2010 CUV Buyer’s Guide
Acura MDX
The Acura MDX features a fresh new exterior look for the 2010 model year, along with a revised powertrain that includes a new Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission backing up a revised V6 engine with 300 hp. Chassis refinements include suspension and body rigidity improvements. Available advanced technologies include Blind Spot Information System, Active Damper System with “Comfort” and “Sport” modes, radar-based Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Mitigation Braking System. Infotainment includes 8-inch navigation screen, rear view camera, rear entertainment system, and an enhanced audio system with 15-GB HDD and USB port.
Acura ZDX
Crossovers certainly encompass a wide range of designs, and that range has been made a bit wider with the new Acura ZDX, described by Honda as a four-door sports coupe. Indeed, the ZDX features coupe-like styling with panoramic glass roof, hidden rear door handles and bold fender flares. The sloping roof does exact a penalty in interior space; adults approaching six-foot tall will notice a dearth of headroom in the rear seat. Under the hood is the proven 3.7L V6, driving through a new-for-Honda 6-speed automatic transmission, Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ and 19-inch wheels.
Audi Q7 TDI
Audi entered the large diesel SUV arena in 2010 with the Q7 TDI. The 3.0L V6 generates 406 lb-ft of torque, and puts it through a 6-speed automatic and, of course, quattro all-wheel drive. Acceleration with all that torque is impressive – in the 8-second zone to 100 km/h – and so is fuel economy, consuming but 8.2L / 100 km on the highway, and towing capacity, some 2,500 kg. A number of luxury options are available including MMI® Navigation Package with 3D topography, Audio Package with ten-speaker Bose® sound system, Advanced Parking System with Rear View Camera, and Adaptive Air Suspension.
Ford Flex
The Ford Flex gets a major freshening for 2010, with the big news being the availability of the twin-turbo direct-injected 3.5-litre EcoBoost™ V6 engine with 355 hp, making for a rapid people mover with towing capability of up to 4,500 pounds. New for 2010 are Active Park Assist, Autofold 60/40 second-row bench seat, and MyKey™ programmable vehicle key, that allows parents to limit top speed, wheelspin and audio volume. Taller drivers who need the front seat all the way back will be glad to know there is now a much-needed telescoping steering column.
Honda CR-V
The redesigned 2010 Honda CR-V adds refinements and upgrades to both the exterior and interior, in addition to new features, improved fuel economy and more power. Horsepower for the 2.4-litre 4-cylinder is up 14 to 180 horsepower, with improved city/highway fuel economy. New on the outside are front fascia, grille and bumper, a re-sculpted hood, and a new rear bumper shape. Inside, Bluetooth® is now included with the Satellite-Linked Navigation System™, auto on/off headlights have been added to the CR-V EX, and the front seats have wider centre armrests on all models.
Hyundai Santa Fe
The Hyundai Santa Fe gets its mid-cycle refresh in 2010, with several important upgrades. A new 2.4L four-cylinder replaces the previous 2.7L V6, but both fuel consumption and acceleration are improved with the smaller engine. A new 3.5L V6 replaces the old 3.3L and also offers those improvements. Both drive through a new six-speed automatic. The exterior has new front and rear end designs and a new alloy wheel. Inside, navigation with rear-view camera is available, as is a CleanAir Ionizer.
Hyundai Tucson
The Hyundai Tucson is making the leap into being a more mature vehicle for 2010, as the popular compact crossover grows in design, refinement, equipment and fuel economy, but not in price. Indeed, the mid-level GLS AWD automatic has more equipment than the comparable previous model, but costs less. Gone is the previous 2.7L V6, replaced by a new 2.4L four with 176 hp, more than the V6 had. This modern four plus lower weight and new six-speed automatic yield vastly better fuel economy numbers. The design of the new Tucson has swoopy curves, muscular stance and a distinctive grille design that is the new face of Hyundai.
Kia Sorento
After several years as a real SUV with body-on-frame design, the all-new Kia Sorento is a unibody crossover. So, the original’s toughness and off-road capability is to be traded for refinement, comfort and car-like attributes, which most people want these days anyway. Reflecting the times, the Sorento gets a new 2.4L four-cylinder engine, while retaining a V6 option. The new model is significantly larger, and offers a third-row seat, which should attract more family buyers. It will be built in a new plant in Georgia.
Kia Soul
Kia joined the “hip to be square” crowd of youth-oriented crossovers in 2010 with the Soul. It is front-wheel drive, with 1.6 or 2.0L engines, and manual or automatic available. Kia has made the Soul “customizable,” and one of the factory options is a 315-watt stereo with iPod controllability from the steering-wheel controls and groovy glowing and pulsing speakers in the front doors. Lots of other dealer-installed options are available in the areas of appearance, cargo utility, and all sorts of performance add-ons like lowering springs, cold-air intake and big wheels.
Lexus RX350/RX450h
The Lexus RX models are all new for the 2010 model year. A revised, more responsive and more fuel efficient 3.5-litre V6 with 275 hp is mated to an all-new six speed automatic. The RX450h full hybrid has even more power and, of course, fuel economy. Both come standard with all-wheel drive, although the systems are quite different – the hybrid’s includes an electric motor driving the rear wheels. New technology includes Organic LED display, Heads-up Display, and Remote Touch navigator, similar to a computer mouse. The optional 15-speaker Mark Levinson® Surround Sound system has 7.1-channel surround sound.
Lincoln MKT
The Lincoln MKT full-size three-row luxury crossover debuts in 2010 with a full suite of high-tech equipment, led by the EcoBoost turbo V6 and Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Warning with Brake Support, Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Alert, and Active Park Assist, which is by far the easiest to use of such systems on the market, being based on ultrasonic sensors as opposed to video cameras. Just push a button after lining the MKT up as directed, and it gets parked. A good technology for what is a large vehicle.
Lincoln MKX
The 2011 Lincoln MKX mid-size crossover is brought into line stylistically, getting rid of the “early-’60s” grille in favour of the split-waterfall design that has been well-received on other Lincolns. Under the hood is the new 3.7L TiVCT direct-injection V6 with 305 hp (an increase of 15 percent over the previous V6) and 280 lb-ft of torque. The interior is all-new and more refined, with many new comfort and convenience features.
Mazda CX-7
For 2010, the Mazda CX-7 gets a styling refresh inside and out, plus engineering changes. A naturally-aspirated 2.5L four-cylinder with 161 hp is now available with lower operating costs. Work has been done on the chassis to lower NVH levels and add torsional rigidity, handling, comfort and stability. Front and rear fascias are revised with more of a Mazda family look. More soft-touch material is used inside for a higher-quality look, and the steering wheel is new with more function controls. The dashboard is revised with a new Multi-Information Display.
Subaru Outback
The fully-redesigned fourth-generation Subaru Outback is all-new for 2010, with new engines and more interior room. The standard 2.5L boxer four can be had with 6-speed manual or CVT automatic, while the 3.6L boxer six (replacing the previous 3.0L) is optional, with 5-speed automatic. A PZEV model is available for ultra-low emissions. Symmetrical AWD is, of course, the drivetrain. Vehicle Stability Control is now standard, as is 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat including power lumbar support, and navigation is available.
Volvo XC60
After launching almost a year ago, the Volvo XC60 has since then added a new engine, the normally-aspirated inline-six found in many 
other Volvos, joining the T6 turbo engine. The XC60 T6 will also be offered with a new R-Design package to heighten the visual appeal and handling of the vehicle. Equipment includes exterior styling pieces such as 20-inch alloy wheels, unique grill and mirrors, skid plate, exhaust pipes and fog lights, plus a firmer, sport chassis. For the interior, the R-Design adds unique steering wheel, floor mats, sport pedals and sport dials. Volvo City Safety continues to stop the XC60 when the driver is distracted.
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