crossover

2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Review

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MPG-o-Matic 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Review Summary: The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport aims to carve out a niche in the crowded small SUV and Crossover market, with good fuel economy, Evo-inspired styling, light weight, solid handling, and the best set of paddle shifters in the business. It falls short when it comes to sport, due to modest horsepower levels and CVT transmission. With a few tweaks, the Outlander Sport could achieve its full potential.

The 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is powered by a 16-valve DOHC MIVTEC 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 148 horsepower (HP) and 145 foot pounds of torque. The inline four can be mated to either a five-speed manual or continuously variable automatic (CVT) transmission. While the Outlander Sport is available in either two-wheel- (2WD) or all-wheel-drive (AWD), a manual is not offered with the AWD verison.

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2012 Honda CR-V EX-L Review

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MPG-o-Matic 2012 Honda CR-V EX-L AWD Review Summary:
The Honda CR-V is the new ubiqui-wagon. Chunkiness is out and smooth lines are in. An 18 percent improvement in coefficient of drag enables higher fuel-efficiency and a quieter ride, when compared to the previous model, with attention to detail underneath the CR-V delivering better aerodynamics. More miles per gallon (MPG), a sleeker face, Honda’s legendary reliability, and a well-designed interior ensure that the CR-V will continue to be one of the safest bets among small SUVs and Crossovers.

The 2012 Honda CR-V is powered by a 16-valve DOHC i-VTEC 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 185 horsepower (HP) and 163 foot pounds of torque. The inline four is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission with Grade Logic Control. The CR-V is available in either front-wheel- (FWD) or all-wheel-drive (AWD).

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2012 SUVs and Crossovers with Manual Transmissions

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Do you love driving stick shifts? Is your car dealer giving you a runaround when you ask about SUVs or Crossovers that are available with manual transmissions? Look in the right place (here!) and you’ll find a slew of manual SUVs that are currently offered in two-wheel-drive (2WD), all-wheel-drive (AWD), and four-wheel-drive (4WD) … even though your dealer might not have what you’re looking for on their lot. Legend has it that our fellow Americans got lazy and stopped driving manual-equipped vehicles, so the dealers stopped ordering them. But the tide is changing. More-and-more folks are waking up and realizing how much more engaging the ride can be with three pedals.

We created this list of manual SUVs and Crossovers to make it easy for you to see what’s out there … and how they stack up with regard to horsepower (HP), torque, gas mileage, fuel capacity, and driving range.

2012 Nissan Juke FWD

  • 2012 Nissan Juke AWD1.6-liter, turbocharged
    inline 4-cylinder engine
  • 6-speed manual
  • 188 HP / 177 ft. lbs. torque
  • Premium
  • 11.8 gallon fuel tank
  • 318.6 mile combined range
  • MPG: 25 City / 31 Highway /
    27 Combined

 

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2011 Lincoln MKX Review

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MPG-o-Matic 2011 Lincoln MKX AWD Review Summary: The luxurious 2011 Lincoln MKX is packed with safety features and technology, including the innovative MyLincoln Touch flat-screen display that dispenses with the need for a clutter of conventional buttons and knobs. The steering wheel’s dual five-way buttons and voice control allow the driver to take charge of the system without lifting a hand.

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2011 Kia Sorento Review

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MPG-o-Matic 2011 Kia Sorento SX Review Summary:
The top-of-the-line 2011 Kia Sorento SX delivers a remarkable amount of bang for the buck. Competitors in the three-row crossover segment may have a tough time matching the Sportage SX feature-for-feature, without enduring the sticker bloat of option packages.

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