SPORTS UTILTY VEHICLE
The Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) is one of the most sort after vehicles in the car market today. The car manufacturers, especially the larger manufacturers such as Dodge, GMC, Nissan, Jeep and Hummer have recognized this demand and flooded the SUV market with models ranging from luxurious SUVs to proper off road SUVs. With so much choice out there, finding the best SUV for you can be quite a task.The team at SUV.ReviewItOnline.net have invested hours of time into researching the best SUVs for 2009 so you can choose the best SUV for you.
Features of Best SUV Models:The SUV market can be separated into a number of different categories based on their varied uses. Some people are looking for a safe yet robust SUV large enough to transport a family inner city. Consumers looking for family SUVs will place greater emphasis on comfort, luxury and style as well as considering seating, luggage space and fuel economy. Safety features such as side and curtain airbags and crash test ratings are crucial, especially when the main purpose of the vehicle is to transport children. The best SUV in this category are the GMC Yukon XL Denali 2WD 5SA, the Lexus GX 470 Sport Utility, the Lincoln Navigator 4X2 as well as SUVs from Mercedes Benz, BMW and Porsche.Another category of SUV model is the sturdy family SUV with off-road capability. This model of SUV has been termed the crossover as it uses an automobile platform for lighter weight and better fuel efficiency, but used for off-road usage or towing. SUVs in this category will focus on horsepower and torque, with towing capacities of pickup trucks. Many people will use these type of SUVs for family holidays to tow boats, campervans or other sport or entertainment equipment. A person may also use this vehicle a small business with medium sized equipment that needs to be transported inner city. The leaders in this field are the Honda CR-V LX 2WD 5-Spd AT, Infiniti FX35 RWD, Lexus RX 350 FWD, Mazda CX-7 Sport FWD and Pontiac Torrent FWD.A third category of SUV is the off-road vehicle where four-wheel driving (which comes standard in all SUVs nowadays) activities is the destination. Models in this category will focus on large towing capacity, powerful engines in excess of 6.0L with horsepower ratings at 270 and higher. The best SUV models in this category will also include as standard 5 to 6 speed automatic transmission, manual control rocker switches and sophisticated dashboard and instrumentation. As these SUVs are used for off-road purposes, the better models will include a navigation system, rear camera monitor in reverse and maneuverability. Interior storage and cabin space is also a focus with 5/5 crash test ratings an absolute minimum. The standouts SUVs in this field include the GMC Yukon Denali 4WD 5SA, Toyota Land Cruiser 4X4, Infiniti QX56 2WD and Ford Expedition XLT 4X2.We have just mentioned a few of the best SUV models for you. We recommend that you browse the list and read our reviews so you can choose for the BEST SUV for you.
Features of Best SUV Models:The SUV market can be separated into a number of different categories based on their varied uses. Some people are looking for a safe yet robust SUV large enough to transport a family inner city. Consumers looking for family SUVs will place greater emphasis on comfort, luxury and style as well as considering seating, luggage space and fuel economy. Safety features such as side and curtain airbags and crash test ratings are crucial, especially when the main purpose of the vehicle is to transport children. The best SUV in this category are the GMC Yukon XL Denali 2WD 5SA, the Lexus GX 470 Sport Utility, the Lincoln Navigator 4X2 as well as SUVs from Mercedes Benz, BMW and Porsche.Another category of SUV model is the sturdy family SUV with off-road capability. This model of SUV has been termed the crossover as it uses an automobile platform for lighter weight and better fuel efficiency, but used for off-road usage or towing. SUVs in this category will focus on horsepower and torque, with towing capacities of pickup trucks. Many people will use these type of SUVs for family holidays to tow boats, campervans or other sport or entertainment equipment. A person may also use this vehicle a small business with medium sized equipment that needs to be transported inner city. The leaders in this field are the Honda CR-V LX 2WD 5-Spd AT, Infiniti FX35 RWD, Lexus RX 350 FWD, Mazda CX-7 Sport FWD and Pontiac Torrent FWD.A third category of SUV is the off-road vehicle where four-wheel driving (which comes standard in all SUVs nowadays) activities is the destination. Models in this category will focus on large towing capacity, powerful engines in excess of 6.0L with horsepower ratings at 270 and higher. The best SUV models in this category will also include as standard 5 to 6 speed automatic transmission, manual control rocker switches and sophisticated dashboard and instrumentation. As these SUVs are used for off-road purposes, the better models will include a navigation system, rear camera monitor in reverse and maneuverability. Interior storage and cabin space is also a focus with 5/5 crash test ratings an absolute minimum. The standouts SUVs in this field include the GMC Yukon Denali 4WD 5SA, Toyota Land Cruiser 4X4, Infiniti QX56 2WD and Ford Expedition XLT 4X2.We have just mentioned a few of the best SUV models for you. We recommend that you browse the list and read our reviews so you can choose for the BEST SUV for you.
Best SUVs
Rank Car Model Engine Style Performance Overall
#1 Cadillac Escalade 6.2L V8 5/5 5/5 97%
Rank Car Model Engine Style Performance Overall
#1 Cadillac Escalade 6.2L V8 5/5 5/5 97%
#2 GMC Envoy 4.0L V6 4.5/5 5/5 97%
#3 Infiniti QX 56 5.6L V8 5/5 5/5 96%
#4 Mitsubishi Endeavor 3.8L V6 5/5 5/5 95%
#5 Mercedes-Benz GL 5.5L V8 4/5 4.5/5 92%
#6 Mazda CX-9 3.7L V6 5/5 4.5/5 92%
#7 Land Rover LR2 4.4L V8 4.5/5 4.5/5 89%
#8 Saturn Outlook 3.6L V6 4.5/5 4.5/5 88%
#9 Porsche Cayenne 4.8L V8 4.5/5 4.5/5 87%
#10 Nissan Pathfinder 4.0L V6 4.5/5 4.5/5 86%
#3 Infiniti QX 56 5.6L V8 5/5 5/5 96%
#4 Mitsubishi Endeavor 3.8L V6 5/5 5/5 95%
#5 Mercedes-Benz GL 5.5L V8 4/5 4.5/5 92%
#6 Mazda CX-9 3.7L V6 5/5 4.5/5 92%
#7 Land Rover LR2 4.4L V8 4.5/5 4.5/5 89%
#8 Saturn Outlook 3.6L V6 4.5/5 4.5/5 88%
#9 Porsche Cayenne 4.8L V8 4.5/5 4.5/5 87%
#10 Nissan Pathfinder 4.0L V6 4.5/5 4.5/5 86%
Cadillac Escalade:
ReviewThere is no getting around it, the Cadillac Escalade 2WD is a big truck. Big on power, big on comfort and big in sheer size. Luckily the power plant in the model is more than up to the job, a 6.2-liter V8 with over 400 
HP! This latest Cadillac Escalade has a modern, sleeker look. It is definitely not a vehicle for those who like to travel incognito! The Cadillac Escalade virtually shouts - Look at me I'm a big success! Inside the Esplanade is luxuriously appointed with fully automatic climate control, heated leather seats, Bose sound system, Satellite navigation and multimedia, running boards and even a rear view camera. Externally the Esplanade is positively dripping in bling, with plenty of chrome on display especially at the front. Unlike other SUVs where weight blunts acceleration, the 417 lb-ft of torque from the 6.2 V8 fitted under the hood gets this Esplanade moving at a surprising pace for such a tall and heavy vehicle. This torque also makes the Cadillac Escalade 2WD a fantastic towing vehicle. The verdict? Well if you can afford to buy one, have room on your driveway to fit one and can buy the gas for one - then why not, an awesome truck!
HP! This latest Cadillac Escalade has a modern, sleeker look. It is definitely not a vehicle for those who like to travel incognito! The Cadillac Escalade virtually shouts - Look at me I'm a big success! Inside the Esplanade is luxuriously appointed with fully automatic climate control, heated leather seats, Bose sound system, Satellite navigation and multimedia, running boards and even a rear view camera. Externally the Esplanade is positively dripping in bling, with plenty of chrome on display especially at the front. Unlike other SUVs where weight blunts acceleration, the 417 lb-ft of torque from the 6.2 V8 fitted under the hood gets this Esplanade moving at a surprising pace for such a tall and heavy vehicle. This torque also makes the Cadillac Escalade 2WD a fantastic towing vehicle. The verdict? Well if you can afford to buy one, have room on your driveway to fit one and can buy the gas for one - then why not, an awesome truck! GMC Envoy Review:
The GMC Envoy SLE-2 2WD is GMC's mid-size SUV, genetically related to the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, Buick Rainier, and Saab 9-7X. Unlike many of the new crossover utility vehicles, the 2009 GMC Envoy SLE-2 2WD has solid truck-based underpinnings - this truck based DNA make it better suited for heavy tow
ing and heavy duty off-road work, but less proficient in the urban environment than the more modern car-based crossovers. The 291HP, 4.2L engine is adequate, rather than exciting and many road tests seem to indicate that the larger (optional) V8 makes for quieter progress. Both road and engine noise are higher than most are used to in modern vehicles. In terms of safety the GMC Envoy SLE-2 2WD has had mixed results. Acceptable ratings for frontal impact, marginal for side and poor for rear impacts. On the plus side all GMC Envoys are now fitted with GM's StabiliTrak stability control and ABS is now standard. In summary if you do a lot of heavy duty towing, or if you live half way up a mountain track, then the GMC Envoy SLE-2 2WD may well be the truck for you. However if you are looking for civilised, urban transport to haul you and your family around, then there are much better choices. This is an old school SUV with old school capabilities - it's a big truck and it drives like one!
ing and heavy duty off-road work, but less proficient in the urban environment than the more modern car-based crossovers. The 291HP, 4.2L engine is adequate, rather than exciting and many road tests seem to indicate that the larger (optional) V8 makes for quieter progress. Both road and engine noise are higher than most are used to in modern vehicles. In terms of safety the GMC Envoy SLE-2 2WD has had mixed results. Acceptable ratings for frontal impact, marginal for side and poor for rear impacts. On the plus side all GMC Envoys are now fitted with GM's StabiliTrak stability control and ABS is now standard. In summary if you do a lot of heavy duty towing, or if you live half way up a mountain track, then the GMC Envoy SLE-2 2WD may well be the truck for you. However if you are looking for civilised, urban transport to haul you and your family around, then there are much better choices. This is an old school SUV with old school capabilities - it's a big truck and it drives like one!Infiniti QX56 Review
Unlike the FX35 and FX50 from Infiniti, this is no sports crossover vehicle, this is a big truck! Powered by a 5.6L V8 with 320HP and rated to tow up to an amazing 9000lbs, the QX56 handles well for it's size and you tend to forget just how big a truck this is. With air suspension as standard the QX56 rides smoothly. On road progress is smooth and refined, with very little noise entering the cabin. For serious off road work the
QX56 comes as standard with heavy-duty skid plates for the oil sump, fuel tank and transfer case. A 7 seater with large cargo capacity, the Infiniti QX56 comes fully loaded, the only option you need to specify really is 2 or 4 wheel drive. Everything you could wish for in terms of equipment is standard, including navigation system, leather-trimmed upholstery, xenon HID headlights, a powered lift gate, a park-assist system, rear-view camera and 18-inch chromium aluminium alloy wheels. In terms of safety equipment, a full complement of airbags all round is provided. Fuel economy is good (relatively speaking for this size of vehicle) at 13mpg city/18mpg highway. Reliability reports from owners have been very positive, reinforcing the Japanese reputation for engineering integrity. The Infiniti QX56 is a large, comfortable and refined full size SUV, great on and off road, with a huge towing capacity. If you need a truck with these capabilities then do yourself a favor and book a test drive today.
QX56 comes as standard with heavy-duty skid plates for the oil sump, fuel tank and transfer case. A 7 seater with large cargo capacity, the Infiniti QX56 comes fully loaded, the only option you need to specify really is 2 or 4 wheel drive. Everything you could wish for in terms of equipment is standard, including navigation system, leather-trimmed upholstery, xenon HID headlights, a powered lift gate, a park-assist system, rear-view camera and 18-inch chromium aluminium alloy wheels. In terms of safety equipment, a full complement of airbags all round is provided. Fuel economy is good (relatively speaking for this size of vehicle) at 13mpg city/18mpg highway. Reliability reports from owners have been very positive, reinforcing the Japanese reputation for engineering integrity. The Infiniti QX56 is a large, comfortable and refined full size SUV, great on and off road, with a huge towing capacity. If you need a truck with these capabilities then do yourself a favor and book a test drive today.Mitsubishi Endeavor Review:
The Endeavor is a midsize sport utility that seats five, with generous space in the front and rear seats. Despite its rugged appearance, the Endeavor is more like a car than a truck. The Endeavor is available in only two trim levels: LS and SE. Each is available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. All are powered b
y a 3.8-liter V6 making 225 horsepower mounted transversely (sideways) and mated to a four-speed automatic transmission with Sportronic manual shifting capability. Safety features on all Endeavors include dual-stage frontal airbags and front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags, rollover protection, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, traction control, and a tire-pressure monitor. For 2009, the Mitsubishi Endeavor gets new colors and other minor aesthetic changes.
y a 3.8-liter V6 making 225 horsepower mounted transversely (sideways) and mated to a four-speed automatic transmission with Sportronic manual shifting capability. Safety features on all Endeavors include dual-stage frontal airbags and front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags, rollover protection, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, traction control, and a tire-pressure monitor. For 2009, the Mitsubishi Endeavor gets new colors and other minor aesthetic changes. Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Review
The big advantage the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class GL320 BlueTEC has over its smaller mid size brother the M-Class SUV is the extra length and cargo capacity behind the rear seats. Most competitors in
this class use a heavier-duty, truck-based frame design, however, the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class takes the more modern route with a car like platform. The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class GL320 has excellent ride comfort and agility for it's size. If you're in the market for a large SUV, and good on road manners are more important than ultimate off-road ability or maximum towing capacity, then the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class GL320 BlueTEC is worth checking out. With luxurious appointments and seating for 7, spacious cargo hold and impressive refinement, the GL320 is a top of class contender. With a 3.0 V6 210 HP diesel common rail engine, the GL320 BlueTEC is capable of averaging 25mpg in everyday use. The GL-Class GL320 BlueTEC models come equipped with a seven-speed automatic transmission, air-adjustable suspension and a fully automatic all-wheel-drive system requiring no driver input whether on or off road. Perhaps it is time to overcome our prejudice against diesel power!
this class use a heavier-duty, truck-based frame design, however, the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class takes the more modern route with a car like platform. The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class GL320 has excellent ride comfort and agility for it's size. If you're in the market for a large SUV, and good on road manners are more important than ultimate off-road ability or maximum towing capacity, then the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class GL320 BlueTEC is worth checking out. With luxurious appointments and seating for 7, spacious cargo hold and impressive refinement, the GL320 is a top of class contender. With a 3.0 V6 210 HP diesel common rail engine, the GL320 BlueTEC is capable of averaging 25mpg in everyday use. The GL-Class GL320 BlueTEC models come equipped with a seven-speed automatic transmission, air-adjustable suspension and a fully automatic all-wheel-drive system requiring no driver input whether on or off road. Perhaps it is time to overcome our prejudice against diesel power!Mazda CX-9 Review
The new 2009 Mazda CX-9 is available in three trim levels, Sport, Touring and Grand Touring. The Sport model is well equipped for an entry level vehicle, featuring 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission, ABS, Traction control, Stability control, Dual front side mounted air bags, Front, rear and third row h
ead airbags, Privacy glass, Tire pressure monitoring, Power windows, mirrors and door locks, Cruise control, Three zone climate control and an AM/FM in-dash single CD player with 6 speakers. All are powered by an all new 3.7L V6 engine with a roomy interior and, unusually for the crossover class, proper seating for seven. Roll stability control, Traction control and stability control are standard on all CX-9 trim levels, along with three-row side-curtain airbags. The CX-9 is powered by a new 273 horsepower engine, an increase of 10 horsepower over the outgoing model, which was needed for this 4500 lb vehicle. Fuel economy is decent for a 7 seat SUV recording 16mpg/22mpg city/highway in this FWD model. The CX-9 now has brisk acceleration and the cabin is subdued at all speeds. The standard six-speed automatic transmission operates unobtrusively and smoothly. For towing the CX-9 can handle a 2000 lb trailer (or up to 3500lbs with optional towing pack).
ead airbags, Privacy glass, Tire pressure monitoring, Power windows, mirrors and door locks, Cruise control, Three zone climate control and an AM/FM in-dash single CD player with 6 speakers. All are powered by an all new 3.7L V6 engine with a roomy interior and, unusually for the crossover class, proper seating for seven. Roll stability control, Traction control and stability control are standard on all CX-9 trim levels, along with three-row side-curtain airbags. The CX-9 is powered by a new 273 horsepower engine, an increase of 10 horsepower over the outgoing model, which was needed for this 4500 lb vehicle. Fuel economy is decent for a 7 seat SUV recording 16mpg/22mpg city/highway in this FWD model. The CX-9 now has brisk acceleration and the cabin is subdued at all speeds. The standard six-speed automatic transmission operates unobtrusively and smoothly. For towing the CX-9 can handle a 2000 lb trailer (or up to 3500lbs with optional towing pack).Land Rover LR2 Review
The Land Rover LR2 is an entry-level luxury SUV designed to provide superior off-road capabilities and classic Land Rover creature comforts. Power comes from a 230-hp, 3.2-liter inline six cylinder engine that is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and a permanent all-wheel drive system with Land Rover's unique "Terrain Response" system. The LR2 seats five passengers with standard luxury features such as leather seating, panoramic sunroof, Alpine audio system and dual-zone climate control. Standard safety features include four-wheel anti-lock brakes, stability control with roll mitigation, seven airbags, front and rear fog lights and raining sensing wipers. The Land Rover LR2 is new for 2009 and takes the place of the Freelander as the lowest priced vehicle in the Land Rover
Saturn OUTLOOK Review
Saturn OUTLOOK Review
The Saturn Outlook was only introduced in 2007, so the 2009 model remains unchanged. It is a mid-size SUV/crossover based on GM's Lambda platform (which also underpins the GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave). The Saturn Outlook replaced the previous Saturn Relay minivan. The Saturn Outlook has a bol
d and rugged design and seats up to eight, however, the third seating row is a bit of a squeeze for three adults but comfortable for two. Accessing the rearmost seats is remarkably easy thanks to GM's Smart Slide, fold flat system. It is powered by GM's 275 horsepower, 3.6L DOHC V6 using a six-speed autobox with manual mode. This engine and transmission are a good combination, acceleration is seamless and the Outlook is car-like drive with none of the typical SUV leaning and wallowing. The Saturn Outlook has a high standard of occupant protection, with side, front and curtain airbags and GM's vehicle stability control program (StabiliTrak). Fuel economy figures from the EPA are 16mpg city, 23mpg highway - take note that it holds a 22 gallon tank which gives a cruising range of over 500 miles. Reassuringly, the Outlook scored a maximum 5 stars in both frontal and side impact crash testing.
d and rugged design and seats up to eight, however, the third seating row is a bit of a squeeze for three adults but comfortable for two. Accessing the rearmost seats is remarkably easy thanks to GM's Smart Slide, fold flat system. It is powered by GM's 275 horsepower, 3.6L DOHC V6 using a six-speed autobox with manual mode. This engine and transmission are a good combination, acceleration is seamless and the Outlook is car-like drive with none of the typical SUV leaning and wallowing. The Saturn Outlook has a high standard of occupant protection, with side, front and curtain airbags and GM's vehicle stability control program (StabiliTrak). Fuel economy figures from the EPA are 16mpg city, 23mpg highway - take note that it holds a 22 gallon tank which gives a cruising range of over 500 miles. Reassuringly, the Outlook scored a maximum 5 stars in both frontal and side impact crash testing. 