Top four large SUVs for the family

Jil McIntosh

SPECIAL TO THE STAR

Wheels’ Jil McIntosh lists her top large SUVS

Buick Enclave, $43,750-$52,775 (FWD), $46,750-$55,775 (AWD)

This was the vehicle that helped turn Buick around after it was introduced in 2008. Luxuriously styled and with a new focus on interior design, quality materials and fit and finish, it got many younger drivers into this brand that’s traditionally a favourite of older buyers.

Several competitors have since caught up to its level of interior comfort, but it’s still a nicely-styled model that seats 7 or 8 people, depending on the trim level, and comes in front- or all-wheel drive. It’s powered by a gutsy, 288-horsepower, direct-injection 3.6 L V6 engine with six-speed automatic transmission. Despite its size, the driving experience is more like piloting a sedan, with responsive handling and a ride that’s pliable enough to tackle nasty pavement, but not so soft that you feel like you’re steering a marshmallow.

More: Three questions help determine which pickup truck to buy

More: These four affordable, mid-size SUVs are worth a look

All models include tri-zone automatic climate control, power liftgate and satellite radio, with the upper trim levels adding heated and cooled seats, power-adjustable steering wheel and backup camera. Those sitting in the third row will find the cushions hard, but there’s more legroom and headroom than with many other three-row SUVs. The Enclave can get pretty expensive at the top end. Price-conscious buyers can check out its siblings, the Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia, which don’t have as many luxury features but provide the same engine and interior room for less money.

Nissan Pathfinder, $37,948-$47,748

SUVs originally started out as trucks with enclosed bodies. Over the years, most have gone to unibody construction, since the resulting lighter weight gives a more car-like ride and improves fuel economy. But there’s still a segment of buyer who wants those truck-tough characteristics, and Nissan caters to them with its Pathfinder. Originally truck-based, it was redesigned into a unibody and then, surprisingly, back to its truck roots.

This body-on-frame construction gives it a firm ride and bigger-vehicle handling, but it’s a compromise many buyers are willing to make in return for its excellent off-road and towing ability.

It uses a 266-horsepower, 4.0 L V6 engine with five-speed automatic transmission. Its two-speed 4WD transfer case has high and low settings that are strictly for slippery off-road surfaces, but it also has an “Auto” setting that lets you drive in four-wheel on paved roads. Towing capacity is up to 2,722 kg (6,000 lbs.), which is more than some full-size pickup trucks. Standard or available amenities include navigation, leather seats, heated steering wheel and hard disk drive stereo. Its interior is looking a little dated, but it can make a great alternative to a pickup for hauling boats or snowmobiles to the cottage, especially since its second- and third-row seats fold entirely flat to handle your gear.

Subaru Tribeca, $38,995-$45,495

Subaru’s top-line SUV isn’t the most stunning for style, and its flowing dash design is a bit over-the-top, but it’s well finished inside and very nice to drive. The first- and second-row seats are comfortable, too, even on longer drives.

It uses a 256-horsepower, 3.6 L horizontally-opposed six-cylinder engine with five-speed automatic transmission. Like all Subaru models, it comes standard with the company’s “symmetrical” all-wheel drive. It sounds like it’s equal power to all four wheels, but that’s not quite how it works: Under normal driving conditions, the rear tires receive slightly more power, although the system will go to 50/50 if required. Rather, it means that the engine and driveline components are arranged symmetrically along the car’s longitudinal axis, which gives the Tribeca a smooth, balanced driving feel.

The third row is a tight fit and best reserved for small children, but the second and third row fold flat for cargo space. A power sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, backup camera and windshield wiper de-icer are all standard features. The price of the 2012 top-line Premier trim line drops by $3,700 versus the 2011 model (MSRP), but it no longer includes a rear-seat DVD player, although its in-dash navigation system remains.

Ford Explorer, $29,999-$44,199

Ford’s venerable Explorer underwent a complete redesign for 2011, transforming from a rear-wheel drive, truck-based model to a unibody that uses either front-wheel drive or a front-biased AWD system. Engine choices are a 290-horsepower, 3.5 L V6 (that’s almost as powerful as the V8 found in the old model) or a new EcoBoost 2.0 L four-cylinder that uses a turbocharger to make 240 horses. It also makes more torque than the V6 while consuming less fuel.

The interior is quite handsome, and the standard third-row seating is fairly roomy and easy to access. Both rows fold flat. Opt for the AWD system and you get a dial that’s “Off-Road for Dummies”: spinning it will set the system to optimum performance for snow, mud or sand. There’s also a button that activates a hill descent control, borrowed from the F-150 Raptor off-road truck, which lets you crawl slowly down steep off-road hills without using the brakes. For an SUV that’s moved away from its truck-style roots, it’s surprisingly capable for those who go off the beaten path.

For those who don’t, the paved-road ride is smooth and supple. Its “Curve Control” system, part of the electronic stability control, will help slow you down if it figures you’re taking a highway off-ramp too fast, while optional airbags in the rear seatbelts help if you still manage to get into trouble. Techno-fans will probably love the MyFord Touch system, which controls the entertainment, navigation, climate and phone functions; others will just find it frustratingly fiddly and annoying.

jil@ca.inter.net

More videos from Wheels.ca and our partners