The content of the article:
- Highest quality SUVs
Although SUVs, SUVs and crossovers have great external similarities and a number of some characteristics, the differences between them are significant. What makes SUVs stand out and which ones are the best in their class - in our review.
Young people choose SUVs for their sporty character and aggressive appearance, and family people choose for their capacity and affordable cost. These cars are distinguished by their large size and interior space, ride comfort and softness, smooth handling and budget.
The fashion for cars in this category forces manufacturers to provide consumers with a wide range of models for every taste and budget.
Highest quality SUVs
Hyundai ix35
A very popular SUV with good equipment and a level of comfort at a more than democratic cost.
The compact size of the model has become one of its main advantages, since it simultaneously provides enough space for the driver and four passengers, and also allows you to deftly maneuver in heavy traffic and park without problems.
The interior design pleases the lack of "crickets", good finishing materials, a dashboard with a 4-inch display, as well as nice little things such as cup holders.
Like any SUV, the suspension is independent and located in the front of the body. However, at additional costs, you can purchase special shock absorbers with adjustable stiffness level.
From the power units, Russian drivers got a 150-horsepower 2-liter gasoline engine and 2 diesel 2-liter versions for 136 and 184 hp.
The basic equipment includes full power accessories, heated all seats, air conditioning, a standard audio system, an on-board computer. And in the top-end configuration, the owner can be confident in their safety thanks to the "Top Safety Pick" award-winning proprietary safety system.
The disadvantages of the model are called weak paintwork, extremely inconvenient placement of the washer fluid reservoir, demanding fuel for diesel units, which can react with twitching and deterioration of dynamics with poor-quality refueling.
Renault Sandero Stepway
With rather modest capabilities of the power units, this SUV boasts excellent dynamics and controllability, and the dimensions and turning radius make it easy to maneuver even in heavy traffic.
Three petrol engines are supplied to the Russian market: a 1.4-liter and two 1.6-liter ones with 8 and 16 valves. The engines are paired with a 5-speed manual transmission, 4-speed automatic or robotic gearbox.
Technically, Sandero repeats its "brother" Logan, having the same energy-intensive suspension, economical motors, good ground clearance, a polypropylene dashboard in the form of a honeycomb, which protects from injury in the event of an accident.
One of its key advantages is considered to be a soft and energy-intensive suspension, high ground clearance, a paintwork resistant to external factors and reinforced struts.
Complaints are caused by the too primitive appearance and interior design, difficult to perceive, the small display of the on-board computer - and all this at a great cost.
Honda cr-v
The appearance of this SUV immediately makes it clear that this is primarily a family car. It has a spectacular appearance with a massive grille, narrowed foglights and a dynamic bumper.
The ground clearance of 180 mm allows it to cope with everyday obstacles, which is greatly facilitated by the plastic upholstery on the lower part of the body.
For the convenience of the driver and his passengers, the thresholds were covered with large doors so that you can sit down without the risk of getting your feet dirty.
The leather seats have 8 adjustment positions, the rear door opens almost at right angles for maximum ease of entry and exit, and the luggage compartment is ideal for a large family.
For the Russian market, the model comes with a 2.4-liter gasoline engine with 188 hp. with., which with the latest update received the function of connecting all-wheel drive and a small fuel consumption of 5.6 liters in the combined cycle.
Of the shortcomings, consumers noted the overly wide rear pillars, which make it difficult for the driver to see. Even with large side mirrors, only a rear-view camera, which is not provided as standard, can help in this situation.
In addition, due to the lack of plastic on the rear bumper, there is a high probability of chips and scratches on the paintwork.
Toyota RAV4
A modern stylish mid-size SUV with a high-quality interior, a 506-liter trunk and good equipment, it is perfectly adapted for comfortable city trips. The Japanese car has been leading in its class and price category for several years.
In its latest modification, the Toyota Rav4 received improved noise insulation, a functional dashboard, a wide range of useful options and electronic assistants.
Japanese engineers have put a special emphasis on dynamics, equipping the model with a special sport driving mode, as well as a starting 2-liter 46-horsepower unit with a 6-speed manual transmission or CVT.
The basic version has a very well thought-out ergonomic interior with the possibility of transformation, full power accessories, LED optics, heated mirrors, air conditioning, an audio system with four speakers.
The disadvantages include a meager interior with a spectacular representative appearance, as well as an overly rigid chassis.
Despite good cross-country ability, tuned to conquer hard chassis surfaces, stability on bumps and when cornering, the car does not show outstanding off-road qualities. But the model invariably differs in high safety, expressed in frontal, side airbags and a separate knee cushion for the driver, curtain airbags, rear parking sensors, modern electronic systems and assistants.
Mazda CX-5
Having barely entered the market in 2011, the model immediately became the flagship of the brand, still consistently providing a quarter of the company's sales. Therefore, Japanese engineers carefully tweak the ideal car, responsive to the wishes of the customers.
Now the SUV profile impresses with its dynamic proportions, elegant and sporty. Thanks to light-alloy metals, the model is significantly lighter than its predecessor, making it even more manoeuvrable.
Compact dimensions are a great advantage for city trips, and the ground clearance of 210 mm allows you to feel confident both in winter and on difficult roads, even despite the angular bumper of a non-standard shape.
The car can boast of rich equipment, including dual-zone climate control, keyless entry, heated all seats, an abundance of security systems and electronic assistants.
The basic configuration includes a 2-liter 150-horsepower gasoline engine, coupled with a 6-speed manual transmission. This engine is capable of accelerating the car in 10.4 seconds, and the fuel consumption is 6.8 liters.
The luggage compartment of a 5-seater SUV holds 403 liters of cargo or 1560 liters with the rear seat folded down. However, the owners noted a malfunction of the trunk lid lock, arising from moisture in the lock cavities after visiting the car wash.
Another disadvantage was an unpleasant sound while driving, associated with poor fixing of the side windows and a weak seal.
Mitsubishi ASX
The time-tested SUV cannot yet be called a classic, although it is invariably in demand, modern and relevant.
Restrained exterior and interior, no catchy elements, inexpensive interior without original design ideas makes the car extremely democratic, versatile and quite affordable.
The five-seater salon does not provide for the possibility of installing additional seats, which, according to reviews, have leather upholstery, but not enough soft backrest. The luggage compartment is also not distinguished by outstanding performance - only 384 liters, which is enough to carry large, but not bulky luggage.
The base power unit is a simple 1.6-liter engine, which is unlikely to cope with severe weather conditions, and even more so, in conjunction with front-wheel drive, will not pull the car on rough terrain.
The suspension is constructed on the basis of spring shock absorbers, reinforced with steel transverse strips. This design provides good stiffness and shock sensitivity that will be virtually invisible to the driver on the city road.
The technical equipment is not rich, and in the basic configuration it can also be blocked by the manufacturer in the operating system of the on-board computer.
This model can be attributed to a budget urban SUV for the mass consumer, which in the maximum configuration can be turned into a full-fledged SUV.
Chery tiggo 2
The most popular Chinese SUV continues to delight motorists with its cross-country ability, large, almost off-road clearance, competent overhangs that allow them to freely "jump" onto any curbs.
At an affordable cost of the car, it has an interesting appearance, high-quality interior materials, an unusual design of the dashboard. The driver's seat, according to the owners, provides comfort during long trips, although it is not height-adjustable.
In the domestic market, the Tiggo 2 is available with a 1.5-liter 106-horsepower engine, complemented by a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.
The basic configuration offers:
- 2 airbags;
- mirrors with electric drive and heating;
- power windows on all doors;
- heated front seats;
- air conditioning;
- audio system;
- ABS, EBD systems.
Owners appreciate this car for a comfortable fit, an informative on-board computer, a spacious 420-liter trunk and confident stability on the track. But the dynamics for a model positioned as a sports car could be more interesting, as well as the sound insulation of the cabin.
Conclusion
The cars included in this rating were liked by Russian motorists for the combination of such parameters as the properties of an SUV, comfort and affordability.
