Captivating 2011 Crossovers, Part Two

By Suzanne Kane

Suzanne Kane

Contributing Writer BIO

Suzanne Kane is an editor at High Gear Media focusing on covering the latest product and other auto-related information for Family Car Guide... More

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2011 Hyundai Tucson

In part one of Captivating 2011 Crossovers, we covered two from Honda (CR-V and Accord Crosstour), and one each from Ford (the Edge) and MINI (the all-new Countryman, arriving in January 2011). Here, again in no particular order, are a few more too-cute-and-more 2011 crossovers to check out. Note that they’re all 2011 Top Safety Picks from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Hyundai Tucson – Automaker Hyundai markets the compact Tucson as the “un-boxy” crossover, the first from Hyundai to be designed in Europe. Its 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine on GL is more fuel-efficient (EPA-estimated 24 mpg city/31 mpg highway with automatic transmission and front-wheel drive) than the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4, Hyundai claims. And the 2.4-liter engine on GLS and Limited get 22 mpg city/31 mpg highway in front-drive and 21/28 mpg in all-wheel drive (AWD). Starting manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRPs) range from $18,745 to $24,695.

Kia Sorento – You’ve seen the ads with the kids’ toy characters cavorting in and about the 2011 Kia Sorento – certainly a “departure from the unexpected,” in Kia’s terminology. Somewhere between compact and mid-size, the all-new 2011 Sorento is no longer a truck-based ‘ute. Now, it’s pure crossover – and more fun than ever. With two powerful engines, and lots of standard features for the price (MSRPs start at $22,595), Sorento may be just captivating enough to win over some consumers.

Kia Sportage – Yup, here’s another cute crossover from Kia, this time the compact 2011 Sportage, which the automaker bills as “designed for the next level.” Starting at an MSRP of $18,295, Sportage certainly is priced right. Lots of standard high-tech features, impressive warranty, and roomy interior are other stand-outs. Though it’s closely related to the Hyundai Tucson, the Kia Sportage has style all its own.

2010 Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan – Longer, lower, and wider than before, the all-new 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan compact crossover is ready to do challenge with its car-like competition. VW says it’s the “only compact SUV with a [200-hp 2.0-liter] turbo engine standard.” Well, they call Tiguan an SUV. We say it’s Das Crossover. Three models range in starting MSRP from $23,200 (S) to $31,550 (SEL).  

Missed the first part of this article? See Captivating 2011 Crossovers, Part One.