Cars
The Best of the 2007 Cars
Which of the almost 500 models is perfect for you?
By Mark Solheim, Senior Editor
From Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine, December 2006
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Crossovers are king
For the first year ever, crossovers are likely to outsell traditional SUVs. (Crossovers look like SUVs but are built on car platforms for a smoother ride and better fuel economy.) Because there are so many new crossovers, this year Kiplinger's separates them into two classes: large/midsize and small. The new models range from ponderous-but-popular luxe-mobiles, such as the Audi Q7 and Mercedes-Benz GL450, to diminutive models, such as the Jeep Compass and redesigned Honda CR-V. Some of the biggest gas-guzzlers continue to sell well, proving that big-budget buyers aren't very sensitive to pump prices.
Why are crossovers so popular? "There's been a permanent shift from traditional SUVs to crossovers, but not necessarily because of gas prices," says Merkle. "Carmakers are taking more risks with crossover design, and that's capturing consumers' hearts and minds."
The Audi Q7's smooth, muscular exterior and refined interior caught Joe Harpaz's attention, but they weren't the only attributes that persuaded him to trade in his Infiniti FX35. The Q7 is "sporty, luxurious and practical -- all in one vehicle," says the New York business-development executive. The Q7 comes in handy when he's on the road for work because it includes a Bluetooth hands-free connection for his mobile phone and a voice-activated navigation system. It also has a rear camera, for backing up safely, and "side assist," which uses radar to alert you if a vehicle is in your blind spot when you want to change lanes.
He wanted the larger Q7 so that he could comfortably transport his wife, Pamela, plus daughter Maya, 3, and baby Zachary on weekend trips. Strong demand for the Q7 meant the Harpazes paid close to sticker -- $60,620 -- for the 4.2-liter Premium V8 model with a third-row seat and enough room for strollers and suitcases.
Even though the six-cylinder Q7 costs the same as the redesigned Acura MDX, which starts at $40,665, we pick the MDX as Best New Large/Midsize Crossover. The MDX's superior fuel economy and roomier cargo area are its main advantages. Compared with the 2006 model, the 2007 MDX is larger (although third-row passengers don't get any more legroom), faster, safer and sportier. The 300-horsepower V6 delivers plenty of oomph, and Acura's Super Handling all-wheel drive, which delivers extra torque as needed to any of the four wheels, comes standard.
The Best in Class honor goes to the $38,115 Lexus RX 350. The engine is bigger for 2007, and a mix of performance, roominess and safety pushes it to the top. Its outstanding resale value and $3,000-below-sticker average transaction price are icing on the cake. Mercedes-Benz has also introduced a large crossover for 2007, the $55,675 GL450. Saturn is the first in the GM family to debut its version of a large crossover, the Outlook ($24,000). Also arriving at dealerships this fall is the $25,995 Ford Edge.
Mazda's CX-7 beats the new Acura RDX for Best New Small Crossover. Both vehicles have a 2.3-liter turbocharged engine, high-tech add-ons and sport-sedan aspirations. And the RDX offers its Super Handling all-wheel drive as standard equipment. But at a starting price of $24,310 -- about $9,000 less than the RDX -- the CX-7 gets the nod. Best in Class goes to the Toyota RAV4 V6. Last year Toyota enlarged the original crossover (a third seat is optional) and goosed it with 269 hp (it can zip from zero to 60 miles per hour in less than 7 seconds). Yet at $23,530, it's still a bargain.
In the traditional, truck-based SUV category, the Best in Class and Best New SUV awards go to the GMC Yukon Denali ($48,370). Its 380-hp engine, 60-cubic-foot cargo area, three-year resale value of 58%, safety features and smart design are a winning combination. But consider the Yukon Denali a proxy for all the new large SUVs from GM. The base Yukon and Chevy Tahoe get up to a respectable 16 miles per gallon city and 22 mpg highway, and the top-of-the-line Cadillac Escalade redefines luxury. Ford has also freshened up its large Expedition and luxury Lincoln Navigator.