The Vehicles

The Q7 has been around for a couple of years now and has not changed much, but it really doesn’t need to. It was a favourite on the weekend for comfort, interior design, space and power. The real favourite item was the bucket seats in the second row, which give the impression of a much larger vehicle. A version coming out in early 2009 with a new diesel engine will make this an even hotter seller. Easy-to-use features include the navigation system and popular, panoramic sunroof. There was lots of space for the whole family, or a group golf including all your clubs, with room to spare.

PRICE RANGE: $57,800 - $75,000 

BMW - X6

BEST EXTERIOR STYLING

The newest vehicle in the group was the one that started our crossover weekend test drive. When we saw that BMW would have an X6 available to us, we had to make sure we were the first to test it out. Suffice it to say, we were not disappointed. The look of the X6 is nothing short of stunning. You have to appreciate the lines of the vehicle and its aggressive stance. They have kept the interior as classic BMW with the iDrive system including many of the improvements that drivers have been requesting. It is very intuitive and easy to navigate, although like any of these systems, you do need to spend a bit of time programming in your personal specifications. The drive of the vehicle is all BMW, all the time. Quick like a cat, responsive and has great handling. The only downside we found all weekend was that the rear window view was a little small, which shouldn’t matter—since all you will see is headlights as you speed away!

PRICE RANGE: $63,900 - $74,100 

Hyundai - Veracruz

BEST FAMILY FRIENDLY

Every year, we put test drive a vehicle that might not scream luxury by the brand name, but inevitably surprises everyone in the group. This year, that spot went to the Hyundai Veracruz.  With all the comforts of a luxury class vehicle, including all-wheel-drive and a 260 hp V6 engine tied to a smooth 6-speed transmission, this was a vehicle that people kept getting out of with a smile on their face. Hyundai has been working hard over the last few years to squash the reputation as the builder of the Pony and that is all.  They have definitely hit one out of the park with the Veracruz.

PRICE RANGE: $39,995 -$46,295

Infiniti - Sedan EX

BEST INTERIOR DESIGN

Built on the G35 platform, the EX is a true crossover. It’s small in stature, but its interior is roomy enough for a weekend getaway with the kids and all your gear. The EX was a favorite, with lots of power and one of the best interior layouts of the group (which Infiniti has become known for). They have also upped the ante on the rear-view camera with an around view monitor that helps you park in those really tight spots at the mall. Its power comes from a 3.6-litre V6 that has 297 hp and a five-speed transmission. Combined with the all-wheel drive system, we think this will be a great seller for Infiniti.

PRICE RANGE: $40,400

Land Rover - LR2

BEST CARGO SPACE

The replacement for the Freelander, the LR2 is not even in the same class. The look has that mini-Range Rover feel.  Roomy, quiet and a smooth ride are all considerations of a crossover vehicle in this competition range. Complete with the features you would expect, including great leather seating, a touch screen navigation system and good performance. When our group first got a look at the Land Rover, some thought that the styling should have been a bit edgier, but once they drove it, the consensus was that the styling matched the vehicle. Controls were just what you wanted, where you wanted them. Overall, a great drive with the safety features that a family would look for and the off-road performance for those weekends in the backcountry.

PRICE RANGE: $44,900 - $46,295

Lexus - RX400h

BEST INTERIOR STYLING

As the only hybrid crossover that we tested in the weekend, it was also the only (gas powered) vehicle that we did not fill up with fuel until it was being returned to the dealership. Over 900 km to the tank proved that hybrid technology works in the city and on the highway. The RX series of crossovers has been very popular over the years. It has been updated with a new grille, colour-matched rear spoiler and a few interior tweaks. But the big advantage with this vehicle is that Lexus Canada has brought down the price—and you can still qualify for federal grants when purchasing hybrid vehicles. If you are concerned that hybrids have not been around very long, consider that Lexus provides a 96 month/160,000km warranty on the hybrid-related components.

PRICE RANGE: $55,050 - 63,500

Mercedes - M Class

BEST COMFORT

Our other non-gas powered vehicle was the Mercedes M-Class CDI.  The Blue-Tec diesel engine not only provides phenomenal range (over 1,100 km in one tank!), but you would never know that you were driving a diesel. In comparison to what most people perceive as smelly and dirty, this was nothing of the sort.  Standing directly behind the idling M-Class, we experienced no smelly fumes. The only giveaway was that the engine had the familiar “knock”.  The reason for this is that diesel fuel burns at a lower temperature, and when it ignites in the cylinder it creates a ‘pop’ that sounds like a knock. Sitting inside the luxurious M-Class, outfitted with the premium package, suddenly ended any conversation about diesel smell, knocks, etc. This vehicle was a fan favorite from the get-go. It had great seats, a great view from the drivers seat, navigation, a Bluetooth phone—the list goes on. The M-Class was in the running all weekend as the best all-around drive.

PRICE RANGE: $61,400 - $97,500

Porsche - Cayenne S

BEST ACCELERATION

Oh yes, the Porsche.  The one vehicle that elicits stares as it passes by. The model we had on our Pursuit weekend was not loaded up with the navigation system or the complete package of features, but that might have actually taken away from the fun that we had driving the Cayenne. Just sitting in the Porsche makes you feel like you should be going fast. Not quite in the crossover category, but it is the right size to compete with the others in this class. The ride was what we expected it would be: luxurious, but sporty. The leather seats held the driver and passenger comfortably for long rides and the vehicle handled well while driving along a gravel road in the pouring rain. The most surprising thing to most of the participants was that the pricetag of the vehicle we tested was around $75,000. Pretty much everyone figured it was over $100,000. This should add it to a few shopping lists!

PRICE RANGE: $55,200 - $115,300

Volkswagon - Touareg 2

BEST COCKPIT FEEL

The Touareg, build on a similar platform as the Cayenne and the Audi Q7, has a completely different feel to it when sitting in the cockpit. You instantly feel like you have everything at your fingertips and are ready to go. The Touareg 2 has been updated with a new front including new lights for 2008. In the past, the Touareg has been called heavy and a bit sluggish with the 6-cylinder engine, but we did not find this to be the case on the Pursuit weekend as passing and acceleration were good.  The vehicle we tested had a great set of wheels on it that added to its good looks.

PRICE RANGE: $44,975 - $58,975 

Volvo - XC70

BEST HANDLING

Volvo, known for the safety initiatives on their vehicles, continues to follow its heritage in 2008’s brand new XC70. The sporty version of the V70, the XC has an aggressive look that will appeal to the crossover crowd.  Performance from a 235-hp six-cylinder could not be defined as peppy, but the group this weekend liked the way that the power was understated, yet there when you wanted it. Safety features are numerous including adaptive cruise control, a blind spot information system (with door cameras to warn of a vehicle in your blind spot) and collision warning with brake support. For families with young kids, the rear booster seats are a great feature not found on any other vehicle.

PRICE RANGE: $46,495 - 50,460