The Mercury News

Meet the all-new SUVs for 2019

They run the gamut, from big to small, family-friendly and flat-out sporty

- By Jim Gorzelany CTW FEATURES

Sport-utility vehicles, whether small and sporty or large and family-minded, have fast become the rides of choice in U.S. Taller rooflines and ride heights afford easier entry, roomier interiors, added cargo room, and better outward visibility than passenger cars, and lose nothing in terms of drivabilit­y.

Here’s a look at seven allnew SUVs that are debuting in dealer showrooms for the 2019 model year:

Audi’s new flagship crossover SUV combines elements of luxury, sportiness, and utility. A rich-looking interior is fitted with Audi’s reconfigur­able virtual cockpit instrument panel, and the latest version of its touchpad-controlled MMI media system. There’s a 3.0-liter, 340-horsepower supercharg­ed V6 engine, eightspeed automatic transmissi­on, and standard all-wheel drive system that’s rear-biased for a livelier feel. The Q8’s optional air suspension enables a taller ground clearance for modest off-roading.

Cadillac broadens its SUV lineup with this compact luxury crossover for 2019. It features a stylish exterior and an appropriat­ely plush and purposeful interior with many high-tech touches. A 2.0-liter, 237-horsepower turbo-four engine comes with a nine-speed automatic transmissi­on, and all-wheel drive is optional. A driver select mode allows a motorist to fine tune the XT4’s dynamics, while an available active sport suspension helps maximize the vehicle’s ride and handling abilities over various surfaces.

Chevrolet brings back the Blazer in early 2019 as a fivepassen­ger crossover SUV. It packs either a 2.5-liter, 193-horsepower four-cylinder engine, or a 3.6-liter V6 with 305 horses. A nine-speed automatic transmissi­on is included, with all-wheel drive optional. A standard traction select system includes multiple driving modes to handle challengin­g conditions. Able to tow 4,500 pounds, the Blazer offers Chevy’s hitch guidance and hitch view rear-video display features to help make connecting a trailer easier.

The three-row Lincoln Aviator debuts in early 2019 to replace the MKT, and features styling that’s inspired by the larger Navigator. Power comes from a twin-turbocharg­ed engine, and the rear/all-wheel drive crossover will also be offered in a plug-in hybrid variant. A spacious cabin can be fitted with 30-way adjustable, heated, cooled and massaging front seats. A suspension preview feature uses cameras to scan the road ahead, and automatica­lly adjusts the shock absorbers to counter changing road conditions and maintain a smooth ride.

The new five-passenger Nautilus replaces Lincoln’s midsize MKX crossover for 2019. A spacious and tastefully designed cabin can be fitted with a concealed charging pad to wirelessly power smartphone­s. A choice of two turbocharg­ed engines includes a 2.0-liter 245-horsepower four, and a 2.7-liter 335-horsepower V6. An evasive steering assist system monitors slower moving traffic and stationary vehicles, and helps the driver steer around them in an emergency.

The curvy midsize iPace is Jaguar’s first full-electric vehicle. A 90kWh lithium-ion battery pack affords a range of around 298 miles; its twin electric motors produce the equivalent of 395 horsepower, which allows the iPace to reach 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. A public rapid charger can bring back 80 percent of the battery’s power in 40 minutes, while a full charge at home takes around 10 hours. A perfect 50:50 front-to-rear weight balance, low center of gravity, and a sophistica­ted suspension combine to deliver agile handling.

Styled with gentle curves and featuring the brand’s spindle-shaped front grille,

the compact UX affords agile handling abilities. Inside, it can be dressed up with leather upholstery that’s inspired by a customary Japanese quilting technique. The UX 200 comes with a 2.0-liter,

168-horsepower four-cylinder engine, and a new direct shift-CVT automatic transmissi­on that enables quicker accelerati­on. All-wheel drive is optional. The UX 250h includes a four-cylinder hybrid drive system for improved fuel economy. F-SPORT versions deliver a sportier look and feel.

 ??  ?? 2019 Audi Q8
2019 Audi Q8

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