New Crossover Vehicles

Auto manufacturers track trends, and a big one is the emerging popularity of crossover vehicles, also known as CUVs (crossover utility vehicles). Last year there were more CUVs sold than traditional SUVs (sport utility vehicles). As far as trends go, this was a big deal. Where did CUVs come from, and what's making them so popular?

Crossover vehicles, with very few exceptions, are SUV-like vehicles built on car-type platforms. (A platform is engineer-speak for the chassis or mechanical underpinnings of a vehicle.) In contrast, SUVs are built on truck platforms. The differences are hard to see on the outside, but from behind the wheel, CUVs ride and perform much more like cars.

CUVs fit the needs of many drivers, from mature families to young singles. The range is huge, as you'll see below. If you don't need truck-type hauling or towing capabilities, a CUV could be a good choice for you. Also, because they are often lighter than SUVs, CUVs tend to handle better and get better fuel economy than SUVs. Read on for a sampling of what's available.

As an American-built cousin to the CX-9, the Edge rides on a shorter wheelbase than the Mazda. Open the doors of the angular exterior and you'll find plenty of room for five. If you order the Vista roof, you'll have a view out of an opening three times that of average sunroofs. Based on recent IIHS safety tests, the Edge is a TOP SAFETY PICK.

The 2008 Vue is all-new and that's all good. While the previous Vue was just OK, this new model is an American clone of Opel's Antera (General Motors owns Opel, a leading manufacturer in Europe). The Vue's design is spot-on with a detailed exterior. The interior execution is also top-notch, as is the power from the optional 3.6-liter V6. Front-wheel drive is standard, AWD optional.

If you're on a budget and need 7-passenger room, check out the XL7. It's built on the same platform as the Equinox, but the XL7 features a longer wheelbase that allows for a bigger interior with a third row of seats. For $22,000 don't expect genuine wood or dozens of fancy features, but do expect excellent reliability from the GM-sourced 3.6-liter V6 that is backed by Suzuki's 7-year/100,000-mile warranty.

One of the most popular luxury vehicles of the last decade is the Lexus RX series. This mid-size CUV consistently attracts buyers with its dramatic styling, high-performance road manners, and near perfect Lexus quality. For 2008, the RX is basically carryover, but it retains the honor of being the only luxury CUV to be offered with a hybrid power package.

General Motors recently introduced the all-new Acadia along with its siblings the Buick Enclave and Saturn Outlook. All three ride on an identical full-size chassis and offer the same 3.6-liter V6 found in the new Saturn Vue (a much smaller CUV). The GMC is conservatively styled, and there is ample room inside for seven, making the Acadia comfortable for long-distance cruising. However, because itÔøΩs the largest CUV on the market, its fuel mileage tends to suffer. Read more about the GMC Acadia and its siblings.