Tag Archives: Honda CR-V
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 Subaru Forester: A not so gorgeous yet powerful SUV
So from the first look, there is hardly any chance that you will find the 2014 Subaru Forester stunning or even gorgeous, because the car is all about being wide, long and roomy, however this version of Subaru is a lot sleeker than its predecessors. For all those Subaru buyers here comes the good news, the base motor now comes with the all new crisp, six speed gearbox giving rest to the age old five speed version. The new CVT is more efficient than the automatic four speed transmission.
The newly launched turbocharged XT model of 2014 Subaru Forester comes with 250 hp engine which offers same fuel economy as the currently available 170hp 2.5X model. Its fast acceleration from 0 to 60 within 6.2 seconds makes it one of the fastest over among its competitors. The lovable 2.0 liter engine in the XT comes with direct injection feature.
The latest version of Subaru Forester is well planted, composed and is a quieter SUV that comes with a complete package if Subaru Forester features that a buyer looks for. The car is intercooled, has turbocharged monster engine, beefed suspension and amazing stouter brakes that makes it an all comfort drive during snowy stormy days. Well calibrated steering has electronic assistance feature that makes path adjustments simple and direct. Stiffer chassis and no hint of rattles make it a best car in class.
Over the years Subaru has proved its mantle over bringing subtle and smart changes in the detailing of their luxury vehicles and this continues with the latest Subaru Forester as well. Front doors come with no sill which means you will no more find dirt collecting place near front doors. Interiors are all stylish with panache of any banquet and this also the same place where Subaru lacks. No negative word for this SUV in terms of its driving quarter, comfortable seating position, telescoping steering wheel and the clearly reengineered structure, but the SUV still lacks sex appeal, which can easily be found in its competitors like Mazda CX 5, Kia Sorento and Ford Escape that comes at approximately same price.
In more than many metrics, the 2014 Subaru Forester is very well darned and is also one among many crossovers that can be taken to a muddy terrain without much thought. The 8.7 inch ground clearance keeps you safe until you end up bumping on some seriously tough road. Manual gearbox version is also available for the buyers, but the newly launched CVT with manual gearbox makes a less logical choice for obvious reasons and one among them is fuel economy.
Ample of rear legroom and overall improved cargo space as compared to Nissan Rogue, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape and Toyota RAV-4 makes it a comfortable and spacious option while buying a crossover. The driving dynamics of Forester being an engaging option is still arguable because of competition coming from Crossover leaders like Mazda and Ford but none of them offers Subaru’s ground clearance. Vanilla cockpit can certainly put the sale of Subaru Forester at the back burner.
2014 GMC Terrain
The GMC Terrain has been known to be quite spacious as well as sturdy looking, and has earned an impressive reputation in the same field. 2014 brings no change in this perception of SUV lovers as the company has not planned to make any changes to this image of the excellent SUV. Contrary to what potential customers might fear, the mighty vehicle maintains its impressive fuel economy still! Recollect that the Terrain is quite similar to its brother SUV, the Chevrolet Equinox in construction, on account of the same owning brand. GMC continues to use the Hummer like cuts on the surface of the SUV in order to differentiate it from the Chevy. Being quite a spacious SUV, with excellent looks and a highly economic fuel economy, The 2014 GMC Terrain continues to attract buyers with large families and decent city usage!
The interiors of the 2014 Terrain SUV are designed on contemporary basis and it is quite clear that comfort and space was the prime factor that motivated the designers at GMC. You will be welcomed by a wood grained steering wheel, accompanied by an impressive 7 inch touch screen entertainment and information system. The central console mentioned above is accompanied by a sophisticated array of controls and buttons. It is quite worthy to mention that the SUV is although quite large in size, does not feature a third row of seats. What does that mean? Yes! Extraordinarily large boot space! The rear seats of the vehicle are capable of a movement up to 8 inches in case you need to carry large amounts of cargo with you. Also, you can flaunt a boot space of 31.6 cubic feet if you fold the rear seats up! The SUV is quite comfortable even if five adults are travelling together on account of the huge space it features.
All the models of the GMC Terrain come with a 2400cc four cylinder direct injection engine. These engines churn out a power of 180 horsepower. Opt for front wheel drive system and enjoy a mileage of 22 miles per gallon in city and 32 miles per gallon on highway. All-wheel drive systems deliver mileages of 21 and 31 miles per gallon respectively. However, if this power isn’t enough for you, then get your Terrain upgraded to a 3600cc V6 engine with direct injection. This beast is capable of producing a power of 301 horsepower on the cost of the vehicle’s mileage which drops down to 17 and 24 miles per gallon in city and highway on front wheel drive and to 16 and 23 miles per gallon respectively on all wheel drive.
Although the sturdy look of the Terrain often misleads people to believing that it is an unsophisticated SUV, the interiors make it quite clear that it is very much suitable for corporate as well as semi luxury uses as well. Facing competition from the likes of Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Escape and the Mazda Cx-5, the highly loaded with excellent features 2014 GMC Terrain makes a great choice for people with families!
The 2014 Honda CR-V
Having remained one of the best selling SUV’s for several years the Honda CR-V is a perfect blend of practicality, comfort, usability, driver involvement, fuel economy, reliability and low ownership cost and these qualities still remain unmatched by any other compact crossover SUV till date. Folks who look for a small family vehicle this little SUV should top your test drive list. The 2014 Honda CR-V carries over unchanged into the new year and no issues with that since the compact crossover one of the best in its niche.
What best describes the Honda CR-V is the word “easy” because that is certainly what it makes your life. The 5 passenger crossover SUV comes in LX, EX and EX-L trim levels. While the LX comes standard with 16 inch steel wheels, full power accessories, keyless entry, a blind spot mirror, a rear view camera, cruise control a height adjustable driver seat, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, a 60.40 split folding seat with reclining trunk mounted fold handle, Pandora internet radio control and all the fancy stuff that there should be in a modern compact crossover, the EX adds to it 17 inch alloy wheels and other luxuries like a sunroof, fog lights, body colored mirrors and door handles, rear privacy glass, a cargo cover and six speaker sound system. The EX-L boast everything along with roof rails, automatic headlights, heated mirrors, dual zone climate control, leather wrapped steering wheel and leather upholstery, eight way power driver seat with two way power lumbar, satellite radio and even a seven-spear surround sound system including a sub woofer.
Powered by a 2.4 liter four cylinder engine, the 2014 Honda CR-V runs on 185 horsepower and twists with 163 pound feet of torque and is mated to a five speed automatic transmission that comes standard with all the models. There is a choice for the buyers between front or all-wheel drive on all models. The fuel economy rates at 23 mpg city/31 mpg highway and 26 mpg combines while they drop by 1 mpg each in AWD models. The real world driving also testifies the numbers. The Honda CR-V greets the driver with a very precise steering wheel and commendably steady handling. Also, ride quality is smoother and unlike the previous generations, 2014 Honda CR-V sports a relatively quiet cabin.
The 2014 Honda CR-V faces tough completion with competitors like the Chevy Equinox, the 2014 Ford Escape, Hyundai Santa Fe Sport and of course the 2014 Mazda CX-5. In fact, the Jeep Cherokee and Subaru Forester also stand as strong alternative. And since the exterior of the 2014 Honda CR-V is quite bland and materials used in the cabin aren’t as high-quality as in some of the rivals, it seems hard to get excited about the vehicle. But for those who believe in making decisions based in practicality and sensibility rather than an emotional choice based on a highly stylish grille or amazingly plush interiors, nothing comes remotely close to the 2014 Honda CR-V.
The 2014 Ford Escape
It was only last year that the Ford Escape escaped from its box-like, SUV influenced past and emerged from a transformation, turning into a rakish, sporty and more car like crossover with crisp handling, forceful engines and even a slightly increased passenger space. The 2014 Escape steps into the new year mostly unchanged, although the Escape SEL trim has been dropped from the line up. Interestingly, there isn’t even any need for a change on this model of Escape as yet. The consumers in America have just started to notice and get used to the new look of Escape. The “SUV people” would remember how the Escape did its best impression of the first- generation Explorer from 2001 to 2012, down to the grille and window shapes and even the outdated graining of its interior plastics. This 2014 Escape is everything but that! A raffish and confident profile with an aggressive road-going stance on the outside and a sporty, almost cockpit like layout inside, the new 2014 Ford Escape is built to take breaths away.
The impressive athletic look of the 2014 Ford Escape is validated by its road manners. The Mazda CX-5, however, makes it impossible for other compact crossovers to stand in competition with its amazing handling, the Ford Escape handles equally beautifully. There is a myriad of choice in what you desire under the hood of your 2014 Escape. Ford turns to a trio of four-cylinders, replacing its former four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines and the much-loved but discontinued Ford Escape Hybrid. The base engine that powers the 2014 Ford Escape is a carryover 2.5 liter four cylinder grunt meant for fleets, while the mainstream choice is a 1.6 liter turbocharged four-cylinder with straight line acceleration producing 178 ponies, competitive with its chief rivals, the Honda CR-V and the four-cylinder Toyota RAV4. Leading the charge is a 2.0 liter Ecoboost four cylinder engine capable of producing 240 horsepower and accelerating the compact crossover to 60 mph from rest in a sprint time of less than eight seconds (faster than Mazda CX-5). A six speed automatic transmission is standard with all models.
Do not make the mistake of confusing the sleeker look of the new Ford Escape with less passenger space. The front seats are slim and rather firm and the SUV offers just enough space for two adults to sit in the back. The cargo hold is larger and the rear seats fold and flip down its own headrests to add to the storage space. The interiors hold a modern look that is less familiar and bolder. Chiseled, contoured and heavily styled instrument panel, as said before, looks more like a cockpit. Even the exterior of the 2014 Escape is now modern with passing resemblances to the new Hyundai Santa Fe Sport or Mazda CX-5.
Taut ride quality, impressive handing, an easy to indulge in cabin and extremely stylish body mated to a potent engine makes Ford Escape one the very fine crossovers in its class. While tough competitors like the Mazda CX-5 and Honda CR-V stand right next to it, the 2014 Ford Escape should be highly considered.
The New Mazda CX-5
The CX-5 has been a huge success for Mazda, a company that more than often struggles to get the attention of buyers more inclined to shop other brands. The CX-5 is a perfect blend of good looks, general feature content, ample space and car like driving dynamics that resonated perfectly with folks looking for a compact crossover SUV. The only little possibility to improve was under the hood. And this issue was addressed in the 2014 Mazda CX-5. The Mazda CX-5 gets a welcome infusion of power for 2014 as the Touring and Grand Touring models get a bigger engine. Fortunately, the fuel economy is barely affected. Other additions to the new Mazda CX-5 include the availability of a collision warning and assist system as well as HD and Pandora radio services.
The 2014 Mazda CX-5, a 5 passenger compact crossover comes in Sport, Touring and Grand Touring trim levels. The base Sport is a standard with 17-inch wheels, full power accessories, key-less entry, cruise control, a highly adjustable driver’s seat, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel and a 60-40 split folding rear seat. The Touring gets the Sport’s additional equipment plus a more powerful engine, a rear camera, a blind spot warning system, a six way power driver seat, a 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat and a six speaker sound system. The Grand Touring includes everything that there is along with 19 inch wheels, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, dual zone automatic climate control and an eight way power driver seat.
While the Sport carries the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine as the last year that produces 155 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque and a six-speed manual transmission that takes the little crossover from rest to 60 mph in 9.7 seconds the Mazda CX-5 Touring and Grand Touring sport a 2.5 Liter four-cylinder good for 184 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque. The six-speed automatic transmission is standard. The way the 2014 Mazda CX-5 drives is a dynamic departure from the compact SUV’s segment’s otherwise typical low standards. The brakes, suspension and steering are uncommonly capable! The new Mazda CX-5 is downright fun and confidence-inspiring on a curving road. The six-speed automatic transmission shifts quickly and smoothly and makes the drive a completely indulging experience.
Mazda CX-5 will be one of the most enjoyable little SUV to drive. Mazda, once again, proved that sensible is not equal to boring. Of course, there are an awful lot of worthy competitors to consider. The Ford Escape offers available turbo power and a more appealing interior, the Honda CR-V is a more utilitarian choice and the 2014 Subaru Forester boasts stronger credentials for off-road use. But, the 2014 Mazda CX-5 should be strongly considered. Though the concept is quite conventional the execution is truly unique. The best-handling compact crossover shines in its driving experience and that makes the people who drive it won over by the Mazda CX-5 in a heartbeat. The pricing is not yet known for the Mazda CX-5 compact crossover but more would be know when the new CX-5s roll into the dealer showrooms in the early 2014!
Sneak Peek at 2014 Chevy Equinox
Since it was first introduced in 2010, the Chevrolet Equinox has been one of the most love compact crossover SUVs all credits to its perfect combination of good looks, comfort and practicality. Compared to some more recently launched or redesigned models, the 2014 Chevrolet Equinox struggles to remain as desirable as it has always been but it is still a model you might want to take a look at if you are searching for a compact crossover.
Above of all on Equinox’s positive attribute list is the availability of a strong V6 engine. As the times goes by and fuel economy becomes a raging issue or there is a claimed lack of consumer demand, more and more automakers are dropping V6 engines from their compact crossovers leaving the Equinox (and its GMC twin, the Terrain) as one of the few handful models in 2014 to boast a six cylinder grunt for towing or hauling or merely to quench your thirst for speed. Second in the list follows the overall comfort and quietness of the cabin Equinox proudly holds. While the truth prevails that this little Chevy does not offer as much as cargo space as some rivals, but there is still enough to deal with the typical stuff that most people will be looking to haul. Then there’s also the fact that the Equinox’s rear seat both slides back and reclines to give second row occupants first-class legroom.
What disappoints a tad bit is the 2.4 liter four cylinder engine that is standard on all trim levels which by the way are the LS, LT and LTZ. Even the solid EPA fuel ratings don’t do much justice out in the real world. Handling isn’t a strong suit and the steering lacks precision even by budget crossover SUV standards.
The 2.4 liter four-cylinder engine puts out 182 horsepower and 172 pout feet of twist. The standard power and torque in the lineup are accompanied by a six speed automatic transmission and front wheel drive. The all wheel drive system comes as optional. The front wheel drive Equinox with a four cylinder engine accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in a sprint time of about 9.3 seconds. The LT and LZT models come with an option of the impressive 3.6 liter V6 producing 301 ponies and 272 pound feet of torque. The small SUV accelerates to 60 mph from rest in 7.0 seconds which is an amazing sprint time among small and midsize crossovers with a six-cylinder or upgraded turbocharged engine. The four cylinder models, when properly equipped, are capable of towing up to 1,500 pounds. With the V6 grunt the towing capacity rises up to 3,500 pounds.
While the 2014 Chevrolet Equinox disappoints with average handling, its smooth ride and the overall serenity of the cabin get it back into the game. The compact crossover faces tough competition with the more practical, roomier and multitalented Honda CR-V and other sportier models like the Mazda CX-5, Ford Escape and Volkswagen Tiguan. However, the Equinox remains worth a look if you seek for a small SUV with a truly upscale interior and a V6 option.
The 2014 Infiniti QX70
Infiniti rebadged its sporty FX midsized crossover range including the V6 powered FX37 and V8 engined FX50 as the QX70 as a part of the manufacturers new Q-based nomenclature system. The new sports beauty is due in late 2015 or early the following year. Proudly maintaining the bold styling of its predecessors the 2014 Infiniti QX70 will be the crossover’s third iteration. The changed name is no reason to be fooled for apart from the new moniker, the QX70 still remains identical to the last years FX and hence is still one of the most drover-focused crossovers in the market all credits to the platform shared with the agile and sporty Nissan 370Z sports car. A few welcome changes, however, will include more interior space in order to alleviate one of the main drawbacks of the current model. Along with that a cushier cabin is also a plus point for the new SUV.
For a change, it is sometimes alright to judge a book by its cover. The new QX70’s muscular lines and aggressive stance speaks all about the crossover and suggests that this little monster is all about performance and it certainly carries under its metal veils just the right stuff to back up that impression. Strengthened by a version of the RWD-based architecture shared by the 370Z, the QX70 is nimble with its responses to control inputs and offers a taut, yet not uncomfortable ride. Offering its customers a choice between couple of stout powerplants, QX70 comes in a standard and an optional engine variation. The standard motor which is a 3.6 liter V-6 engine generates 325 horsepower and 267 pound feet of torque. The optional engine is a 5.0 liter V8 which elevates the output by 65 generating about 390 ponies and impressive 369 pound feet of twist which, in fact, is enough to cruise up the vehicle to 60 mph from rest in a sprint time of just over 5 seconds. Both the engines are mated with a seven speed automatic transmission. While the V6 is based on rear wheel drive as standard but can be optioned with all-wheel drive, the V8 is available exclusively with all wheel drive. Fuel economy for the FWD V6 and AWD V6 is rated as 17/24 city/highway mpg and 16/22 mpg respectively while the V8 returns 14/20 mpg.
On the inside, the new QX70 welcomes its passengers with a sybaritic cabin manifested with plush materials like soft leather, brushed aluminum and genuine wood trim. Since there is no iDrive-style infotainment controller, conventional buttons flourish. Sadly, offering just 24 cubic feet of trunk room, which is less than some “compact” crossovers like the Honda CR-V, a compromised cargo space disappoints. However, folding the rear seats down, swells up the storage to 62 cubic feet!
Both the versions come with a myriad of additional optional feature that help customize the 2014 Infiniti QX70 according to its owner. Once unique among luxury crossovers due to its wild styling over interior space, the QX70 now competes with even more radically styles “coupe-crossovers” like the BMW X6 and Acura ZDX.
2014 Kia Sorento Is The Safest SUV!
Among the vast number of compact SUVs that have been coming out in the market since crossovers gaining support over their truck based fathers, the 2014 Kia Sorento has stepped up and made a mark which might help in making the model a huge success in the SUV world. With the help of its brilliant safety features, the Sorento joined the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, Mazda CX-5, Kia Sportage and Subaru Forester in the category of five star winners from the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). Also, the 2014 Sorento gained a Top Safety Pick Rating from the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety).
Orth Hedrick, the director of product planning in the US was quoted as saying, “Already a compelling entry in the compact SUV category, earning a five-Star rating from NHTSA makes the Sorento an even stronger contender within its segment while underscoring Kia’s overall commitment to delivering safety and exceptional value to our customers.” Officials at KIA stated that the vehicle showed great results in all the three categories of frontal crash, side crash as well as rollover crash.
The trend of making changes to an existing model so as to keep them on the top continues to breed within companies and the 2014 Sorento is the result of the same. Although the changes that Kia has made to the Sorento can barely be seen directly, there are still a number of structural changes which led to the five stars that the SUV now flaunts. If the company is to be believed, then the Sorento now sits on a new platform. Further, you might find a few changes in the exterior looks as well!
The new 2014 Kia Sorento features a mighty 3300cc V6 engine which is capable of providing a massive torque of 252 lb.-ft. (290HP). Paired with a highly efficient 6 speed automatic transmission system, this engine provides as much or even more thrust to the vehicle that any average user would want. The vehicle comes with an all-wheel drive drivetrain. A peculiar thing to note about the Sorento is that even though it is a compact SUV, it features a third row of seats. Yes, it is a seven seater! We like to say that the Sorento is hence, a bit larger than compact SUVs but way smaller than the large truck based ones. A nice new technology equipped in the 2014 model makes the SUV’s ride a lot more fun. We’re speaking of the FlexSteer option. The driver can choose between three modes of steering control as per his needs – Comfort Mode, Normal Mode and Sport Mode.
The conclusion that one can draw is that the 2014 Sorento is absolutely worth investing in. Being a perfect choice for families on account of the third row of seats, the Sorento just earned a factor which places it above most of the vehicles of the same category. Featuring such a good number of safety features, the SUV definitely earned the amazing ratings!