2010 Lincoln MKS Bottom Line
TheCarConnection.com's editors have driven the latest edition of the Lincoln MKS, with both available powertrains, for this road test. Editors have compared the MKS to vehicles in its size and price class to help you narrow your choices in the segment. Finally, editors have compiled a full review of quotes from other trusted sources to bring you the most comprehensive reference guide to the 2010 MKS on the Web.
Likes
Traditional, classic styling
Exceptional power from turbo V-6
Amazingly quiet ride
Comprehensive standard features
Dislikes
Big-car handling
Active headrests sit too far forward
Telescopic wheel travel is short
Trunk opening is small
Gets quite expensive
With the 2010 Lincoln MKS, Ford finally fields a truly competitive luxury sedan with the acceleration and high-end features of prime European and Japanese nameplates. The MKS isn't a handling champion-it's a large, wide sedan with an emphasis on a creamy ride-but it's very quick on its toes and has an exhaustive list of features in its luxury-liner cabin. With a base price of about $42,000, the 2010 MKS can cost upward of $55,000 if all available features are specified.
Though the 2010 Lincoln MKS shares some running gear with its distant Ford company cousin, the Volvo S80, its sheetmetal and cabin are completely distinct-and distinctive, giving the MKS a classically handsome shape with heritage cues inside and out. The twin grille up front is its most recognizable touch, though the wide band of chrome around its tail has been a brand hallmark for decades. There are passing resemblances to the Lexus GS and the Volvo S80, but especially in dark colors, the MKS snares an identity all its own-a triumph for Ford's upscale brand. The interior of the MKS refines a linear, spare theme that Lincoln has been evolving all decade, with a wide dash and delicate metallic trim harking back to the Lincolns of the Sixties. Electroluminescent gauges give the MKS a soft glow at night, and leather and wood details bring it ever closer to Lexus levels of quality.
Lincoln offers a big V-6 engine to MKS buyers and turbocharges it for those looking for a good substitute for V-8 power. The basic 3.7-liter V-6 is a smooth, if adequate, performer, capable of a 0-60 mph run in 7.5 seconds and quiet, fuss-free exploits. It can be run with either regular or premium fuel, and turns in fuel economy figures of 17/24 mpg (front-drive) or 16/23 mpg (all-wheel drive). For a good amount more, Lincoln's new EcoBoost V-6 adds turbocharging and 82 hp for a total of 355 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. It's a dramatic infusion of power in the big Lincoln, pushing it to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds and to a top speed of 135 mph-while delivering a nice, ripe engine note and better fuel economy than the base engine, earning 17/25 mpg. Both engines team with a six-speed automatic; EcoBoost versions add paddle shifters that might seem odd in a car of its size, but end up more useful for sport driving than you might think. The gearbox does an excellent job of keeping the Lincoln in the right gear at the right time-just what an automatic transmission should do. While it's influenced by European sedans like the Mercedes E-Class, the Lincoln MKS handles with typically American-car ride and handling. That's American of this decade: The MKS has a pleasantly damped ride and responsive steering (electric steering on EcoBoost models are artificial in feel), and the result on front- and all-wheel-drive models alike is a responsive sedan that's not too soft and not too hard, even with the optional 20-inch wheels.
Exceptional comfort in big Lincoln MKS isn't limited to the front seat passengers. The driver and front passenger have good legroom and headroom, with plush power seats that are heated and ventilated. There's enough shoulder room, but the driver will notice Ford's active headrests push too far forward for absolute comfort. The MKS' telescoping steering has a shorter travel than it should, which can force a closer driving position. The MKS' rear seats are more spacious and supportive than any Lincoln in memory, and in all, the cabin is among the best executed by Ford, period.
The 2010 Lincoln MKS is among the safest vehicles on the road today. NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) awards it five stars for all crash tests, save for a four-star rollover rating. The insurance-industry-funded IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) names it a 2010 Top Safety Pick, in a year when it made qualifications for the award stricter. The MKS has standard dual front, side, and curtain airbags, along with anti-lock brakes, plus traction and stability control. A rearview camera and front parking sensors also are standard, while adaptive cruise control and active park assist are options. Active park assist uses sensors to determine steering angle and "parks" the car for drivers, who operate only the gas and brake while the MKS with EcoBoost (and its electric power steering) turns the wheel for perfect parking.
Pricing starts at around $42,000 for a front-wheel-drive MKS without any fancy options-but every MKS includes an AM/FM/CD changer with Sirius Satellite Radio and Ford's SYNC voice-activated entertainment controller. Also standard are cruise control; automatic climate control; ventilated front seats; heated front and rear seats; and HID headlamps. An all-wheel-drive edition is a few thousand dollars more, and the $48,000 MKS with EcoBoost adds 19-inch wheels, MyKey (which sets top speed and seatbelt reminders for younger drivers), a power rear sunshade, push-button start, active park assist, ambient lighting, and automatic high beams. Options include a dual-pane sunroof, wood trim, an EcoBoost appearance package, adaptive cruise control, DVD navigation, THX-certified audio, and 20-inch wheels.
The Bottom Line: The 2010 Lincoln MKS reaches into Euro-luxury territory with smart performance, subdued good looks, and a roomy interior.
Other Choices
If you're interested in the 2010 Lincoln MKS, also consider:
- Lexus GS
- Acura RL
- Cadillac STS
- Volvo S80
Reason Why:
Lincoln's engineers aim the new Lincoln MKS at a range of luxury vehicles. The Lexus GS is one target, and the MKS's rear seat trumps the GS' cramped cabin, though the Lexus has better steering feel and perhaps a slightly better trimmed interior, as well as a hybrid option. The latest Acura RL sports standard all-wheel drive, a tech-happy interior, and an indistinct exterior shape-studded with an incongruous, controversial grille. The Cadillac STS' cramped rear seat matches its anodyne looks, though it handles and rides very well in either rear- or all-wheel-drive form. Lastly, the six-cylinder Volvo S80 is mechanically related to the MKS, but its interior is markedly plainer, and it doesn't offer the performance of the EcoBoost V-6 (its engine is an unrelated inline-six).
Buying Tip
Test your phone or MP3 player before you buy: Ford's SYNC system is convenient, but only if it pairs and works well with your electronic device.
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2010 Ford Ranger
In order to bring you a complete set of information on the 2010 Ford Ranger, the experts at TheCarConnection.com collect highlights from some of the Web's leading review sources in the Full Review on adjacent pages, along with editors' firsthand driving impressions and shopping advice in this comprehensive Bottom Line assessment of the Ranger.
Likes
Truly a compact truck
Fuel efficiency
Newly standard safety features
Focused off-road model
Dislikes
No full four-door body style
Longest bed is just six feet
Still lacks side curtain bags
The Ford Ranger hasn't changed significantly in nearly two decades and might very well win the award of being the longest-running model line with the fewest major changes. With only a handful of refinements, the family of compact trucks has carried over with few changes in recent years. That said, the 2010 Ranger remains reasonably competitive for cost-conscious buyers needing a basic pickup, and it's one of the few compacts remaining on the market.
Periodic minor updates have kept the Ranger's front end looking fresh even if the profile is basically the same as it was for 1993, when the Ranger was last redesigned. With overall styling that qualifies as "classic" at this point, it's arguably more attractive than some compact trucks. Materials are better than you might think in the Ranger; the standard cloth upholstery is sturdy (the base vinyl isn't cheerful, though), plastics aren't overly scratch-prone, and it's basic but not bare. The seats themselves in the 2010 Ford Ranger are a weakness, though; they're thin, flat, and unsupportive for longer trips.
The 2010 Ford Ranger remains available in four- and six-cylinder forms, in rear- or four-wheel drive, and in two-door Regular Cab and four-door SuperCab configurations. There's no true four-door version of the Ranger, but the SuperCab has two small access doors for cargo stowage.
The Ranger's 143-horsepower, 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine provides what other compact-truck buyers seek but largely fail to find in the U.S. market: good fuel economy with acceptable performance. The four-cylinder brings ratings as high as 21 mpg city, 26 highway and is a good choice for those who don't tow and only occasionally haul heavy loads. The only other choice is a 4.0-liter V-6, making 207 horsepower; it's standard on XL 4x4 models and most other trims.
If off-roading is what you have in mind, the 2010 Ford Ranger can be entertaining and able when properly outfitted, either with options or with the focused FX4 Off-Road model, which gets standard Rancho shocks, a Class III trailer package, skid plates, sport bucket seats, and an available Torsen limited-slip differential. The six-foot bed in the Ranger is useful for most casual use and some professional tasks, but the gold-standard 4x8 sheet of plywood just won't make it flat (you might see Rangers out there with a seven-foot bed, but it's a fleet-only option).
Safety has been a glaring deficiency for the Ranger in recent years, but it finally gets a huge boost for 2010. Seat-mounted side airbags are standard this year, as are electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes. The Ranger's stability control system helps prevent conditions that might lead to rollover, but the safety list isn't perfect; side-curtain bags still aren't available.
Trim levels of the 2010 Ford Ranger include the XL, XLT, Sport, and the aforementioned FX4 Off-Road model. All models now come with air conditioning, but on the XL you'll find manual windows, locks, and mirrors. XLT models get dressed up with fog lamps, a chrome grille, and step-up bumpers, plus an upgraded sound system with aux input and MP3 compatibility, while the Sport includes trailer-tow hardware, as well as upgrades in the suspension and the interior. A Class 3 trailer hitch comes with all Rangers. Options on most trims are pretty limited, with remote start, a sliding rear window, and keypad entry among the most significant additions.
Bottom Line: The 2010 Ford Ranger isn't so modern and refined, but it's a practical, fuel-efficient, and reasonably safe choice for those who just want a truck.
Other Choices
If you like the 2010 Ford Ranger, also consider:
- Chevrolet Colorado
- GMC Canyon
- Mazda B-Series
- Toyota Tacoma
- Nissan Frontier
Reason Why:
The most direct competitors for the Ranger are the GMC Canyon/Chevrolet Colorado compact trucks. The Ranger has a smoother V-6 engine, but the GM twins have an optional five-cylinder engine with more power and, for 2009, a V-8 selection that in some respects gives it the ability of a larger truck. The Canyon and Colorado also offer a true four-door model with a back bench seat, though it's uncomfortable for long trips. Other rivals include the Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier. Both of these models offer four-cylinder base engines, though they feel significantly larger than the true-compact Ranger. Surprisingly, the Ranger's base four-cylinder engine feels more refined than either the GM trucks or the Toyota. However, if you're going to step up to a V-6 yet think a V-8 is overkill, you would probably be happier with either the Toyota or Nissan.
Buying Tip
The 2010 Mazda B-Series remains virtually identical to the 2010 Ford Ranger, with only slightly different styling; if you can find one of those at a Mazda dealership, you might be able to get an even stronger deal.
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2010 Audi Q5 Road Test
TheCarConnection.com has researched reviews and driven the 2010 Audi Q5 to bring you this comprehensive review of its safety, performance, styling, comfort, and quality. TheCarConnection.com's expert editors also drove this and other luxury sport-utility vehicles to compare and contrast the Audi Q5 with other crossovers in its class. The companion full review brings you a condensed look at Q5 reviews from other sources to help you in the research and buying process.
Likes
Smartly styled, inside and out
Cabin and controls have high-quality feel
Standard V-6 provides ample power
All-wheel drive is standard
Dislikes
Drive Select is gimmicky
Steering feels too artificial in all modes
Among the more expensive cars in its class
The first compact luxury crossover from the brand, the 2010 Audi Q5 takes on the likes of the Mercedes-Benz GLK and BMW X3 head to head-not to mention the class sales leader, the Lexus RX 350 and RX 450h crossovers. The Q5 is, for now, available in one configuration: a five-door wagon with a V-6 engine, an automatic transmission, and "quattro" all-wheel drive. The 2010 Audi Q5 sees a very slight price increase to $38,175, including destination charges.
In a class of handsomely sculpted all-weather wagons, the 2010 Audi Q5 stands out. It's a softly sculptured piece, using height and stance to convey SUV capability. As with the Volvo XC60, it's the opposite tack taken by the Benz GLK and Land Rover LR2, which wear more straight-edged sheetmetal. If its massive grille were a little less imposing, the Q5 would be as sophisticated as Audi's sedans-which also suffer from the same prominent nose. The slope of the roofline and the sedan-like tail lamps (with LED lighting) walk the best line between sport-ute size and German-wagon efficiency. The cabin's a fine example of a well-executed driving environment. There are a few too many small buttons, but Audi frames them in metallic trim, wood, and coordinated leathers and plastics to give the somewhat cluttered dash a unified, rich look.
The 2010 Audi Q5 performs near the top of its class. A 3.2-liter, 270-horsepower V-6 is mated to a six-speed automatic with manual gear selection and all-wheel drive. The engine's fairly sweet-revving, though a little louder and more vibration-prone than you might expect-just like the six-cylinder in the latest Lexus RX. Gear changes are quick and mostly trouble-free, unless you choose a downshift manually in Tiptronic mode at the wrong power point. The Q5 will obey, so long as it doesn't frag its engine doing so. There are still no paddle shift controls, and a four-cylinder turbo option would be a welcome addition to the lineup. As it stands, though, the V-6 Q5 accelerates to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds-well into sports-sedan territory. With all-wheel drive, about 8 inches of ground clearance, and hill descent control, the Q5 can handle moderate all-terrain activity, but it's clearly not meant for anything more than casual hill climbing. Towing capacity is 4,400 pounds, and fuel economy is 18/23 mpg. TheCarConnection.com observes just over 18 mpg in mostly city driving.
Handling and ride are more satisfying than in other luxury crossovers, but not ideal. Audi sends more power to the rear wheels by design (with a 40:60 power split to the AWD system), and the Q5 clearly wants to feel responsive and sporting. But as with other Audis, most Q5s are equipped with Drive Select. The electronic-control system allows drivers to dial in choices for steering feel, transmission shift speed, and throttle quickness-but none of the settings seems as good as a sole, well-developed ride and steering setup. With Drive Select in "auto" or "sport" mode, steering feel is too heavy on-center. In Comfort mode, ride quality doesn't soften enough to justify itself. TheCarConnection.com has driven an Audi S4 without Drive Select, and ride and steering feel seem in finer tune.
The 2010 Q5 ferries passengers and baggage smartly in a comfortable, roomy cabin. The largest vehicle in its class save for the 2010 Lexus RX, the Q5 grants front passengers more than enough leg- and shoulder room; headroom is numerically mid-pack, but even with a panoramic sunroof, the Q5 still offers enough height for six-foot drivers and passengers. The seats themselves are firm and adjust for great comfort, even in back, where the passengers can recline for long-trip ease. The second-row seats split and fold to create more cargo space, but even when five people (four adults, really) are seated inside, there's enough cargo room for four roll-on suitcases and a clear view out the rear hatch glass. Small storage abounds, down to the 1-liter cup holders molded in all the doors, the console, and the fold-down armrest in the backseat, so hydration isn't an issue, unless you're a sea creature.
The Q5 has made fast work of all safety tests. It rates five stars in all ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), which also names it a Top Safety Pick. Standard front, side, and curtain airbags combine with anti-lock brakes as well as stability and traction control for those top safety ratings; Audi also offers a rearview camera and parking sensors to cut down on low-speed mishaps.
For $38,175, the 2010 Audi Q5 arrives in showrooms outfitted with standard features like three-zone climate control, 18-inch wheels, an AM/FM/CD player, Sirius Satellite Radio, leather seating, wood trim, heated power mirrors, and a tilt/telescope steering wheel. New features include 20-inch wheels, ash wood trim, and ventilated front seats. TheCarConnection.com tested a mechanically identical 2009 Q5 with a Premium Plus package, which added $4,300 for a panoramic sunroof, a power tailgate, power heated seats, Bluetooth connectivity, an iPhone/iPod interface, and a six-CD changer. Atop that, a $3,000 Navigation package tacks on a hard-drive-based GPS mapping, parking sensors, a rearview camera, and a DVD player. The $2,950 Drive Select package is the one feature editors wish had been omitted from the options list; the 14-speaker, 505-watt Bang & Olufsen stereo system would have been more welcome.
The Bottom Line: The 2010 Audi Q5 tops TheCarConnection.com's ratings, thanks to sleek lines and a weekend-worthy cabin-though the gimmicky handling features would be better left behind.
Other Choices
If you like the 2010 Audi Q5, also consider:
- Mercedes-Benz GLK
- BMW X3
- Land Rover LR2
- Infiniti EX35
- Acura RDX
- Cadillac SRX
- Lexus RX
- Volvo XC60
Reason Why:
Three distinct groups of competitors emerge for the 2010 Audi Q5. The first group comprises its fellow travelers from Germany and Great Britain; the Mercedes-Benz GLK wears angular clothes and bakes in off-roading, four-wheel drive, and a big V-6, with diesel power on the way. The BMW X3 is the senior officer in the class, substantially improved in ride and handling in 2008. Land Rover's LR2 is a square-jawed niche player in the group, with true four-wheeling bred in its blocky silhouette. The next pair, the Acura RDX and Infiniti EX35, share Japanese heritage, but feel radically different. The RDX's pulsing, turbocharged four-cylinder seems at odds with its mission, while the EX35's teensy cargo area leads to questions about its SUV classification. Lastly, the soft and comfy SUVs in this group include the Lexus RX, a luxury favorite with little driving feel and a hybrid model; the new Volvo XC60, a sleek and fairly quick-footed SUV with a marvelous interior; and the Cadillac SRX, a new entry in this size class with crisp styling and good on-road maneuvers.
Buying Tip
We're still waiting for Audi to add more fuel-efficient Q5s to the ranks. A turbo four-cylinder model is the most likely candidate, but diesel versions are offered in Europe and Audi's developing hybrid powertrains for similar model lines.
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2010 GMC Acadia
TheCarConnection.com's editors read the latest reviews on the new 2010 GMC Acadia to write this comprehensive review. Experts from TheCarConnection.com have driven the Acadia, included opinions, and observed details where they aid you in choosing the perfect new crossover vehicle.
Likes
Luxurious look and feel
Spacious interior
Lots of standard features
More carlike than a full-size SUV
Clever options (heated windshield washers!)
Dislikes
Transmission often searches for gears
Hefty 5,000-pound curb weight
Expensive for a nonluxury brand
The 2010 GMC Acadia continues on from last year's model and remains more carlike than traditional truck-based SUVs, especially in handling, but with a very roomy and passenger friendly interior. The Acadia can be ordered with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, but since there's no two-speed transfer case or four-wheel-drive low range, there really isn't much off-road capability in the 2010 Acadia. But that's OK because the Acadia's not meant to tackle rutted backwoods roads. Instead of off-road capability, the Acadia offers everyday drivability to buyers seeking a roomier, more practical vehicle.
Interior space and well-configured seating are what makes the 2010 GMC Acadia especially appealing. A third-row seat is standard, which yields room for seven or eight people altogether (depending on the configuration). The third row's a real third row, too, and behind it, there's even 20 cubic feet of additional storage space. Plus, folding down the second and third rows of seats yields over 115 cubic feet of space.
The 2010 GMC Acadia comes with a single powertrain, a healthy 288-horsepower V-6 that gets direct injection for 2009, and standard six-speed automatic transmission. This mechanical configuration is the same one found in the 2010 Buick Enclave. Acceleration is good, but the transmission sometimes hunts for the right gear and jostles the Acadia's occupants in the process. EPA estimates give hope for 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway for front-wheel-drive models, although that may be a little optimistic.
The GMC Acadia's optional AWD system (which can transmit as much as 65 percent of engine power to the rear wheels as necessary) is plenty for snow days, or muddy back roads on the way to the cabin, but it won't be suitable for full-on off-road adventuring.
The 2010 GMC Acadia comes in three trim levels: SLE-1, SLT-1, and SLT-2. Each comes with the aforementioned 3.6-liter V-6 engine. Standard features for all models include cruise control, full power accessories, front and rear air conditioning, and a full array of airbags. The SLT-1 and SLT-2 trims get a premium 10-speaker Bose system with a six-CD in-dash changer. Features like leather upholstery, heated front seats, power seats, a power rear liftgate, a head-up display (HUD), GPS, a two-panel sunroof, XM NavTraffic, Bluetooth, a rearview camera, backseat DVD entertainment system, and tri-zone automatic climate control are also available as options in the higher trims.
While these options are carried over from the 2009 model, the 2010 GMC Acadia does have some new features available, including new optional 20-inch chrome wheels. Additionally, there is a new USB port located in the center console that can play audio files through the Acadia's sound system, as well as charge certain devices--specifically, it works with your iPod. Other new options include a Cashmere Interior, as well as GMC Yukon Denali-style roof racks.
The Bottom Line: The 2010 GMC Acadia strikes a good balance: more useful than full-size SUVs for passenger duty, yet a lot better-looking than a minivan.
Other Choices
If you're interested in the 2010 GMC Acadia, also consider:
- Toyota Highlander
- Mazda CX-9
- Honda Pilot
- Ford Flex
Reason Why:
Practically speaking, the Acadia's only direct competitor is the Ford Flex, a crossover vehicle that combines a comparable emphasis on passenger comfort and space with a completely different, boxy style. Like the Acadia, the Flex has a third-row seat that's good enough for smaller adults. The Acadia's powertrain outmuscles Honda's eight-passenger crossover, the Pilot. The Toyota Highlander offers slightly more ruggedness, but it can't match the interior room of the Acadia. The Mazda CX-9 is also worth putting on your list, as it comes close to matching many of the Acadia's people and cargo capabilities, while offering a more enjoyable driving experience.
Buying Tip
The 2010 GMC Acadia shares its mechanical layout with the Saturn Outlook and the Chevrolet Traverse, along with the Buick Enclave. Given GM's restructuring, you might be able to strike an especially good deal on the Outlook--if you can find one.
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2009 Audi Q5
TheCarConnection.com has researched reviews and driven the 2009 Audi Q5 to bring you this comprehensive review of its safety, performance, styling, comfort, and quality. TheCarConnection.com's expert editors also drove this and other luxury sport-utility vehicles to compare and contrast the Audi Q5 with other crossovers in its class.
Likes
Appealing style, inside and out
Quality feel of cabin and controls
Ample V-6 power
Standard all-wheel drive
Dislikes
Drive Select gimmickry
Steering too heavy in all modes
A pricey addition to the class
The 2009 Audi Q5 is the German automaker's first compact sport-utility vehicle, and it's a direct competitor to the Mercedes-Benz GLK and BMW X3, as well as the Lexus RX crossovers. It's available in one drivetrain configuration, with "quattro" all-wheel drive, a six-cylinder engine, and a six-speed automatic. The 2009 Audi Q5 provided to TheCarConnection.com for this Bottom Line road test summary carries a base price of $38,025, including destination, and an as-delivered price of $48,275.
Even in its stylish class of luxury utes, the 2009 Audi Q5 is a handsome winner. Like the Volvo XC60, its softly sculptured lines use height and stance to convey all the right SUV messages, the opposite of the angularity that the GLK and LR2 depend on for their more masculine looks. The Q5 is more subtly good-looking than most sedans, in fact, except for the massive grille up front that's too large, too deep, and too everything. The slope of the roofline and the sedan-like tail lamps (with LED lighting) walk the best line between sport-ute size and German-wagon efficiency. It's the same story inside, where Audi's traditionally well-executed cabins make sense of what could be a lot of little buttons. Framing them in metallic trim, applying wood (like the maple in the vehicle tested by TheCarConnection.com), and matching leathers and plastics closely gives the somewhat cluttered dash a unified, rich look.
A single powertrain defines the 2009 Audi Q5 sold in America this year. It teams a 3.2-liter, 270-horsepower V-6, a six-speed automatic with manual gear selection, and all-wheel drive. The engine's fairly sweet-revving, though a little louder and more vibration-prone than you might expect--just like the six-cylinder in the latest Lexus RX. Gear changes are quick and mostly trouble-free, unless you choose a downshift manually in Tiptronic mode at the wrong power point. The Q5 will obey, so long as it doesn't frag its engine doing so. Paddle shift controls would be a plus to enhance the drivetrain's sporty feel; Audi says hybrid and diesel engines are possible in the future, and a turbocharged four-cylinder model is almost assured.
Handling and ride are a mixed bag; you can tell the Q5's essentials and the rearward power bias (40:60) want to feel responsive and sporting. But like the 2009 Audi A4, most U.S. vehicles come with Drive Select, an electronically variable system that allows drivers to choose response levels for steering, braking, transmission shifts, and throttle quickness. The vast preference for TheCarConnection.com's editors is a single well-developed suspension setting; the Q5 with Drive Select has heavy steering in all modes, and ride quality doesn't soften enough to justify variable controls. With all-wheel drive, about 8 inches of ground clearance, and hill descent control, the Q5 can handle moderate all-terrain activity, but it's clearly not meant for anything more than casual hill climbing. Towing capacity is 4,400 pounds, and fuel economy is 18/23 mpg. TheCarConnection observes just over 18 mpg in mostly city driving.
The 2009 Q5 offers a comfortable, roomy cabin and cargo hold for well-heeled buyers. As long as or longer overall than all the competition save for the 2010 Lexus RX, the Q5 is among the widest vehicles in its class and sports the longest wheelbase. That gives front passengers more than enough leg- and shoulder room; headroom is numerically mid-pack, but the Q5 tested here, with a panoramic sunroof, still has enough height for six-foot drivers and passengers. The seats themselves are firm and adjust for great comfort, even in back, where the passengers can recline for long-trip comfort. The second-row seats split and fold to create more cargo space, but even when five people (four adults, really) are seated inside, there's enough cargo room for four roll-on suitcases and a clear view out the rear hatch glass. Audi molds in 1-liter-sized drink holders in all the doors, the console, and the fold-down armrest in the backseat, so you'll remain well-hydrated.
Safety features abound on the Q5; Audi's crossover also earns five stars in all ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), which also names it a Top Safety Pick. Standard front, side, and curtain airbags combine with anti-lock brakes as well as stability and traction control for those top safety ratings; Audi also offers a rearview camera and parking sensors to cut down on low-speed mishaps.
For $38,025, the 2009 Audi Q5 arrives in showrooms outfitted with standard features like three-zone climate control, 18-inch wheels, an AM/FM/CD player, Sirius Satellite Radio, leather seating, wood trim, heated power mirrors, and a tilt/telescope steering wheel. TheCarConnection.com's Premium Plus Q5 adds $4,300 for a panoramic sunroof, a power tailgate, power heated seats, Bluetooth connectivity, an iPhone/iPod interface, and a six-CD changer. Atop that, a $3,000 Navigation package adds hard-drive-based GPS mapping, parking sensors, a rearview camera, and a DVD player. The $2,950 Drive Select package is the one feature editors wish was omitted from the options list; the 14-speaker, 505-watt Bang & Olufsen stereo system would be more welcome.
The Bottom Line: The 2009 Audi Q5 sports the sleek lines of a sweet German sedan, a date-worthy cabin, and good, hefty, but gimmicky handling.
Other Choices
If you like the 2009 Audi Q5, also consider:
- Mercedes-Benz GLK
- BMW X3
- Land Rover LR2
- Infiniti EX35
- Acura RDX
- Cadillac SRX
- Lexus RX
- Volvo XC60
Reason Why:
Three distinct groups of competitors emerge for the 2009 Audi Q5. The first group comprises its fellow travelers from Germany and Great Britain; the Mercedes-Benz GLK wears angular clothes and bakes in off-roading, four-wheel drive, and a big V-6, with diesel power on the way. The BMW X3 is the senior officer in the class and is substantially improved in ride and handling in 2008. Land Rover's LR2 is a square-jawed niche player in the group, with true four-wheeling bred in its blocky silhouette. The next pair, the Acura RDX and Infiniti EX35, share Japanese heritage, but feel radically different. The RDX's pulsing turbocharged four-cylinder seems at odds with its mission, while the EX35's teensy cargo area leads to questions about its SUV classification. Lastly, the soft and comfy SUVs in this group include the Lexus RX, a luxury favorite with little driving feel and a hybrid model; the new Volvo XC60, a sleek and fairly quick-footed SUV with a marvelous interior; and the Cadillac SRX, a new entry in this size class with crisp styling and good on-road maneuvers.
Buying Tip
If you're eager for diesel power in your Q5, you'll have to wait: Audi plans a hybrid Q5 sport-ute for 2011, and the oil-burner won't arrive until after that gas-electric model.
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2009 Rolls-Royce Phantom
TheCarConnection.com has researched reviews and driven the 2009 Rolls-Royce Phantom sedan to bring you this comprehensive review of its safety, performance, styling, comfort, and quality. Resident Anglophiles at TheCarConnection.com also used their drives in other ultra-luxury vehicles to compare and contrast the Rolls-Royce Phantom with cars in its lofty class.
Likes
Edwardian style
Exquisite materials and finishes
Surprising power
Exclusivity
Dislikes
Edwardian style
Clash of modern and old-fashioned details
Astonishing price
The 2009 Rolls-Royce Phantom four-door is a sedan like no other. Massive, traditional to its smallest details, and hugely powerful, it's an ultra-luxury vehicle engineered in the most modern way possible but with all four of its wheels planted firmly in the past. It's available in either standard or long-wheelbase forms, with a base price beginning at $340,000, not including a $2,000 destination charge and a $3,000 gas-guzzler tax. The Rolls-Royce Phantom provided to TheCarConnection.com for this Bottom Line road test summary carried a sticker price of $438,330.
Unmistakable styling brings the 2009 Rolls-Royce Phantom to the forefront in any driving lane, valet space, or carriage house, though some of its modern touches don't suit the Edwardian outline that keep the Phantom in touch with its Rolls-Royce heritage. The tall radiator grille, Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament, and massive D-pillar hark back to the days of classic Rolls-Royce sedans--and yet, the narrow, rectangular headlamps seem out of touch with the more traditional style. The front end is tall and imposing--maybe too tall and imposing, even by Rolls standards. The stance is right, and the ladling of chrome and polished metal everywhere from pillar to exhaust pipes is fitting, and still, it's an awkward homage. New this year: bumper treatments, drawing the sedan parallel to the 2009 Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupé and Drophead Coupé, reviewed separately.
Inside, the Phantom's dash spans the broad cabin, a platoon of small chrome controls floating in glossy veneers and sumptuous leather. Again, the clash between modern details and traditional style plays out; the analog clock rotates out of view to expose a navigation system, for example. It's closely akin to riding in a regal English bar--on this particular example, right down to the flip-out wooden "drinks cabinets" and "picnic tables" fitted in the backseat. Trays and boxes stack in the Phantom's center console amid somewhat randomly placed controls for audio and emergency lights. Many details are quite charming: the push-pull stems that control the air vents, the stitching on the seats, the wood-veneered door caps optioned on this test vehicle. They're also expensive options; the drinks boxes alone run $14,600. Paint colors and interior finishes can be chosen by Rolls clients almost at whim.
It appears traditional, but the 2009 Phantom is a modern performer, thanks to parent company BMW's engineering assistance. The 6.75-liter V-12 engine under hood, for example, is a variation on the 12-cylinder found in some big BMW 7-Series sedans, though designed specifically for use in the Phantom and hand-built by Rolls-Royce engineers. Here it produces 453 horsepower and 531 pound-feet of torque in a seamless, nearly silent stream of power. Transmitted to the Phantom's rear wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission, the engine's power pushes this nearly 6,000-pound sedan to 60 mph in only 5.7 seconds (or 0.2 second more for long-wheelbase versions). A control-arm front and rear multilink suspension are teamed with self-leveling air springs and electronic damping to produce an ethereal ride quality and surprisingly responsive, but feather-light, steering. Rolls claims excellent dynamics for the Phantom--in truth, it's difficult to push this tall, extraordinarily expensive sedan to its limits on public roads, and with a trucklike 47.9-foot turning circle, it's difficult to park. But TheCarConnection.com's testers sampled its serene straight-ahead feel at more than 100 mph and can attest to its quiet, fleet freeway feel. Fuel economy is 13/19 mpg--astonishingly high for a car weighing, at minimum, 5,800 pounds.
The 2009 Rolls-Royce Phantom wraps its upright sheetmetal and library-like cabin around an aluminum body structure that provides high, comfortable seating for four or five passengers. Rigid aluminum sections are assembled to give the Phantom a more lightweight (!) body than traditional steel would. It's also strong enough to allow the Phantom's rear doors to open on rear hinges--coach style, as Rolls puts it. In hard numbers, the Phantom is about 19 feet in length (the longer version is 20 feet), with a wheelbase of almost 12 feet (12.5 feet, longer version)--the latter, about as long as a MINI Cooper. That explains the vast interior space afforded the front and rear passengers, and the cathedral-like headroom resulting, even with the Phantom's high-mounted front seats and optional theater-style raised rear seats. It's not an extraordinarily wide sedan, but it does have 103 cubic feet of interior volume--nearly a Scion's worth of space just in the seating area. Trunk space is wide but not very deep, at 14.1 cubic feet. More than cavernous interior space, the quality of interior materials is what owners seek, and the Phantom does not disappoint. Rolls selects cows for perfect leather graining, cuts their hides with laser precision, bonds the wood trim to aluminum for durability, and employs furniture makers to blend details like inlaid mother of pearl and banded boxwood into the Phantom's trim. From the ultra-plush carpeting to the exquisite headliner, the Rolls Phantom is a fit and finish tour de force.
Drivers and passengers are provided the latest in safety gear inside the 2009 Phantom. The strong aluminum body is backed up by standard dual front, side, and curtain airbags. Those curtain airbags protect rear passengers as well. Anti-lock brakes, along with stability and traction control, are also standard, as are an electronic parking brake and park-distance control sensors for the front and rear of the Phantom. Front and rear cameras are offered as an option, but the Phantom does not include the very latest safety features like lane-departure warning systems, laser-guided cruise control, or blind-spot detection systems. Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has crash-tested this car.
Each 2009 Rolls-Royce Phantom is fitted with features equal to its status as one of the world's most expensive sedans. The navigation system and satellite radio simply aren't integrated as well, nor are they as easy to use as they could be, but the sheer number of dazzling options and finishes makes the Phantom a perfect scorer for features. The leather interior, wood trim, and power coach-style rear doors are complemented by a heated windshield; rain-sensing wipers; bi-xenon headlamps; wood-trimmed rear picnic tables; soft-close doors and trunk lid; power front seats; a power tilt/telescope steering wheel; automatic climate control; a sunroof; heated front and rear seats; twin umbrellas stowed in the coach door jambs; a retracting Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament; Bluetooth connectivity; and a Lexicon Logic 7 audio system with 420 watts of power, 15 speakers, a six-CD changer, and satellite radio. The test car provided to TheCarConnection.com adds a vast list of features, including custom paint ($9,800); seat piping ($2,520); a veneered instrument panel ($1,100); Rolls-Royce logos stitched into the headrests ($620); door-mounted drinks cabinets ($14,600); front and rear cameras ($3,300); a "coolbox" for drinks ($5,200); 20-inch wheels ($6,250); chrome exhausts ($6,000); "Starlight" headlining ($7,200); iPod integration ($630); a six-DVD changer ($1,550); theater-style rear seating ($10,400); a milled drink-holder box, also known as cup holders ($5,100); Rolls-Royce inlays in the door caps ($1,500); front cup holder veneer trim ($920); silver pinstriping on the door caps ($5,310); a thicker steering wheel ($4,290); a two-tone instrument panel top ($1,230); and a bespoke package of black Rolls-Royce logos on the headrests, chrome window switches, and satin trim on the engine ($5,810). All tallied to a final price of $438,330, making the Phantom the most expensive car road-tested by TheCarConnection.com to date. In addition, Rolls-Royce will fit its cars in almost any way imaginable, from turning the glove box into a humidor to modifying the body for added luggage space in the trunk to buffing the Ecstasy ornament with 24-carat gold.
The Bottom Line: The 2009 Rolls-Royce Phantom mistakes all its passengers for royalty, even when they aren't.
Other Choices
If you like the 2009 Rolls-Royce Phantom, also consider:
- Maybach 57
- Maybach 62
Reason Why:
The only real competitors to the 2009 Rolls-Royce Phantom are the Maybach sedans, the 57 and 62. Built by Mercedes-Benz and derived from the S-Class sedan, the Maybach duo offers a constellation of fit and finish choices to a body that's less conservative, and less appealingly traditional, than that of the Phantom.
Buying Tip
If you're purchasing a Rolls-Royce, bring some opinions and maybe even some color swatches. The company will fit your Phantom with nearly any option you like--whether it's specific leathers and woods or a different set of crystal champagne flutes. It takes patience; such is the cost of absolute luxury.
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2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
TheCarConnection.com has driven the all-new 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe on the street and the track. In addition, our team has compiled the best, most useful remarks from other reviews of the Genesis Coupe to produce this comprehensive review.
Likes
Aggressive style
Powerful engines/transmissions
Good handling
Solid quality
Hyundai value and warranty
Dislikes
Minor refinement issues
Some awkward interior controls
Hyundai's new two-door, four-seat, rear-wheel-drive sport coupe is available in four- and six-cylinder variants. The 2009 Hyundai Genesis Coupe faces off against a wide range of sporty coupe--including the Infiniti G37 and even the new 2010 Ford Mustang.
The Coupe's unique styling uses a bold Z-shaped character line visible along the side plus a dip in the glass toward the rear of the cabin. This dip helps make the interior feel more spacious and aids in outward visibility.
The four-cylinder model uses Hyundai's turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, which churns out 210 horsepower and 223 pound-feet of torque. That version gets the moniker Coupe 2.0t. Mileage is estimated at 21 mpg city, 30 highway with the manual, 20/29 mpg for the automatic. Inside the more powerful Coupe 3.8, the engine bay is wedged full with a 3.8-liter V-6 that has 306 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. For comparison, the Mustang Bullitt kicks up 315 hp and the Infiniti G37 330 hp. The most recent addition to this group is the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro; with a V-6, it puts out 304 horsepower. Fuel consumption is 18 mpg city, 26 highway for the manual, 17/26 mpg for the automatic.
Hyundai says its coupe hits 60 mph in about six seconds and go on to a limited top speed of 149 mph. After our time in the driver's seat, this figure feels about right.
A six-speed manual is standard with both engines. The four-cylinder gets an optional five-speed automatic, while the V-6 version can be outfitted with a six-speed automatic made by ZF. The manual gearboxes shift competently with a good mechanical feel.
Like the Infiniti, Camaro, and Challenger, but unlike the Mustang, Hyundai's Coupe sports an independent suspension at all four corners. A five-link setup based on the Genesis Sedan hangs out in back. Even the base four-cylinder car comes with 18-inch wheels; 19-inch rims are also available. Tire sizes are staggered front-to-rear for better grip.
Our only significant complaint about the new Coupe is something most drivers won't notice at first. After many miles behind the wheel, our testers tired of the constant feedback through the steering wheel. We believe the minor but incessant "static" is communicated to the rack-and-pinion steering gear and then up to the wheel.
Dynamically, the four- and six-cylinder Genesis Coupe models are different animals. The 2.0t feels light and balanced. It accelerates with just a hint of turbo lag, but the car never comes across as flat-footed. The turbo's ramp in power gives the car a bit of welcome personality. The V-6 feels powerful and pulls hard. You'll never mistake it for a V-8, but the car has strong legs that like to run.
The interior adopts a pleasant, not entirely edgy theme that includes a big tachometer and speedometer splayed in the driver's sight. A push-button starter and a proximity key are offered. The interior looks sharp with optional leather. Window and mirror controls are on the driver's door, but placed at an odd angle that takes some getting used to.
Regarding safety, the 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe includes standard front, side, and curtain airbags. Whiplash-reducing active head restraints are also standard on the front seats. As expected, anti-lock brakes come standard, and an excellent Brembo brake package is a performance add-on. Electronic stability control with integrated traction control rounds out the major safety features. At the time we filed this report, the Genesis Coupe hadn't completed IIHS or government crash tests, but Hyundai representatives told us they expect five-star front and four-star rear crash ratings.
The standard audio system for every 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe includes iPod jacks, a USB input, and Bluetooth connectivity. A 300-watt Infinity audio system is available, as are heated seats. Additional model packages (Premium, Grand Touring, Track, and R-Spec) group features as their names imply. The R-Spec is particularly interesting, as it provides genuine track-readiness in an affordable package just waiting for enthusiasts to modify.
The Bottom Line: For $22,000, the 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0t represents a heck of a performance value.
Other Choices
If you like the 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe, also consider:
- Scion tC
- Honda Accord Coupe
- Chevrolet Camaro
- Infiniti G37
Reason Why:
Because of its price, range of engines, and performance, the 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe faces off against a variety of competitors. At the low end, shoppers looking at the Scion tC could move up to the fresh shape and rear-wheel-drive performance. Honda Accord Coupe shoppers could look to the Hyundai for sportier handling and more style, but they'd sacrifice some refinement and their addiction to the Honda name. More than the Ford Mustang or Dodge Challenger, the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro V-6 gives the Genesis Coupe a run for the money in the value category, with the least-expensive Chevy starting for about $23,000. The Genesis looks less macho next to any of the reconstituted nameplates from Detroit, and V-8s still rule when it comes to ultimate performance bragging rights. There is also the chance that G37 shoppers might consider the Genesis because the two cars are so close in power, but the Infiniti is silkier and more refined. You get what you pay for, in this case.
Buying Tip
The residual values of Hyundai models continue to rise, meaning you can consider leasing a 2010 Genesis Coupe at attractive monthly payments.
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2009 Land Rover LR3
TheCarConnection.com looked to several of the most respected sources when compiling this comprehensive review of the 2009 Land Rover LR3. Additionally, for this Bottom Line, TheCarConnection.com's editors include their own firsthand driving experience and knowledge of the luxury SUV segment to bring you an especially insightful take.
Likes
True rock-clambering off-road ability
Great front seats and driving position
Good seating for seven
Fashionably different instrument panel
Dislikes
Poor fuel economy
Soft handling
User-unfriendly center-stack controls
High cargo loading, tough third-row access
Spotty reliability
The 2009 Land Rover LR3 returns for the new model year significantly cheaper than last year's model. The SE and HSE models of previous years have been replaced with a base model, plus HSE and HSE LUX editions.
The Land Rover LR3 is powered by a 300-horsepower, 4.4-liter V-8 and exhibits gutsy acceleration with the requisite six-speed automatic transmission. A four-corner, independent, height-adjustable air suspension and Land Rover's exclusive Terrain Response system (with separate modes commanding the behavior of an armory of electronics for several different driving conditions, such as "mud and ruts" or "sand and dunes") help bring impressive off-road ability to the 2009 Land Rover LR3 without sacrificing on-road handling. A central-locking differential engages when conditions warrant maximum grip.
Those who plan to use the 2009 Land Rover LR3 for daily driving might be interested to know that it carries low fuel economy ratings of 12 mpg city, 17 highway. Real-world driving will run toward the lower end of that scale. The LR3 isn't as responsive on the road as carlike crossovers; the driving position is very tall, and it feels at first as if the LR3 is going to be tipsy in corners, but it maintains impressive composure in on-road cornering and on rough road surfaces better than most truck-based SUVs. That's thanks to an independent double-wishbone suspension with height-adjustable rear air springs and the LR3's range of electronic aids.
If the LR3's upright, safari-chic look isn't enough, its interior styling also ranks among the most distinctive in any SUV. It still looks fresh relative to much of the competition--even though there are a lot of hard, dark-hued plastics. High-end trims get perks like walnut trim and premium leather with new stitching.
There's plenty of space in the second row of seating, and the "pedestal" third row, which tucks away nicely when not in use, has an elevated roof for more headroom and can fit adults. But it's very difficult to access. The front seating position in the 2009 Land Rover LR3 is very high and upright in front, and taller folks may find that the instrument panel controls seem low in the peripheral vision and difficult to make out among many nearly identical buttons.
The list of standard features on the 2009 Land Rover LR3 includes rear parking distance control, dual-zone climate control, and a nine-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. The HSE LUX adds goodies like bi-xenon headlamps, power heated mirrors, a navigation system with off-road features, front park-distance control, Bluetooth connectivity, and magnificent 550-watt premium surround sound. Options include Sirius Satellite Radio, adaptive front lighting, and a cooler box. The front passenger seat has eight-way power adjustments, and the power-adjustable steering column has a memory function. New for 2009 is the combination of rear climate control and the third-row seat packaged together as an option.
The LR3 has not been crash-tested by either of the U.S. programs. Front side airbags are standard on the 2009 Land Rover LR3, however, along with side curtain bags covering first- and second-row occupants. Anti-lock brakes are also standard and include an all-terrain mode. Drivers should note that Consumer Reports has flagged the 2009 Land Rover LR3 for poor reliability.
The Bottom Line: The 2009 Land Rover LR3 is built for off-roading. If you don't plan to spend much time off pavement, you might be better matched with another choice.
Other Choices
If you like the 2009 Land Rover LR3, also consider:
- Audi Q7
- Jeep Commander
- Mercedes-Benz M-Class
- Porsche Cayenne
Reason Why:
The Porsche Cayenne is a bit lighter and more road-oriented, matching a sporty exterior to a basic interior design that parallels those in Porsche sportscars, but it's not nearly as roomy inside as these other SUVs. The Mercedes M-Class offers an especially intriguing alternative for those who are conscious about gas-guzzling: the diesel ML320 CDI, which gets 18 mpg city, 24 mpg highway. Buyers looking to the 2009 Land Rover LR3 as a fashion statement should consider the Jeep Commander, which also has tall, boxy styling and serious off-road ability. However, the Jeep can't claim the LR3's breadth of luxury equipment or its well-laid-out, space-efficient interior design. The Audi Q7 has some measure of off-road ability, though it's configured more for good on-road performance. It also has a new clean-diesel option and an especially attractive interior.
Buying Tip
Is the 2009 LR3 too off-road-oriented but you like the Land Rover styling? Also consider the Land Rover Range Rover Sport.
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2009 Infiniti EX35
To bring you this comprehensive survey of the 2009 Infiniti EX35, experts at TheCarConnection.com have looked high and low for the most useful information in published reviews. Driving opinions from TheCarConnection.com editors are also included here so that you have the most information for your next car purchase.
Likes
Coupe-like silhouette
The handling of a sport sedan
Front-seat comfort
Top-quality interior
Self-healing paint
Dislikes
No manual gearbox
Cramped backseat
Tech options are very pricey
The 2009 Infiniti EX35 shares a lot with Infiniti's G37 sport sedan and coupe, along with the outgoing Nissan 350Z sportscar, so it's no surprise that the EX35 is a solid performer.
On the outside, the new EX has the looks to match that performance, including styling cues clearly borrowed and refined from the larger FX performance crossover. Oversized wheel wells and flared fenders in back, combined with the arching, aggressive roofline, give it the same cartoonish yet serious look that dominates in the FX. The interior of the 2009 Infiniti EX35 is handsome and sophisticated, with a techno-modern feel that's absent from similar vehicles from Lexus, for example. The EX has a cockpit-style layout, with a wide center stack that wraps down into a console, so the front seating is a bit narrow but comfortable for most. The instrument panel is downright classy, with tasteful wood and matte finishes and none of the chrome overdose that plagues some luxury vehicles.
Power in the 2009 Infiniti EX35 comes from the G35's smooth-revving 297-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 and a five-speed automatic. The little crossover's suspension is buttoned down, making you feel as if you're piloting a sporty sedan instead of an SUV, and road feel actually carries through the steering--a pleasant rarity in this class of vehicle.
The genesis for the EX35 comes from a notion that traditional SUVs and crossovers are still too big for some buyers, so Infiniti keeps the size of the EX on the tidy side. As a matter of fact, its wheelbase and key interior dimensions are smaller than those of the G35 sedan, which means there's not an excess of room in the backseat--though front-seat passengers will feel coddled.
Infiniti offers an extensive set of airbags, along with stability and traction control and anti-lock brakes. The 2009 EX35 also has a host of safety-related options that may warrant more of your attention: Lane Departure Warning, Lane Departure Prevention, and Around View Monitoring.
The Bottom Line: The 2009 Infiniti EX35 is an attractive choice for driving enthusiasts seeking a more moderately sized crossover.
Other Choices
If you're interested in the 2009 Infiniti EX35, also consider:
- Acura RDX
- Audi Q5
- BMW X3
- Lexus RX 350
- Mercedes-Benz GLK
Reason Why:
The EX35 is much more compact and streamlined than most other utility vehicles, and it appeals to those who want a taller sport wagon, or to SUV buyers who want something a little lower and nimbler. As with the larger FX35, the EX35's interior is better than most in its class. The GLK and Q5 are all-new entries in this class for 2009; while the Mercedes GLK offers some measure of off-road ability, the Q5 is geared more for on-road performance. The BMW X3, the original premium compact SUV in this class, retains more ruggedness than the EX and is less exciting to drive than the EX or BMW's cars. The Acura RDX is one of TheCarConnection.com's favorite vehicles in this class to drive, though its ride is very firm and its turbocharged engine isn't to everyone's liking. The Lexus RX 350 is a larger and more comfortable option, though it's not nearly as much fun to drive.
Buying Tip
If you hold your horses until 2010, you'll get even more. An upgraded EX37 has already been introduced in Europe and is on the way to the U.S. soon.
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2009 Nissan Rogue
Editors at TheCarConnection.com read the most respected reviews from around the Web to write this comprehensive review on the 2009 Nissan Rogue. TheCarConnection.com's editors also drove the new Rogue, to be able to provide more details and their own opinions in cases where other reviews on the Web had conflicting views.
Likes
Nicely balanced ride and handling
High-quality execution
Useful cargo area organizer
Strong family resemblance to Murano
Dislikes
CVT transmission may feel odd to consumers
Mundane acceleration
Styling limits rear visibility
Tight rear-seat room for adults
The Nissan Rogue was all new for 2008 and the company's first compact utility vehicle for the U.S. market; it went on sale at a good time, when many U.S. shoppers were looking for a vehicle with better fuel economy, without sacrificing interior space.
Based on the compact Sentra sedan, the 2009 Nissan Rogue channels its larger sibling, the Murano, for styling cues. The amalgamation produces a five-passenger compact SUV with modern looks and a dynamic driving experience.
The 2009 Nissan Rogue has one engine and transmission combination: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 170 horsepower and a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which is used widely in Nissan products to maximize fuel efficiency. The transmission uses pulleys and a belt to simulate gear ratios--and Nissan outfits some Rogues with paddles for shifting that mimics an automatic's gears. It works well enough, but CVTs drive differently, and some consumers may be unfamiliar with the experience.
Fuel economy is one of the reasons to choose the 2009 Nissan Rogue versus a larger SUV; its ratings of 22 mpg city, 27 mpg highway for the front-wheel-drive version are quite respectable. Although Nissan makes no claims of the Rogue being an off-roader, the optional all-wheel-drive system brings you better traction in deep snow; however, mileage ratings are 1 mpg lower with AWD.
The 2009 Nissan Rogue offers a flexible cargo area with easy-folding second-row seats and a new-for-2009 fold-down front passenger seat for extra-long items. Ride quality is quite good, which will make most sensibly minded buyers happy, but those seeking sportier handling might be a little disappointed.
Safety equipment is a strong selling point for the 2009 Nissan Rogue. Electronic stability control is standard, along with side and side-curtain airbags, plus anti-lock brakes. Even base S versions come quite well equipped with air conditioning, cruise control, and a nice-sounding audio system with steering-wheel controls. For 2009, equipment has been stepped up, especially for the upmarket SL model. A Leather Package option is now available for Rogue FWD SL models; a Bluetooth hands-free phone system and a Nissan Intelligent Key are available as part of the Rogue's Premium Package.
The Bottom Line: Nissan's Rogue is a fuel-efficient compact crossover that really is the right size at the right time.
Other Choices
If you like the 2009 Nissan Rogue, also consider:
- Saturn Vue
- Honda CR-V
- Toyota RAV4
- Ford Escape
Reason Why:
The Saturn Vue was redesigned last year and offers a choice of four- or six-cylinder engines and a hybrid model. The Honda CR-V is the class sales leader; it has great interior room, but controversial styling and only a four-cylinder engine. The Toyota RAV4 offers a third-row seating option as well as a V-6 engine, along with the base four-cylinder. Ford's Escape also has four- and six-cylinder options, along with a Hybrid model that bests the bunch in fuel economy.
Buying Tip
If it is fuel efficiency you are after, stick with the front-wheel-drive Rogue.
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