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Best-in-class: Six great SUVs
.jpg "Small SUVs have a good mix of space, style, handling and off-road ability without consuming too much fuel.")
 Small SUVs have a good mix of space, style, handling and off-road ability 23 November 2007 Andy Goodwin takes a look at the best models on sale. Toyota RAV-4 The RAV-4 was the first soft-road hero and is still leading the way several generations later. It handles more like a car than other SUVs, but can manage the odd trek off-road too, while its diesel engines return a very respectable 40mpg plus. Throw in good looks, lots of equipment and good safety and the RAV-4 looks even more tempting. Auto Trader Ten Point Test: Toyota RAV-4 Land Rover Freelander Land Rover has an enviable reputation for building successful off-road cars, and the Freelander 2 doesn’t buck the trend. It has the strongest image of all small SUVs, but this allows it to command a high price tag. On the road the Freelander is relaxing to drive and has a decent turn of speed. In our hands the diesel engine averaged 33mpg which is acceptable, but not the best-in-class. Auto Trader Ten Point Test: Land Rover Freelander Nissan X-Trail The X-Trail is extremely practical, with 1,840 litres of luggage space when the back seats are folded down. Once on the move it has a little more roll in corners than the sporty RAV-4, but still handles well. The 2.2-litre diesel we sampled is fast enough and returned an impressive 41mpg. Reliability and equipment levels are good and it is one of the best small SUVs off-road. Auto Trader Ten Point Test: Nissan X-Trail Honda’s CR-V has a futuristic new shape and a funky interior, thanks partly to its console mounted gearstick, C-shaped handbrake and blue-lit dials. The Honda has a high quality feel, and its ride was apparently aimed to compete with cars like the Ford Mondeo. It handles well, and soaks up the bumps – all while the diesel returns a handy 43.5mpg. Auto Trader Ten Point Test: Honda CR-V Hyundai Santa Fe The new Santa Fe is better looking than its predecessor and feels like a more expensive car inside. The Hyundai is good value for money, with even the most basic model coming packed with equipment. The drive is more like a traditional four-wheel-drive, with a soft ride and relatively wallowy cornering. The Santa Fe is one of the largest SUVs in this group, which is reflected in its load lugging ability, but also a greater thirst for petrol or diesel, depending on the engine you choose. Auto Trader Ten Point Test: Hyundai Santa Fe Kia Sorento Off-road the Kia Sorento is excellent, but its handling characteristics on the road are a bit soft and vague. Unfortunately it is on the road where small SUVs spend most of their time. The Sorento is still a good car though, the soft ride does make it comfortable on bumpy roads. The diesel engine is powerful and it is very practical – making the low price of the Sorento very tempting. We would avoid the V6 petrol as unless you have deep pockets. |
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