crossover

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2012 Nissan Rogue Review: Confidence, efficiency, keen styling for small cross-over SUV

By Mary Ellen Ash The 2012 Nissan Rogue is a new candidate in the ever popular small cross-over utility vehicle class, and the automaker hopes to attract buyers with a strong mix of attractive exterior styling, interior refinements and nimble road handling. Even though this is the kid-sister of the Nissan SUV family, the Rogue leaves a lasting impression. Key Takeaways Test car: the 2012 Rogue SV, front-wheel drive, with the upgraded SL package, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder rated at 170 horsepower and a continuously variable transmission. 23 mpg city, 28 highway, 25 combined by EPA estimate; 26 mpg recorded over a week of mixed driving. Cargo: 28.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 57.9 cubic feet with them folded

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2012 Ford Edge EcoBoost Review: Surprising performance, extra fuel efficiency

Placing a small 4-cylinder engine inside a mid-size SUV might seem like a bad idea, especially for power-hungry American drivers. Yet, this is exactly what Ford has done with the 2012 Edge EcoBoost mid-size crossover. Fortunately, this motor is an overachiever. The 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine features direct injection, twin independent variable camshaft timing, and a turbocharger that spools up to 16 psi of boost. Output is 240 hp at 5500 rpm and a healthy 270 lb-ft of torque from 3,000 rpm. The end result of this unusual arrangement is a surprising level of real-world performance. The beefy torque response makes for effortless everyday driving, and the engine is impressively smooth and quiet. If you didn’t know it, you’d never guess

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2012 BMW X6 Review: Sturdy crossover has keen craftsmanship, hefty price

Now approaching its fourth birthday, the BMW X6 is touted as a Sports Activity Coupe. It’s a mixed, odd offering: a small, luxury sport utility vehicle meshed with a high-performance sports coupe. It’s built with the X5, it similar sibling (they share platforms) in Greer, South Carolina. In addition three standard offerings, including a turbocharged V8, a hybrid X6, called the BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid, debuted in 2009. Key Takeaways Test car: the base xDrive35i, with a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine rated at 300 horsepower. $58,900 to $89,500 price range for the 2012 X6 lineup. 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds and 16 mpg city and 23 highway. Handling: The X6, like other BMWs, is firm, confident and safe. Acceleration: Surprisingly

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2012 Toyota Prius V Review: Family wagon boasts best crossover hybrid mpg

Toyota introduces the 2012 Prius V to the growing family of Prius models. Additionally, a compact version and a plug-in model are scheduled for release later in 2012. Defying classification, the Prius V blends the space and utility of a family wagon, small crossover, and SUV into a vehicle easy on the environment and capable of getting better than 40 mpg. Our week with the Prius V and several hundred miles rewarded me with 41 mpg overall. Fuel economy numbers are very good and Toyota claims the Prius V has the best fuel economy rating than any SUV, crossover, or wagon on the market. What they do not mention is the agonizingly long wait for the Prius V to attain

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2011 Nissan Murano Review: No beauty queen, but makeover works

Those who want a sporty crossover vehicle with SUV utility should check out the 2011 Nissan Murano. The second-generation Murano, one of the original “crossover” vehicles, benefits from improved styling and a solid reputation for comfort, performance and utility. The technically advanced Murano was introduced seven years ago and was overhauled for 2009. While no beauty queen despite a sculptured exterior, the latest Murano looks better, thanks to a revised grille and front bumper and freshened taillights. There are redesigned standard 18-inch aluminum wheels and 20-inch alloy wheels for the top-line LE trim level. All 2011 Muranos also have interior and content additions, and there’s a new mid-range   SV model. Key Takeaways Test car: the Murano SV with all-wheel drive,

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