Compact crossovers are slowly taking over as the most popular body style, overthrowing the midsize sedan, which has been the top-selling vehicle type for as long as anyone can remember.
The reasons why are clear. They offer passenger room similar to a midsize sedan, hatchback utility, a more upright driving position and good fuel economy. Plus, most of them are available with all wheel drive and have the extra ground clearance to deal with deteriorating urban infrastructure.
Every mainstream car manufacturer has an entry in this segment, but which ones are the best? TFL is here to help. The following are TFL’s top five compact crossovers:
1. Honda CR-V: Honda’s entry into the compact crossover segment has dominated sales all year long, and it’s no surprise. In typical Honda fashion, the CR-V doesn’t particularly excel at one thing, but it does so many things so well that it’s hard not to recommend it to anyone looking for a new car. It looks reasonably good, it has decent driving dynamics, it’s comfortable, it’s well made, it gets good gas mileage and it has plenty of interior space. It’s the Swiss Army knife of crossovers.
2. Mazda CX-5: If the CR-V is a Swiss Army knife, then the CX-5 is a scalpel. It’s the performance car of the group, with taut, accurate steering and excellent driving dynamics. It has a crisp-shifting six-speed automatic – no CVTs here – and the manual shift pattern is actually in the proper racing position (back for upshifts, forward for downshifts). It’s also the best looking car in the group. It doesn’t quite have the utility of the CR-V, but for those looking for the driver’s crossover, the list begins and ends here.
3. Ford Escape: The latest Escape was a departure from previous generations. Whereas the older Escapes looked more like SUVs, the new Escape’s styling is Euro-chic, without any off-road pretense. That being said, it looks fantastic, and has taut, European driving dynamics as well. It may not be as sporty as the Mazda, but it’s close. Overall, the Escape is a worthy crossover that can go toe-to-toe with the best from Japan.
4. Toyota RAV4: The RAV4 is the granddaddy of the segment. It was the first true crossover back when companies were still calling them SUVs, melding a passenger car chassis with SUV styling and an upright driving position. The latest RAV4 is a solid contender, but like many Toyotas, it’s a little bland. It doesn’t have the same driver engagement as the top three. Still, for those looking for a practical crossover that will outlive them, the RAV4 is a good choice.
5. Jeep Cherokee: The Cherokee is on this list because it’s the off-road champ of the segment. It’s a fine day-to-day crossover, too. The styling, while at first polarizing, gets better with time. The ride is comfortable and there’s even a bit of sportiness in its demeanor. While it’s had some reliability issues – mostly related to software updates for the nine-speed automatic transmission, which is the Cherokee’s Achilles’ heel – it’s a solidly built crossover that won’t flinch when the tarmac turns to dirt.
Check out this TFLcar video with four of the five crossovers on this list going head to head:
Not as raucous as Toy Story’s Pizza Planet delivery truck, but coming soon to a neighborhood near you is the Domino’s DXP™ (Delivery Expert) pizza delivery vehicle. Essentially, it is a 2015 Chevrolet Spark modified to keep up to 80 pizza pies piping hot until they reach your door.
A warming oven positioned right behind the driver, and accessible from the outside, can fit two Domino’s Heatwave bags and keeps the pizzas at the right temperature from oven to doorstep. The complete interior of the little hatchback, except the driver’s seat, is replaced with storage racks and non-slip surfaces to accommodate more pizzas, wings and 2-liter bottles of soda.
“The Chevrolet Spark is the perfect vehicle to bring our pizza delivery to life,” said Russell Weiner, president of Domino’s USA. “Not only will the DXP have a warming oven on board and enough storage capacity to hold 80 pizzas in the rear, but the fuel efficiency is something our franchisees welcome.”
Wrapped in the company’s red and blue color scheme bumper to bumper, the Spark gets an illuminated “Out for Delivery” sign on the roof and a puddle light that projects the Domino’s logo on the ground. Power comes from a spritely 1.2-liter 4-cylinder engine good for 98 horsepower and 83 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy is EPA-estimated and 31 mpg city and 39 mpg highway, but we all know these ovens-on-wheels will never reach those mpg numbers.
The custom pizza delivery vehicle was born from a crowd-source concept submitted to Domino’s Ultimate Delivery Vehicle Challenge. A partnership between Chevrolet, Roush Enterprises and Domino’s was put together to get 100 DXPs built and distributed to 25 Domino’s markets over the next 90 days. The first DXPs are expected to begin deliveries this month.
People on the street spotting DXP vehicles can share their sighting via Twitter, Instagram or Facebook using the hashtag #DXP.
Need a refresher course on the Chevy Spark’s capabilities? Watch this video review by Nathan as he weighs in with his impressions after driving the 2014 Chevrolet Spark for the first time.
Chevrolet is ramping up for the 2015 SEMA Show in Las Vegas by previewing their Red Line Series Concepts before the show starts. The 2016 Camaro concept shown here is only one of six Red Line Series concept cars and trucks that will have a place in the Chevrolet stand November 3 – 6. Sharing space alongside the Camaro will be the Trax, Spark RS, Malibu, and Colorado and Silverado trucks dressed in Enhanced Silver Metallic paint with custom Charcoal roof panels and Satin Graphite and red accents.
The Red Line Series concepts are here to demonstrate how accessories from the dealer catalog can personalize your ride. Not only do the look good, they probably fit better than any aftermarket part since they are built to OEM specs. Because they are GM parts, they won’t affect the resale value the same way as third-party parts.
Camaro Red Line Series concept
Custom and concept components:
Satin Graphite mirror caps and window moldings
Hash mark and decklid panel graphics
20-inch wheels in Satin Graphite with red accent
Camaro nameplates in gloss black with red accent
Red fog lamp bezels
Chevrolet Accessories and Chevrolet Performance components:
Suspension lowering kit
Air intake kit
Brake package
Black bowtie kit and fender badge kit
Upper and lower grille inserts in red
Darkened taillamps
Premium carpeted floor mats, cargo mat and sill plates.
TFL will have a team on the ground covering the 2015 SEMA Show that runs from November 3 to 6. Please return in a couple weeks for photos and videos straight from the Las Vegas. Meanwhile, enjoy this video of the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 debut at last year’s SEMA Show.
The 2016 Chevrolet Spark will get the RS treatment for the SEMA show, and the company will gauge interest to see if it should be put into production.
The RS concept adds updated exterior trim pieces, including a carbon fiber front splitter, rocker extensions and a carbon-fiber rear lower extension. The suspension is also lowered, with Corvette z07-inspired, 17-inch alloy wheels. The RS is painted in Dark Liquid Switchblade Silver with RS graphics and badging.
The 2016 Spark is completely updated from the current model. It’s longer and lower than before, with tasteful styling that’s a welcome departure from the current car’s cartoonish styling.
It also has a lowered driving position and updated interior materials and styling. The myLink infotainment system will handle both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay using a 7-inch touchscreen interface.
The best upgrade, though, is under the hood. The Spark’s four-cylinder engine now displaces 1.4 liters and makes 98 horsepower. That may not sound like a lot, but it should be plenty to move the small city car with ease. The increased grunt is channeled to the front wheels through a standard five-speed manual or optional CVT automatic.
Chevrolet did not say whether or not the RS concept features more power than the standard Spark. But with the lowered suspension and 17-inch wheels, the RS should be a capable handler. When matched with the five-speed manual, the RS may be one of the sleeper cars of the year, should it go into production.
The SEMA Show takes place from November 3 to November 6 in Las Vegas. TFLcar will be at the event and will be providing full coverage.
Check out this TFLcar video review of the current generation Spark:
Starting a new car company in the 21st century is not an easy thing to do, but Tesla Motors has been the exception, as it has evolved into a successful company whose valuation is in the billions of dollars. But reliability issues and teething problems prove that building cars is not an easy thing.
Consumer Reports recently yanked their “recommended” rating from Tesla’s flagship, the Model S, citing too many issues and complaints. The issues range from small things like squeaks and rattles – which are more obvious in a quiet electric car – to large problems like failing motors and retractable door handles that don’t pop out, essentially locking out the owner.
Other complaints include problems with the digital infotainment system, misaligned trunk and hatchback latches and wheel alignment issues.
The news caused Tesla‘s stock to drop nearly seven percent.
Tesla, despite their successes, is still a niche player in the automotive world. The cost of entry for the Model S is well north of $100,000, making the S an exclusive car that’s not yet intended for mainstream buyers. In this market segment, the Tesla’s style, performance and prestige – along with the unique drivetrain – are still enough to overcome any shortcomings. But the question is, would an established high-end auto manufacturer be able to get away with the quality and reliability issues of the Model S?
If a $100,000 Mercedes-Benz or BMW had these issues, would the companies be able to get away with it? Since Tesla is relatively new, it can still bank on its technology and image to draw in customers despite the issues. The company’s customer service is highly rated and problems are fixed at no cost to the owners. As Tesla is looking to get into the mainstream with the lower-cost Model 3, are mainstream owners ready to essentially become beta testers for the company?
As the company grows, it will have a harder time excusing the problems that caused the S to lose its Consumer Reports recommendation. The upcoming Model X crossover has complex “Falcon-wing” rear doors that seem to answer a question no one asked. Tesla might just be putting in technology for the sake of technology.
Established companies know what works in a car and what doesn’t. While that may mean they take less chances than an upstart like Tesla, it also means better reliability. Does a car need automatic retractable door handles when regular handles work just fine? Same with those gull-wing doors. Unless there’s a demonstrated advantage to them, it’s hard to see how they are a better idea than regular doors.
Tesla is an innovator in the market and has already done enough to disrupt the industry. Other companies are now looking at all-electric luxury sedans. Volkswagen is planning the next Phaeton to be an all-electric vehicle, and Porsche showed the Mission E all-electric car at the Frankfurt Motor Show. These established companies may be able to build an all-electric Tesla fighter with fewer reliability issues because they already know how to build reliable cars.
As Tesla moves into the mainstream, the company needs to get past its teething issues and find a balance between innovation and reliability. If not, it may end up crashing as quickly as it has risen.
Check out this TFLcar review of BMW’s electric car, the 2015 i3:
The redesigned 2016 Volvo XC90 brings a new level of sophistication and style to European carmaker’s product line of SUVs and wagons. All-new from badge to backup camera, the 2016 XC90 is the first plug-in hybrid SUV that offers three rows of seating for seven. Seriously loaded with technology, active and passive safety systems, and a style unique to the Swedish automaker, Volvo’s mid-size SUV delivers a premium package with superior efficiency that leaves a lasting impression.
2016 VOLVO XC90 T6 AWD
Engine
Power
Torque
Transmission
MSRP
Price as Tested
Fuel Economy
supercharged & turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder
316 hp
295 lb-ft
8-speed automatic
$52,900
N/A
20 city /
25 hwy
Exterior
The 2016 XC90 successfully adapts luxury sedan styling cues to a large crossover vehicle. The front leads with a lower-set grille inspired by the Volvo 1800 sports car and available LED lamps with elements shaped like Thor’s hammer create a unique visual impact. The characteristic taillights, which extend all the way up the D-pillar, retain the recognizable curve that accentuates the shape of the rear quarter panels. Whether viewed from the front, side, or rear, the 2nd generation XC90 has great presence from any angle.
Against competitors like the slab-sided and shorter Acura MDX, the Volvo XC90 comes off surprisingly well–and it’s not until you get close to it, or see it next to another car, that you realize just how large this crossover is. And since many choose the three-row crossover as a minivan-avoidance measure, it’s important to note that the XC90 avoids looking like that oft-dreaded people-carrier by not have a chopped hood or tall roofline.
Interior
The interior of the Volvo XC90 can best be described as elegant and nicely appointed, especially with the upgraded Bowers and Wilkins 19-speaker premium sound system. Beautifully sculpted with many modern features, the interior exudes a lush appeal and quiet comfort. Ten-way power front seats, inspired by Wegner lounge chairs, feature supple leather, adjustable high contour side bolsters, and lumbar support.
Designed to be thinner, lighter, and featuring a deformable bottom in the event of a crash, the seats are the most comfortable seats anywhere and everyone who rode in the XC90 had nothing but praise for them. The thin design not only saves more than 200 pounds, it also allows more space for the second and third row passengers. Now full-size adults dispatched to the 3rd row can sit comfortably with some reasonable legroom.
The center console stack, which features a big 9-inch diagonal screen, is angled slightly favoring the driver position. Scandinavian minimalist design exerts a strong influence that features simple, flat surfaces and just enough buttons to get things done. The marriage of Nappa leather, aluminum and wood trim with everyday functionality was executed to near perfection. Impressive was the jeweled knurling on the “Engine Start” knob and “Drive Mode” select wheel. Everywhere your hands land, there is a natural, responsive surface with a fit and finish at refined levels.
Volvo’s Sensus system operates in similar fashion to Tesla’s Model S infotainment/navigation system. Like an iPad, the controls operate with swipes, taps, and pinches. The simple and elegant design eliminates the need for too many buttons that make the center console look busy and complicated. The touchscreen has infrared sensors, which means it can be operated in cold weather with your gloves left on. The interface is intuitive and easy to navigate. While in motion, many of the more common commands can be executed by using the steering wheel controls or by voice commands. A deeper dive into the features available through the touchscreen rewards the user with more custom features and functions.
The optional 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system looks elegant and sounds spectacular. B & W sound engineers were involved in the early stages of the XC90’s development and a lot of nuances designed into the crossover’s interior make the audio system hugely entertaining. This system is customizable to your personal taste and I especially enjoyed the sound emulation mode that recreates the acoustic character of Gothenburg Concert Hall in Sweden. The sheer power, smooth dynamics and excellent detail will inspire you take long road trips so your entire music collection can be enjoyed.
Driving Impressions
Volvo is offering two versions of the redesigned 2016 XC90: the T6 and T8. The T6 AWD, which is on sale now, delivers 316 horsepower from a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that has both a supercharger and turbocharger. Power is sent to a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive system. The T8 AWD twin-engine plug-in hybrid is due to arrive around October of this year and is a complex engineering marvel that aims towards efficiency by using an 87 horsepower (65 kW) electric motor to drive the rear wheels. Packaged in the center tunnel, normally filled by the AWD-system driveshaft, is a 9.2 kilowatt lithium-ion battery that can drive the stylish SUV 17 miles on battery power alone.
The T6 model moves nimbly for a mid-size luxury SUV with 316 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Zero to 60 mph performance is quite admirable with time of 6.1 seconds. The plug-in hybrid T8 model has a combined power rating of 400 horsepower and 360 lb-ft of torque. Early numbers from Volvo claim the T8 is slightly quicker and can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds.
The XC90 is not equipped for off-road rock crawling, but it is fully capable of getting through slick muddy roads and keeping its composure in snowy weather. Road-holding is quite good and the big crossover doesn’t drive like a school bus. The SUV’s size becomes most apparent when trying to place the XC90 in narrower streets or when parking it. Thankfully, the available Park Assist Pilot can perform the parallel and perpendicular parking duties with precision. In the end, the XC90 performs triumphantly for its mission as a safe family transporter.
For what it’s worth, the XC90 has great all-around visibility and the door-mounted side view mirrors are positioned to allow a sight line when aiming for a turn. You won’t find any nasty blind-spots when you’re looking around, but it’s important to note that the 360-degree Surround View camera works best as a supplement, not a substitute, when moving the SUV in reverse.
My observation after a day driving the T6 matches closely with the combined EPA estimate of 22 MPG. Drivers who have much lighter feet than me can achieve 25 mpg driving on the open highway and 20 mpg with city driving. Unfortunately, my test drive in the T8 was too short and didn’t allow enough time to evaluate the plug-in hybrid’s MPGe or MPG performance.
On the TFLcar scale of:
Buy It,
Lease It,
Rent It,
or Forget It,
I give the 2016 Volvo XC90 a “Buy it! rating simply for its exquisite exterior design, flawless performance of its T6 powertrain, the interior’s classy balance of excellence and conservatism, and leading safety features that do more to assist the driver than intervene with abrupt safety measures.
2016 VOLVO XC90
T6 AWD
T8 AWD Twin Engine Plug-in Hybrid
Engine
Supercharged and turbocharged inline 2.0L 4-cylinder
Supercharged and turbocharged inline 2.0L 4-cylinder
Electric Motor
N/A
65 kW (87 hp) driving the rear wheels
Power
316 hp @ 5700 rpm
400 hp (combined)
Torque
295 lb-ft @ 2200 – 4500 rpm
472 lb-ft (combined)
0 – 60 mph
6.1 sec
5.3 sec (preliminary)
Fuel Economy (MPG)
25 hwy / 20 city / 22 combined
59 MPGe city (preliminary)
MSRP (excludes destination charge)
$48,900 – $54,500
$68,100 – $71,600
Warranty
4 years / 50,000 miles
4 years / 50,000 miles
Free Maintenance
3 years / 36,000 miles
3 years / 36,000 miles
Stay with us and watch Emmie’s “First Drive” review of the 2016 Volvo XC90 crossover SUV.
Two 2016 Scion iM hatchbacks line up at Bandimere Speedway in Morrison, CO.
It’s a bright autumn evening at Bandimere Speedway in Morrison, CO. The two cars – one in bright silver, the other in electric blue – are brought to the starting line and staged under the tree.
Once the cars are in position, the lights count down: yellow, then green. The cars launch in a fury of screeching tires and billowing smoke.
Well, not quite.
At the starting line are two 2016 Scion iM hatchbacks, the same ones that were taken around the track at IMI Motorsports park. So what are these relatively tepid 5-door compacts doing on Thunder Mountain? They’re there to find out which is faster, the CVT or the six-speed manual.
In this latest TFLcar performance review, Roman Mica and Andre Smirnov take the twin iMs to Bandimere to find out not only which car is faster, but which driver is faster. Each one will take a turn in each car in order to take out the human factor in the quarter-mile test.
While drag strip, they also had a chance to talk to some of the other racers who came to the site of the NHRA Mile-High Nationals and check out their rides of both the two- and four-wheeled varieties.
The two Scions are nearly identical, except for the paint and the transmissions. Both have 1.8-liter four cylinder engines pumping out 137 horsepower, but at a mile high, they are putting out somewhere between 100 and 110 horsepower. The manual-equipped car has an 88-pound weight advantage over the CVT-equipped car.
The iM is a practical, stylish, fuel-efficient compact hatchback, but it also has some sporting pretension, with its aero body kit, 17-inch allow wheels and independent rear suspension. Most people won’t buy theirs based on quarter mile times, but some of the young buyers that Scion is trying to attract do care about the car’s performance.
So how did it turn out? Watch the full video below to see which of the 2016 Scion iM versions was the fastest, and to see who is the faster driver, Andre or Roman.
The Jeep Wrangler two-door is an off-road champ with its part-time four-wheel drive (4WD), high ground clearance and rugged design. My test Wrangler had “Tank Clear Coat” paint and (optional) high-gloss black wheels, which gave it a decidedly macho military appearance. It almost looked as if it just was driven out of World War II.
There’s also a larger, roomier more comfortable four-door Wrangler, but it lacks the visual pizzazz of the two-door model and is not covered here.
2015 JEEP WRANGLER WILLY’S WHEELER 2-DOOR
Engine
Power
Torque
Transmission
MSRP
Price As-Tested
EPA Estimates
3.6L Pentastar V6
285 hp @ 6400 rpm
260 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
5-speed automatic
$22,995
$35,015
17 city / 21 hwy (mpg)
The price sticker for my test 2015 Jeep Wrangler “Willys Wheeler” two-door model was $22,995, but options brought it to $35,015, including an $895 destination charge.
Standard items included an automatic transmission, shift-on-the-fly part time 4WD, transfer case skid plate, AM/FM/Comp3 with 8 speakers, tilt steering wheel with audio controls, premium instrument cluster, reclining front seats, folding rear seat and cruise control.
A $2,185 “Dual Top” option group contains soft and hard tops, while the automatic transmission costs $1,350.
Another option group contains air conditioning and an electronic vehicle information center.
The ride was generally comfortable during on-road driving–something that couldn’t be said for the two-door Wrangler I drove years ago.That one was slow, had tremendous wind noise above 50 mph and was very uncomfortable.
The 2015 Wrangler, which comes in a variety of trim levels, is pretty fast with its 285-horsepower V-6, which provides quick acceleration off the line and during 65-75 mph passing maneuvers.
However, my test Wrangler’s estimated fuel economy was mediocre for a small vehicle in its class, at 17 miles per gallon in the city and 21 on highways.
Off-road performance is remarkable. The Wrangler is a mountain goat.
The 3.6-liter engine works with a six-speed manual transmission or a responsive five-speed automatic. My test Wrangler had the V-6 and automatic, which has an easily used manual-shift feature. I recommend the automatic over the manual.
There was scarcely any wind noise in the fairly quiet interior while cruising at 70 mph, despite the Wrangler’s boxy shape. But the side-supportive driver’s seat should move back more for a motorist with long legs. And front seats need more thigh support.
Backseat room is laughably tight.
Controls are simple, especially those for the climate control system. Front console cupholders are easily reached, and there’s a large covered console storage bin. But rear cupholders are plunked on the floor.
Rear visibility is poor, but a passenger dashboard grab bar and grab handles near the roof are a good idea for helping occupants stay in place when the Wrangler is being driven over rough terrain.
A high floor makes it awkward to get in or out, and trying to enter the small rear seat is a trial, even for nimble folks. At least occupants sit high for a good view of surroundings.
Pushbuttons in the outside door handles are generally awkward to use, but have been put for Wranglers for years. I wish they were eliminated.
My test two-door Wrangler’s handling was surprisingly good–thanks to such features as an optional performance suspension, electronic stability control and traction control. The four-wheel disc brakes worked well and had good pedal feel.
The cargo area is small unless the backseat is folded forward. However, the tailgate, which swings to the right has a large glass top into which some items can be tossed.
Jeeps are tremendously popular. They fit in just about anywhere in the world.
On the TFLcar scale of:
Buy It,
Lease It,
Rent It,
or Forget It,
I give the Jeep Wrangler a “Buy it! rating simply because it is one of the most capable “go anywhere” off-road SUVs on the market today.
Enjoy this off-road review of the 2015 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Hard Rock tested on a snow and muddy Colorado trail.
On the TFLcar scale of:
