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Posts Tagged ‘2006 Compact SUV’
 The Escape Hybrid is Ford’s first entrant into the hybrid segment. Now in its second year of production, Ford’s Escape Hybrid adds a reshuffled options package and a new available paint color. The automaker says the SUV yields a 50 percent fuel-usage improvement in city and highway driving. The Escape Hybrid also meets Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) requirements. Ford promises acceleration that rivals V-6-powered models. Other changes are minimal. Like other Escapes, the Escape Hybrid seats five occupants. A battery charge/usage gauge sits on the left side of the dashboard. Ford’s hybrid system allows the gas engine and electric traction [...]
 Early in 2004, BMW launched the X3, which is a smaller version of the X5. BMW brought serious sportiness into the sport utility vehicle field when it rolled out the midsize X5, which it dubbed a sports activity vehicle. Among utility vehicles, Compact SUVs are the least costly and offer the best fuel economy. Most utilize a car-type chassis and are not designed for heavy-duty, off-road use. The X3 2.5i equipped with a 2.5-liter engine has been discontinued for the 2006 model year. Audio systems became MP3-compatible for 2006. An automatic transmission was a no-cost option for the 3.0i, which got [...]
 Ford’s first car-based sport utility vehicle debuted for the 2001 model year as a result of Ford’s controlling interest in Mazda, which produces the similar Tribute SUV. Given a fresh look inside and out for 2005, the Escape got a new 2.3-liter Duratec four-cylinder that develops 153 horsepower. For the first time, four-cylinder models were available with an optional automatic transmission. A new intelligent automatic four-wheel-drive system became available. Antilock brakes are standard, and Safety Canopy rollover protection is optional. XLS, XLT, XLT Sport and Limited trim levels are available. Each Escape seats five people on two front bucket seats and [...]
 Many newcomers have entered the compact sport utility vehicle market since Honda launched its car-based CR-V as a 1997 model. Honda’s compact five-passenger SUV offers LX, EX, and SE models. LXs come with front- or all-wheel drive. The others have AWD. The 2006 CR-V earned five-star ratings in both frontal and side-impact crash tests by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. An automatic transmission is available for all models; a 5-speed manual is available for EX versions only. Traction/antiskid control and antilock 4-wheel disc brakes are standard. Each CR-V seats up to five occupants in front bucket seats and a [...]
 The innovative light truck wound up on what Honda called the “fast track to production.” As a result, the youth-oriented Element was launched as a 2003 model. Honda said the Element combined the best traits of a pickup truck and a sport utility vehicle while retaining the most striking feature of the Model X concept: a pillar-less side-door configuration that yields cargo-loading flexibility. Even though it was directly aimed at active young buyers, the Element has also appealed to quite a few older folks who appreciate its practical merits. Element has unique styling with center-opening side doors and uses some plastic [...]
 Santa Fe is the larger of Hyundai’s two compact SUVs. A redesigned version with midsize dimensions and seating for seven is due in mid 2006 as a 2007 model. Hyundai’s compact sport utility vehicle received several refinements for the 2006 model year. Styling changes included a fresh grille and taillights, refined body-side cladding, a redesigned tailgate handle and restyled 16-inch alloy wheels. A new instrument cluster went inside, and the LX model gained a power driver’s seat. The ‘06 also offers base GLS and up-level Limited models. Both have front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive without low-range gearing. GLS comes with [...]
 Hyundai’s compact SUV is slightly smaller and less expensive than its Santa Fe SUV, but is also built on a car-type platform. Tucson offers 4-cyl and 6-cyl engines and front- or all-wheel drive. It comes in GL, GLS, and new for ‘06 top-line Limited trims. All Tucson’s are available with AWD that lacks low-range gearing but includes a dashboard switch to lock in a 50/50 front/rear power split. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes and traction/antiskid control are standard. So are front side airbags and curtain side airbags. GLS and Limited is available with a sunroof. Tucson offers 4-cyl and 6-cyl engines and front- or [...]
 In 2002, the Jeep division of DaimlerChrysler replaced the old Cherokee with a slightly larger sport utility vehicle called the Liberty. Jeep’s 4-door compact SUV gains an antiskid system for 2006, but drops its 4-cyl gas engine. Liberty is a five-seat wagon that has a swing-open tailgate with opening glass and exterior spare tire. It comes with rear-wheel drive or 4WD. A 210-hp V6 is standard. A 160-hp 4-cyl turbo-diesel is optional for 4WD versions. The V6 offers a 6-speed manual transmission or optional 4-speed automatic. The turbo-diesel comes only with a 5-speed automatic. Two 4WD systems are offered, both [...]
 Nothing is more traditional in the world of sport utility vehicles than the smallest, entry-level Jeep model. After more than two decades’ absence, a Golden Eagle package can be installed on 2006 models. Wrangler comes in regular-length SE, X, Sport, and Rubicon trim levels. The extended-length Unlimited and Unlimited Rubicon ride on a 10-inch-longer wheelbase and are 15 inches longer overall. Unlimited’s additional length adds 1.4 inches of rear leg room and more cargo volume behind the rear seat. All Wranglers have 4WD that should not be left engaged on dry pavement but includes low-range gearing. Two front high-back reclining bucket seats [...]
 A new Sportage debuted for the 2005 model year, joining the company’s larger Sorento SUV . Because Kia and Hyundai share corporate parentage, the Sportage is related to Hyundai’s Tucson. For 2006, the Sportage gets an improved spiral-type antenna and a standard air-filtration system. A tire-pressure-monitoring system is standard on the EX. Sportage offers 4- or 6-cyl engines and a choice of front- or all-wheel drive. LX and EX models are available. Base LXs come with a 140-hp 4-cyl and a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. LX V6s and EXs come with a 173-hp V6 and automatic only. All are [...]
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