2014 Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid Crossover

On August 21, 2014August 21, 2014 By stuwright47In *CROSSOVERS, Volkswagen2 Comments

Volkswagen’s Touareg, named after a nomadic people that inhabit the Saharan interior of North Africa, has been manufactured by the company since 2002. It is a mid-size luxury crossover made in a plant in Bratislava, Slovakia that is owned by the Volkswagen Group. That Group owns Audi and Porsche, and the Q7 and Cayenne models marketing by those firms are SUV’s based on the Touareg platform.

The Touareg, now in its second generation offering, comes handsomely equipped with power lift gate, big panoramic moon roof, navigation with 8” display, Vienna leather seating for five, heated front and rear seats, and keyless access/pushbutton start. Thus, the base price is $64,745.00 and coupled with freight, the total M.S.R.P. is $65,655.00.

The above listing of equipment is just part of the package, and the Touareg comes off as a very swanky mode of transportation. Passengers in the Touareg with Ruth and I gasped at the big, glass moon roof that of course powers open from the windshield to the middle of passenger compartment. Leather is present on the seats as well as the gear shift and heated steering wheel. My test car had black Anthracite trim inside.

Outside, the Touareg was painted Tungsten silver metallic with chrome trim on the lower four doors featuring a “Hybrid” designation. In a departure from many hybrids, the Volkswagen was equipped with large, dual, chrome exhaust finishers in the rear. A possible reason for that is the power plant, above and beyond for a hybrid. System power is 380 horsepower and the torque is a muscular 428 lb. ft. It is all lined up with an eight-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic capability, and acceleration is reportedly is zero to sixty in 5.9 seconds. The gas engine in the Volkswagen is a supercharged 3.0 liter V-6 and the drive system is 4Motion all-wheel drive.

Fuel economy ratings for the Touareg are modest, with the highway rating at 24 mpg and the city rating at 20 mpg. I observed 20.9 mpg for the week that I drove the Touareg. What Volkswagen is selling here is a performance hybrid; it would take a high mileage application to pay for the upcharge in this vehicle.

Styling is a hallmark of this SUV, and the silver paint was striking. The 19”, five-spoke alloy wheels were surrounded with Michelin Latitude Tour HP’s in size 265/50R19. On the rear was a trailer hitch and towing capacity was nearly four tons.

Back inside, the Touareg features an all-around camera system to allow the driver to effectively see the vehicle from above, parking lot stripes and all. The rear camera is present, as well, and it stays on until the car is moving forward at about three miles per hour. The navigation seemed above average and driving the Volkswagen was fine. Ride, interior noise, handling, and guidance on pavement were good.

The Hybrid Touareg is an elegant vehicle and I enjoyed my week driving it.

2014 Nissan Rogue SL AWD Crossover

On August 3, 2014August 23, 2014 By stuwright47In *CROSSOVERS, NissanLeave a comment

This past week my wife and I traveled to Illinois to visit an elderly relative, see the Cubs/Rockies games at Wrigley Field and test drive a 2014 Nissan Rogue SL all-wheel drive Crossover. Ruth and I picked up the car at O’Hare and immediately set out for Freeport, Illinois, 100 miles west of Chicago. Wonderful weather was on hand and responsible for taking some of the grief out of Illinois road construction, particularly on Interstate 90. Through the windshield I would estimate that I viewed one million orange signs on the vacation.

The Rogue is a popular Nissan offering, and the company has sold nearly 750,000 units since the introduction of the model in 2007. A year ago I wrote a review of the 2013, first generation Rogue, and at that time their sales were up 13% for the year. Now I have tested a 2014 Rogue, much redesigned, and as I understand it, sales are up again this year to the tune of 14%. That percentage also applies to the change in fuel efficiency of this new Rogue, and nicely, it is an increase in such, through the employment of a reduced drag coefficient, among other things.

My test Rogue was an SL model, which is the top offering of Nissan, with leather interior and sunroof. It was painted Midnight Jade (green) metallic and the interior was almond leather. M.S.R.P. of the Rogue was $32,395.00, including the base price of $29,420.00, freight of $860.00, and a couple of options. Those included carpeted floor mats ($125.00), and an SL Premium package ($1,990.00). The SL Premium package included the following: power panoramic moon roof, LED headlights with auto levelizers, blind spot warning, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and moving object detection. Also included on this SL was 7” touch-screen display, navigation, satellite radio, around-view monitor for parking, power lift gate, and mud and snow tires all around. They were Dunlop Grand Trek P225/60R18s, and they provided a quiet highway driving environment.

Power for the Rogue comes from a four-cylinder, 170 horsepower engine with 175 lb. ft. of torque. The all-wheel drive vehicle has an Xtronic CVT (continuously variable) transmission with a sport mode switch and hill start assist. Acceleration is adequate, but fuel economy is above average for this class of vehicle – 32 mpg highway, 25 mpg city, 28 mpg combined. This is, after all, a 3,532 lb. crossover. I observed 25.1 mpg with the Rogue in a combination of highway and city driving for a three-day weekend. The fuel tank holds 14.5 gallons.

The interior of the Nissan is tasteful, with soft surfaces in abundance and a stylish dash and console. The front buckets are power, pushbutton start is on hand as well as tilt/telescope, folding 60/40 second row seating, backup camera and Bose 9-speaker stereo. Luggage space behind all the seating is 39.2 cubic ft. Ride is good, not sporty, and guidance, visibility and handling are similar in nature.

Styling for 2014 of the Nissan Rogue is an improvement over last year’s offering, and LED daytime running lights adorn the new, bolder front end. The new car is an inch longer, 1.5 inches wider, and an inch taller than the 2013 Rogue. Dressy chrome door handles, deep tint rear windows, and ten-spoke alloy wheels all serve to enhance the look, and devotees of the 2013 Rogue can buy what is called the Rogue Select, a carryover SUV. In front of the Ulysses S. Grant home in Galena, Illinois, a lot of tourists were checking out the Rogue SL.

Inside, the Rogue probably holds the right number of people, whereas a seven passenger Rogue is a bit much. I have to admit I like the Rogue. Its evident to me why it is a top seller (#2 in Nissan’s lineup).

2014 Subaru Impreza 2.0i Sport Review

On July 2, 2014July 4, 2014 By stuwright47In *CROSSOVERS, SubaruLeave a comment

The 2014 Subaru Impreza Sport 2.0i Sport Premium is the topic of this week’s review. I recently got to test out a Deep Sea blue pearl 5-door hatchback model with ivory cloth buckets and a “boxer” four cylinder power plant. It was supplied by Greeley Subaru. The punch-counterpunch action of the boxer pistons in the Subaru cancel each other out and provide a smooth delivery of power. Also, the low profile, horizontally opposed engine results in a lower center of gravity in the vehicle, aiding the handling and cornering characteristics. Porsche and Subaru are pretty much it when it comes to boxer automobile engines, and the design is found in some BMW and Honda motorcycles. It is a design patented by Germany’s Karl Benz in 1896.

The little Impreza was pretty good looking and some of the things I liked included all the windows to look out of (five down each side of the car), the attractive striped cloth upholstery, the solid feel, and the functional hatchback arrangement. Horsepower is 148 @ 6,200 rpm with resultant torque of 145 lb. ft. Fuel economy ratings are 27/city and 36/highway, 30 miles per gallon combined. The transmission is a continuously variable (CVT) Lineartronic automatic transmission with paddle shifters on this model, and of course the car sports a “symmetrical all-wheel drive” configuration. This Subaru is the most fuel-efficient all-wheel drive car in America. Wheelbase is 104.1” and length/width/height is 173.8”, 68.5”, and 59.5”. Weight of this automatic transmission model comes in at 2,998 lbs.

I mentioned the striped ivory buckets earlier, but did not mention the heated feature. Inside, the Sport also has 60/40 flat folding rear seat, cruise control, Bluetooth hands-free setup, steering wheel audio controls, tilt/telescope, center console with lots of storage and an emergency brake handle, hands-free phone connectivity, 6-speaker stereo, keyless entry, and antitheft security system. The materials in the Subaru are nice, the ride is suitable, and noise is at a minimum. These Subarus are designed for brainy people that live in a cold climate. Like residents of Colorado.

My wife and I took a ride to Loveland in the 2.0i, and I think the people on U.S. 34 were enjoying the view of our car. It has kind of a dark gray set of 17”, ten-spoke alloy wheels fitted with 205/50 R17 Yokohama Avid S34 all-season radials and the Deep Sea blue pearl paint is a great color. Big six-star blue emblems are fitted on the front and the rear, and some husky looking roof rails are installed on top.

Total M.S.R.P. of the Impreza was $22,734.00, including a base price of $20,795.00, freight ($795.00), all weather floor mats ($72.00), cargo tray ($72.00), and the automatic transmission ($1,000.00). I think it is pretty reasonable price and this five-door Subaru represents a prudent purchase.

2014 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited Review

On April 6, 2014 By stuwright47In *CROSSOVERS, SubaruLeave a comment

This last week I received a Subaru to test, a 2014 Outback with the four-cylinder engine and continuously variable transmission (CVT). It was the 2.5i “Limited” model in Satin White Pearl with Warm Ivory white leather interior. This car is made by Fuji Heavy Industries, a Japanese firm, with final assembly taking place in Lafayette, Indiana. It is sold by Greeley Subaru, a division of Weld County Garage. The Limited is the top-line Outback, out of four models offered in both four-, and six-cylinder configurations. This one had an option package that included power moon roof, 440-watt, 9-speaker harman/kardon stereo with XM satellite radio, Bluetooth phone, backup camera (4.3” display), and Ipod/USB connections. This $2,041.00 package, plus $244.00 for “puddle lights”, and $438.00 for remote starter, brought the total M.S.R.P. to $32,770.00, including freight. I really enjoyed the puddle lights that shine beneath each of the four doors on the vehicle, after dark.

The Outback is a derivative of the Subaru Legacy wagon, introduced in 1994. It was originally called the “Legacy Outback”, and the Legacy name was dropped in 2003. Subaru in the 1990’s did not want to spend the money for a new design for its “crossover SUV” to be produced, so simply modified an existing offering. They added side body cladding, raised the ground clearance, and added a rugged-looking rack on the top. In 2009, the second generation Outback was introduced, and sales since then have been brisk – over 118,000 in 2013. Crossover SUV’s are quite popular nowadays, and a large part it is the result of the Subaru Outback.

Power for the Outback is supplied by a 2.5 liter, “boxer” four-cylinder, DOHC, all-aluminum engine with 173 horsepower and 174 lb. ft. of torque. The boxer designation refers to its horizontally-opposed configuration, like a Corvair or Porsche. Think of a boxer, throwing punches. The weight of the engine, although modest, is kept at a lower center-of-gravity with this design. Ground clearance, however, is a category-best 8.7 inches. The transmission is a Lineartronic continuously variable automatic with Hill Holder feature and six-speed manual mode – paddle shifters are behind the steering wheel. Symmetrical all-wheel drive, is, of course, standard equipment. Fuel economy is rated at 24-city and 30-highway for the car, and the fuel tank holds 18.5 gallons of regular gasoline. Acceleration from zero to sixty is reportedly 8.8 seconds. Wheelbase/length/weight are 107.9”, 189”, and 3,538 lbs., respectively, and the turning circle is 36.8’.

The front leather buckets in the Outback are nice, and the three-passenger rear seat is split and reclines somewhat. Cargo space is 34 cubic feet with the back seats up and 71 cubic feet with the back seats dropped down. The center passenger in the rear has a shoulder belt, adding to the Outback safety reputation. Both of the front seats are power-adjustable, and the driver ergonomics are fine.

I don’t think the Outback styling is its calling card, but I happen to like it, and Colorado residents do, as well. Subaru is the third-best selling automobile in the state, with about a 10% market share.

The six-spoke 17” alloy wheels on the Limited are attractive, and they are surrounded by 225/60R17 Continental ProContact Gx all-season radials. The metallic white paint was offset with the dark cladding and bumpers, and the black roof rack gave the car an off-road look. I did not go off-road, but took some bumpy dirt roads with satisfactory results. I like the hefty, solid feel of the car both in town and out on the highway.

A few days with the Subaru Outback, and this reviewer can see the reason that these Outbacks are so popular, particularly in our home state. Crossover shoppers would be well-advised to consider one at purchase time.

2014 Subaru Forester 2.0 XT Turbo AWD Touring Crossover

On April 6, 2014August 27, 2014 By stuwright47In *CROSSOVERS, SubaruLeave a comment

The Beatles 1967 hit, “Getting Better” was one of the last songs created from scratch by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, and was included on the album “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band”. Its production on March 23^rd, 1967, had been delayed two days when Lennon mistakenly ingested LSD instead of an intended upper – something he typically did to get the recording work completed. Provenance of the song goes back to 1964 when session drummer Jimmy Nicol subbed for an ailing Ringo Starr on tour and when asked about his extreme case of nerves would reply that he was “getting better’. He made that response so often that it became a joke phrase amongst members of the biggest band in the world.

The song’s lyrics include the line “I have to admit it’s getting better”, and relative to the Subaru Forester, I do. In the spring of 2011, I tested the then-current Forester, so therefore had a point of reference for analyzing this 2014 model. And I’ll have to admit, well, that this new Venetian Red Pearl Forester was impressive. Greeley Subaru, a division of Weld County Garage, loaned me such a car to test recently. It had an M.S.R.P. of $34,949.00, somewhat north of thirty thousand dollars just like the Subaru that I drove three years ago. This 2014 Forester had a base of $32,995.00 with mirror and protection packages for $1,129.00 and freight charges of $825.00. Standard on the Touring Forester was dual zone climate control, GPS navigation (6.1” screen), satellite radio, Harman/kardon 440 watt stereo, Bluetooth technology, 10-way power driver bucket, heated front seats, power windows/locks/mirrors/tailgate, power moon roof, tilt/telescope, and black leather upholstery.

Subaru sedans and SUV’s all have “boxer”, horizontally opposed engines, and this one was a four cylinder, 2.0 liter turbocharged model with 250 horsepower and 258 lb. ft. of torque. The all-wheel drive power train obtained its motion through a Lineartronic CVT transmission – another superb one with manual eight-speed operation like other Subarus have. X-Mode is included on the XT, enhancing engine, transmission, and traction control functions. Fuel economy ratings for the Subaru are 23 and 28, with a combined rating of 25. Zero to sixty acceleration of this vehicle is reportedly 7 seconds with a top speed of 120 mph. Handling and guidance of the Forester was an improvement over the 2011 model.

Styling of the 2014 Forester was slightly updated and aerodynamics are improved as is cargo space inside the five passenger vehicle. Wheels are 18” ten-spoke alloys fitted with Bridgestone 225/55R18 Dueler H/L 400 all season radials. Weight comes in at 3,651 lbs., length is 180.9”, width is 70.7”, height is 68.4”, and ground clearance is 8.7”.

I enjoyed testing the new 2014 Forester and feel the company has managed to improve a top seller (123,592 in 2013). Regarding the 2011/2012 model, it’s a good thing that Subaru didn’t “Let it Be”.

2014 Buick Enclave Premium Group AWD

On December 22, 2013August 22, 2014 By stuwright47In *CROSSOVERS, BuickLeave a comment

Buick, a company incorporated 100 years ago, has produced the Enclave full-size SUV for seven years, with the first offering introduced as a 2008 model. General Motors employs what is called the “Lambda” platform for its Buick Enclave line, a vehicle architecture featuring easy-access three row seating, 3.6 liter V-6 power, and choice of front- or all-wheel drive traction.

Last week I conducted a test of the 2014 Buick Enclave Premium Group SUV, courtesy of Weld County Garage in Greeley. The vehicle was painted White Diamond Tricoat metallic and the interior was Cocoa leather with seating for seven. A facelift was incorporated into the 2013 Enclave, and carried over to my loaner, that included a new chrome waterfall grill, LED lighting front and rear, updated dashboard with IntelliLink display, and an industry-first front center airbag.

During my days with the Enclave, I had a great time driving the car. Ruth (my wife) and I both noticed that there is a commanding feel with the firm ride, quiet interior experience, and visibility. Acceleration, reportedly 8 seconds from zero to 60 mph, is provided by the 3.6 liter, 24-valve V-6 with 288 horsepower and 270 lb. ft. of torque. It’s coupled with a 6-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission with console shifter. EPA fuel economy ratings are 16 mpg-city and 22 mpg-highway, with a 22-gallon tank to provide a measure of cruising range. The all-wheel drive system can, in slick conditions, send up to 50% of its torque to either front wheel or up to 85% to either rear wheel.

Inside, the Enclave is pretty cavernous, with 115.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats, 68.9 cubic feet behind the second row, 23.3 cubic feet behind the third row, and ample seating for seven adults when all seats are upright. Substantial equipment was on hand, including a dual power moon roof, blue mood lighting, a rear-seat entertainment system with drop-down 8”screen and 5.1 surround sound, navigation/backup camera, and Bose stereo. The front buckets were powered, heated, and cooled, and the steering column had power tilt/telescope articulation.

Styling for the Enclave, updated for 2013, has a softer, more elegant look with the new grill taking on more of a Buick family appearance. The C-pillars have been blacked out to tie in with the deep tint windows, Buick tri-shield emblems have been added there, and the wheels are ultra-bright, 9-spoke, 20” alloys with P255/55R20 all-season radials.

M.S.R.P. of my Buick tester was $54,850.00, and that included $2,240.00 for the rear entertainment, $1,400.00 for the moon roof, $995.00 for the paint, $575.00 for trailering equipment, $400.00 for the alloy wheels, and freight. Buick sells over 50,000 Enclaves every year, including during the first eleven months of 2013, and after driving the vehicle, it is evident to this reviewer why the car is so popular.

2014 GMC Acadia Denali AWD SUV

On September 17, 2013August 22, 2014 By stuwright47In *CROSSOVERS, GMCLeave a comment

I recently had an opportunity to test drive the new 2014 GMC Acadia, courtesy of Weld County Garage in Greeley. The Acadia name is derived from a French area of northeastern North America that includes parts of Canada and Maine. The vehicle was the Denali, GMC’s finest, another name of a North American destination – specifically, the highest mountain peak in America. It is located in Alaska, and has a National Park that carries its name.

GMC has been building the Acadia since 2006, and introduced an extensively updated version for the 2013 model year. The 2014 I drove also had two new standard items, forward collision alert and lane departure warning. The M.S.R.P. of the Acadia was $52,835, and it included 20” chrome-clad aluminum wheels ($600), a navigation/entertainment system ($2,240), and Crystal Red Tintcoat paint ($495). The DVD entertainment system was for the rear occupants, two of which could sit in individual bucket seats, a popular setup when children are passengers. Thus, my test car was for seven passengers, and all second and third row seating could be folded flat, producing 116.1 cubic feet of cargo capacity. Additionally, 4’ x 8’ material can be loaded in the Acadia. The Cocoa Dune leather looked like chocolate soft serve ice cream, and the two front buckets were powered, heated, cooled and comfortable. A two-panel sunroof was overhead, and the stereo was a 10-speaker Bose unit with satellite radio. Of course the Denali had power mirrors/windows/locks and tilt/telescope steering column with leather trimmed wheel.

Ride on the highway is a hallmark of the Acadia, a vehicle that weighs 4,850 lbs. Wheelbase is 118.9”, length is 200.8”, width is 78.9”, and height is 72.6”. The new design that was rolled out at the Chicago Auto Show earlier this year involved a new, brawnier grill, sculpted front fascia, and a redesigned liftgate. LED daytime running lights are up front in a distinctive “necklace” design, as are projector beam fog lights. The 20”, six-spoke chrome-clad aluminum wheels are fitted with P255/55R20 Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza all-season radials, and chrome door handles and roof rails close the deal on a beautiful vehicle.

Denali power comes from a 3.6 liter, DOHC, direct injected V-6 (288 hp/270 lb. ft.), and an automatic 6-speed automatic transmission delivers it to the all-wheel drive train. EPA mileage ratings are 16 city/23 highway, and a 22 gallon gas tank is on hand. Zero to 60 mpg acceleration time is reportedly 7.04 seconds. The transmission, in typical GM fashion, is silky smooth.

My wife and I rolled over to Ft. Collins for some breakfast in the test vehicle, and once again she expressed surprise at the sumptuous GMC ride quality. I agree, and think the Acadia Denali is a quality choice for the full-size crossover SUV shopper.

2013 Nissan Rogue SV AWD

On August 28, 2013August 22, 2014 By stuwright47In *CROSSOVERS, NissanLeave a comment

On August 14^th, 1965, the Beatles flew to America for their second concert tour here while at the zenith of their popularity. It was a ten city tour and in the middle of it the band visited old White Sox Park in Chicago for an afternoon and an evening set. Each lasted 35 minutes and the best seats in the stadium cost $5.50 each.

I found out about the Beatles visit when my wife and I went to White Sox Park on August 14^th of this year, exactly 48 years after the Beatles came to America. I love the Beatles, baseball, and cars, and the Chicago visit was to watch baseball and test a new Nissan Rogue. The baseball game we attended was between the Detroit Tigers and the White Sox; an afternoon affair which Detroit won. Tiger star Miguel Cabrera cracked his 38^th home run of 2013, and made more money that afternoon ($177,000) than the Beatles did at White Sox Park ($155,000).

The Rogue that I tested was the SV (with SL package, M.S.R.P. – $30,965), with “intuitive” all-wheel drive, which puts power to all four wheels at takeoff and moves into front-wheel drive mode on the road for efficiency. Power is supplied by a 2.5 liter, four cylinder engine (170 hp/175 lb. ft.) rated at 28 mpg highway mileage. I did better than that for the week in the Rogue at 28.9 mpg. The tank holds 15 gallons of regular gasoline. The transmission in the Rogue was the continuously variable “gearless” unit with sport mode for enhanced response. Zero to 60 acceleration time for the Rogue is reportedly 7.9 seconds.

From Chicago Ruth and I travelled to Western Illinois, specifically the resort town of Galena. We like Galena, have been there several times, and enjoyed yet another visit. Our stay was at the old Desoto House Hotel, where Abraham Lincoln spoke from the balcony on July 23^rd, 1856, when the establishment was one year old. Galena also was the home of Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, and 25,000 locals welcomed Grant home after the Civil War. The Rogue’s ride was suitable and made the trip to Galena go by quickly, travelling on Interstate 90 through Rockford.

The Rogue seats five, and the back seat flops down, providing almost 70 cubic feet of cargo space – 30 cubic feet less when that seat is erect. The front buckets were heated and pretty comfortable, and the Rogue had pushbutton start, moonroof, navigation, Bluetooth, 7-speaker Bose stereo, backup camera, satellite radio and the “eye in the sky” or “around view” parking assist I find practical.

The Rogue’s styling is conventional, and in fact has a resemblance to the Murano, Nissan’s larger and more expensive SUV. The Cayenne red paint job enhanced the Nissan’s attractiveness, as did the chrome roof rack and door handles, the ten-spoke 18” alloy wheels, and the chrome exhaust finisher. Sales of the Rogue are pretty strong, up 13% so far this year. My experience with the car in Illinois managed to “Please Please Me”, and if a reason exists why someone shouldn’t buy a Rogue, they need to “Tell Me Why”.

2013 Buick Encore Premium AWD Compact SUV

On August 26, 2013August 22, 2014 By stuwright47In *CROSSOVERS, BuickLeave a comment

The Buick Encore was unveiled at the 2012 North American International Auto Show 18 months ago and rolled into dealerships early this year. It is a derivative of the German Opel Mokka and is manufactured in Bupyeong, South Korea. That German auto name sounds like something that is sold at one of the many Starbucks coffee shops in Greeley. Buick’s name, on the other hand, is appropriate and gives a family cachet to the Buick SUV lineup, topped off with the bigger Enclave.

An Encore is classified as a luxury compact crossover SUV, and with its size it has no real competition. I tested one last week, courtesy of Ryan Green at Weld County Garage, and it came in White Pearl Tricoat finish with Titaneum leather-appointed seating inside. The M.S.R.P. was $32,975, including freight, with a base price of $29,690. Options included the upgraded paint for $745, chrome aluminum wheels for $995, and a Bose AM/FM/Sirius satellite stereo radio with navigation for $795.

The Encore was the Premium AWD model and it included standard equipment such as a heated steering wheel, power memory driver’s seat, heated buckets, dual zone climate control, and remote start feature. The car also had rear cross traffic and side blind zone alerts, lane departure warning, fog lamps, rearview camera, cruise, Bluetooth connectivity, ten air bags, tilt/telescope, and OnStar by General Motors. Keyless entry is on hand with key start, and the hand brake is on the console, like I prefer. The driver’s front bucket has an armrest for both passengers up front to share. The back seat is 60/40 and folds down to offer 48.4 cubic feet of cargo room (18.8 is the number when the back seat is erect). The Encore interior is pretty, and along with the cargo room, is a bit of a pleasant surprise for someone entering the vehicle.

Power for this Buick is supplied by a 1.4 liter, turbocharged four cylinder engine with 138 horsepower and 148 lb. ft. of torque. The transmission is a six speed automatic with driver shift control. EPA ratings are 23 city/30 highway, and the tank holds 14 gallons of regular gasoline. The Encore has a wheelbase of 100.6”, overall length of 168.4”, and weighs 3,309 lbs. The tires are P215/55R18 all-season radial blackwalls. It is the shortest Buick every built, and has the shortest wheelbase offered since 1975. But it drives bigger than the specs indicate, with ride and guidance that is suitable. And parking? Wow, what a breeze!

I’ve been admiring the looks of the Encore all year as I see them in the community, so it was nice to get behind the wheel of one. Lots of onlookers were paying particular attention to the deluxe paint, seven-spoke chrome alloy wheels, deep tinted rear glass, three-stage chrome hood vents, gray cladding, and chrome door handles. I’d like to have driven the Buick some more, and was only able to travel around Greeley a little with a run out on U.S. 34, where I found highway manners to be fine. When I got back in town, I pulled through the Starbucks drive-in lane – I had decided I’d like one of those Americanized versions of the German Opel Mokka.

Learning the Lay of the Land in GMC’s 2014 Terrain

On August 15, 2013August 22, 2014 By stuwright47In *CROSSOVERS, GMCLeave a comment

My most recent test was of the 2014 GMC Terrain, courtesy of Ryan Green over at Weld County Garage. Ryan is the internet manager there and has been employed at “The Garage” for eleven years. He tossed me the key fob and dealer license plate; immediately my wife Ruth and I were off on a road trip to Nebraska.

GMC has produced the Terrain since 2009, when the mid-size crossover SUV was introduced as a 2010 model at the New York International Auto Show. The vehicle shares its drivetrain and platform with Chevrolet’s Equinox, but has styling that is substantially different than that of the Chevy. It’s been a hit, selling almost 100,000 units last year, with the General Motors twin products leading all manufacturers in this segment.

The Terrain that Ruth and I made the trip in was the SLE-2, with upgraded cloth upholstery in black and beautiful extra-cost ($495) Carbon Black metallic paint. M.S.R.P. came to $30,890, including freight ($895), power sunroof ($900), and chrome alloy wheels/door handles/mirrors ($795). The tires mounted on those chrome, five-spoke wheels were Michelin Latitude P235/55R18 all-season radials.

Power for the SLE-2 is provided by a 2.4 liter, DOHC 4 cylinder engine with 182 horsepower and 172 lb.-ft. of torque. The transmission is a six-speed automatic with overdrive and manual shift mode. The EPA fuel economy ratings are 22-city, 32-highway, and 26 mpg overall. I checked out the fuel mileage on my trip back from Hastings (392 miles) and calculated 33.75 mpg in gentle highway driving. My test Terrain was a front-wheel drive model with an 18.8 gallon fuel tank.

The interior of the Terrain has seating for five and 31.6 cubic feet of luggage space behind the 60/40 second row seating. That volume is doubled when the second row seating is folded down. For and aft sliding and reclining capability is a feature of Terrain’s second row bench seat. The front buckets were supportive for me and worked well on the extended journey from Nebraska. A Pioneer 8-speaker premium stereo was on hand in the Terrain with satellite radio, an Intellilink system (Bluetooth, smartphone integration, Pandora, etc.) with 7” screen, tilt/telescope, power mirrors/windows/locks, and cruise control.

Highway driving was excellent in the Terrain, with guidance, ride, and wind noise all acceptable. Handling is nimble, and I particularly liked the electric power steering. Since I am fond of Terrain styling and felt comfortable driving the machine, I’d have to say that the reason they are so popular is evident to me. Were I to be in the market for a mid-size crossover SUV, the Terrain would be a candidate for my purchasing dollars.

Stu's Reviews

Category: *CROSSOVERS