Midsize SUV comparison

[griswold44]

http://www.ifcar.net/reviews.compari...idsizeSUVs.htm

[DuSpinnst]

GM did not do so hot. Ford did pretty good.

[giagastormer]

Congrats to Ford for placing first.

[Strapping.Young.Lad]

i THOUGHT THE eXPLORER WON! bUT THE FREESTYE did. I like the freestyles!

[griswold44]

Originally Posted by DuSpinnst

GM did not do so hot. Ford did pretty good.

The GM SUVs in this class are unimpressive, so their marks don't surprise me.

[Strapping.Young.Lad]

Ford Beat Toyota Griswold :P

[DuSpinnst]

Originally Posted by griswold44

The GM SUVs in this class are unimpressive, so their marks don't surprise me.

I find it odd they picked the XUV version of the Envoy. The normal version is better.

[griswold44]

Originally Posted by FordRules

Ford Beat Toyota Griswold :P

The Freestyle did better than the Highlander, but the 4Runner beat the Explorer.

[goblue]

Read the last paragraph of the Freestar (1st place) review - basically their criteria revolve around how close you can get to minivan status without being a minivan. Put 2 sliding doors on the Freestyle, and you've got a good minivan with a little less cargo room. No wonder it wins. This is really a lets pick the best crossover comparison, and the definition of a crossover is very close to minivan in their opinion.

IMO the Freestyle doesn't do better because it just looks so cheap. The front view is the epitomy of what I'd expect a rental car to look like. Its in for a rude awakening when the GM crossovers hit the market - better engines, and supposidly killer looks.

Also, I just drove an Envoy - I thought the engine was very quiet - and refined...

[griswold44]

Originally Posted by DuSpinnst

I find it odd they picked the XUV version of the Envoy. The normal version is better.

Not by much.

[goblue]

Originally Posted by griswold44

The GM SUVs in this class are unimpressive, so their marks don't surprise me.

Gris- they're older and in need of a redesign - they're near the end of their cycle. The Rendevous basically gets replaced next year. Also, their V6 powertrains are the only SUV powertrain to win 4 Top 10 enigne awards.

IMO this is not the same class. Does the Rendevous equal the Highlander right now - not really. However, if this was just the truck based midsize SUVs, with criteria based on why someone chooses these over a crossover - the GM twins would fair better. The Trailblazer isn't a minivan - its not trying to be either - the Highlander and Freestyle are. They are minivans for people too bent against buying a minivan.

[griswold44]

What about the TrailBlazer vs. Explorer? The Explorer is still a competent vehicle, and both were introduced at the same time. Even this review states that the Rendezvous was a mediocre vehicle when it was first introduced

[Strapping.Young.Lad]

well the 2006 Explorer got redesigned....Also the trailblazer did,on a lesser extent!

[griswold44]

Originally Posted by FordRules

well the 2006 Explorer got redesigned....Also the trailblazer did,on a lesser extent!

The 06 Explorer was refreshed (new interior etc.), but it's not a completely new design. The TB probably just got a new grille.

[Strapping.Young.Lad]

Oh...really! I didnt know that...