Crossover SUV Buying Guide

Acura's luxury crossover gets its mid-cycle refresh for 2010. Updates include new exterior styling, new 6-speed automatic transmission, and new safety and convenience features. Of these new features are more use or Milano Leather, new gauges, and a revised center-stack button layout. What was once a great crossover contender is even better.

MSRP: $42,230 - $53,755
Base Engine: 3.7-liter V6 with 300 hp
Base EPA mpg: 16 city/21 hwy/18 cmb

Model Highlights
Every MDX comes with a standard Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive System
Tech package adds Acura Navigation with real-time weather radar on maps
Seats up to 7 passengers

Getting a mild facelift for 2010, the Audi Q7 continues to offer a lot of luxury, cargo room and safety features to the highly saturated luxury SUV market. Working against the unimpressive fuel economy on standard fuel models, the Q7 TDI gives a stump-pulling 406 lb.-ft. of torque while returning 17/25 mpg for the over 5,000-pound vehicle. Add in Audi's all-wheel drive and optional air suspension to keep the handling athletic despite the imposing heft and size.

MSRP: $46,900 - $61,000
Base Engine: 3.6-liter V6 with 280 hp
Base EPA mpg: 14 city/19 hwy/16 cmb

Model Highlights
Diesel engine option gives excellent fuel economy
New 3rd-generation MMI (Multi Media Interface)
Superior interior design and craftsmanship
5-star crash test rating for front and side impacts

What BMW calls the first-ever "Sport Activity Coupe" is the X6's showcase of questionable function matched with unquestionable performance. The 2011 xDrive35i model has the new single-turbo, 3.0-liter engine for more power and efficiency. Both it and the xDrive50i get a new 8-speed automatic transmission and a regenerative braking system that helps power the vehicle's electronics. As if the X6 weren't mind altering enough, there is the option of a 480-hp ActiveHybrid X6 that features around 17 highway mpg or the certifiably insane X6 M, whose all-wheel-drive 555-hp combination somehow also manages 17 highway mpg. Huh? The X6 is too heavy for a sport coupe, too impractical for a small SUV and too pricey for an impulse buy, but it's different and it's a BMW.

MSRP: $56,500 - $88,900
Base Engine: 3.0-liter turbocharged inline 6-cylinder with 300 hp
Base EPA mpg: 17 city/25 hwy/20 cmb

X6 M, where M stands for mental
Interior similar to X5, well built and luxurious
Less cargo capacity than a Hyundai Tucson
Maybe a used one will be cheap three years from now

Until the Enclave came to market, Buick didn't really have any serious contenders in its model line-up. The Enclave proves that space, practicality, luxury and value can be wrapped up in one vehicle, and has done wonders for the Buick brand. Fro 2011, very little has changed. There's a few new color options (Cyber Gray Metallic, Dark Ming Blue and Gray Green Metallic) and a new 19" 9-spoke chrome-clad wheel replaces the old 7-spoke chromed aluminum wheel on the CXL2 and CXL1 trims.

MSRP: $35,615 - $44,095
Base Engine: 3.6-liter V6 with 288 hp
Base EPA mpg: 17 city/24 hwy/19 cmb

Model Highlights
Can seat up to eight passengers
Available with front-or all-wheel-drive
Can tow up to 4,500 lbs. when properly equipped.

Minivans are so 2000...or at least Chevrolet likes to think so. The front- or all-wheel-drive Traverse crossover replaced the discontinued Uplander minivan in 2009, and carries into 2010 mostly unchanged. It's a very compelling alternative for potential Tahoe buyers that don't need all of the Tahoe brute.

MSRP: $29,224-$39,985
Base Engine: 3.6-liter V6 with 281 horsepower
Base EPA mpg: 17 city/24 hwy/19 cmb

Model Highlights:
Seating for up to 8 passengers
5,200 pound towing capacity
USB port included with premium radios

Prior to 2011, the Explorer wouldn't be on this list. As up to now, the Explorer was a truck-like body on frame SUV. Switching to the car-like unibody platform not only helps with ride comfort, but also increased interior space and fuel economy, In fact, Ford claims the new Explorer will achieve best-in-class fuel economy along with bleeding-edge technology, and class-exclusive safety technology. If you're a Facebook user, you already know this as Ford introduced the all-new 2011 Explorer exclusively through social media.

MSRP: Not available at publication
Base Engine: 3.5-liter V6 with 290 hp
Base EPA mpg: Not available at publication

Model Highlights
AdvanceTracwith RSC features Curve Control functionality
All-wheel-drive system features off-road-ready terrain management system
Can tow up to 5,000 lbs. when properly equipped.

Somewhat following General Motor's lead, Ford replaced its minivan offering with the fun, functional, and funky Flex. For 2011, Ford adds the luxurious Titanium package featuring blackout treatments to the lamps, unique interior and exterior accents, and painted luster nickel 20-inch five-spoke wheels. The Titanium and Limited trims also get one-touch power folding 50/50 split third-row seats.

MSRP: $29,075 - $45,185
Base Engine: 3.5-liter V6 with 262 hp
Base EPA mpg: 17 city/24 hwy/19 cmb

Model Highlights
Optional EcoBoost turb-charged 3.5=liter V6 outputs 355 horsepower.
All Flexes feature a 6-speed automatic transmission
Can accommodate up to seven passengers.

The Acadia is based off of the same architecture as the Traverse, and Enclave. If you're looking for a crossover that packs maximum luxury, 2011 brings the Acadia Denali trim. With it is a chrome honeycomb grille, revised bodywork, HID headlights, and 20-inch chrome wheels. Inside is increased leather, wood-grain accents, heated and cooled front seats, premium acoustics, and increased sound deadening.

MSRP: $31,840 - $45,220
Base Engine: 3.6-liter V6 with 288 hp
Base EPA mpg: 17 city/24 hwy/19 cmb

Model Highlights
Three rows of seats accommodate up to eight passengers
Standard OnStar with 6-months free subscription
10-year 100,000 powertrain warranty

The Accord Crosstour is an all-new crossover wagon for 2010. In other words, it's an Accord hatchback with controversial styling, a slightly higher ride height and available all-wheel drive. While it features a quieter ride and more cargo space than the Accord sedan, it's not as versatile as some other small crossovers with third-row seats and larger cargo holds.

MSRP: $29,670 - $36,220
Engine: 3.5-liter V6 with 271 hp
Base EPA mpg: 18 city/27 hwy/21 cmb

Model Highlights
Five-speed automatic transmission
Up to 51.2 cu. ft. of cargo space
10-way power front driver's seat
Dual-zone automatic climate control

The FX might be the most sporty crossover in this list, with it's aggressive styling, rear wheel drive and optional 390 horsepower 5.0-liter V8 engine. Little has changed for 2011, except for a new standard power rear lift gate, standard 20-inch wheels (on the FX50), and black lacquer interior trim.

MSRP: $42,850 - $59,000
Base Engine: 3.5-liter V6 with 303 hp
Base EPA mpg: 16 city/23 hwy/19 cmb

Model Highlights
Available rear active steering helps improve handling and low speed maneuverability
Standard audio is a Bose-tuned 11-speaker system.
FX35's 3.5-liter V6 produces 303 horsepower

Kia's midsize crossover is completely new for 2011, making it a leader in affordable crossovers. Most notable is its upscale interior, USB and Bluetooth connectivity, voice activated navigation, sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, and stylish exterior.

MSRP: $19,995 - $29,095
Base Engine: 2.4-liter 4-cylinder with 175 hp
Base EPA mpg: 21 city/29 hwy/24 cmb

Model Highlights
3.5-liter V6 produces 276 horsepower
Standard 10-year 100,000-mile warranty.
Hill assist control temporarily applies the brakes when accelerating from a stop up hill.

All-new for 2010, the MKT is Lincoln's version of the Ford Flex. That said, the MKT offers more luxurious styling, ride and features, while maintaining the Flex's efficiency and practicality. Stand out optional features include a fixed glass roof, 10GB music juke box, 110-volt power outlet, and push button start.

MSRP: $44,200 - $49,200
Base Engine: 3.7-liter V6 with 268 hp
Base EPA mpg: 17 city/23 hwy/19 cmb

Model Highlights
Available Active Park Assist helps the driver parallel park the MKT hands-free.
Optional EcoBoost 3.5-liter V6 produces a potent 355 horsepower.
Optional adaptive cruise control allows the driver to set a maximum speed, and the MKT will automatically follow the car in front appropriately.

The 2010 CX-9 large crossover also receives exterior and interior freshenings. The attractive interior offers two-tone leather, gorgeous red and blue gauge illumination, plenty of legroom and easy third-row access. And like the smaller CX-7, the CX-9's inspired styling and handling set it apart from its competitors. Available options include navigation, a rear-seat entertainment system, and two different rearview cameras. It falls short in number of useful storage compartments, but that's a small price to pay when everything else is so good.

MSRP: $28,635 - $34,045
Engine: 3.7-liter V6 with 273 hp
Base EPA mpg: 16 city/22 hwy/18 cmb

Model Highlights
Smooth and comfortable ride
Up to 101 cubic feet of cargo space
Highest crash test safety scores
Available blind spot warning system 

In 2010, Tribeca adds a third row to grow to 7-passenger capacity. All-wheel drive, a stylish interior and excellent safety ratings come with every Tribeca. Many appealing features can be had within Tribeca's model line, including navigation, Bluetooth, backup cameras and premium audio. Unfortunately, heavy competition in the midsize SUV class makes the Tribeca just a good fish in a big pond of good to great fish.

MSRP: $30,495 - $35,795
Base Engine: 3.6-liter 6-cylinder with 256 hp
Base EPA mpg: 16 city/21 hwy/18 cmb

Good performance and smooth, comfortable ride
Stylish and futuristic interior design
Respectable list of standard equipment
5-star crash test ratings for front and side impacts

It drives like a car and can tow like a truck -- the Highlander is one well-rounded midsize crossover. Its relatively boxy shape gives it a spacious interior, and a third row of seats is even available, though it will only comfortably fit pre-adolescents. A clever second-row design allows easy access to the back. The 4-cylinder engine will get you where you need to go with admirable fuel economy, but the 270-hp V6 gives a better balance between performance and gas consumption. For 2010 a sunroof is available on base 4-cylinder models, while a rearview camera can now be had on base V6 models.

Base MSRP: $25,855 - $34,670
Base Engine: 2.7-liter 4-cylinder with 187 hp
Base EPA MPG: 20 city/27 hwy/22 cmb

Model Highlights
Available 270-hp V6 is a popular (and good) choice
Complete set of standard safety features, including seven airbags
Up to 95.4 cubic feet of storage space with second and third rows folded
Can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped

Can't decide between a station wagon and a crossover? The Venza is your answer. Falling between the Camry and Highlander in size, the Venza proves to be the perfect in-between. Available with either a 2.7-liter 4 cylinder or a 3.5-liter V6 in either front- or all-wheel drive, and packing features such as iPod connectivity, Bluetooth, 60/40 reclining fold-flat rear seat, and homelink standard across the line, the Venza is ready for any lifestyle. All it's missing is a third-row seat.

Base MSRP: $26,275
Base Engine: 2.7-liter 4 cylinder with 182 HP
Base EPA MPG: 21 city/29 hwy/24 cmb

Model Highlights:
Perfect 5-star crash test scores in frontal- and side-impact government crash testing
Optional 3.5-liter V6 engine produces 268 horsepower
All Venzas feature a 6-speed automatic transmission
20-inch wheels are standard on the V6-powered Venza

The XC90 hails from the time when crossover vehicles were in their infancy. Released in 2003, it was quite unique at the time, and while the present model is fundamentally the same, it's still a very safe, compelling choice in the segment.

MSRP: $38,200 - $48,000
Base Engine: 3.2-liter 6-cylinder with 240 hp
Base EPA mpg: 16 city/22 hwy/18 cmb

Model Highlights
Seating for up to seven.
Optional 4.4-liter V8 produces 311 horsepower.
Front-wheel-drive is standard, and all-wheel-drive is optional.