SUV Research and Video Reviews

The 2019 Ford Explorer is the last model year of the fifth generation and it marks the end of the “crossover” esque version of Ford’s Midsized SUV. There is a new 6th gen coming next year but for now we have our hands on this 2019 model. Prices range from $32,365 for the Base FWD up to $54,165 for the Platinum 4x4.

Subaru has expanded its family both literally and figuratively with the new Ascent. This is a well-made vehicle with a really nice interior and great features. If you need a vehicle to fit a larger family then the 2019 Subaru Ascent needs to be on your shopping list.

Clearly this isn’t an apples to apples comparison with the Ford Edge being a slightly larger vehicle and the Audi Q5 being more upscale. But which is a better value for your money? You have between $40k - $50k to spend on a compact SUV (Crossover) your choices range from the premium luxury sector or a sporty more main stream vehicle. The 2019 Audi Q5 and 2019 Ford Edge ST are not the most obvious rivals but with similar price tags these models could be cross-shopped as 2 different answers to the same question.

Ford is moving away from cars to focus on crossovers, SUVs, and trucks. But this does not mean they are giving up on sporty vehicles and an example you can see here is the 2019 Ford Edge ST. Let's find out if this crossover actually earns those ST badges. Pricing for the Edge ST starts at $42,355.

The competition is tough with the likes of an all new Chevy Blazer and Honda Passport hitting the market. This 2019 Nissan Murano has been refreshed with just enough tweaks to keep it relevant; but is it enough? Prices range from $31,270 for the base S FWD trim up to $45,130 for the Platinum AWD tested here.

Subaru vehicle sales are kicking butt these days thanks to the move toward cars that are focused on safety, reliability, and comfort. This redesigned 5th generation Forester has fallen in line with the family look. Prices range from $24,295 for the Base model up to $34,295for the Touring model. The Limited trim seen here starts at $30,795.

Porsche occupies unique space in the automotive market because its brand is viewed as a high end sports car manufacturer but the truth is Porsche sells more cars in the U.S. than the exotic car manufactures combined. Prices for the 2019 Porsche Cayenne range from $65,700 for the base model up to $124,600 for the Turbo.

The new Cadillac XT4 is a great entry level luxury crossover that looks sharp on the outside, has nicely updated tech on the inside, is very comfortable, and provides plenty of interior and cargo space. Compact crossovers are the moneymakers these days and the XT4 is the smallest crossover in the Cadillac line-up. Is it sporty or luxurious or somewhere in the middle? Prices for the 2019 Cadillac XT4 range from $34,795 for the Luxury FWD trim up to $41,795 for the Premium AWD trim.

The days of the Infiniti EX35 are long behind us. Now we get the QX50 which is a stylish compact crossover. Prices range from $36,550 for the PURE FWD model up to $45,150 for the ESSENTIAL AWD trim. Infiniti has a good thing going with its current vehicle styling. Upfront is the familiar family grille along with a nicely sculpted hood and sharp headlights. Down the side is a bold shoulder line which helps the QX50 stand out from other crossovers.

The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is the wildest vehicle on sale and with good reason. We live in an era of tremendous horsepower and some of you might think that the most mental car out there is some top spec exotic like a Lamborghini. Others might argue that it’s any track focused car like a Porsche 911 GT3 RS. Well just so you know the 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is the most insane of them all.

Newly redesigned for the 2019 model year are 2 compact luxury SUVs: the Acura RDX and the Infiniti QX50. The Acura RDX features a brand new platform, turbocharged 2.0 liter engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and has SH-AWD. The Infiniti QX50 is a dramatic redo complete with great styling, a plush interior, and a VC-Turbo engine.

Crossovers are some of the best-selling vehicles on the market and the Toyota Highlander is one of the safest and smartest choices on the market. The Highlander was revised for the 2017 model year and this is evident with the updated look that is clean and simple. Prices range from $31,230 for the base LE trim up to $46,860 for the Limited Platinum AWD model. The XLE AWD model seen here starts at $40,580. Under the hood you get 2 engine choices. The first is a 4-cylinder that makes 185 horsepower and second is a 3.5 liter V-6 that makes 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft. of torque.

2018 marks the debut of the fourth generation Ford Expedition and this is a huge upgrade. Like the F-150, the Expedition uses a lightweight steel frame and an aluminum body. Prices range from $51,890 for the base XL 4x2 up to $78,865 for the Platinum 4x4 seen here. Under the hood is a turbocharged 3.5 liter ecoboost V-6 that makes 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft. of torque. Fuel economy is 16 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway. The 2018 Ford Expedition Platinum Max is truly world-class with 3-rows of seating without being pretentious.

If you are a fan of German aesthetics or you are into the Volkswagen culture and need a car to move your family around then this is a great option. Volkswagen is making a big bet here in the Unites States, and they are doing so with the introduction of the all new Atlas model. This is the biggest car sold here in North America by Volkswagen; but does it deliver on its big size with big rewards?