With ever-soaring gas prices behind us (fingers crossed), the stigma has been slow to lift from the SUV market. Perhaps that’s a good thing, as the days of 11mpg are likely numbered. Yet certain “crossover” models are a perfectly viable and practical alternative to a family sedan. When we qualify a family SUV crossover, we specifically look at price, fuel economy, seating, and drag coefficient (just making sure you’re awake). Let’s examine two popular SUV crossovers on the market today.
2009 Toyota Venza | Image courtesy of Car and Driver
The 2009 Toyota Venza 4X4 V6 tops out at $29,250, putting it within a reasonable price range for most families. The Venza also claims a respectable 18/25mpg and seats five. Comparatively, we’ve looked at the Ford Edge – a crossover SUV ranging from $26,635 to $36,605. The Edge is slightly less fuel efficient, claiming 17/24mpg, also seating five.
2009 Ford Edge | Image courtesy of Car and Driver
To get some perspective on how these two vehicles perform, we though it would be fun to look at three things: an auto-critic’s review, the best user-review we could find, and the worst user-review we could find. As you could imagine, the truth probably lies somewhere in between:
What the Auto Critics are Saying:
“The source of this all-for-one vehicle is Toyota’s versatile Camry architecture, fortified with some Highlander hardware and spiced up with fresh sheet metal. In broad terms, the Venza falls into the ill-defined crossover category, but it leans more toward being like a car than an SUV.” –Car and Driver 2009 Toyota Venza review
“Although the vehicle is overweight, the styling is terrific, the packaging is excellent, and it delivers decent gas mileage…The Edge drives pretty well, with good steering, brakes, and handling, although it isn’t quite as carlike as Ford would have you believe…” –Car and Driver 2009 Ford Edge review
What Happy Car Owners are Saying:
“The car is comfortable yet sporty and fun to drive. Great for a family and very practical -everything is in the right place. The V-6 engine is agile and the power is always available.” –Roy on Yahoo.com, commenting on the 2009 Toyota Venza
“…just picked up our Edge over the weekend and couldn’t be happier with our choice…
all of the features offered are worth every penny – power lift gate, vista sunroof, heated seats…definitely would recommend this car!” –Jack on Yahoo.com, commenting on the 2009 Ford Edge
What Unhappy Car Owners are Saying:
“In short, we were expecting better fuel mileage (from the Toyota), but especially a more refined ride and less noise.” –Alex and Roberta on Yahoo.com, commenting on the 2009 Toyota Venza
“Cheap interior for the money. Very unstable on snow covered roads. Lacks power. Hard to control when towing trailer. On and on…” –Warren on Yahoo.com, commenting on the 2009 Ford Edge <–>
