The automotive word “crossover” is essentially a new term, referring to the most popular bracket currently growing in the automotive industry. Opinions vary; many feel that a crossover is simply a tall, front-wheel-drive (FWD) based vehicle that has optional all-wheel-drive (AWD). These voices share the belief that a Crossover cannot have a heavy frame or large power-train like conventional SUVs or trucks.
So what do you think? What are the special combinations that make a proper Crossover?
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This is one of the smallest and most inexpensive AWD Crossovers in the US market. The standard (and only) engine is a 143 horsepower 2 liter 4-cylinder that is mated to a 5 speed or an optional 4 speed automatic transmission. 2009’s new standard gizmos include a pocket sized GPS and stability control system. The SX4 has lots of room for a vehicle this size. A three mode (AWD) system gives the SX4 more capability than many (more expensive) crossover SUVs.
Available in AWD or FWD, the Lexus RX 350 comes standard with a 270 horsepower (making 251 lbs feet of torque) 3.5-liter V6 engine. The Lexus RX 400h uses a high-voltage inverter and powerful electric motors to generate increased torque. Front and rear high-output, permanent-magnet electric motors coupled to a 3.3-liter V6 produce a combined gas and electric output of 268 horsepower.
The 2009 Ford Escape has had some cosmetic changes, keeping the styling in line with other Ford trucks. There are two engine options available with the gas only models. The base model has a 171 horsepower (that makes 171 lbs feet of torque) 2.5 liter 4-cylinder engine. This is the only power-plant that has an optional 5-speed manual transmission option (FWD only). The optional engine is a 240 horsepower (making 223 lbs feet of torque) 3.0 liter V6. The Hybrid uses a gasoline powered 153 horsepower (with 136 lbs feet of torque at 4,500 rpm) 2.5 liter engine. 4-cylinder is the only engine choice. The gas engine is coupled to a Permanent Magnet AC synchronous motor producing 94 horsepower.
The Saturn Outlook has the interior size of many full size SUVs with the exterior dimensions and efficiency of a mid sized SUV. With a 281 – 288 horsepower V6 (depending on options) and real room for up to 8 adults, the easy driving Saturn Outlook is a great way haul the family in any weather. This Saturn has a very competitive maximum towing capacity of 5,200 lbs.
The base motor is a 187 horsepower (186lbs feet of torque) 2.7 liter 4-cylinder. The 270 horsepower (248 lbs feet of torque) 3.5-liter V6 is the most powerful engine option. Optional transmissions for the gas engines are a 5-speed and 6-speed automatic transmission (the hybrid uses an electronically controlled CVT). The hybrid has a 208 horsepower (with 212 lbs feet of torque) 3.3 liter V6. The electric motor’s power output is 167 horsepower. For the 4WD hybrid version, an additional 68 horsepower electric motor powers the rear wheels.