Five SUVs/CUVs to check out
Utility, luxury, economy and affordability — there’s something for everyone is this class
Nothing seems to be slowing the ascent of the SUVs and CUVs in the eyes of B.C. consumers and this crop of five must-sees will only further enhance the segment’s reputation.
Ford Edge ST
Ford adds the coveted ST badge to the Canadian-built Edge, the company’s first SUV to be tuned by the Ford Performance team. The midsized sport-ute is the beneficiary of the most powerful V6 available in its class with a specially tuned 2.7-litre twin-turbocharged EcoBoost engine pumping out 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. It’s also outfitted for more dynamic handling with a quick-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission, standard all-wheel drive with selectable traction control and available performance brake package and ST-tuned sport suspension. A new Sport Mode allows the Edge ST to deliver more aggressive throttle response, with shift patterns that hold gears near redline through cornering manoeuvres.
GMC Terrain
According to GMC, the all-new 2018 Terrain represents the next chapter of the brand’s design, and is packed with more available advanced safety technologies than ever before. A range of three allnew turbocharged engines, including an all-new 1.6-litre turbo-diesel, provides performance, efficiency and capability. The new generation Terrain is the only SUV in its class to offer new 1.5L and 2.0L turbocharged gas engines that are matched with new standard nine-speed automatic transmissions. A new fold-flat front passenger seat and flat-folding rear seat are designed to offer greater versatility for stowing longer items and make it easier to load cargo. The new Terrain also features GMC’s new Rear Seat Reminder and Teen Driver. Rear Seat Reminder alerts drivers to check the back seat as they exit their vehicles under certain circumstances, while Teen Driver allows parents to set controls and review an in-vehicle report card in order to help encourage better driving habits, even when adults are not in the vehicle.
Lincoln Nautilus
This all-new mid-size luxury SUV is the successor to the MKX, joining a stable of new Lincolns, including the 2019 MKC, the Continental, the all-new Navigator, and the MKZ.
The Nautilus moves to an all turbocharged engine lineup for 2019, offering a 2.7-litre engine that delivers an estimated 335 horsepower and 380 lb.-ft of torque. The standard power plant is a 245-horsepower 2.0-litre four-cylinder. Both engines include standard Auto Start-Stop capability, plus an eightspeed automatic transmission. Available Ultra Comfort seats can be adjusted up to 22 ways for personalized comfort, providing lumbar massage designed to reduce fatigue. Developed with input from orthopedic surgeons, this feature is especially beneficial on long trips or while waiting in traffic. Heated and cooled seats are available on the Reserve model. The leather-wrapped, hand-stitched steering wheel is mounted ahead of a 12.3-inch fully configurable digital instrument cluster that displays easy-to-read driver information crisply and clearly.
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
It’s not often Mitsubishi debuts a brand-new model. The right product
at the right time, the Eclipse Cross is a compact crossover competing against a very established list of competitors in one of the hottest automotive segments. Under the Eclipse Cross’s hood is a 1.5-litre turbocharged (a first for Mitsubishi crossovers) four-cylinder with direct injection under its hood, mated to a continuously variable transmission with paddle shifters and an eight-speed sport mode manual override when higher revs are called for. The boosted engine pushes out 152 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 184 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm. Mitsubishi’s integrated vehicle dynamics control system — Super All-Wheel Control — incorporates a brake-activated Active Yaw Control system.
Volvo XC40 R-Design
The XC40 is Volvo’s first entry into the compact luxury SUV segment. As the first model on the brand’s new modular vehicle architecture platform, the all-wheel-drive XC40 will come with Volvo’s T5 Drive-E powertrain — a 258-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder mated to an eight-speed automatic. This is being touted by Volvo as the most powerful base engine in the luxury compact SUV segment. Available in both Momentum and R-Design trim levels, the latter comes with a black roof, 19-inch five-double spoke matte black diamond cut alloy wheel, R-Design grille, 12.3-inch full graphical instrument cluster and R-Design aluminum decor Inlays. Pilot Assist, City Safety and other safety features, as are Sensus navigation, 360-degree camera and Volvo On Call among others.