Crossovers and SUVs coming in 2019
Something for everyone
Maybe I’m just showing my age, but when I was growing up in the 1960s, my dad’s Jeep Wagoneer — a four-wheeldrive station wagon; the term “sport utility vehicle” had yet to be invented — was pretty unique, certainly in our neighbourhood.
Not anymore. As consumers shed their cars for the higher-riding comfort, ground clearance and all-weather security of crossovers and SUVs, the automakers keep adding models to fill gaps in their product lineups.
With subcompact to fullsized models, basic to opulent, grocery getters to monster-powered sport machines, gas-powered, diesel-powered and now electric, buyers face a dizzying choice, more than 100 different nameplates and multiple trim levels.
Here’s a sample of the newest ones coming your way:
AUDIQ3
The second-generation Audi Q3, now riding on Volkswagen’s MQB modular platform, is longer, wider and has a longer wheelbase, meaning more rear-seat room and a more flexible cabin. The 2019 Q3 will be offered with two updated versions of the ubiquitous 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder. In base form, it makes 186 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, which is less horsepower but more torque than the current model. There’s also a new seven-speed dualclutch transmission. The up-level turbo-four puts out 227 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque and is also paired with seven-speed DCT. All four wheels are driven through a Haldex version of Audi’s Quattro allwheel-drive system.
BMW X7
The 2019 X7 is the new flagship of BMW’s X “sport activity vehicle” lineup, with three rows of seats and, according to the automaker, “new levels of comfort, handling, safety and technology.” The X7 is a seven-seater or, optionally, a six-seater with second-row captain’s chairs. Standard two-axle air suspension, 21-inch alloy wheels and advanced driver-assistance systems ensure that the allnew SAV lives up to expectations. The X7 launches with a choice of two updated gasoline engines. The topline model is the xDrive50i, with a 456-hp, turbocharged 4.4-L V-8. A 335-hp, turbo 3.0-L in-line six-cylinder is found under the hood of the xDrive40i. Both engines route power through an eightspeed Steptronic transmission, while BMW’s xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive ensures maximum traction.
CHEVROLET BLAZER
Slotting between the Equinox and Traverse, the 2019 Blazer (new model, old name) is a mid-sized, five-seat SUV that boasts bold styling. The range includes sporty RS and up-level Premier models. The Blazer is powered by a standard 193-hp, 2.5-L four-cylinder, with 188 lb-ft of torque. A 3.6-L V-6 is also available, offering 305 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque. Both direct-injected engines feature intelligent stop/start technology that shuts off the engine when power is not needed, and both are hooked up with a nine-speed automatic transmission. An advanced twin-clutch AWD system is available.
HONDA PASSPORT
The new 2019 Honda Passport five-passenger SUV slots between the compact CR-V and three-row Pilot in Honda’s SUV lineup. The allwheel-drive Passport is powered by a 280-hp 3.5-L V-6 that puts out 262 lb-ft of torque. The i-VTEC V-6 is mated to the latest-generation of Honda’s nine-speed automatic transmission, offering smooth and responsive power delivery. All models in the three trim levels will have 20-inch alloy wheels, the Honda Sensing suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technology, LED headlights, fog lights, tail lights and DRLs, remote start and entry and threezone automatic climate control. Honda’s latest Display Audio interface with an eight-inch touchscreen, a physical volume knob and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration is also standard.
HYUNDAI PALISADE
Replacing the seven-passenger Santa Fe XL in Hyundai’s crossover lineup is the 2020 Palisade. Power for the three-row, Korean-built crossover comes from an Atkinson-cycle 3.8-L V-6, producing 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. It has an eight-speed automatic transmission and offers both two-wheel and HTRAC four-wheel drive configurations. Driver-selectable Normal, Sport and Smart modes provide confident control in all weather conditions. The Palisade rides on an allnew chassis with superior second- and third-row roominess. Hyundai says efforts were made to reduce noise, vibration and harshness with generous under-hood insulation, sound-deadening carpets and powertrain tuning.
HYUNDAI KONA ELECTRIC
With its stylish, gas-powered Kona selling well, Hyundai throws the Kona Electric into the mix, the company’s first compact electric crossover for the Canadian market. The powertrain employs a high efficiency 150-kW (201-hp) permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor supplied by a high-voltage 64-kWh lithium-ion battery. The motor develops 291 lb-ft of torque, distributed to the front wheels. The crossover’s estimated range is 400 km. A whole host of advanced safety features are available, including lane-keeping assist, blindspot collision warning, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist, parking-distance warning and forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection.
LINCOLN AVIATOR
The 2020 Lincoln Aviator is a new luxury, mid-sized SUV that comes with advanced technologies that let the vehicle kneel to greet you, scan the road ahead for uneven pavement, and allow you to drive away, using your smartphone instead of a key. The three-row SUV comes with available all-wheel drive
and a gas or hybrid powertrain. The twin-turbocharged 3.0-L V-6, paired with a 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission, delivers 400 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. With the hybrid option, the Aviator Grand Touring is expected to produce 450 hp and 600 lb-ft of torque. Lincoln Drive Modes allow owners to customize their drive experience, while a 12.3-inch standard configurable LCD instrument cluster confirms their choices with easy-to-read graphics and prompts.
MERCEDES-BENZ GLE
The new 2020 MercedesBenz GLE, which will arrive later this year, has been completely updated. The midsized crossover will ride on Mercedes’ new MHA platform, which stretches it by 80 millimetres compared with the outgoing model. The GLE 350 4Matic has a 255-hp, 2.0-L turbo four-cylinder engine and the GLE 450 4Matic is powered by a twin-turbo in-line six with 48-volt technology, delivering 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. Both
engines are paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Active Body Control suspension now features an Off-Road Plus setting that lifts the GLE by 50 mm. A third row of seating is offered, and the infotainment system has been completely reworked — the old COMAND system replaced with Mercedes’ new MBUX.
TOYOTA RAV4
The new, fifth-generation Toyota RAV4 is arriving at dealerships now, with Hybrid models to follow in late March. The 2019 model, offered in seven gas and five hybrid trim levels, brings more sport and more utility while improving handling, comfort and fuel efficiency. Styling is more truck-like, an intentional break from other automakers smoothing out their compact crossover designs and adopting more car-like traits. Power is provided by a new 2.5-L four-cylinder paired with an eightspeed automatic transmission in the gas models. In the Hybrid, the engine is teamed with a battery pack and an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission. In addition to standard front-wheel drive, the gas models offer two types of available all-wheel drive.