it to the park. I'm sure there will be a few that gets taken out to the nearest mud hole but for the most part these thing are meant to take kids to soccer practice. Yes they are jacked up cars and drive like cars because that what a majority of the buyers look for.

reply to this comment
theoptimisticpessimisttheoptimisticpessimist - 1/26/2008 7:50:37 PM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Your point is valid, But to and off-road enthusiast like myself, It's getting harder and harder to find a true off-roader. Magazine like Car and Driver are the problem, they drive Jeeps (even the Wrangler) and complain how uncar like the are. So the manufactures dumb down SUV to make magazine happy. So basically the mags whine and I get a choice of lesser vehicles,URGGGGGGG.


0to600to60 - 1/25/2008 9:48:49 PM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
If the front of the rogue wasnt so ugly I would take it. The Vue is rather pleasing to the eye as well however it is way to much of a chick vehicle.

reply to this comment
no1listensanywayno1listensanyway - 1/26/2008 1:33:28 PMView My AgentSpace
+2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Not that im defending the Liberty, but it should not be in this comparo, my friend has one and it is simply remarkabkle off-road. The rest of these are grocery getters - or feminine mobiles. The Jeep Liberty should be compared to a Hummer H3 or that ugly Toyota FJ thing - you know that one that has the frame cracking problem - yeah that one.

reply to this comment
S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 1/28/2008 5:45:24 PMView My AgentSpace
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Well the FJ is more of a Wrangler competitor, but I get your point...



To post a comment for this story, you must first Login.

If you do not have an account, you will need to Register (It's Free!).

Most Recent Stories
BMW 3 Series Sedan and Wagon Facelift show up at German dealershipsMercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series Billboard AdvertisementsA Driver's Paradise - A Country Club For RacingIt's Getting Deep: Auto Maker's Propaganda Machines Continue To Pump Out Bull Crap In An Effort To Bolster Sales!Camping with the new Volkswagen TiguanNissan GT-R pricing increased for 2009Video: Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR's record Nurburgring runFiat to manufacture world’s cheapest car by 2010VW hints that the Microbus might be coming back after allMysterious "Project B" Mustang concept to debut at SEMAMercedes GL Class facelift spied almost undisguised2009 Honda Civic Sedan and Hybrid Facelift Released in JapanDiesel variants of the Subaru Impreza & Forester heading for Paris2010 Ford Mustang photographed driving around2009 Toyota HiLux Facelift - Official details & PicturesFord decides to reveal the 2009 Ford Focus RS again, this time in ParisHyundai will show the i20 i-blue concept in ParisAgent 00J's $100,000 Challenge: Whose Car Collection Will Reign Supreme?AUDI AG Records Significant Growth in European Export Markets During AugustWhich is Faster, The RS6 Or The R8? The Answer May Surprise YouToyota Remains Unconvinced That US Auto Sales Have Hit Bottom YetLexus Outlines 2009 Model Year ChangesGM Facts and Fiction: GM Tells It Like It Is. Tuning: Brabus B63 S breaks cover BMW worldwide August sales up 2 percentDo You Agree? LA Times Blame Big 3 Problems On Unfair Foreign Competiton!Paris Motor Show: Subaru Debuts Diesel Forester And ImprezaBMW's Newest Baby SUV The X2 Breaks Cover - Is BMW On The Right Track?Renntec Mercedes C63 AMGFerrari Enzo Replacement SpiedNew Jaguar XF-R Spy Shots from California DesertSarah Palin Opens A Can Of Alaskan Whoop-Ass On Obama And Democrats-But What Does She Drive?Recall Issued for 2009 Jaguar XFCONFIRMED: Chevrolet Volt to be revealed this monthStudy: Women get ’turned on by engine sounds of MaseratisLamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 gets diamond wheels and pink brakesWill Buyers Be Willing To Settle For A 4 Cylinder BMW, Or It That Just Too Far Of A StretchUpcoming Beetle Design Will Inject More TestostoroneRumor: Ferrari working on a 430 Scuderia Spider2010 Chevrolet Camaro orders start next monthHyundai to show Santa Fe hybrid concept in ParisIs Imitation The Sincerest Form Of Flattery? Honda Releases Their Own Prius Look Alike!2009 Mazda MX-5 FaceliftCitroen reveals new hybrid conceptEarly look at America-bound Ford C-MaxSpies Become MythBusters When It Comes To Your Options If You Think You've Bought A LemonIs BMW The Company Actually Behind The Audi A4 Driving Experience App?NHTSA Sides With Toyota On Unintended Acceleration Issues Claiming 400 Owners Had No CaseChrysler Still Sits In The Basement, Sales Down 34% For AugustHow Low Should It Go? Analysts Predict Oil To Plunge As Low As $80 A Barrel!