IS THERE STILL A MARKET FOR THREE ROW SUV’S?

The KIA brand is demonstrating how to hedge its bets in the current automotive market. On one hand the carmaker offers small fuel efficient and fully electric passenger vehicles. On the other hand as Bumpe2Bumpertv shares the company is offering potential buyers some real options for those who want extra seating space, cargo capacity and towing capability.

A THROWBACK LOOK WITH CURRENT TECHNOLOGY.

Not so long ago several automakers offered hatchback models to make compact vehicles more attractive. The KIA brand has revived that idea in the K4 hatchback and Bumper2Bumpertv finds it has some practical features.

A RIGHT SIZED TRUCK FOR THE SMALL JOB?

A few automakers are offering smaller trucks for drivers who don’t need a lot of cargo capacity. Bumper2Bumpertv has a look at the Hyundai Santa Cruz which is unashamedly a variation of the Tucson SUV.

LARGE AND EFFICIENT ???

Hyundai may have found “the secret sauce” to build a family sized SUV that could be a workhorse and efficient at the same time? Bumper2Bumpertv thinks the hybrid Santa Fe might just fit the bill

A SMALL SUV THAT IS MORE THAN CAPABLE.

The Subaru Outback XT matches off road capability with some pretty good technology. Bumper2Bumpertv takes a look at the Indiana built crossover and what is under the skin.

MAZDA’S CX-70 MAKES ITS DEBUT!!

Mazda is now offering another entry in the midsize crossover segment with the CX-70. Bumper2Bumpertv has an early look at the two row unit and where it fits in the brand’s lineup.

THE AUDI Q7 A BRIDGE VEHICLE TO ELECTRIFICATION

As Audi and other auto makers start the transition to fully electric vehicles it is worth the time to appreciate what technology is already available in current platforms powered by gasoline. Bumper2Bumpertv has a look at how that works in the Q7 Crossover.

FORD F250 MORE THAN JUST AN ALTERNATIVE TO AN SUV

Many drivers have switched to light duty pickup as daily drivers trucks in recent years. Bumper2Bumpertv has a look at a medium duty truck, the F250 which does a lot more than fill a desire for an alternative to a sedan or SUV

HYBRID STANDOFF, WHICH IS BETTER HONDA CR-V OR TOYOTA RAV4?

With a lot of hybrid vehicles on the market Bumper2Bumpertv is looking at two models in the small SUV segment. We find both have strong points and some shortcomings. Which one do you think is better?

Honda Passport gets new skin and tech upgrades.

The 2019 Passport from Honda has undergone some design changes to give it a more rugged look. Bumper2Bumpertv reports that in addition it also got some tech and safety upgrades that are worth checking out.

Stylish and capable. The Mercedes E450 4matic.

In the luxury segment there are plenty of SUV’s , crossovers and well appointed sedans. But there are only a few true wagons for the niche and Bumper2Bumpertv came to appreciate how the Mercedes E 450 manages to stand out in that group.

Mitsubishi Outlander GT, a step above the ordinary.

The Outlander GT tries to put more muscle into the crossover. But as Bumper2Bumpertv finds, there are still a few shortcomings with the platform.

Honda Pilot Elite, a second look.

Is it a minivan? Is it an SUV? Is it a crossover? Bumper2Bumpertv has a second look at the Honda Pilot to figure out what the vehicle can really do.

Cadillac XT5

THE AUTO PAGE

By John Heilig

• MODEL: 2017 Cadillac XT5 Platinum AWD
• ENGINE: 3.6-liter V6 
• TRANSMISSION: 8-speed automatic 
• HORSEPOWER/TORQUE: 310 hp @ 6,700 rpm/271 lb.-ft. @ 5,000 rpm 
• WHEELBASE: 112.5 in. 
• LENGTH X WIDTH X HEIGHT: 189.5 x 75.0 x 66.0 in. 
• TIRES: P235/55R20 
• CARGO: 30/63 cu. ft. (2nd row seats up/down) 
• ECONOMY: 18 mpg city/26 mpg highway/26.0 mpg test 
• FUEL TANK: 22.0 gal. 
• CURB WEIGHT: 4,257 lbs. 
• COMPETITIVE CLASS: Audi Q5, Acura MDX, Jeep Grand Cherokee 
• STICKER: $63,845 (includes $995 delivery, $350 options (cargo net))
• BOTTOM LINE: The Cadillac XT5 is an elegant mid-size SUV with everything you would expect from a Cadillac, styling, performance and luxury.
  

            Classified as a small SUV/Crossover, the Cadillac XT5, which replaces the SRX, is closer to what I would consider a mid-size. It is comfortable (and a comfortable size), with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. But the XT5 is in all ways a Cadillac.

            Cadillac’s XT designation will be on all the brand’s crossovers, and the XT5 is the first of four Cadillac crossovers to appear in the future. 

            Power is very good from the venerable GM 3.6-liter V6. It offers good acceleration, even though the XT5 weighs more than two tons. There is the important ability to accelerate and maintain speed and keep up with the ambient traffic. Despite its weight, handling of the XT5 is good, with a tendency to lean slightly in hard corners.

            The transmission shift pattern is different. Push the button on the side of the shifter and push up and to the left for reverse. Down for drive. Push the “P” button on the top of the shifter to park. It is a very short learning curve.

            Three drive modes are available - Tour, AWD, and Sport -  and you can switch among them with a pushbutton on the center console. Most of the time we kept it in Tour.

            The interior’s combination of leather and a suede-like fabric adds to the elegance. The combination of black and tan, with wood accents, is stunning. Care was put into the placement of all the elements, so there is none of the slapdash look you find in some other vehicles.

            Instrumentation is clear and complete. White-on-black round gauges face the driver. There are two major dials plus four accessory gauges arrayed at the top of the instrument panel. There is an information panel between the tachometer and speedometer that we set for a digital speedometer. Since we also had a heads up display plus the analog speedometer, this was redundant, but you can never have too many speed indicators.

            In the center is a standard GM infotainment screen. The navigation system was easy to program a destination into, even between states. We took the XT5 on a NY Thruway-center trip and had to program our destination in order to assure that we hit the right exit. 

            We had excellent performance from the HVAC and audio systems.

            Since on our long trip we visited my 93-year-old sister, I was somewhat concerned about her ability to get into the XT5. She had no problems, and commented that getting into the XT5 was easier than getting into some other vehicles she rides in.

            Front seats are comfortable on long rides. There is excellent rear seat legroom, with the standard pair of cup holders in a pull-down armrest. Rear seats, as well as fronts, are heated. The rear seats recline slightly and slide fore and aft. For privacy, the rear side windows are darkened. The rear seat backs also fold easily to increase cargo capacity, but this wasn’t necessary as I was able to fit my golf bag in the back without folding the seats. 

            Owners who choose to travel with pets can fit a medium-sized dog crate in the cargo area without folding the rear seat backs. 

            There is a large sun roof that extends all the way back to the rear seats. Only the front half opens, however.

            Unique to the XT5 is the inside rear view mirror. While it can be set for normal reflection, it can also be set to give a video view of what’s following you. Since the field of vision is wider with this setting, and the view is from a lower angle, it can be disconcerting at times. For example, you look at the grille of the vehicle behind you rather that at the driver. It is, however, much clearer than the standard mirror. It is also quite practical if you have a car full of people and/or cargo and can’t see in the standard mirror. 

            All in all the Cadillac XT5 is a very nice package. It combines styling and performance with decent economy. 

(c) 2016 The Auto Page Syndicate

Honda Pilot --getting long in the tooth

The Honda Pilot has not changed much since its introduction as a 2008 model. Bumper2bumpertv thinks it is about time for a serious engineering and styling upgrade to what was supposed to be a serious entrant in the Crossover/SUV segment.

2014 Toyota 4Runner

There are new headlights and body panels on the 2014 Toyota 4Runner and as Bumper2Bumpertv has learned a healthy respect for the tried and true is still evident. Here is a quick look at one of the few vehicles that is still considered an SUV.