2011 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid /Review

2011 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid

The 2011 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid will settle the dilemma between owning a large, capable SUV and saving money on gas and protecting the environment.  That’s because an efficient 332-horsepower, 6.0-liter V-8 is paired to GM’s two-mode hybrid system that features dual electric motors, a continuously variable transmission, and a nickel-metal hydride battery pack.  Like most hybrids, the 2011 Escalade Hybrid’s system recharges the battery pack through regenerative braking.  Fuel estimates check in at 20 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway.  For those concerned about the environmental impact of the Escalade Hybrid, just know that it emits between three and four fewer metric tons of carbon dioxide than the gas-only Escalades.  Competition includes the GMC Yukon Hybrid and the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid.

The Escalade Hybrid is available in four-wheel drive for enhanced traction and handling, and can tow up to 5,800 pounds (2WD model).  The Escalade Hybrid is bathed in hybrid badges, which instantly sets its exterior apart from other Escalades.  A power liftgate, 22-inch chrome wheels, power sunroof, and xenon headlights are standard, while LED headlights and power-retractable running boards are optional.

The 2011 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid can seat up to eight occupants in three rows.  Cargo volume is also cavernous with 108.9 cubic feet of space to fit all of your luggage or equipment.  Leather interior, power, heated, and cooled front seats, heated second-row seats, tri-zone climate control, heated and cooled cup holders, a navigation system, Bluetooth® connectivity and a USB/iPod port are just some of the impressive standard features.  Monitor the Escalade’s hybrid activity and efficiency through informative graphics displayed on the navigation screen and instrument cluster.

As for safety, the 2011 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid features three-row side curtain airbags, driver and passenger airbags, antilock brakes, an electronic stability system with traction control, rearview camera, and a blind spot warning system as standard equipment.  A suite of OnStar safety technologies and communications also comes standard and notify the authorities in the event of an accident.  Standard maintenance such as scheduled oil changes, replacement of engine and cabin air filters, tire rotations and more are covered for four years or 50,000 miles.

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PricingMSRP: $74,135 to $88,435
Invoice Price: $69,316 to $82,687
EPA Fuel Economy (MPG)
20 City /23 Highway
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2011 Acura MDX/Review

2011 Acura MDX

Pricing  MSRP :$42,930 to $52,555/Invoice Price :$39,411 to $48,139
EPA Fuel Economy (MPG): City:16 /Highway: 21

The seven-passenger 2011 Acura MDX is equipped with a 300-horsepower, 3.7-liter V-6, which is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode.  With Acura’s standard Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive, the 2011 Acura MDX can tow up to 5,000 pounds, which is impressive for a midsize SUV.  Fuel economy ratings of 16 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway are decent and stack up against competing luxury SUVs such as the BMW X5 and Lexus RX 350.

2011 Acura MDX front and back view

Last year, the Acura MDX received changes to the grille, gauges, steering wheel, taillights and tailpipes, and added the Advance Package.  Auto-leveling xenon headlights, power tailgate and 18-inch alloy wheels come standard, while 19-inch alloy wheels are optional.

Inside, the luxurious 2011 Acura MDX is adorned in leather and features eight-way power heated/cooled front seats and three-zone automatic climate control.  With six different cargo configurations, the spacious 2011 Acura MDX offers an above-average total cargo volume of 83.5 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded.  Upgraded technologies include an optional rear DVD entertainment system, heated second-row seats, voice-recognition navigation system with real-time traffic updates, and a sport-styled steering wheel.  Other options include a sunroof, 10-speaker surround sound system, and USB/iPod integration.

2011 Acura MDX side views

Acura’s “Safety Through Innovation” initiative has helped the MDX earn top ratings in government crash tests with such standard active and passive safety technologies as dual-stage front airbags, side-impact airbags for the front seats, side curtain airbags with a rollover sensor for all three rows of seats, vehicle stability assist with all-disc antilock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, and an electronic stability system with traction control.  Options include a blind-spot warning system and adaptive cruise control with a collision mitigation feature, which helps reduce the chances of a collision by alerting you to potential collision situations and automatically activates the brakes if the system determines a collision is unavoidable.

 2011 acura MDX interiors

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2011 Nissan Xterra/Review

Pricing : $24,260 to $29,670 MSRP
EPA Fuel Economy (MPG): 15 - 16 City:/20 - 22 Highway

The biggest change to last year’s Xterra is the addition of the new PRO-4X off-road model (which replaces the Off-Road model).  The PRO-4X is a beast and comes with standard four-wheel drive and either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission.  The PRO-4X rides on 16-inch alloy wheels with off-road tires.  Other features include Bilstein gas-filled shocks, roof-mounted off-road lights, locking rear differential, transfer case, skid plates, and hill descent/start assist (automatic transmission only).
Powering the 2011 Nissan Xterra is a 261-horsepower, 4.0-liter DOHC V-6 engine, mated to either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission and your choice of two-wheel or part-time four-wheel drive.  The Xterra receives 15-16 mpg in the city and 20-21 mpg on the highway and competes with Jeep Wrangler Unlimited and Toyota FJ Cruiser for off-road supremacy.

With seating for up to five passengers, the 2011 Nissan Xterra is equipped with a roof rack and a rear bumper design with side steps for easy access.  A long wheelbase (106.3 inches) provides a smooth ride and increased interior cargo room (66 cubic feet with rear seats folded).  An adjustable channel system located in the cargo floor is available for securing bike racks and other accessories.
With the SE trim out of the picture, the X and S trim levels have been left to pick up the slack.  That slack includes standard power windows and locks, keyless entry, cruise control, three 12-volt power outlets, four cup holders, luggage side nets, and removable seat cushions for easy cleaning.  An in-cabin micro filter, front map lights, easy clean cargo area, and 8-way manual driver’s seat with adjustable lumbar support are optional.

The 2011 Nissan Xterra is equipped with four-wheel vented disc brakes and an anti-lock braking system with electronic brake force distribution.  Other standard safety features include an advanced airbag system featuring dual-stage supplemental front airbags with seat belt and occupant classification sensors, driver and front passenger seat-mounted side-impact airbags, and roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags with rollover sensor.
If you love mountain biking, climbing, hiking, camping or just tearing it up in the middle of nowhere, then the off-road specialist 2011 Nissan Xterra is for you.
 WATCH VIDEO REVIEW

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2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara /Review

Pricing  $18,999 to $24,949 MSRP/$18,239 to $23,951 Invoice Price
EPA Fuel Economy (MPG): 19 City/23 - 26 Highway

The 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara is a five-passenger SUV that owns a purely unique design and platform.  For 2011, the Grand Vitara drops the V-6 engine in favor of a 166-horsepower, 2.4-liter inline-four-cylinder that receives 162 pounds-feet of torque.  Rear-wheel drive is standard, and you can choose between a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.  Full-time single-mode or four-mode four-wheel-drive systems are available as well, but only with the automatic.  The four-mode system includes 4H, 4H Lock (slippery), 4L Lock and Neutral positions and has a limited-slip center differential.

A fully independent suspension and a 3,000-pound towing capacity round out the impressive mechanical specs for the 2011 Grand Vitara.  One benefit of having a less-powerful, lower-displacement four-cylinder engine is the improved gas mileage.  EPA estimates for the Grand Vitara reach 19 mpg in the city and 23-26 mpg on the highway.  Competition includes the Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson, and Honda CR-V.

Trim levels include base, Premium, and Limited, which allow for a little something for everyone.  On the inside, the 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara boasts a standard navigation system, which adds Google Local Search and traffic and weather information on Premium and Limited models.  A 7-speaker CD audio system with in-dash 6-disc CD changer, subwoofer, and XM® Satellite Radio-ready receiver provides exceptional sound quality and is optional.  Standard features include automatic climate control air conditioning with micron filtration system, illuminated steering-wheel controls, chrome interior door handles, and a sliding armrest. 

A power tilting/opening sunroof, heated outside mirrors, heated front seats with leather trim, and Bluetooth® connectivity are other available options.  The 2011 Grand Vitara boasts 69 cubic feet of cargo volume when the 60/40 rear seats are folded for optimal storage capacity.  The Grand Vitara rides on standard 16-inch wheels, and comes with front tow hooks as well as body-colored side moldings.

As for safety, the 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara features seat-mounted side-impact airbags for the front seats, side curtain airbags with rollover sensors, antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, and an electronic stability system.
For off-road capability, decent fuel economy, and tons of versatility, the 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara is a mini force to be reckoned with.

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2011 Mercury Mariner/ Review

Mariner is an entry level compact crossover Sports Utility Vehicle manufactured by Mercury division of Ford Motor Company. This model was introduced in 2005. Mercury Mariner is technically identical to Ford's Escape. For 2011 model Mariner will be offered with HD Radio as standard feature and rest all features will remain same as 2010 model. 2011 will be the last year of production of Mercury Mariner. 2011 Mercury Mariner competes with other SUV models like Chevrolet Equinox, KIA Sportage, Honda CRV, Mitsubishi Outlander, Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4 and Nissan Rouge. National base price of 2011 Mercury Mariner is around $ 23, 565 which excludes destination charges.

Style and Trim Levels:

2011 Mercury Mariner is a crossover SUV available with four trim levels which include Base I4, Base V6, Premium I4 and Premium V6. Both I4 and V6 variants are armored with different power source and no other features distinguish these variants.

Base model is offered with 16 inch alloy wheel, privacy glass, fog lights, full power accessories; steering wheel mounted audio control, Air Conditioning and audio system with satellite radio, CD stereo system and AIX-IN jack. Premier model is armored with ambient interior lighting, parking sensors, heated front seats, power driver seats, audio system with six speakers, Sync, auto dimming rear view mirror and leather upholstery.

Some optional features offered with base model are moon roof, roof rack, sync, power driver seat, leather upholstery and ambient interior lighting. And optional feature available with Premium trim levels are 17 inch wheels, chrome appearance package which include roof rail covered with shinny stuff and 17 inch wheels, back up camera, dual zone automatic climate control, full micro fiber upholstery, auto parking system and upgraded stereo system with seven speakers with HD radio, real time traffic updates and Sirius travel link and hard drive based navigation system.

Engine and Performance:

2011 Mercury Mariner is armored with either front wheel drive channel of all wheel drive channel. Base trim is armored with 2.5 L capacity inline 4 engine and Premium variant is armored with 3.0 L capacity V6 engine; this powertrain is capable of pumping 240 HP of power and 223 lb-ft of torque. Both power sources are mated with six speed automatic gear transmission.

Specifications:

* Engine size (Base Model): 2.5 L

* Cylinders: inline 4

* Cam type: Double overhead camshaft 

* Valves: 16

* Valve timing: Variable

* Torque: 171 ft-lbs at 4500 RPM

* Horsepower: 171 HP at 6000 RPM

* Turning circle: 36.7 feet

Interior and Exteriors:

2011 Mercury Mariner's cabin is packed with ample features with huge center console. Some of the attractive features of this sedan are adjustable head restraints, floor console with three tire storage system, front and rear cup holders and two removable bins, power door locks with child safety, rear door locks, and power window with one touch down driver seat window, Sirius satellite radio with six month subscription. Center console is offered with metallic accent and upgraded leather upholstery. In terms of comfort and space, this model presents good room for all its occupants. Front seat is are well shaped and rear seat is quite flat which lacks recline and adjustability property. Some of attractive exterior feature of Mercury Mariner are front fog lamps, chrome exhaust tip, privacy glass on rear doors, lift gate and quarter windows, satin aluminum grille and variable intermittent front windshield wipers with 2 rear wipers with washers.

Safety:

2011 Mercury Milan is armored with some advanced and standard safety accessories which include Personal safety system for both passenger and driver which include dual stage front airbag, safety belt energy management retractor, safety belt pretensioners, safety belt usage sensors, crash severity sensors, driver's seat position sensors, restraints control, front passenger sensing system and restraint control module. This vehicle is also offered with Advance trac system with Roll Stability Control, Battery saver system, Belt minder, front seat side curtain airbags, dynamic side impact airbags, side collision foam bolsters and roll over sensors. My-Key owner control feature, remote keyless entry system with two integrated security code, safety restraint system with 3 point safety belts in all position, intrusion door beams, security lock with passive anti theft system and height adjustable shoulder belts. Mercury mariner is awarded with five stars for both side and frontal crash protection from NHTSA and IIHS has awarded GOOD rating in side and frontal offset crash protection.

Suspension System:

* Front: McPherson Struts with Multi link rear suspensions

* Rear: Four wheel independent suspension with stabilizer bar

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