Best 2010 SUV/CUV Under $35,000

SUBARA CANADA PHOTO

2010 Subaru Outback

Jil McIntosh

SPECIAL TO THE STAR

Three vehicles in the SUV/CUV Under $35,000 category at the AJAC TestFest comprise two old nameplates – Chevrolet Equinox, Subaru Outback – and one brand new one, the Toyota Venza.

All three are available with optional six-cylinder engines, but the tested vehicles were all four-cylinder.

The Chevrolet and Toyota use six-speed automatic transmissions, while the Outback's is continuously variable (CVT).

Equinox and Venza come in front- or all-wheel-drive: Equinox was tested in front-wheel, Venza in all-wheel. Like all Subarus, the Outback is all-wheel only.

In brake testing, all came within 0.4 of a metre of each other. In fuel consumption ratings, Chevrolet is the miser at 9.2 L/100 km city and 6.1 highway (31/46 m.p.g.); Subaru is next at 9.5/6.9 (30/41), while Toyota's rating is 10.2/7.1 (28/40).

Subaru Outback

(672.8 points)

More of a tall station wagon than an SUV, Outback's 2010 renovation includes an all-new platform with longer wheelbase for more interior room, and new rear suspension for better ride and control.

Its 2.5 L horizontally-opposed four-cylinder engine makes 170 hp, and its CVT is wonderfully smooth and responsive. The test vehicle was a base model, which uses Partial Zero Emission Vehicle technology for cleaner emissions.

The other two contenders couldn't quite match Outback's combination of agile handling and communicative steering: this vehicle is great to drive. The base $28,995 price was raised with optional CVT (a six-speed manual is the default), front bumper guard and upgraded tires.

Price as tested: $30,926

Chevrolet Equinox

(648 points)

One of GM's better makeovers, the 2010 Equinox pretty much shares only its name with its predecessor.

The 2009 came only with V6 power; this tested model uses a 182 hp, 2.4 L four-cylinder that feels even peppier than the available new 3.0 L V6. The four is also tuned for maximum fuel efficiency, and uses an innovative noise cancellation system to keep the resulting growl to a minimum; this vehicle is extremely quiet inside.

Handling is very good for an SUV, with relatively little body roll. Several options push the as-tested price above the base $27,725, including cargo management system, Bluetooth, remote starter and satellite radio.

Price as tested: $29,145

TOYOTA VENZA

(630.7 points)

Based on the Toyota Camry platform and built in Kentucky, the Venza uses a 2.7 L four-cylinder, which produces 182 hp.

The most expensive of the three contenders, its base $30,350 tag was pumped with a Premium Package, which added numerous items such as a power liftgate, backup camera, panoramic sunroof and heated leather seats, but even the base model comes generously equipped.

The ride is pliable and handling is good. The interior boasts the most passenger space of the three, but the dash is a mishmash of too many textures, and the too-long gearshift lever just gets in the way.

Price as tested: $33,944

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