ALT-1 The next best Thing Crossover Vehicles

From 3arf

Generation X station wagon? Green SUV? Whichever title you prefer to use and whether you've noticed them or not, chances are good that a crossover is coming to a garage near you. Manufacturers are certainly embracing their popularity. Models currently on the market include: Toyota RAV4, Dodge Caliber, Honda CRV, Acura MDX, Jeep Compass, BMW X3, Hyundai Veracruz, Ford Escape, Kia Rondo, Mazda CX9, Nissan Murano, Pontiac Vibe and many others.

How about the genesis of the crossover; which one was first? In 1979, the first American made, mass produced crossover vehicle hit the market: the AMC Eagle. At this time, several manufacturers were competing (Subaru was the largest) for position in this burgeoning market for consumers who didn't need a beefy 4x4, but did need better traction than a normal passenger car without paying the huge gas mileage penalty that came with owning a traditional 4x4. How did AMC fare? The Eagle saw modest sales, but finally lost out mainly because it didn't keep up with changing styles; consumers lost interest. However, its place in history is cemented, as described by Four Wheeler Magazine, "For the average consumer, Eagle is the perfect blend of car and 4 x 4. The beginning of a new generation of cars."

The days of the early crossovers are gone and it is no wonder why today's crossover vehicle is the vehicle of choice for many consumers. 2007's showcase modern styling, great gas mileage (particularly the front wheel drive versions), smooth rides, a wealth of available technical gizmos, roomy interiors and car-like stability. What do SUV buyers give up when they move to a crossover? They give up mostly off road capability. Manufacturers admit that crossover vehicles aren't designed to go off road; in Jeep commercials, you'll notice the Jeep Liberty rockin' and rollin' through muddy creeks and up steep rocky paths only to meet the Jeep Compass smartly driving down a dirt road.

A lot is written about the crossover's off road, or lack of, off road capability, but what about the crossover's 4x4 capabilities vs. those of traditional 4x4s? Here are some differences and the pros and cons of each. First, the crossover vehicle is lower to the ground. Pro: it gives you a car like feel with less chance of tipping over. Con: you don't have the ground clearance that you need to go off-road. Second, crossovers don't have the heavy duty four wheel drive of a truck or SUV. Pro: the vehicle weighs less and still gets great traction in rain or snow. Con: there is no low range for heavy snow/mud/sand travel ("Low range" is a low gear ratio on a traditional 4x4 that enables you to tackle tough terrain). In addition, the SUV offers a handful of options that you won't find in a crossover such as knobbier tires, stiffer suspension, a truck based frame, skid plates and drive train protection. Pro: again, these options offer the owner offroading capability. Con: these options add to the price and weight of the vehicle.

Will consumers miss the offroading capability of the SUV? Not likely. According to MSN Autos, 85% of men and 89.2% of women have never driven their SUV off-road. The crossover seems quite the complete package for consumers looking for more than a regular passenger car. It has the passenger car's style, ride, stability, gas mileage and comfort while delivering the excellent traction, better drive height and carrying capacity that many people look for in an SUV. With this tempting blend of passenger car and SUV, when will you be parking a crossover in your garage? I'm betting it will be soon!

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