Monthly Archives: April 2014
2014 Toyota RAV4: A New Technology Package
2014 Toyota RAV4 is one such small crossover that has become quite popular among the masses because of very petty reasons, which anyone would have never thought will become so important for a shopper who is planning to buy an SUV for family. In spite of relatively small dimensions, such small SUVs are gaining momentum because of the useful pace they offer to small families and singles looking forward to own an SUV. Small crossovers like 2014 Toyota RAV4 are easy to drive on the bustling city roads and they return respectable fuel economy, which is actually an important factor for those buying SUVs on budget. There is no denying that small SUVs are the perfect choice for modern people who are on the go all the time. Although, 2014 Toyota RAV4 is not a favorite among reviewers going by the class, but you will find that it fulfills almost all the small SUV requirements of an average shopper.
Toyota’s RAV4 come with five passenger seats option which is also its biggest asset because its driver and passenger room are excellent as well upfront. Its rear seats are good for adults as well because they will not make them feel cramped while on short trips. Large cargo space offered by 2014 Toyota RAV4 will surely be appreciated by those who love to travel with their pets and bulky gear. Low load floor and power liftgate are also additional advantages of RAV4 which are still not very common in this class of SUVS. If you fold down the rear seats, Toyota RAV4 has the largest cargo space to offer in this class with exceptional 73.3 cubic feet space.
While on the move, RAV4 offers easy see out feature and remains steady while turning and remains comfortable while cruising speedily on the highways. However, the acceleration for Toyota RAV4 2014 remains average for such a compact sized crossover and it also doesn’t comes with an optional engine upgrade which is quite common in other small SUVs, so you have to settle for meager 2.5 liter four cylinder engine, which is common across all trim levels. Fuel economy ratings are considered good, but are not class leading thus can also be taken as a lack luster feature.
Going by the quality of competition 2014 Toyota RAV4 faces in its class of crossovers, it will be good if you can look for other worthwhile options like 2014 Honda CR-V, which is known for its versatility and proudly dominates this class of SUVs. Although it is not as remarkable as other rivals but still it is comfortable, fuel efficient, roomy cabin, quit, offers handy convenience and comes with several clever storage options which make it a better choice over 2014 Toyota RAV4.
If you want to have fun while driving then surely Mazda CX-5 is an ideal choice for you because it has luxury interiors with entertaining driving experience for such a compact crossover. Other close competitors for 2014 Toyota RAV4 are 2014 Ford Escape and Jeep Cherokee as they are excellent to drive off-road and also come with V6 engine option.
2014 Chevrolet Equinox: Essentially Unchanged
Ever since the Chevrolet introduced its Equinox way back in the year 2010, we have been its fans because of several reasons like its good looks, practicality and comfort, which make it not ours but many other reviewers’ favorite small crossover. But if make a close comparison to some of the recently launched or we can say refurbished SUVs’ in the market, we found that 2014 Chevrolet Equinox is not as much desirable as compared to its rivals or even not the same what it used to be, but it still has that same power and persona that will surely make you take a look at it while you go out to buy a new small SUV.
The best part about the 2014 Chevrolet Equinox is its powerful V6 engine, which has always been a strong point for Chevy. If we go by the latest trend, we found that most of the SUV makers are dropping V6 engine from their small SUVs’ due to concerns like fuel economy and lack of customer demand, which has again become a strong point for Equinox as well its GMC twin Terrain because in 2014 there are only few models of small SUVs available that are offering grunt six cylinder engine for towing, hauling or even fulfilling the speed desires of the consumers.
Over the years, Chevy Equinox has managed to get thumbs up for its ride comfort and cabin quietness, which are also on the top five of what we need from an SUV list of most of the consumers. However, there is one factor with Equinox which considerably decreases its points and that is its limited cargo space, which is quite low if compared to the rivals. Although, it’s enough to load general baggage which usually people haul, but it is certainly not meant for cargo hauling especially while going off road. In comfort department, there is one thing about 2014 Chevrolet Equinox which is quite impressive and it is its sliding and reclining rear seats that offer first class kind leg room to second row passengers.
The only thing about 2014 Chevrolet Equinox that impresses us the least is its 2.4 liter four cylinder engine, which remains standard on all trim levels, although it claims to have solid EPA fuel economy ratings, but in real life, it has failed to overwhelm us with its fuel economy as well as performance. In the handling department as well 2014 Chevrolet Equinox lags too much and its steering is very disappointing even if we look at it by the budget crossover standards.
If you are looking for an SUV which is more practical, then we would suggest you to look for other rivals like roomier and multitalented Honda CR-V and Kia Sorento; they offer optional V6 engine along with third row seat for a big family. For sportier SUV with more entertaining driving experience Ford Escape, Mazda CX-5 and Volkswagen Tiguan can be an ideal choice for you. 2014 Chevrolet Equinox can also fit your bill ideally if your priorities are upscale interior and optional V6 engine, otherwise there are better options to look for.
2014 Honda CR-V: The Futuristic SUVs
There have been several reasons that have made Honda CR-V one of the best selling SUVs and surprisingly all of them are rather good enough to make it an ideal choice. There is no denying that the comfort, practicality, fuel economy, low ownership costs, usability, driver involvement and reliability offered by Honda CR-V over the years is unmatchable to any other compact SUV coming at this price. So, in case you are looking for a family SUV with all these features coming as staple ingredients in it, then this years’ 2014 Honda CR-V must make an entry to your teat drive list.
The best and the most convenient word that describes 2014 Honda CR-V is ‘easy’, because this is how you will feel once you spend a good amount of fortune in buying an SUV with such high standards. The new Honda CR-V is easy to drive, look out and park without giving much pain to the driver. Its amply spacious backseats and large convenient doors make it ideal for loading kids along with the handle in the trunk that allows you to flip the backseat to make space for big items in the cargo area, which in itself is quite ample and spacious. In this generation, when most of the SUVs are known for their complicated electronic interfaces, the CR-V might not boast your requirement for trendy graphics, but its controls are easy to handle without any glitches. To keep things simple, Honda has introduced CR-V in 2014 with only one engine option, which remains same in all three trim levels. The only choice that one can have to make additional in top trim levels is their navigation and rear seat entertainment system, which you might not miss in the basic trim levels because of its otherwise superb functionality.
However, for those who are looking for something extra in their futuristic SUV, 2014 Honda CR-V might not be the most ideal or emotional choice and there are many too reasons for that. To start with, its exteriors is very bland and might even look ugly to many, and the same can be said for its below average cabin. The materials used for interiors of 2014 Honda CR-V are not of very high quality if compared to other crossovers. Apart from that the decision of Honda to keep only one engine choice that two mediocre four cylinder engine, might take some of their buyers to other more powerful choices having better engine options and luxurious interiors along with handsome styling from outside. But instead of creeping into the disappointments, one must also consider the positives of this long loved SUV.
We recommend you to take a look at other 2014 Honda CR-V rivals like Chevy Equinox, 2014 Ford Escape, Hyundai Santa Fe Sport and 2014 Mazda CX-5 as they have everything that an SUV lovers looks for in a stylish yet comfortable SUV. But in case you are on for a more practical, sensible and close to ground SUV, there can be a no better choice than 2014 Honda CR-V.
2014 Ford Escape: Standard Choice with Pocket Friendly Price
It seems for 2014 Ford has decided to play safe and has launched its all new 2014 Ford Escape with minor adjustments in its features departments, hence keeping it more or less unchanged from its predecessor. A few notable inclusions like a rearview camera and Sync feature have become now standard in all trim levels of 2014 Ford Escape offered by the car maker. However, to make some difference this year, Ford has discounted its SEL trim level along with 2.0 liter turbocharged engine which was earlier a standard in Titanium trim level Escape. With not much significant changes, 2014 Ford Escape still stands tall among the best small crossovers which have some of the really worthwhile entries to look forward. Because Ford redesigned Escape only last year, thus they have kept its design the same with its handsome styling, sharp handling and high end luxury interiors which quite beautifully justify its marginally high price for this class of SUVs.
So, you don’t have to look so hard at 2014 Ford Escape to understand that it is nothing more than a pumped up Ford Focus, but it has some good reason to dig deep. The platform used by Ford for Escape is same as the Focus which is quite evident in its sleek styling. Everyone knows that SUV lovers appreciate Ford Focus for versatility, quality and excellent driving character and Ford has very well translated all these features into their new Ford Escape. Undoubtedly, Escape is heavier than a Focus but it has a lot more to offer like well controlled ride and it ability to handle turns with surprising agility.
To make 2014 Ford Escape worthwhile, Ford has launched it with the trio of four cylinder engines, wherein the base level comes with 2.5 liter four cylinder engine, which is also quite typical for a small crossover with adequate performance. But the availability of optional 1.6 liter and 2.0 liter turbocharged engine makes Escape distinguishable in this class. But the 1.6 liter engine has better fuel economy and power to offer if compared to 2.5 liter engine. On the other hand 2.0 liter engine can provide upto 240 horsepower with slightly low EPA fuel economy than its 1.6 liter engine.
The interior of 2014 Ford Escape is furnished with excellent quality luxury material and is equipped with sleek looking MyFord touch electronics interface, which gives you a feel of driving some really expensive car. The only negative point of MyFord touch is that at times it behaves a little finicky and becomes difficult to handle because of slow response and glitches. The price of 2014 Ford Escape is quite high if compared to direct rivals, but with its reasonable equipments it represents solid value for this class crossover.
In small SUV segment, there are some more feasible and pocket friendly choices like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 with almost same engine and ample cabin room along with better reputation in the market for safety and reliability. Mazda CX-5, Chevrolet Equinox, Hyundai Santa Fe Sport and Subaru Forester are also some of the choices to be considered.
2014 Subaru Forester: A Redesigned Treat
Subaru has always managed to impress us with its excellent blend of utility, comfort and all year around weather capability, which has always remained a staple in its cars. But this time, with its redesigned 2014 Subaru Forester, the company has gone a step ahead with almost the same ingredients and recipes but managed to make key improvements with a slight change in its cooking style. This time, the Forester comes with improved and larger interior room, which is good enough to accommodate a family. Additionally, it has better fuel economy and strength which was never found in the earlier versions of Subaru. With these improved features, now the all new 2014 Subaru Forester stands proudly among the top small to midsized crossovers because of its updated transmission and engine.
The most enduring appeal of Subaru lies in the fact that it comes with all the traditional SUV features that a crossover lover want to have or would like to use in an SUV. Full time all wheel drive feature, hatchback utility and little bit more ground clearance without making a full blown bulky SUV are some of the highlights of 2014 Subaru Forester. Before we dig deep into Foresters’ driving dynamics and other tech specs, you must understand that it is no Jeep or for that matter a Range Rover while off road, but it still has more ground clearance to offer than any of its competing crossover. Subaru has made its 2014 Forester tough enough to handle all kinds of dirt roads and still make its drive feel like a car in all sort of tough situations.
The more efficient and variable transmission of 2014 Subaru Forester is the result of the replacement of its last years’ four speed automatic and the main driving force behind the new forester is its improved fuel economy rating, which is quite considerable if compared to other crossovers. Last years’ five speed manual transmission has been replaced by six speed manual transmission which also a factor behind this year Foresters’ fuel economy. Just like before, Subaru is offering two engine choice for its Forester, which include the base 2.5 liter four cylinder engine known for its adequate power and the all new optional 2.0 liter turbocharged four cylinder which is more potent than the previous Forester XTs’ 2.5 liter turbo.
If you look inside the cabin of the 2014 Subaru Forester, you will find it more contemporary then its previous version along with the use of high quality materials. An increase in rear seat legroom is quite evident along with expansive cargo area. If you drop the rear seats you will get enough space to make it a warehouse for a day for long trips and carrying stuff like tents, kayaks and bikes.
In terms of competition, 2014 Subaru Forester has to compete with the likes of Mazda CX-5, Honda CR-V and Ford Escape as they all are leading the fore front in small crossover section. But if you are giving importance to interior space and light off rod ability then 2014 Subaru Forester is an ideal choice.
2015 Mazda CX-5: Versatile Yet Affordable
Looking forward to buy a versatile yet affordable small sized SUV along with features like excellent fuel economy, well built luxury interiors, improved functionality stellar safety numbers and impeccable driving experience? Then fret not finally Mazda has listened to all your wishes and has come up with its relatively affordable 2015 Mazda CX-5, which has become for many of the reviewers a favorite in this section. Undoubtedly, Mazda CX-5 meets the exact definition and expectation of a small sized futuristic SUV and it must make entry to your short list for worth buying small SUVs in 2015.
If we take a deep look at the 2015 CX-5, surely you will find many reasons to fall in love with it as it is meant to make your life simpler. The car offers maximum comfort for daily driving and roaming around with kids, followed by complete ease to take out or fit in while parking. Mazda has maintained its standard 2.5 liter engine on all the available trim levels that offers strong acceleration along with its best in class fuel economy. For adventure people who look forward to weekend for fun filled adventure rides, Mazda CX-5 is a pleasure to drive with its quiet cabin, smooth ride and comfortable seating space, thus making it an excellent vehicle for long road trips.
If you compare this version of Mazda CX-5 with other small crossovers you will find that it is actually a fun to drive car with its precise steering and amazingly sporty handling, which are all a must for such a futuristic SUV. Although, Mazda has kept its CX-5 almost unchanged except two key features, which are keyless entry and ignition, which have always remained a standard in their all Touring and Grand Touring trim levels.
Live every other SUV hitting the market for 2015 Mazda CX-5 also has its share of lows and for us the main flaw in this brand new futuristic SUV is its subpar electronics interface. If we compare the infotainment systems of other Mazda rivals, it becomes clear that company has failed to come over its mediocre graphics, poor navigation and disorganized placement of menus, lack of scrolling feature on map screen and lot more. Sound quality is not that good to even talk about although they are offering Bose Audio System. On performance level as well, if you are planning for a car that you can take out with full passenger load and cargo then we recommend you to buy 2.5 liter engine version.
Because small crossover has evolved a lot in past few years and there are several options to check out before making any final decision. Some of the worthwhile competitors for Mazda CX-5 are Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, Toyota RAV4, Jeep Cherokee and Subaru Forester. As they all have something or the other that can challenge your decision of buying Mazda CX-5 before even having a look at them.
But, we still believe no matter how good the rivals are, Mazda CX-5 still scores high among others and it actually deserves strong consideration.
2014 Kia Sportage: A Complete Head Turner
These days, every prominent car maker makes his best effort to keep at least one small size crossover available in their showroom, so that they can meet the requirements of the small SUV market. To keep pace with the ongoing trend Kia has also introduced its 2014 Kia Sportage, but the question that remains here is that whether it is worth a look? Well, lets’ have a close look at it, so the first thing that caught our attention is its head turning looks, followed by plethora of desirable features and impeccably strong performance.
To make it a newest and freshest edition in its small SUV segment, Kia has included an updated 2.4 liter engine with direct injection feature which make it powerful than before with improved efficiency. Other prominent features that have made addition to 2014 Kia Sportage include refurbished interior styling , high performance suspension tuning is common across all trim levels, xenon headlights, touchscreen system, improved navigation system, high tech and new sound system, ventilated front seats and air vents for rear seats as well and upgraded UVO telematics services for enhanced driver experience. To make 2014 Kia Sportage more up-market, this time the car manufacturer has dropped its previous base trim level along with manual transmission from its lineup.
Sharply tuned front ends and muscular fenders makes Kia Sportage stand out from the rest of small crossovers. And surprisingly, we found out that the amazing looks OF 2014 Kia Sportage from outside and beautiful complimented from the inside when we took a sneak peek under the hood. The new base with 182 horsepower and 2.4 liter four cylinder engine is powerful enough for a crossover of this size. However, the SX trim level turbocharged 2.0 liter four cylinder engine has the ability to take things to a higher level. The turbocharged engine will generate 260hp and has the power to scoot from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.5 seconds. The biggest factor that makes Kia Sportage 2014 the best bet in the small crossover market is its prize, which company has kept very minimal keeping its top end features like navigation and ventilated seats in mind if compared to other fully loaded small SUVs’ ready to hit the market.
If we look into the downside of the 2014 Kia Sportage, there are hardly any to figure out but these few drawbacks can make a big difference for many buyers. The first negative for this small SUV is its interior space, which is quite small if compared to others and falls reasonably short on passenger and cargo space. Thus, making it a not so ideal car for those looking forward to hop around with kids and cargo. On the other hand, some might find Kia Sportage a fun to drive option, but for some it might be too firm for their liking which might be because of its engine and fuel economy.
Some of the top competitors for 2014 Kia Sportage are 2014 Honda CR-V, 2014 Subaru Forester and 2014 Toyota RAV4 as they offer much better cabin and cargo space. Those looking for sprightly driving dynamics 2014 Ford Escape and 2014 Mazda CX-5 can also be a good option.
Redesigned 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe
To make its way in the 2015 SUV market, Chevrolet has started making its efforts and has come up with its redesigned version of 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe with major highlights quite visible in its design, standard and availability of optional equipments. To make it a tough competitor in the thriving SUV market, Chevrolet has integrated some changes like fold flat third row seat, quieter and high quality material cabin, improved fuel economy and updated exterior styling.
Some of the reviewers might find the all new 2015 Chevy Tahoe minimally evolved, but once you take a deep look into it you will realize there is nothing old fashioned about this latest version of Chevrolets’ full size SUV and its actually top notch in terms of technology and versatility. For the very first time in Tahoe, Chevrolet has introduced the feature of folding third row seats on the floor instead of removing them, although the other SUV manufacturers have adopted this years ago, but this time Chevrolet has also made considerable changes in this segment to offer maximum convenience to its buyers. And addition to this is the power actuated folding feature for both second and third row seats, this has made the small statures easily manageable which earlier used to be a little cumbersome while handling. 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe has made remarkable improvements in its fuel economy, which earlier used to be a point of concern for Chevrolet buyers. Apart from that, this year you will find value additions like a brand new touchscreen interface with added integration of connecting smartphones, latest and high on tech electronic safety feature is a must to look out for as it will keep on providing vigilance even if the driver fails to pay attention to safety details. Some of the major features of 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe safety equipment are land departure warning system, front collision warning, blind spot monitoring and advanced mitigation system.
Like every SUV, 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe also has its own share of negatives and it comes with its space efficiency which is quite better in other crossovers, however its towing capabilities are unbeatable and can give tough competition to others. However, if you compare other large crossovers with Tahoe you will find out that Chevys’ Tahoe is not only heavy duty but also offers considerable space for passengers along with its comparatively equal cargo hauling abilities. The best thing about 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe is that despite being heavy duty it doesn’t give you truck like driving dynamics and still feels like a luxury SUV while driving.
The toughest competition for Chevrolet Tahoe is standing tall in Chevys’ own showroom with the name Chevrolet Traverse as it offers substantially bigger cabin and cargo space. Other options which a buyer can consider while buying full size traditional SUVs giving tough competition to Tahoe include Toyota sequoia, which has almost same driving dynamics and blend of functionality, refinement as well as performance. But if you are looking for a full size SUV with the ability to offer do all utility and no compromise in comfort then 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe is your best bet.
2014 Ford Explorer: A Popular SUV
Long back in the year 1991, when Ford introduced its Ford Explorer a number one sport utility vehicle of that time, which eventually cemented the popularity of SUVs offered a rather rugged alternative to awkward station wagons and at that time it was considered a perfect vehicle. Ever since, the SUV landscape has gone through the tremendous change, but in 2014 as well Ford has kept its basics right and has introduced the all new 2014 Ford Explorer with that same old nostalgic feel. The excellent combination of power, refined interiors, fuel economy and much more has made it even more desirable than before.
To keep pace with the modern SUV market, Ford has adopted the carlike unibody structure to construct Ford, thus taking break from their truck like underpinnings, which is common in all their older models. The biggest advantage for Ford with this new body construction is that it offers more cabin space, improved fuel economy and comfortable ride, all these features come as a basic expectation from any family vehicle and Ford Explorer has managed to meet them all. From inside as well, this time Ford has kept its interiors upscale, adding seven passenger seat option along with a comprehensive list of safety and convenience features. There are also some advanced and unique options available like heated back seats, which are not very common in SUVs of the same price band. Second row seat belt airbags along with lane departure and lane warning systems are all newly added features for traditional 2014 Ford Explorer.
Ford has kept its engine standard V6 offering 290 horsepower, which is perfect to meet the needs of buyers, but to make it more interesting Ford has included 2.0 liter four cylinder engine as an added advantage. However, the buyer has to pay additionally for this engine but trust us it’s completely worthwhile because its power and fuel economy are best in this class. If you are still looking for the performance oriented Ford Explorer, than the company has also introduced its Explorer Sport Model with 3.5 liter turbocharged V6 engine with the power of generating 365 horsepower. Along with this, the sport version also offers firm suspension tuning and refurbished interior/exterior trim details.
Talking about the drawbacks of 2014 Ford Explorer, we got the conclusion that they mainly depend on the priority of the buyer. For example, if all member of your family are tall, than you might not find the second and third row seats comfortable as they are less roomier if compared to other crossovers. Same goes for its cargo space and its MyFord touch interface which has frequent glitches while operating. Also, the 2014 Ford Explorer feels bigger than it actually is while behind the wheel and is not at all an easy vehicle to maneuver while driving in tight spaces.
Possible alternative for 2014 Ford explorer are 2014 Chevrolet Traverse, 2014 Dodge Durango, 2014 Mazda CX-9 and Fords’ Sibling Ford Flex as they all are roomier, versatile and upscale with many comforts which are not available in 2014 Ford Explorer.
2014 Dodge Durango: A Family Vehicle
When scouting for six to seven passengers for SUV, we found that there can be no better option than a 2014 Dodge Durango in the futuristic crossover market. The new generation Dodge Durango not only offers spacious cabin for passengers but also more refined and polished ride to make it a family oriented car. This time the three row utility vehicle was launched with an optional V8 engine and quite impressive tow ratings, which are not very common in small SUV but remains staple in traditional large SUVs. To keep it in the competition for futuristic 2014 SUVs, Durango has kept its price mediocre, with additional aggressiveness and improved styling which are the first things that you will notice about the otherwise same with very less obvious changes 2014 Dodge Durango.
The new eight speed transmission is a highlight in 2014 Dodge Durango apart from its refurbished rear as well as front styling, updated cabin interior along with striking changes like an all improved instrument panel, updated dashboard with large and intuitive 8.4 inch touchscreen panel with an upgraded version Durango’s Uconnect system which has now introduced new smartphone app integration capability to read text message with text to speech app and robust voice control system. High quality luxurious interior is much like its cousin Jeep Grand Cherokee, which undoubtedly makes 2014 Durango feel more upscale for its class.
If we take a look at its mechanical side, apart from its new eight speed transmission, which has actually added impressively smooth shifts along with improved fuel economy there is nothing much to talk about. However, the new transmission system has shown considerable improvements to the power of its base V6 engine, but it is advisable to go for optional V8 engine as it offers more energetic performance making 2014 Dodge Durango a strong consideration for futuristic SUVs. The reason why we and most of the reviewers recommending V8 engine over its basic V6 engine is that, if you wish to make the most of the 2014 Durango and take frequent advantage of towing ability, it is the best option you can go for without actually regretting it in long run.
2014 Dodge Durango’s rich interiors unusually impressive handling and ride are one of the major and worthwhile reason to consider buying it in 2014 rather than going for any other mediocre midsized crossover.
But, there is one part where Durango fails to meet its competitors and that is its restricted cargo room, which is quite ample in other crossovers’ falling in the same price band. There are some tough competitions for 2014 Dodge Durango in the family oriented crossover market and the prominent one is Chevrolet Traverse and Mazda CX-9 as they both offer considerably more cargo space. If you wish to explore more before making purchase of Durango then you must take a look at Ford Explorer and Flex. But, without nay denial there is no better six or seven passenger SUV in the market as of now then the all new 2014 Dodge Durango.