Crossovers drive into the 21st century

REUTERS

The 2010 Chevrolet Equinox.

Brian Early

SPECIAL TO THE STAR

Who would have thought, back in the early '80s when the idea of driving a truck-based utility vehicle as a passenger car first gained wide acceptance, that the concept would be running more than 20 years later?

Today there are precious few of these "trucks" that are based on, well, trucks. Most are used as cars and the majority has morphed into "crossovers," often sharing their basic unibody chassis design with a sedan or minivan in their manufacturers' product line.

2010 Cadillac SRX

Cadillac bucks the industry trend of bigger and more powerful with its 2010 SRX. Whereas the current SRX is based on the previous generation CTS sedan's greasy bits, the new SRX will be closely related to Chevrolet's Equinox.

Although slightly wider, the new SRX is smaller, even losing the option of a third row of seats. You could consider it "rightsizing."

Now strictly a five-seater, the more curvaceous SRX is powered by smaller engines, both paired with a six-speed automatic and optional all-wheel drive (front-wheel drive is standard).

The current entry level engine, a 3.6-litre V6, is replaced by a related 3.0-litre V6, which provides a gain of 5 horsepower (now 260), thanks in part to direct fuel injection. GM anticipates 10 to 15 per cent fuel economy improvements.

The top-dog SRX motor used to be the 4.6-litre Northstar V8. A turbocharged and direct-injected 2.8-litre V6 (from Saab) fills that role now. With 300 hp, it gives up 20 horses, but performance is likely to improve, as I expect the new SRX to be substantially lighter than before.

2010 CHEVROLET EQUINOX

The pride of Ingersoll, Ont., Chevrolet's Equinox has undergone its first redesign, becoming more efficient, better dressed and slightly tidier in its dimensions.

For the first time, the five-passenger Equinox offers a choice of engines, including four-cylinder power. The four is a 182 hp, 2.4-litre Ecotec unit; the previous Shanghai-built 3.4-litre pushrod V6 is gone, replaced by a modern, 255 hp, 3.0-litre V6 engine. Chevrolet claims that the four cylinder provides highway economy gains of up to 25 per cent. Both motors feature direct fuel-injection, both are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, and AWD remains optional (front-wheel drive is standard).

The Equinox's styling, inside and out, is said to be inspired by the current Malibu – not a bad thing, particularly inside, where the current Equinox stood to benefit most – and the available content levels have increased notably, with Bluetooth, backup camera, dual-screen rear-seat DVD system and a powered tailgate now Equinox options. Fortunately, the current model's handy sliding rear seat remains.

2010 Lincoln MKT

Surprisingly faithful to the swoopy MKT concept shown at last year's Detroit Auto Show, the Lincoln MKT is a seven-passenger crossover based heavily on Ford's much boxier Flex, and effectively replaces the Aviator SUV.

While the MKT's nomenclature may cause buyers confusion within the Lincoln family (which also includes MKS, MKX and MKZ), the MKT's exterior styling, which features the division's new split-grille look and full-width tail-light bar, is unmistakably Lincoln.

The Oakville-made MKT's base engine is a 268 hp, 3.7-litre variant of Ford's Duratec V6. A twin-turbocharged, 355 hp, 3.5-litre version will be optional. Both pair with a six-speed automatic and AWD is optional with the 3.7 litre engine, standard with the boosted 3.5 litre.

The MKT offers a number of safety features developed by corporate sister Volvo, such as BLIS blind-spot monitoring and collision warning with brake support – even the MKT's basic architecture is loosely based on Volvo's S80.

As befits the MKT's intended audience, a comprehensive feature list is either available or standard; THX-II 5.1 surround audio, adaptive HID headlights and even Active Park Assist self-parallel parking ability can be had.

2009 Toyota Venza

The Venza perfectly illustrates how fragmented the crossover market has become, filling the gap between the automaker's compact RAV4 and the recently enlarged Highlander in Toyota's truck line, while slotting in above the Corolla-based Matrix in its car line.

A crossover in every sense, the five-passenger Venza is a mixture of Camry and Highlander, and offers buyers a choice of 182 hp, 2.7-litre four cylinder or 268 hp, 3.5-litre V6. A six-speed automatic sends power to either the front or (optionally) all four wheels.

Priced aggressively in base form (starting at $28,270), the Venza offers a number of features that allow it to encroach on sister-division Lexus' RX 350.

These include a panoramic glass roof, self-dimming HID headlights, navigation and proximity-sensing keyless entry with push-button start. Even the available satin finish plasti-wood trim looks rich and convincing.

It may share the Highlander's 206 mm ground clearance, but standard low profile 19- and 20-inch tires (four cylinder and V6, respectively), a firm ride and car-like styling reveal the Venza's true pavement-bound mission.

2010 Volvo XC60

Seen last year in Toronto as a concept, Volvo's XC60 furthers the evolution of Volvo's boxy form into something strangely svelte and attractive.

It also introduces the Swedish automaker into the crossover segment's hotly contested premium compact niche, a group that includes Acura's RDX, the upcoming Audi Q5, BMW's X3 and the new Mercedes GLK 350.

Canadian XC60s will come with a 281 hp, turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six cylinder engine, a six-speed automatic and all-wheel drive.

The five-passenger XC60 will come standard with Volvo's new "City Safety" system, a laser-based obstacle detection system that can actively apply the brakes in an effort to prevent or mitigate a collision.

Other systems, optional and not, include lane departure warning, distance alert, stability and roll control and a plethora of airbags.

Interestingly, while Volvo considers the XC60 to be "the safest vehicle Volvo has ever produced," it has given its new compact a more sporting, driver-oriented focus, equipping it with the Four-C variable shock absorber damping control system that it pioneered successfully in its street-weapon S60/V70 R models a number of years ago.

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