When SUVs first lumbered onto the scene, their increased utility relative to cars came at a cost: handling that was a far cry from engaging, and often downright cumbersome. Of course, these days we have crossovers, which offer all the utility of their truck-based ancestors with fewer handling compromises.
Within this pool, there are some that are much more athletic than their peers. If you like driving and need the increased room and utility of a crossover, you won't go wrong with these five overachievers.
1: BMW X5/X5 M
If crossovers were basketball players, the X5 would be Michael Jordan. Model year 2011 brings some rather thrilling new changes for what was already an exceptional machine, in the form of upgraded engines. Last year's straight-6 gets the boot, replaced by a 300-horsepower version with a twin-scroll turbocharger; it's the same engine seen in the 2011 335i and it offers more power and better fuel economy. The V8 model has also been shown some love in the engine department, with the twin-turbo 400-hp V8 seen in the 5 and 7 Series sedans taking up residence under the hood. Naturally, X5s with the M badge offer even more excitement, thanks to a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 good for 555 hp and 501 lb-ft of torque.
2: Porsche Cayenne
The Porsche Cayenne was always a hotshot, but a 2011 redesign makes it even more impressive when it comes to handling. Its dual-range transfer case gets dumped in the makeover which helps lighten curb weight by about 400 pounds. Of course, less weight means more fun on the road -- all the engines in its lineup feel peppier and more potent thanks to the crossover's trimmer physique. The star of the show is the Cayenne Turbo; its turbocharged 4.8-liter V8 produces 500 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, and helps the crossover reach 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds.
3: Infiniti FX
If you don't mind a stiffer ride, you'll love the FX. It remains tenaciously glued to the tarmac during winding canyon jaunts and gets up to speed on straightaways with haste; the FX50 rockets from 0-60 mph in just 5.5 seconds. Power is abundant from both of the available engines and it's delivered in a consistently smooth way, with wonderfully direct steering. Add to this a luxurious cabin that's loaded with a cornucopia of tech goodness and it's clear there's lots to appreciate. The one drawback is that its utility trails that of some others in this class, with maximum cargo capacity and rear passenger room falling on the lower end of the spectrum.
4: Audi Q5
The Q5 is a blast to drive, but the thing that makes it most memorable is its ability to deliver the goods in pretty much every area. It offers the kind of athleticism that makes it a winning choice for drivers who like to take the long way home, but it also boasts exceptional fuel economy from a new-for-2011 turbocharged 4-cylinder (a V6 is also available). There's ample room for passengers in its spacious cabin and cargo capacity is equally impressive. A sliding rear seat enhances versatility -- it's the only choice in this segment to offer this feature.
5: Infiniti EX
It's no exaggeration to say that the EX offers handling more associated with sport sedans than vehicles of its size and weight. It's easy to see why, given that the crossover is just 2 inches longer and rides just 1 inch higher than the Infiniti G35 on which it's based; these similarities lead to driving dynamics that are nearly identical between the two models. As is the case with most Infinitis, the EX also comes with a robust armament of gadgetry. On the utility side, it's more a small wagon than a crossover, but if you can make do with a little less space, you'll love driving one of the most engaging picks in the segment.
Got any models to add to this lineup? Which crossovers impress you most?
kaidan33 says:
03:24 AM, 08/ 7/11
You mention all these SUVs and fail to mention the King of the Hill? The top seller? I'm talking about the Acura MDX, a vehicle that may not win the beauty contest (that goes to the X5) but it's bigger, far more agile, and offers more bang for the buck. I never see the MDX mentioned here so I guess I'm not surprised...
teampenske3 says:
05:45 AM, 08/ 7/11
Acura RDX. I believe Motor Trend called it "the Evo of crossovers."
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/oneyear/112_0903_2007_acura_rdx_verdict/viewall.html
icaruschuck says:
06:22 AM, 08/ 7/11
Acura RDX for sure! How is that not on the list over the EX (the EX is really a wagon, right?)
jayrandall says:
08:12 AM, 08/ 7/11
Nice to finally see Infiniti recognized, seems like the FX (and the EX to a lesser degree) is lost in a sea of Lexus, BMW and Acura cross-overs. The FX did debut in 2003 as the second cross-over in this segment, the Lexus 350 being the first.
hondacura4 says:
10:25 AM, 08/ 7/11
Jay, the MDX debuted in 2001.
The MDX is easily the best Acura currently offered and despite its age, it's still VERY competitive compared to the X5 and other competitors. Hopefully Acura (Honda) won't water down the MDX formula with the next generation.
The RDX is a very aggressive driver but the firm suspension and 2.3t/5AT combo (the transmission being the issue) turn a lot of people away. Acura, refine the next generation with a more refined tuning of the suspension and give it the 6AT from the MDX. I'd also like to see better interior materials and a more upscale design overall.
firstwagon says:
11:37 AM, 08/ 7/11
"Of course, these days we have crossovers, which offer all the utility of their truck-based ancestors with fewer handling compromises. "
No question they handle better but "all the utility"? That's stretch unless all the utility you need is the ability to carry groceries or mountain bikes.
carlisimo says:
04:17 PM, 08/ 7/11
I never took the Infiniti EX seriously because I prefer cars to crossovers... but hearing that it's only an inch higher than the G35 actually tempts me. I can make that sacrifice in order to have a hatch rather than a trunk. Doesn't that put the EX in the same class as the Crosstour, Venza, and Outback?
atomic13 says:
04:27 PM, 08/ 7/11
So, apparently I have to spring for a "luxury" make if I were in the market for a crossover that is fun to drive, is that what you're telling me?
saturn95 says:
05:05 PM, 08/ 7/11
I'll take the X5, if I had to choose from these, but I would take a 5 xi touring over any one of these crossovers.
_pioneer_ says:
05:15 PM, 08/ 7/11
I think putting the Juke's motor and such into the EX would be a pretty nifty idea.
cobraboy1 says:
07:47 PM, 08/ 7/11
Is there a list with sporty CUV's that I can actually afford? Like the Mazda CX-7, V-6 Rav4, Nissan Juke, and others like it.
firstwagon says:
09:00 PM, 08/ 7/11
cobraboy1 Good list
Your choices are sportier the the original list and a lot more affordable.
paublo73 says:
08:29 AM, 08/ 8/11
So where's my CX-9?
adamb1 says:
08:57 AM, 08/ 8/11
Jeep SRT8 doesn't make the list? Seems like a glaring oversight.
a_pipp says:
09:38 AM, 08/ 8/11
I'm with cobraboy1... there should be a list of more affordable sporty crossovers rather than luxury picks.
I'd vote for my RAV4 V6 Sport... good acceleration with good handling for a vehicle of that size.
compliance says:
09:39 AM, 08/ 8/11
Shame on your for not including Mazdas!
sideswiper says:
09:41 AM, 08/ 8/11
I drive an MDX on a regular basis and anyone that would call it agile, sporty, or athletic is a loony. It's a family-ified SUV. It's easy to drive, not fun to drive.
blueguydotcom says:
09:47 AM, 08/ 8/11
Driven a CX-7 and CX-9. They're not fun to drive and do not handle with aplomb. Ditto the Rav4. Take an EX35, X3, RDX or Cayenne and pound them hard into a series of switchbacks at above legal speeds and then do the same with the Mazdas, Hondas and Toyotas mentioned... good luck.
_pioneer_ says:
10:48 AM, 08/ 8/11
I with blueguy, on the CX-7, there is power and then there is athleticism. The V6 had power but neither the 6 or the 4 cylinders had athleticism. I assume the V6 Rav 4 would also fall into this category.
The Juke though really is somewhat of a blast.
dillon9 says:
02:10 PM, 08/ 8/11
Howd' you guys forget the Acura MDX? or even the RDX?? That RDX may only have a 2.3L Turbo Vtec but sure as H** can get down and go for its size! And the MDX has a 3.7 Vtec V6 and SH-AWD! Thats not sporty enough??
paublo73 says:
03:07 PM, 08/ 8/11
I have to respectfully disagree with Blueguy about the CX-9. I own a 2008 CX-9 and have been quite impressed with it's handling for it's size. Does it handle better than a Mazda 3? No. But for a large 7 passenger crossover it feels much smaller than it is. All the controls: steering, brake, throttle are spot on and provide solid feel that inspire confidence as I take highway onramps at high speed. Trust me, it should be on the list.
wowphotobooth says:
03:46 PM, 08/ 8/11
Looked for a SUV ..............and picked out Subaru Outback
Sure is about the same size inside as the above.........but
for 10k to 20 k less money........and get 4 wheel drive and
almost 30 mpg on highway........and can tow about 2500#.
And it was picked by Motor Trend as SUV of the year - 2
years running
Sure will hear about this pick................................
bgp001 says:
05:01 PM, 08/ 8/11
What kind of due diligence, if any, do you guys conduct before making these posts?? The Infiniti EX35 is almost 5" shorter in length than the G35/G37 sedan and is almost 5" taller in height than the G35/G37 sedan.
roar02ram says:
08:09 PM, 08/ 8/11
Okay, there really aren't many athletic cheaper crossovers...but the Juke really did deserve a spot on this list.__
blueguydotcom says:
09:23 PM, 08/ 8/11
@paublo73 - you're qualifying. It's either a good driver or it's not. If you must modify with "for its size" then you're already in a place that's making an exception.
v8vader says:
11:16 PM, 08/ 8/11
it deserves an echo: what about the CX-9?!
bimmerjay says:
07:00 PM, 08/ 9/11
The MDX is a fine SUV, but it's not really 'athletic' at all. Especially when compared against the ones that made this list.
DLu says:
07:52 PM, 08/ 9/11
+1 for this list including only cars that the average American cannot afford. I expected better, IL
speedynk says:
01:45 PM, 08/10/11
The X3 is missing from that line up ,lighter & with same engine as the X5. The Infiniti EX is a 5 door veesion of the G7 with as much rear seat leg room as the '85 911.