Utility tops priority list for many
PEOPLE-MOVERS: Pacifica aims to redefine minivan segment and compete with popular SUVs and CUVs
Sport utility vehicles (SUVs) have come a long way since the days of the old International Travelall. Now, there are many choices and alternatives in the segment, including the more car-like crossover utility vehicles (CUVs) that sell like hotcakes.
Take a look at the newest vehicles, starting with the 2017 Cadillac XT5. This is the first Crossover (X) Touring (T) 5 for Cadillac, and the model is a luxury tour de force that starts with a lightweight structure to provide nimble and agile driving dynamics. According to Cadillac, the XT5 has a lean, taut, liquid quality to the body-panel surfaces with flowing, uninterrupted lines separated by crisp edges. The same V-6, 3.6-litre engine found in the ATS and CTS sport sedans provides the power in the XT5.
While it’s not an SUV or CUV, the all-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica does slot into the category as a purposeful people-hauler. The Pacifica has been re-engineered from the ground up and offers bold, sculptural styling that should help redefine the minivan segment. Chrysler offers the Pacifica with a choice of two powertrains, including a hybrid version that will see the van travel 48 kilometres solely on electric power. The gasoline-powered models are equipped with a 3.6-L V-6 engine that makes 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque.
Chrysler has thought of just about everything with the Pacifica — there’s even an optional on-board Stow ‘n Vac system to make cleaning up cookie crumbs a snap.
Jaguar has a cat in the CUV game, and it has dubbed its vehicle the F-Pace, or as they see it, “the world’s ultimate practical sports car.”
The F-Pace is a performance crossover that’s been designed and engineered to offer Jaguar’s renowned agility and responsiveness, with F-Type-inspired features such as the powerful rear haunches, fender vents and distinctive tail-light graphics. The bold front grille and muscular hood hint at the performance potential of engines that include the available 380-h.p. supercharged V-6. The powertrain range will also include a 180-h.p. 2.0-L diesel engine and a 340-h.p. V-6 gas engine. The F-Pace seats five adults.
Also take a look at the all-new fourth-generation 2017 Kia Sportage. This compact CUV has been redesigned with a stiffer structure, new suspension and advanced driverassistance systems, all wrapped up in new sheet metal. The Sportage has a stretched wheelbase, and the overall length of the CUV has also grown. Short front and rear overhangs show off how far the wheels have been pushed to the corners of the Sportage, and power for the base and mid-range models is a 2.4-L gas engine that makes 181 h.p. and 175 lb.-ft. of torque. The SX Turbo version has a more powerful 2.0-L turbocharged engine under the hood that’s good for 240 h.p. and 260 lb.ft. of torque.
Don’t miss the Lexus RX 350, all new for 2016 and now in its fourth generation. Lexus says the all-wheeldrive luxury sport utility vehicle has been redesigned to include “seductive styling, inspiring innovation and dynamic performance.” Anchoring the RX 350 is the Lexus hallmark spindle grille, now even larger and with a chrome-plated trim ring and new L-shaped headlights. Powering the RX 350 is a 3.5-L DOHC V-6 gas engine, and the SUV can be upgraded with F Sport, Luxury or Executive packages to further increase the prestige.