Top 10: 2009 Crossovers

No.10 - Lincoln MKX

Upscale cousins of more humble models usually spell money wasted. Lincoln’s MKX, however, might be one of the few exceptions. This 2009 crossover does represent a bump in MSRP over its Ford Edge basis ($37,845 vs. $26,635) and both come with the same 3.5-liter V6; so if that’s an issue, the Ford will do. However, if you can afford the premium, you’ll be treated to a much-improved interior look and feel, a sharper exterior and road manners that are refined without inducing seasickness like Lincolns of old.

No.9 - Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi can get it right beyond the Evo, and here’s the proof. Riding on the corporate GS platform shared with its Lancer siblings, the Outlander is a smartly finished crossover with far better looks than its cute-ute predecessor. Buyers of this second-gen edition can go lean on the features and keep their front-drive, 2.4-liter rides close to the $20,380 point of entry. Those who feel the need can step up with all-wheel drive, with or without the aid of the 3.0-liter V6.

No.8 - Toyota Venza

At first impression, you can’t help but wonder why crossover-heavy Toyota needed yet another model. At first drive, you’ll get it. To call Venza the inbred child of Camry and Highlander shortchanges the crossover, though the DNA of both can be found throughout -- so can the driving characteristics of this $25,975, 2009 crossover. In other words, whether you keep its standard 2.7-liter 4-cylinder and front-wheel drive or mix it up with an optional 3.5-liter V6 and/or all-wheel drive, it’s still a Toyota at heart. In other words, the tagline should be: "It’s good. It’s vanilla. It’s Venza."

No.7 - Infiniti EX35

You’ll probably never daydream about the Infiniti EX35’s looks, but the beauty of this crossover is best beheld from the driver’s seat anyway. However crossovers blur definition between cars and SUVs, the EX35 erases it. It doesn’t much matter whether rear- or all-wheel drive is specified; the communicative steering, just-right handling and 3.5-liter V6 conspire to make you believe you’re driving a G37 sedan. The trade-off is that the $32,765 crossover is less emphatic about spacious rear seating and cargo capacity.

No.6 - Ford Flex

Ford SUVs seem to have a polarizing affect, and their crossovers do as well. Love it or loathe it, the $28,550 Ford Flex makes a statement in this largely bland segment. Front-drive is standard fare and all-wheel an option, but either drivetrain is powered by a 3.5-liter V6. Inside the three-row cabin, Ford has apparently devoted more than a little effort to stuff Flex with cool tech and features; from SYNC® voice technology to a refrigerated middle console. The only question remains whether you find the design asinine or an asset.

No.5 - Hyundai Veracruz

It’s one thing to resemble a Lexus RX 350’s looks, it’s quite another to invite comparison in character, though Hyundai has largely succeeded with the $27,045 Veracruz. This 2009 crossover is in its third model year relatively unchanged, to the dismay of few. With a 3.8-liter V6 as the sole choice of motivation, all-wheel drive can be specified to replace the standard front-drive. Whether or not it can out-Lexus the Lexus is up to you, but we’re telling you, the similarities are more than skin deep.

No.4 - Volkswagen Tiguan

In another feature, we recently grumbled that the Volkswagen Touareg had outlived its usefulness in the Top 10 Cars To Can The Tiguan is a big reason why. Though the 2009 crossover could come off in pictures as a $23,200 poseur, it doesn’t have that character in person -- especially on the road. Despite no V6 option, the 2.0-liter four is willing, and it’s an enjoyable drive even when equipped with optional all-wheel drive and the six-speed automatic (an option only on the base S model). If you’ve ever wished for a more versatile five-door Rabbit, your wait is over.

No.3 - Acura RDX

Acura has done a commendable job with their MDX utility, though the $40,990 base price keeps some buyers away. The $33,895 RDX is the next best thing. You have to push this 2009 crossover before the 2.3-liter turbo feels short of breath or the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive loses its composure (it sends up to 70% of its power to the rear under hard acceleration). When you’ve had enough play, the optional nav system delivers restaurant information, complete with Zagat Survey results.

No.2 - Subaru Forester

An early runner in the segment, the Subaru Forester was on (and off) the road before crossovers established themselves -- and it’s still on its own in some respects. Whereas the nav system in the Acura RDX can find restaurants with Zagat reviews, you’d expect the Forester’s to sniff out food co-ops. It doesn’t, incidentally. It does, however, deliver seamless all-wheel drive performance and surprising capability, with a very friendly $19,995 base price. If you don’t mind the earthy undertones, you could do a lot worse than this 2009 crossover.

No.1 - Mazda CX-7

By nature, crossovers tend to be less tip-happy than high-profile SUVs, even if you’ll never enthusiastically tackle a winding back road. The Mazda CX-7 is inviting enough to try the twisties -- successfully -- without losing its practicality. On that note, we’re spotlighting the $24,570 CX-7 and its 2.3-liter turbo over the $30,490 CX-9 and its 3.7-liter V6. We’d like to see better mileage from the four-cylinder (and the six, for that matter), but that wrinkle isn’t enough to wreck our enjoyment of this 2009 crossover.

Resources:

• www.lincoln.com
• www.fordvehicles.com
• www.mitsubishicars.com
• www.infinitiusa.com
• www.hyundaiusa.com
• www.vw.com
• www.acura.com
• www.subaru.com
• www.mazdausa.com