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Posts Tagged ‘Mid Size SUV’
 Redesigned for 2005, the Nissan Pathfinder sport utility vehicle features a 4.0-liter V-6 and three rows of seats. Built with body-on-frame construction, the Pathfinder has a fully independent double-wishbone suspension. The four-wheel-drive SE Off-Road model features Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist. Changes are minor for 2006. SE models can be equipped with leather seats, and the SE Comfort Package gains a six-CD changer. Majestic Blue is a new exterior color. The Pathfinder’s styling is considered an evolution of the previous version, with short overhangs and pronounced fender flares. Seven-passenger seating includes split, folding second- and third-row seats. Options include leather-appointed [...]
 Attesting to its off-road prowess, Mitsubishi’s largest sport utility vehicle has dominated recent Paris-to-Dakar rallies. In addition to the Montero, Mitsubishi also produces the slightly smaller midsize Endeavor and the compact Outlander. All of Mitsubishi’s SUVs have suffered from sluggish sales lately. For 2006, only a Limited model is offered. Other than a smaller selection of color choices, nothing has changed for the 2006 model year. Montero has a fully independent front and rear suspension, which Mitsubishi says is a benefit for off-road travel. Illuminated running boards, flip-open third-row windows, rear privacy glass and door-mounted puddle lamps are standard. A removable [...]
 Shortly after introducing its compact Outlander sport utility vehicle, Mitsubishi added a larger crossover SUV. Similar in size to the automaker’s seven-passenger Montero, the midsize Endeavor is intended primarily for on-road motoring. A dual-range transfer case is not included, so off-road capabilities are limited. Two trim levels are offered for 2006: LS and Limited. Each is available with either front- or all-wheel drive. Antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution are newly standard, and exterior and interior styling modifications have been made. A fully independent suspension and all-disc brakes are utilized. Fog lamps and a power sunroof are standard on the Limited. [...]
 Like many redesigned vehicles these days, the second-generation Mercedes-Benz M-Class sport utility vehicle is substantially bigger than its predecessor. It’s wider, longer and lower for 2006. Eckhard Cordes, head of the Mercedes Car Group, said the M-Class employs an all-new design yet is pleasingly familiar. The 2006 model is less truck-like in appearance than the original M-Class and promises cultivated performance with its full-time four-wheel-drive system. Two trim levels are available: the ML350 with a V-6 engine, and the ML500 with V-8 power. A height-adjustable Airmatic air suspension is optional. The new M-Class went on sale in spring 2005 in the United [...]
 Soon after its 2002 debut, the German automaker added a high-performance G55 AMG edition with a hand-built 349-horsepower V-8. Mercedes-Benz took a bold step toward the ultimate sport utility vehicle with its G500, which evolved from the no-compromises Gelaendewagen sold in Europe. For 2005, the G55 AMG got a far more potent supercharged V-8 that produced 469 hp. Exclusive chrome trim and “V8 Compressor” badging identify the G55 AMG, which has larger vented and slotted front brakes. Monoblock AMG 18-inch wheels are 9.5 inches wide. Interior features include “designs” charcoal Nappa leather upholstery, AMG gauges and natural maple wood trim. [...]
 In April 2005, Toyota’s luxury division launched the industry’s first upscale sport utility vehicle with a gasoline/electric hybrid power train. Introduced at the 2004 North American International Auto Show, the hybrid-powered SUV had first been seen in concept form a year earlier. In April 2005, Toyota’s luxury division launched the industry’s first upscale sport utility vehicle with a gasoline/electric hybrid power train. Introduced at the 2004 North American International Auto Show, the hybrid-powered SUV had first been seen in concept form a year earlier. Closely related to the gasoline-powered Lexus RX 330, which falls into the midsize luxury SUV segment, the RX [...]
 Fully redesigned and renamed as an early 2004 model, the second generation of Lexus’ entry-level sport utility vehicle switched from a 3.0-liter V-6 to a more powerful 3.3-liter V-6. The RX 300 had been Lexus’ top seller, dominating the car-based premium-SUV segment. For 2005, Lexus added roll-sensing side curtain-type airbags. Available high-intensity-discharge headlights gained an Adaptive Front Lighting System that automatically swivels the lights several degrees for better cornering visibility. The RX 330 receives some minor interior enhancements for 2006. Engine power ratings have dropped slightly due to new Society of Automotive Engineers testing procedures, though performance remains unchanged. Options include [...]
 The Lexus GX 470 is positioned between the automaker’s car-based RX 330 and the premium-luxury LX 470. A Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System also became available. With KDSS, hydraulic control acts upon the stabilizer bars to reduce roll stiffness in response to changing conditions. For 2005, the GX 470 added a new Sport Package that incorporated KDSS, smoked front and rear lenses, a dark graphite finish on the 17-inch alloy wheels and black bird’s-eye maple wood trim inside. That same year, all optional navigation systems added Bluetooth wireless capability. Seating for five people is standard, but the GX 470 can seat up [...]
 Here’s a sport utility vehicle that’s a whole lot more “sport” than “utility.” Not that the 2006 Range Rover Sport supercharged model isn’t suitable for utility purposes; it actually offers more utility than most other midsize SUVs. In addition to the redesigned Range Rover, Land Rover is launching a Range Rover Sport for 2006 that was inspired by the Range Stormer concept seen at auto shows. The new Range Rover Sport model has a performance focus, while the regular Range Rover is viewed as the luxury edition. The automaker says the Sport is the most aerodynamic Land Rover ever produced. Beneath its [...]
 Built on an all-new platform, Land Rover’s LR3 replaced the Discovery for 2005. Seating up to seven occupants, the LR3 premium sport utility vehicle can be equipped with a Jaguar-derived 300-horsepower, 4.4-liter V-8 that’s been altered to handle severe off-road conditions. Terrain Response technology has five terrain settings for on-road to extreme off-road conditions. Two trim levels have been available: SE and step-up HSE. A new model with a 4.0-liter V-6 engine joins the lineup for 2006. Third-row seating is now standard in the HSE model, which includes a 550-watt Harman Kardon Logic7 audio system with 14 speakers. Optional adaptive headlights turn [...]
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