Considering SUV Purchases
The modern SUV has evolved from the simple utility vehicles used by the military in previous decades into a family-friendly truck. The SUV market is focused primarily on families interested in abundant safety features and multiple rows of seats. These consumers are looking for large trucks and SUVS with sturdy frames to protect their children in case of accidents. SUV producers also target building contractors with heavy-duty SUVs. Carpenters, roofers, and plumbers can opt for SUVs over trucks if they want to use their vehicles for business and personal trips. Automakers also focus their SUV advertisements and incentives on consumers in cold-weather markets. Drivers in Milwaukee, Chicago, Detroit, and Des Moines use SUVs to combine the comforts of a sedan with the steady handling of a truck.
Chevrolet© SUVs
Chevrolet© and its parent company, General Motors©, have emerged from recent bankruptcy proceedings with a line of new models. The signature SUV for Chevrolet© in 2010 will be the Equinox®, which is a full-sized SUV priced from $22,440 MSRP. The 2010 Chevrolet Equinox® (http://www.chevrolet.com/vehicles/2010/equinox/overview.do) saves drivers money at the gas pump with an EPA estimated 32 miles per gallon. The Equinox® is ideal for long family trips with a 600-mile range during steady highway travel. Chevrolet© outfitted the 2010 Equinox® with features like six standard air bags and the Multi-Flex™ rear seat to ensure a safe and comfortable ride. The 2010 Equinox® also features the OnStar Safe & Sound Plan™ to connect stranded or injured drivers with emergency services without using a mobile phone.
Ford© SUVs
Ford Motor Company© has survived the downturn in the auto market by retooling some of its most popular models. The 2010 Ford Explorer® (http://www.fordvehicles.com/suvs/explorer/) is priced from $29,010 and carries up to seven people, thanks to three rows of seating. The Explorer® features voice-activated navigation, Roll Stability Control™, and an EPA rating of 20 MPG for highway driving to improve upon previous models. Ford© is also re-imagining its Expedition® SUV (http://www.fordvehicles.com/suvs/expedition/) for 2010 with three rows of seats, a 5.4-liter V8 engine, and Control Trac® four-wheel drive. The 2010 Expedition® is priced from $35,085 MSRP and reaches an EPA-rated 20 miles per gallon during highway travel.
Ford© has revived its Sport Trac® mid-sized SUV in recent years to add some depth to its SUV roster. The 2010 Ford Sport Trac®(http://www.fordvehicles.com/suvs/sporttrac/) is priced from $27,810 MSRP and features an EPA rating of 21 miles per gallon on the highway. The 2010 Sport Trac® is powered by a 4.0-liter SOHC V6 engine and features an independent rear suspension for a smooth drive. Ford© includes a six-speed auto transmission in the 2010 Sport Trac®, while offering an all-wheel and front-wheel drive option at the time of purchase.
Nissan© SUVs
Nissan© offers a trio of models that must be included in the top 10 SUVs on the market today. The 2010 Nissan Xterra® (http://www.nissanusa.com/xterra/) is available in four trim levels with a base price of $22,450 MSRP. The 2010 Xterra® features a 4.0-liter DOHC 24 valve engine that allows drivers to get 21 miles per gallon during highway driving. This SUV model is rated as an Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle by the California Air Resources Board, giving it credibility among eco-conscious drivers. Nissan© offers optional features like splashguards and a full protection package with its 2010 Xterra®.
The 2010 Nissan Pathfinder® (http://www.nissanusa.com/pathfinder/) is a step up from the Xterra® with a base price of $27,440 MSRP. The Pathfinder® features a 266-horsepower engine and a five-speed auto transmission with manual mode to create a smoother ride. Nissan© allows Pathfinder® owners to upgrade their sound systems with XM® Satellite Radio subscriptions, larger speakers, and Radio Data Systems. The 2010 Nissan Pathfinder® is able to achieve 21 miles per gallon on the highway, which is ideal for commuters looking to cut down on fuel consumption.
Nissan© offers its 2010 Armada® SUV (http://www.nissanusa.com/armada/) in three trim levels starting from $37,210 USD. The heart and soul of the 2010 Armada® is the Endurance 5.6-liter DOHC V8 engine that can be coupled with an optional heavy-duty battery. The 2010 Armada® can achieve 18 miles per gallon according to EPA testing and qualifies as a Low Emissions Vehicle in California. Nissan© provides a full menu of optional features with the 2010 Armada® including chrome wheels, taillight protectors, and moon roof wind deflectors.
Lexus© SUVs
Lexus© continues to improve upon its SUV line with the 2010 RX® (http://www.lexus.com/models/RX/). The 2010 RX® is priced from $38,200 USD and features a highway EPA rating of 24 miles per gallon. This luxury SUV packs plenty of punch with a maximum speed of 112 miles per hour and a zero to 60 time of 7.5 seconds. Lexus© designed the 2010 RX® with a six-speed automatic electronically controlled transmission (ECT) to achieve higher mileage than previous models. The 2010 Lexus RX® SUV features 80 cubic feet of storage space with the back seats folded down.
Volvo© SUVs
Volvo© applies its unique blend of style and performance in the 2010 XC60® (http://www.volvocars.com/intl/campaigns/MY09/XC60/Pages/XC60.aspx) SUV. The XC60® is priced from $32,395 USD and features a turbo compressor and a 3.2-liter, L6 engine capable of producing 281 horsepower. Volvo© included a brake assist system and electronic traction control in the XC60® to keep drivers safe in any conditions. The XC60® is designed for campers and contractors in need of mobile power sources with its front and rear 12-volt outlets.
Audi© SUVs
Audi© enters the luxury SUV fray in 2010 with the latest version of the Q5® crossover (http://www.audiusa.com/us/brand/en/models/q5.html). The Q5® features a 3.2-liter, V6 engine capable of producing 270 horsepower. The Audi Q5® achieves 23 miles per gallon in highway driving, thanks to an automatic transmission and a direct injection fuel system. The vehicle’s RDS audio system allows drivers to hear their favorite tunes while riding to work. Audi© added features like 57.3 cubic feet of cargo room and four-wheel anti-lock brakes to make the Q5® the only vehicle needed for day-to-day needs. The Audi Q5® is priced from $37,200 USD to stay competitive with other luxury SUVs.
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