The saying is true that the average car buyer cannot tell the difference between a traditional SUV and a Crossover on the outside. However, once they are in the car, there are many differences that can easily reveal the benefits of purchasing crossover vehicles over SUVs.
One of the biggest benefits of these vehicles is that they can take on a multitude of forms, including a compact to mid-sized CUV, station wagon, or hatchback CUV, and minivan CUV. Generally, though, crossovers of any type are put onto a car frame, which provides the car with a smaller base and streamline, fuel-conscious design.
Another benefit is that the vehicle handles more smoothly. They offer the versatility, comfort, and traction of a car with the style and looks of a Sport Utility Vehicle. For many consumers, crossover vehicles provide a great compromise between what a driver wants and what he or she needs in an automobile.
Compromising on your vehicle is proving not to be as hard as many people believe. Although you may have to sacrifice some room on the inside, you'll find crossovers easier to handle, cheaper to own, and pleasurable to drive.
A recent benefit of crossovers is that almost every manufacturer has a series of crossover vehicles. Their sales have created a cushion for the lack of SUVs and trucks that remain on the lots from rising gas prices and a changing economy.
The benefits of crossover vehicles changes for each person and their needs for a vehicle. However, with many people, larger vehicles are not turning out to always be better, even it if that is what they want. Therefore, these types of vehicles are providing the best of both worlds for many drivers.
Many consumers are in search of the best crossover all-wheel drive (AWD) SUVs on the market today, mainly because consumers get the space of an SUV with the fuel efficiency of a car.
The typical crossover consists of a high seating position that allows for a better view, a passenger car chassis, and a large cargo area. Most are available in all-wheel drive and can offer seating for up to eight people. And like any other vehicle, you can choose the most basic of features or go all out. Whatever you prefer, you may find it amongst the best crossover AWD SUVs listed below:
• BMW X6 - This athletic-like 4-door crossover looks fun to drive, especially since it is fuled by a 3.0 - liter 6 cylinder engine that is twin-turbocharged and has an all-wheel drive. It can accelerate from 0-60 in six seconds. This is amazing considering the car weighs in at almost 5,000 pounds. Insideline says, "there was another thing that couldn't go unnoticed: mass." The X6 gets mediocre fuel economy with 15 city miles per gallon and 21 highway miles per gallon for the 35i trim. The X6, along with the X5 is among the first M-brand crossovers. Coming standard on the X6 is Dynamic Performance Control, which works together with the AWD system to ensure the torque is distributed evenly amongst the rear wheels. This system is designed to improve handling response and steering.
• Toyota Venza - This smooth and spacious family crossover is a 5- passenger, 4 door crossover with an ABS and enhanced vehicle stability control and traction control. This crossover can go from 0-60 in 8.8 seconds and has the fuel efficiency of 18 city miles per gallon and 25 highway miles per gallon. Unique key features that Toyota has included have been available on competing models for quite some time. Such features include active head restraints, a panoramic glass roof, and automatic high beams with high intensity discharge. Edmunds states, "The 2010 Toyota Venza blends the attributes of a crossover SUV with those of a wagon, resulting in a pleasantly useful form of family transportation."
• Acura ZDX - With 5 doors and a little bulk, this crossover looks more like a giant sports car with a 3.7 liter V6 engine pumping out 300 horsepower at 6,300 RPM. 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS, brake assist, and electronic brake distribution add a safety element to this vehicle. Estimated fuel economy is 16 city miles per gallon and 22 highway miles per gallon. The vehicle's suspension system is a 4-wheel independent MacPherson strut front/multi-link rear. However, New Car Test Drive says, "The ZDX steers keenly and stays on line with an intuitive accuracy. Only when pressing on hard in the convoluted confines of a canyon road does the big Acura begin to remind its driver that it's a close relative of the company's big MDX. Narrow roads quickly emphasize how wide the car's track is, even if the clever design reduces the visual impression of size."
Other contenders for the best crossover AWD SUVs include the Honda Crosstour, Volvo XC60, Infiniti FX50, Lincoln MKX, Dodge Journey, Cadillac SRX, and Mazda CX-9.
The 4 wheel drive SUV and Truck are very common vehicles on the road today, they are everywhere. 4 wheel drive owners including myself tend to express our identity in the kind of 4 wheel drive we own.
You have your die hard eat dirt, drink mud 4 wheel drive enthusiasts. These guys and gals live for the moment to put their 4X4 to the ultimate test. Their 4 wheel drives are most generally built to handle the most extreme off road conditions. They spend a lot of money on top quality performance parts that will handle these conditions.
Then there are those 4X4 owners who have this Jekyll & Hyde mentality about 4 wheeling. They appear to have this calm and cool type personality with a touch of conservativeness about them; until they push the 4Hi button.
At last you have those who own a 4X4 and just like the idea of owning a 4 wheel drive. Great idea you guys and gals! Personally, I would not own a SUV or pick-up unless it was a 4X4. It never made much sense to me to spend money on a 2WD pick-up or SUV; but that is just my own opinion.
Okay, for those of you who fit the description directly above; and who own that awesome piece of machinery called the 4X4. Maybe it's about time to take that next step and take your 4X4 on an off road adventure.
Spending a weekend or whole week enjoying the off road trails can be an experience of a lifetime; especially when the whole family is involved. You get this sense of adventure and the ability to go places where 2WD vehicles would not even fathom of going.
Camping and enjoying the outdoors while hitting the trails; your family will tell stories about these off road adventures for years.
These kinds of vacations can be quite inexpensive (unless you break down) compared to a trip to Disney Land. Look at it this way, you already own the 4WD. A tent is a lot cheaper than hotel rooms.
Meals can be quite inexpensive also if you shop at your local grocery store and fill the coolers full of food and drinks.
It may be a good idea to take the 4X4 and your off road adventure for just one weekend and see how you get along before tackling a week trip. Test the waters by the shore before making an ocean voyage.
For those of you who may be new to the whole off road and camping experience, you are in luck. You may not have the funds or supplies to tackle this kind of trip this year but there is next year.
Look at it on the positive side, you have a whole year to plan a trip and purchase your supplies. You don't have to worry about spending a whole lot of money in one shot.
Here are some tips that will help you prepare for your next off road and camping experience:
o Perform a complete maintenance inspection on your 4X4. If you are not one of those automotive do-it-yourselfers, then inform the automotive service manager at your favorite shop of your intensions. Let him know your concern on how important it is that your vehicle gets a quality inspection and service.
o It is always a good idea to travel in groups. If this is not an option for you then be sure to tell other family members and friends where you are going and when you will be back.
o Preplan your trip. This will not only prepare you for what's ahead but it is also fun to get the family involved. You all will feel a sense of excitement when planning this adventure.
o If this adventure takes place at a national park then inform the park authorities where you are going. Give them as much information about your plans and an idea of when you will be leaving. Give and get contact information; this way if something goes wrong, they will be able to find you.
o Cell phones and GPS's are a good idea to have with you. If you can't get cell phone reception where you are at then the GPS will tell you your location. Don't forget to enter and save plenty of waypoints on your GPS; this will be easier to navigate back to safety.
o Be sure to have plenty of food and water to last beyond your expected stay, I'd say at least three days. Keeping your body full of carbohydrates and fluids during your outdoor fun is a must.
Planning and preparing your 4X4 and the off road adventure are the two foremost important steps towards a safe and fun trip. Ask any survival instructor, I bet they will agree.
Owning a 4X4 not only provides family fun and excitement but it allows you to become one with this awesome piece of machinery. You and the 4X4 working together to overcome those obstacles that lies in front of you; like a sea captain navigating his ship through a storm. The two of you together challenging Mother Nature and what she has to offer. It's a sense of dominance; that genetic code hidden deep inside of us waiting to be unleashed.
You own a 4X4, that vehicle does not know what it is or what it was designed to do. Only you have the capability to unleash the full potential of your 4X4.
Next time you are in your suv cars picking up the kids, shopping, or coming home from a family vacation, take a look at your car mats. Are they shredded from all the abuse over the years? Can you see through them? Maybe it is time to consider replacing those mats with a brand new set.
Don't even consider universal fit floor mats. A universal mat offers a lousy appearance and generally does not last very long. Focus on custom mats. You can choose Berber, or one of the thick nylon pile car mats that are available. Stay with a nylon pile for a longer wearing auto mat. There are many color choices that are OEM factory match or you can choose a complementary or contrasting color to your vehicle interior. You can even add embroidery to personalize your mats. Most custom car mats are Made in the USA.
Ordering suv cars mats online is simple. Find a reputable internet site that lets you choose make, model, and year. Ordering mats this way will minimize the chance of you ordering the wrong mats Many sites offer a line drawing view of your custom mats so that you know the custom shape before ordering. Most custom mats are made to order so be prepared to wait a week or two for your mats.
I think you will be surprised at the difference in appearance that fresh mats make in your suv cars interior. It will be like getting a new suv cars without the monthly payments. Now that's a good deal.
