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SUVs Crossover SUV Comparison
7126 messages, Last post on Nov 18, 2009 at 1:27 PM
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Replying to: bobw3 (Apr 18, 2008 9:54 am) As for the lambdas trying to be a combination of a minivan and an SUV, I'd say it's the best combo out there. It combines the two without giving up much of either. I think the Acadia is a better SUV than the Pilot. The only thing SUV-like I think the Pilot has over the GMC is the square, tough wannabe, slightly dated exterior, and the worse gas mileage. The Acadia is more powerful, and has more utility. As for the Odyssey being a better minivan than the lambdas, of course. Just about any minivan (save the micro Mazda 5 and the now departed Chevy Uplander) is a better minivan than the Lambdas. However, if you need minivan capability but want the perks of SUVs and CUVs, the lambdas are the best combination out there. And that's what consumers seem to want right now. They don't necessarily need the rough-tough looks. However, not everyone needs the space of a minivan, so they go with some of the smaller choices on the market.
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Replying to: albook (Apr 20, 2008 2:21 pm) It seems like Honda may have de-powered their 3.5L V6 for the Pilot to keep it in line with the other crossovers regarding fuel mileage because they are still using a 5-speed ATX while others have moved on to a 6-speed ATX. My wife and I saw the new Pilot in the flesh at our auto show this past week and while we agreed it is somewhat handome from the A-pillar back, the front is far from lovable. The other thing we noticed was that it did have a lot of useful cubbies all over the interior (it was on a floor level rotating stand with the doors open so you could get a good look inside) but we also agreed that we would never use all of them in a million years and we have 2 small kids. We'll stick with something more handsome to us that offers similar if not somewhat less storage space located around the cabin. That being said, she decided that she wants a CX-9 or an Edge. The latter ended up being her favorite which shocked me, but the CX-9 doesn't cost all that much more comparably equipped and offers a whole lot more utility. I'm still intrigued by the Journey and got to look one over thoroughly on the floor of the show. The storage bins in the floor behind the front seats and the storage bin under the passenger seat cushion are really, really cool IMO. However, the interior of the one they had on the floor, an SXT I believe, was absolutely dreaful. The rear camera screen was at the bottom of the center stack which is totally absurd and the materials were, IMO, not only hard on the eyes, but also not nice to touch. Then there was the rear DVD player. I popped the screen down and it completely blocked the view out of the rear from the rear view mirror. Nice first effort Dodge, but better luck with gen 2. After being able to see the 3 Lamdas close together we both agreed that the Acadia was the best of the bunch. However neither of us like the interior all that much. The center stack was flat and dull to us when compared to others, and the vehicle itself is just too big. I know I'm going to get flamed for this, but I found that the second row sliding mechanism in the Acadia to be the worst of the bunch. I could easily figure out the system in the competitors but the Acadia's second row seats wouldn't slide forward more than a few inches for me. Maybe it was because they were captains chairs and you could get to the back by going between them? I certainly couldn't get to row 3 with the space I was afforded when the forward slide stopped. We also saw the Flex (it too was on a low rotating stand with the doors open). My wife hates the look of it too so we didn't stay there too long. I was actually a bit surprised by it. I thought it would be bigger because the pictures of it make it appear that way to me. But is was actually pretty low to the ground and had an interesting presence to it. It's hard to describe, but it definitely was different. The interior looked really nice to me. It had a similar look to that of the new Volvo S80 and I like that interior a lot.
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Replying to: bobw3 (Apr 20, 2008 11:55 am) |
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Replying to: albook (Apr 20, 2008 2:21 pm) However, not everyone needs the space of a minivan, so they go with some of the smaller choices on the market How are the lambdas a "smaller choice on market" when they're the same size externally as a minivan? I'm not saying the lambdas aren't good vehicles, they're great replacements for GM minivans and big SUVs. To me though, one of the big advantages of the Pilot (and Highlander) is the smaller footprint making it easier to drive, manauver, etc...just less bulk. The Pilot isn't competing against the lambdas, but rather against the Explorers, Yukons, etc because it's an SUV. A closer competitor for the lambda in Honda's lineup would be the Odyssey based on the exterior size, but it's hard to compare exactly because GM doesn't have a minivan and Honda doesn't have an CUV. But if someone put interior space and MPG high on their list of priorites, then the Odyssey would win out over the lambda. You're right, the lamdas are GMs SUV/Minivan compromise. They have some of the advantages of both SUVs and minvans, without being the best in either category, but that's the nature of compromise.
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Replying to: vad1819 (Apr 20, 2008 9:26 pm) Can't argue with that "logic" 
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Replying to: albook (Apr 16, 2008 2:59 pm) Well, I wouldn't go that far - but the Pilot doesn't have a CVT, which is the only way Ford managed to haul a 4200 lb car with a 3.0 liter engine. The Freestyle has "adequate" power, less power than most people expect these days. It is all moot anyway, since the Taurus X has the 3.5L and a 6 speed transmission... |
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Replying to: bobw3 (Apr 21, 2008 8:11 am) 2009 Pilot: 191, 79 2008 Pilot: 188, 78 Saturn Outlook: 201, 78 Odyssey: 201, 77 Sienna: 201, 77 Taurus X: 200, 75 Tahoe: 202, 79 Suburban: 222, 79 Highlander: 188, 75 For some people like myself, the difference in 13" between Pilot/Highlander and Outlook/Minivans is pretty important: I have not so much space in my garage - Pilot fits well, others a very tight squeeze. I have to turn into it from a narrow alley. I live in the city, so I parallel park it in city spots a good bit. It helps to not have that extra foot, and judging the rear is easier too. |
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Replying to: bobw3 (Apr 21, 2008 8:11 am) Come on, you've gotta read better. I said if they don't need space like a minivan (which the Acadia has) then they go for something smaller, like the Highlander. And the lambdas are a bit smaller than all minivans but the Toyota Sienna. Another good thig about the lambdas is they don't really drive that big. They feel bigger than a Highlander, but the old Pilot, not so much. Honda doesn't have an SUV? Where have you been in this discussion? The Pilot is an SUV, and while Honda did want to give it more of the utility of real SUVs (good marketing point) they clearly understand that the Highlander is one of its main competitors. And it's a unibody. There's nothing SUV about that. Bottom line, what I was saying was GMC designed a crossover that is bot rugged and sleek, one that combines the utility and ability of an SUV, with the comfort of a car, and a look thats rugged yet refined. I'd say that's what Honda wanted. I just think GM did a little better job of it.
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Replying to: baggs32 (Apr 20, 2008 6:57 pm) As for the CX-9 and the Edge, good luck with your choice. While I'm not a fan of either, I'd go for the CX-9 as the Edge is a bit dissapointing to me. A Honda CR-V has more interior room, while being over half a foot shorter. Yes, I too thought the Journey was a bit of a dissapointment in Chicago. Dodge didn't get it enough. I'd much rather have a Highlander (I'm quickly becoming a fan). With the Acadia's tilt and slide seat, I'm suprised you couldn't get it to work. At first, no body really knows how to work it, but after a second or two, it becomes so easy. I've neverbeen able to climb to the third row so easy, except in those old minivans that have the second row bench. The Flex was interesting to me, too. The Interior will be its major selling point- I thought it was simple, but nicely laid out. As to whether it's an imporvement over the TX, I'm not sure. For now I'll just say I wouldn't be ready to pay the extra grand or two (especially with these huge rebates on the TX).
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Replying to: vad1819 (Apr 20, 2008 9:26 pm) That makes sense...wasn't the Acadia introduced in Feb of 2007? There would have been less Acadias on the road in March 2007 as compared to 2008 since the car was brand new. Not sure what point you're trying to make... |
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