Buick Enclave
Highlights: Buick enters the increasingly popular crossover segment with the slightly larger than midsize Enclave. Standard power is from a 3.6-liter, 275-hp V6 and is available in either FWD or AWD form and offers seating for up to eight passengers.
Base price: $30,000 (est.)
What’s next: New, so minor additions.
AutoWeek‘s opinion: Appears to be an impressive crossover, and impressive is something Buick needs.
Ford Edge
Highlights: The new Fusion-based crossover hopes to put Ford at the front of the fast-growing segment with bold styling, utility and respectable fuel efficiency. A 3.5-liter, 265-hp V6 is connected to a six-speed automatic and is available in front- and all-wheel-drive forms. Options include a trick glass panoramic roof, navigation and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system.
Base price: $25,995
What’s next: New for 2007.
AutoWeek‘s opinion: Ford’s CUV blitz comes at the right time and propels the blue oval into instant crossover contention.
GMC Acadia
Highlights: GMC storms into the popular crossover game with the midsize Acadia. Standard power is from a 3.6-liter, 275-hp V6 and is available in either FWD or AWD form. Offers seating for up to eight passengers. Six standard airbags, tire pressure monitor, StabiliTrak and traction control for FWD models standard.
Base price: $30,000 (est.)
What’s next: New, so minor additions.
AutoWeek‘s opinion: Appears to be an impressive crossover and strong addition to the GMC line.
Lincoln MKX
Highlights: Lincoln is ready and waiting to help feed the demand for crossovers with the MKX. Power comes from a 265-hp V6 in either front- or optional all-wheel-drive variants. Sharing the Fusion/Milan/MKZ platform with four-wheel independent suspension enables the MKX to provide a car-like ride with efficient fuel economy. The roomy interior features a panoramic roof, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats and available THX audio system and navigation.
Base price: $34,155
What’s next: Nothing planned at the moment.
AutoWeek‘s opinion: Crossover luxury with cool panoramic roof option, but not so sure about the cheese-grater grille.
Mazda CX-9
Highlights: After dismissing MPV from the States, Mazda introduces the CX-9 to take over people-mover duty. The midsize crossover features the longest wheelbase in class and third-row seats. A 3.5-liter V6 powers the package in either front- or all-wheel-drive. Roll stability control and side-curtain airbags come standard, while a Bose stereo system and navigation are optional.
Base price: $29,630
What’s next: New entry.
AutoWeek‘s opinion: Crossover craziness continues.
Also to consider
BMW 3-Series wagon; Buick Rendezvous and Terraza; Cadillac SRX; Chrysler Pacifica, Town & Country; Dodge Magnum; Ford Freestyle; Honda Odyssey; Infiniti FX35/45; Mercedes-Benz E-Class wagons; Subaru Outback; Toyota Sienna.
