The Best Mid-Size SUVs

For those drivers looking for not only the sturdy and attractive build of a sport utility vehicle, but also for the compromise between a large size and compact size SUV, the mid-size ones will be the right choice for you. The top three models are the 2012 Buick Enclave, the 2012 Mazda CX-9 and the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse.
The 2012 Buick Enclave is the best mid-size vehicle in its class. As the premium brand of General Motors, the selling price of the Enclave starts from $36, 915 to $45,303 with optional features. The Buick's size makes it a suitable vehicle for the family, and its easy and smooth riding experience will make long family trips enjoyable. The critics highly praise the Enclave's impressive handling abilities. However, as the Enclave is not designed for speed, this car is not a suitable choice for those drivers in need of speed. The interior of the vehicle is not only designed with a sense of elegance, sophistication, modernity and class, but it is also created with the user's comfort and ease of usage in mind.
The next best mid-size model is the 2012 Mazda CX-9. This Japanese model starts selling at an average price of $28, 680 but this can go up as high as $33, 773 if you choose to install additional features. The Mazda is a perfect vehicle for those not wanting to sacrifice a sports car-like driving performance for passenger and cargo space. Despite its size, auto reviewers were impressed with its exceptional and smooth handling. The car is also great for families as its three rows of seating are not only spacious, but comfortable. In addition to its driving performance, the CX-9 offers a host of safety features such as the blind spot monitoring system. There are also various luxury technological items like navigation with real-time traffic and DVD entertainment.
The next model is also an American born, much like the Buick. The 2012 Chevrolet Traverse comes a bit pricier than the Mazda, as it sells from $29, 836 to $41, 035, but with favorable reviews from auto critics, the vehicle is a worthy investment. The Traverse is recommended for large families as it has a seating capacity of seven to eight people. Although it has the functionality of a minivan, the Traverse still preserves its sleek and polished look. Another feature that has critics applauding the Traverse is its near perfect crash test scores, given by renowned parties such as the NHTSA and IIHS.
Mid-size SUVs are a good combination of the right size, strength, performance and looks for drivers looking for ones that offer not only a spacious interior and a strong build, but also a smooth driving experience.

The Top 3 Luxury SUVs With the Best Gas Mileage

Fuel economical luxury vehicles are the most sought after kind for most drivers. Although this kind of SUV is much more expensive than their conventional counterparts, the amount of money it saves from decreasing fuel consumption will be the driver's most worthwhile long-term investment. Among the wide ranges of such vehicles available in the market, the three models that have come out on top are as follows.
The model that takes first place is the Lexus RX450h. This hybrid driving machine sells at a starting price of $43, 935. Being a hybrid vehicle, it greatly decreases the overall fuel consumption, with a great average gas mileage of up to 32 miles per gallon for city driving. Apart from its great fuel saving abilities, the 450 is also packed with technological features such as Bluetooth, dual zone climate control and power front seats. Aside from its widely applauded exterior, which is both sophisticated with a touch of elegance, this Lexus was also the top safety pick of several auto reviewers.
Another SUV that is great with its gas mileage is the Ford Escape Hybrid. The price of the Hybrid starts at $30, 110. With a four-cylinder engine with 177 horsepower that can fill up to 2.5 liters of fuel, this Ford can accelerate from zero to sixty miles per hour in under ten seconds. It has been named by some reviewers are the most fuel efficient vehicle of its kind in the current market. Although it can boast on this accolade, the Hybrid needs a lot of upgrades to be done to its otherwise bland and standard features, such as the non-sliding seats. However, it does include features such as Bluetooth and dual zone climate control.
The third model with great mileage on gas is the hybrid from Toyota, the Highlander. This vehicle sells at a starting price of $37, 490, and has a larger 3.5 liter V6 engine with 280 horsepower. The powerful engine allows the Highlander to accelerate from zero to sixty miles per hour in 7.4 seconds. However, it is more highly recommended for families rather than car enthusiasts due to its less than smooth riding experience. Another reason why families would love the Highlander is because of its seating capacity of seven people in a spacious and comfortable seating space.
Vehicles that are great at cutting the cost of fuel consumption with their excellent gas mileage are becoming more popular among drivers. The 450h, Escape, and Highlander are the top picks for SUVs with the best gas mileage.

The Most Fuel Efficient SUVs

SUVs come in all shapes, sizes, colors and classes, but when you compare all the compacts, luxuries, mid-sizes and crossovers in terms of their fuel efficiency, these three models, the Audi Q5, Mazda Tribute and Ford Escape Hybrid, take top honors.
The most fuel efficient sport utility vehicle is the Audi Q5. This European car sells at a starting price of $35, 200, although the price can go up as high as $42,500 with the installation of additional features. In terms of its fuel efficiency, the Q5 is able to cover 20 miles with a gallon of fuel for urban driving, whereas a drive on the highway with a distance of 27 miles is possible with the same amount of fuel. This vehicle has a seating capacity of up to five adult passengers. With its spacious and comfortable leg room, passengers will not have to feel squeezed in into a narrow space. The Audi also sports the classic, sleek and elegant Audi look, reminiscent of the cool, sophisticated look of a European design. Besides its fuel efficiency, spacious interior and classy exterior, the Q5 is also highly praised for its exceptional driving experience.
Not far behind the Q5 is a SUV from Japanese carmaker Mazda, the Mazda Tribute. This one sells at a starting price of $20, 555, although the price can increase up to $27, 315. In terms of fuel efficiency, the Tribute can easily cover 23 miles in urban driving per gallon, whereas it covers an impressive 28 miles in highway driving per gallon. Overall, the vehicle has a fuel capacity of 17.5 gallon. Another aspect that is praised in the Tribute is its very user-friendly layout and controls, so drivers would not have to fiddle around trying to figure out what each control meant. Its smooth riding experience is also well approved by critics.
The final model is the original hybrid vehicle in the sport utility vehicle category, the 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid. For $27,000 the Escape impressively covers 36 miles per gallon for city driving, and 31 miles per gallon for highway driving. It can also accelerate from zero to sixty miles per hour in under nine seconds. As the first one in the market, the Escape may have had to face dozens of other competitors, but its smooth and easy driving experience is what makes it a crowd favorite.
SUVs are gaining popularity among car enthusiasts and family drivers alike due to its durability and practicality. Now, added with features that allow them to be fuel efficient, they are going to be a market favorite for a long time.

2012 Ford Escape - 4 Cylinder Crossover SUV

The 2012 Ford Escape is a compact crossover 5-passenger SUV. The automotive press has praised its myriad of high-tech features and automated parking function, but it lacks overall refinement and functionality compared to competitors. Three trim levels are available with MSRP ranging from $21,440 to $26,370.
Engine, Drivetrain and Suspension Specifications
All three versions come with a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 171 horsepower and that uses a choice of five-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox; this can be upgraded to a 240-hp 3.0-liter V6 and six-speed automatic on all but the basic XLS model. Both front- and all-wheel drive are available. Fuel economy ranges from 18 mpg city/23 highway to 21/28 depending on the combination of engine size and drivetrain chosen.
Exterior Features
The base XLS model comes with standard liftgate flip-up glass and optional roof rack and crossbars. Upgrading to the XLT gains standard automatic headlights, fog lamps, privacy glass, and roof rack side rails. Options include roof rack crossbars, integrated side step bars, power moonroof, and heated side mirrors. The high-end Limited edition includes the previous standard features and makes the heated side mirrors and roof rack crossbars standard as well. Options consist of rearview camera, Active Park Assist, reverse sensing system, integrated side step bars, and power moonroof.
Interior Features
The XLS comes with message center, mounted coat hook, battery saver, and split folding rear bench seat. An auto-dimming rearview mirror, retractable cargo cover, and remote starter are optional. The XLT adds standard leather-wrapped steering wheel, compass, outside temperature display, overhead console with storage bins, illuminated vanity mirrors, power driver's seat, and eco-friendly seats. Optional features include ambient lighting, retractable cargo cover, remote starter, heated front seats, and premium leather seating. The top-of-the-line Limited gains standard ambient lighting, retractable cargo cover, and leather seating. Options consist of dual-zone automatic climate control, universal garage door opener, and remote starter.
Entertainment System
All three versions come with standard CD system, four speakers, and audio input jack. The XLT adds standard SiriusXM Satellite Radio and optional premium sound system upgrade with voice-activated SYNC, while the Limited adds standard SiriusXM and SYNC and optional premium sound system upgrade and voice-activated navigation system.
Safety
Standard safety devices on all three models include Personal Safety System, traction control, stability control, ABS, front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, side curtain airbags, LATCH system, and tire-pressure monitoring system. On the NHTSA crash tests, the Escape earned an overall rating of just three stars out of five. On IIHS testing, it rated "Good" for frontal-offset and side-impact tests, while the roof strength test results was "marginal."
In summary, Ford's Sync system connects to your smartphone and MP3 player, thus allowing you to issue voice commands to control your entertainment features. The interior looks attractive but lacks comfort and space. Reviewers note that the Escape is pleasant to drive but lags behind competitors when it comes to sophistication and ride quality; the Escape feels like a truck.

SUV's Appear to Be Safer Than Cars - Are They?

The majority of SUV advertisements feature the developing companies touting the safety of their respective vehicles; despite the fact that a SUV is actually more dangerous to be a passenger in than that of a car. There is a measurably comparable difference between what occurs to each during the same circumstance.
Typically, when a car swerves to avoid an object the combined effect of a low center of gravity and the majority of the weight being lower on the car cause a car to slide on its tires as opposed to flipping over. This is illustrated by the fact of the typical car needing to be turned to an almost 90 degree angle before it will topple over, which is the complete opposite of an SUV and trucks that have been lifted.
These taller vehicles, typically with their weight disproportionate, as it is centered to the top of the vehicle, are much easier to flip. This is seen mainly when the vehicle is required to swerve to avoid an object, such as another car. It seems contradictory to tout the safety of a vehicle that, when attempting to avoid a crash, typically crashes itself.
While the two aspects of height and gravity are great for the off-road capabilities, having a top heavy vehicle with a high center of gravity is the direct cause for the ease of which the vehicle rolls and typically killing the occupant. Nearly ten thousand people die each year due to being ejected from their vehicle during a roll, with 74% of people dying from full body ejections in the past 6 years.
There are considerably less full body ejections from a car due to the vehicle having such a low center of gravity and rarely flipping in crashes. Cars are designed to skid primarily to avoid ejecting their passengers. This is because the tires of a car, when a force is applied to push the car back, will lose friction and slide before they flip over.
Increasing the ease of which a high-rise SUV or truck will flip is one of the primary reasons lift kits and large tires are not the factory standard, and the risk the driver adds to each drive is rarely mentioned in the sale of these items. The higher the truck, and the wider the tires, the easier it is to lose traction and flip the vehicle over typically ejecting the driver and resulting in, at the very minimum, severe injury.

Get an Affordable View From the Top in a Hyundai Ix35

Whether you prefer to call it a crossover, a compact SUV, a soft roader or recreational vehicle, one thing you definitely want to call the Hyundai ix35 is your own. When the Korean car manufacturer announced that it would be replacing the legendary Tuscon, everybody knew it had big tracks to fill. And did it ever. With soaring sales and a thumbs up from the industry and public alike, the Hyundai ix35 is growing in popularity and reputation. It even cracked a 6th position in the 2010 South African Car of the Year Awards.
The Hyundai ix35 gets a second glance, every time. Moving away from the typical square SUV lines, the ix35 incorporates Hyundai's fluidic styling inside and out, which is clearly visible in its bonnet creases, swept back head lights, side contours and sloping tail gate. Its bold hexagonal grille, large alloy wheels and wide stance in turn give it a powerful presence, both on the road and on your driveway.
The interior has modern sophistication written all over it. Besides quality trim and finishes, Hyundai has also fitted every feature to make your driving experience enjoyable. Facing the driver is an informative blue LED light cluster and trip computer, which can be set to display information that's important to you. Other features that put the fun into functional include air conditioning to keep you cool, cruise control on most models that does the thinking for you and an audio system that lets you choose to listen to music your way - whether tuning into a radio station, popping in a CD or connecting to your MP3 player, USB device or iPod®.
It's a general belief that bigger vehicles are inherently safer. This certainly is the case with the Hyundai ix35, but it's also the vehicle's standard active and passive features including ABS, EBD, crumple zones, side impact beams, a collapsible steering column and all-round airbags, that play a part. Another size advantage is space. An increased rear overhang allows for very generous luggage room, while clever storage compartments take care of the rest.
The one thing on the Hyundai ix35 that surprises all is its price. Retailing from a mere R259 900 at local Hyundai dealerships in South Africa, it's more affordable than you'd expect and with low fuel consumption figures and a 5 year/90 000km service plan, it won't cost you an arm and a leg to maintain. It also spoils you with choice. The ix35 range offers both petrol and diesel engines, 4x2 and 4x4 drivetrains as well as manual and automatic transmission options. All you have to do is find your perfect match.

Top Things You Can Do To Prolong the Life of Your Jeep

Many Jeep lovers know that in order for their Jeep to keep running properly it is important to take some preventative measures. By performing necessary repairs and maintenance when they are needed and recommended you can help keep your Jeep running for years to come.
If you depend on your Jeep for off-roading adventures it is even more important that it is always kept in the best running condition as possible. Putting off the necessary maintenance that all vehicles need can result in a problem going unnoticed and becoming more difficult to repair later. What we are going to do is provide you some of the most beneficial steps to take in maintaining your Jeep and prolonging its life.

• Whenever you fill up your gas tank you should also check the oil level, washer fluid level and check your windshield wipers.
• At least once a month you should check the tire pressure, tread wear and clean the battery connections to avoid corrosion from building up. You should also check the levels on the coolant, brake fluid and power steering fluid adding more if needed.
• When you change your oil you should also inspect the exhaust system, brake lines and rotate the tires if needed.

By performing these simple maintenance steps you can save yourself a lot of money spent on repairs down the road. These steps will also help you ensure that your Jeep is always in proper working order and safe to take off-roading. The more preventative measures you take the safer your Jeep will be on surface roads as well as off-roading trails. If you notice that something on your Jeep that needs repair, you may want to go ahead and try to perform simple repairs on your own. Some basic repairs that can be performed are changing belts, hoses and filters. If you are more experienced in performing repairs on your Jeep you can attempt harder repairs such as replacing parts of your engine, repairing brakes and electronic components. Performing any of these repairs on your own will help you avoid costly repairs performed by a mechanic.
If any repair becomes more than you anticipated when you first began, it may result in you having to take your car to a mechanic where it can cost even more to repair. To avoid having this happen to you, always carefully determine the extent of the repair needed and determine if it something within your skill range. If it is not something that you can perform on your own you may need to get estimates from mechanics who can successfully make the repair without costing your any extra money after you have attempted the repair. Jeep ownership can be full of fun and adventure, but to keep enjoying your Jeep for as long as possible you should take the proper steps to help keep it in its best running condition.