2011 Chevrolet Equinox Compact SUVs

Chevrolet Equinox

The 2011 Chevrolet Equinox Compact SUVs. The Equinox is a competent crossover that manages to offer fuel economy that rivals many mid-size sedans, the size of many mid-size SUVs and a starting price competitive with compact SUVs.

In terms of size, the Equinox is close to being a midsize SUV. Reviewers offer up few complaints about the Chevy Equinox. Both offer standard V6 power and slightly more cargo space than the Equinox’s 63.7 cubic foot capacity. Though its large for a compact SUV, the Equinoxs low price means many consumers will shop it against small SUV class leaders.

Note that opting for all-wheel drive and/or the V6 engine decreases the Equinox’s fuel economy rating. Equinox LS models now come standard with a compass for 2011.The Chevrolet Equinox is a mid-size SUV offering five-passenger seating and a relatively low price of entry of $23,490.

The front-wheel-drive LS model begins at the aforementioned $23,490, including the $745 destination charge. The vehicle comes equipped with a 2.4-liter direct-injection four-cylinder Ecotec engine delivering 182 horsepower at 6,700 rpm and 172 pound-feet of torque at 4,900 rpm. Also featuring direct injection, the motor has an isolated fuel injector system that promises quieter operation than other DI engines. The 3.0 offers the same horsepower rating as the old 3.6-liter V6.

For 2011, the Chevrolet Equinoxs optional V6 now has E85 capability. Ride quality is another plus, with the Equinox delivering a stable, well-planted ride. The 2011 Chevrolet Equinox is a compact crossover SUV available in LS, 1LT, 2LT and LTZ trim levels.

Every 2011 Chevrolet Equinox comes standard with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 hp and 172 pound-feet of torque. Both engines come standard with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive is optional. An Equinox four-cylinder with front-wheel drive achieves an EPA-estimated 22 mpg city/32 mpg highway and 26 mpg combined. An Equinox V6 with front-wheel drive gets an estimated 17/25/20, with all-wheel-drive versions dropping 1 mpg on the highway.

The 2011 Chevy Equinox comes standard with antilock disc brakes (with brake assist), traction and stability control, front seat side airbags, side curtain airbags and On Star. The Chevy Equinox boasts a stylish cabin filled with premium touches. Adjust the sliding rear seat backward and youll find rear legroom thats the most generous in this segment; the rear seat also reclines for passenger comfort.

Read More

Toyota Recalls Hybrid SUVs

Hybrid SUV

The recall involves about 45,000 Toyota Highlander hybrids and 36,700 Lexus RX 400h hybrids from the 2006 and 2007 model years. Toyota Motor Corp. said today it will recall about 82,200 hybrid sport-utility vehicles to correct an electronic problem that could cause the vehicles to lose power or stop running completely.

At the root of the problem is what Toyota calls the Intelligent Power Module, which is part of the vehicles’ hybrid gasoline-electric power systems. The module has a control board with transistors. In most cases the vehicles will enter fail-safe driving mode, a condition of reduced power under which the cars can still be driven short distances. Owners may contact the car maker at www.toyota.com/recall or 800-331-4331 for the Toyota brand, or www.lexus.com/recall, or 800-255-3987 for Lexus.

If the fuse blows, the hybrid system will stop and the vehicle will coast to a stop. The owners of the effected vehicles will be notified of the recall by first class mail in mid-July, 2011

The car giant said the recall will involve Highlander and Lexus-brand hybrid SUVs from its 2006 and 2007 lines. Wednesdays recall involves about 45,500 Highlander Hybrid and 36,700 Lexus Rx 400h vehicles, the companys U.S. subsidiary said in a news release.

Toyota said the affected vehicles hybrid system has a computer board with inadequate soldering that could be damaged during high-load driving. Saab Automobile, which halted production and stopped paying wages because of a cash shortage, paid its workers the overdue salaries Wednesday and is targeting an assembly restart in two weeks. Swedish Automobile, Saabs Dutch owner, jumped as much as 58% in Amsterdam trading.

Westport Innovations, which develops natural gas engines for heavy-duty vehicles, said Tuesday that it has agreed on a deal with automaker General Motors to help develop natural gas engine technology.

The companies said they will work together to develop natural gas engine controls, emissions and performance strategies. The Canadian company employs 15 people in Farmington Hills and plans to add more people and facilities as demand grows for natural gas-powered, alternative-fuel vehicles.

"The city is excited about that prospect," said Dave Hicks, Moraine city manager. Renault and its alliance partner Nissan aim to reach an agreement next month to assume control of AvtoVAZ, Russias biggest carmaker, two people familiar with the matter said. The Togliatti-based manufacturer dominates the Russian car market with its Lada brand.

Read More

2011 Nissan Pathfinder SUVs

Nissan Pathfinder

The 2011 Nissan Pathfinder SUVs.
The Nissan Pathfinder tries to be both a capable off-road vehicle and a family SUV. While the Nissan Pathfinder is a credible choice for off-roading, reviewers prefer Nissans own Xterra when the pavement ends.

The Nissan Pathfinder is priced around the middle of its class, but its "fuel economy" falls closer to the bottom (though its about average when compared to other off-road SUVs). --The Traverse can seat up to eight (one more than the Pathfinder) has better fuel economy and a smooth ride.

This year is the 25th anniversary of the Pathfinder, so Nissan has added a special Silver Edition to the lineup of Pathfinder trims: the base S, Pathfinder SV, and LE. If you like the Pathfinder, be sure to check out this months Nissan Deals.

The single most distinctive design detail on the Nissan Pathfinder is its rear door handles. The tough Pathfinder features short overhangs and good ground clearance, and its four-wheel-drive system has an electronically controlled transfer case with a separate low range and auto mode that switches to four-wheel mode once slip occurs. Theres a flat-fold passenger seat in front, a 40/20/40-split second row, and a 50/50-split third row. Also, the tall step up to get into the Pathfinder might be challenging for kids, pets, or grandparents. On up level models, the Pathfinder gets flashier wheels, heated seats, Bluetooth hands-free, Intelligent Key, XM Satellite Radio, and upgraded Bose audio with ten speakers—and even a heated steering wheel, leather seats, and wood trim on the top LE.

Two engines, a V6 and a V8, are available; the Nissan Pathfinder is also available in either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. --No matter which trim you select, your Pathfinder’s base engine is a 4.0-liter V6 that gets 266 horsepower and 288 pound-feet of torque. When it comes to off-roads driving, the 2011 Nissan Pathfinder truly shines. The 2011 Pathfinder has two different available engines. Rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive are also both available. Unfortunately, fuel economy is lackluster at best; four-wheel drive Pathfinders with V6 engines get 14 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the freeway.

Standard features include power windows and locks, cruise control, remote keyless entry, tilt steering wheel, leather-wrapped steering wheel, power seats and rear air conditioning.-Standard features available on the Nissan Pathfinder are antilock brakes, side-curtain airbags and front airbags.

If you upgrade to another trim from the base S or want upgraded features, you can choose from moon roof, heated seats, leather seating, heated mirrors, memory seats, Bluetooth connectivity and upgraded audio and technology features.

The "Nissan Pathfinder" has plenty of old-style SUV features, including its basic chassis design. The biggest perk of the Nissan Pathfinder is its off-roads capabilities; drivers who wont be taking advantage of them probably dont need the Pathfinder. The truck-like feel of the 2011 Nissan Pathfinder is definitely one of its biggest drawbacks.

Read More

2011 Toyota RAV4 Compact SUVs Reviews

Toyota RAV4

Toyota RAV4 Compact SUVs. Reviewers call the 2011 Toyota RAV4 one of the most practical and family-friendly SUVs you can buy. The optional third-row seat also helps the Toyota RAV4 stand out. If you like the RAV4, reviewers say you’ll likely be happy with it. The Toyota RAV4 is most often compared to the Honda CR-V. However, compared to a four-cylinder RAV4, the CR-V is tough competition.

That said, the RAV4 is one of the older designs in the compact crossover segment. The 2011 Toyota RAV4 is a midsize crossover SUV. There are three trim levels available: base, Sport and Limited. The base Toyota RAV4 comes standard with 16-inch steel wheels, a limited-slip differential (front-drive models only), air-conditioning, cruise control, full power accessories, keyless entry, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, height-adjustable driver seat and a six-speaker stereo with CD player and auxiliary audio jack. The base V6 4WD adds 17-inch cast-aluminum wheels.

The Toyota RAV4 Sport comes standard with 18-inch cast-aluminum wheels, color-keyed bumpers and sportier suspension tuning. All V6 models add hill-start assist and hill-descent control, which are also standard for the RAV4 four-cylinder with the optional third-row seat.

An Upgrade Value package for the base Toyota RAV4 includes a sunroof, roof rails, privacy glass, 17-inch cast-aluminum wheels, six-disc CD changer, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, upgraded cloth upholstery and a cargo cover. The Premium package available on the Sport and Limited trim levels (though not with the third-row seat) adds leather upholstery and an eight-way power driver seat with power lumbar support. The 2011 Toyota RAV4 comes standard with a 2.5-liter inline-4 engine that delivers 179 hp and 172 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy for this model with front-wheel drive is 22 mpg city/28 mpg highway and 24 mpg combined, and 21/27/24 with 4WD.

The V6 achieves an impressive 19 mpg city/27 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined for the front-wheel-drive Toyota RAV4, and these ratings change only by 1 mpg less for EPA highway when the 4WD model is selected.

Every Toyota RAV4 trim level can be matched with either front-wheel or four-wheel drive. Antilock disc brakes, stability control, traction control, whiplash-reducing front headrests, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags are standard on every 2011 Toyota RAV4. The RAV4s interior boasts a clean design with large, simple controls and lots of storage space. To configure the RAV4 for cargo, all you need to do is flip a lever on the second-row seats.

The 2011 Toyota RAV4 crossover SUV is available with a fuel-efficient 2.5 liter, four-cylinder engine that racks up a healthy 22 city/28 highway MPG and a slightly less gas stingy V-6 that still logs in an impressive 27 highway MPG.
Pricing: Pricing should be around $22,750 MSRP for the base model Toyota RAV4.

Read More