Which is the best 2010 SUV? This article will try and answer that question; and in so doing, I will be honest, giving both the pros and the cons of each vehicle discussed.
Consumer Reports has named two brands of SUV as the top ones for that year: the Subaru Forester as the best small SUV, and the Hyundai Santa Fe as the best medium- sized of that type.
The Subaru Forester is a rugged, all- wheel drive vehicle, capable of performing in bad weather, making it ideal for traveling to ski lodges and other such vacation spots. Its low points include relatively low ground clearance and capability off the road. The interior of the most recent model is more spacious and upscale.
The Hyundai Santa Fe has a strong, efficient V6 engine and a roomy cabin, and its controls are easy to operate. It also comes with a “great warranty.” Cons are that some people may find certain models to be too firm.
The following three vehicles are highly rated by Business Week:
At $24,000 the Volkswagen Tiguan may seem rather expensive, but the price is worth the quality of this truck. It is equipped with the best Bluetooth technology, and its interior is of high quality, however it has only a limited amount of space, so families with many children should have second thoughts about buying this SUV. Its economy of fuel is also low.
The Honda Element is an excellent choice for anyone who has a dog, for it is equipped with an entry ramp, a fan, a food and water bowl, and “dog bone upholstery!” It also has a crash- resistant crate to house the dog.
The Dodge Journey has fought its bad reputation by making a number of improvements over its earlier self, including sharpening the chassis and creating a more pleasant- looking inside. The dashboard and other instruments are covered in shiny plastic.
Most specialists have rated the Honda CR- V as the best 2010 SUV among the cheap compact models in terms of safety: it costs less than $25,000. This model has won a number of awards, including the Motorist Choice Award and Best Compact Crossover for the Money. Among large luxury SUVs, the Mercedes 2010 has been given a high rating because of its fuel economy, but is engine is less powerful than those of many other trucks, nor is it really intended for off- the- road driving.
The Chevrolet Equinox has not only a spacious inside, it also has a computer console complete with a USB port. The chair- like balloons that came with the previous year’s model have been replaced by a set of buckets that offer much greater comfort.
The Toyota Land Cruiser is a rare type: It combines the ruggedness of an off- road vehicle with the comfort of an on- road type. It can tow heavy trailers. But there is limited space inside and the third- row seat is of rather inferior functioning.
The 2010 Nissan Xterra ranks among the best off- the- road SUVs; it certainly has a strong V6 engine, but its inside is not particularly attractive, and driver experience has been low.