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Truck Trend's Best In Class 2010: AWD Crossover
From the June, 2010 issue of Truck Trend
By The Editors of Truck Trend
Winner: Toyota Highlander
Runner-Up: Chevrolet Traverse
As you would imagine, while the SUV category shrinks, the crossover one grows. We've seen car-based wagons grow in size and truck-based vehicles change to more fuel-efficient platforms, all of which blurs the line between crossover and sport/utility. For us, though, crossovers are car-based, mostly front drive, and simply can't do the work a midsize SUV can. They typically lack the capability of a ladder-frame sport/utility (payload, cargo space, towing, seating capacity). In this group, we feel the best crossover is the one that comes closest to SUV-like ability. The Highlander offers a choice of three engines, can tow up to 5000 pounds, and seats seven. It's roomy and reliable, and may not be the most exciting of the bunch, but will provide up to 27 mpg while catering to your people- and gear-hauling needs. Another excellent option is the Traverse, which has more style and can tow 200 pounds more than the Highlander.
| AWD Crossover -- A to C |
| Vehicle | Audi Q7 | Buick Enclave | Cadillac SRX |
| Base price | $47,725 | $38,290 | $40,230 |
| Wheelbase | 118.2 in | 119.0 in | 110.5 in |
| Engine | 3.6L DOHC V-6 | 3.6L DOHC V-6 | 3.0L DOHC V-6 |
| Opt engines | 3.0L TD $4000, 4.2L V-8 $14,100 | | 2.8L T V-6 $9410 |
| Power, SAE | 280 hp (225, 350) | 288 hp | 265 hp (300) |
| Torque, SAE | 266 lb-ft (406, 325) | 270 lb-ft | 223 lb-ft (295) |
| Airbags | Fr, f side, f/r curt | Fr, f side, f/r curt | Fr, f side, f/r curt |
| Brakes, f/r | Disc/disc, ABS | Disc/disc, ABS | Disc/disc, ABS |
| Tires | 255/55R18 | 255/65R18 | 235/65R17 |
| Fuel cap | 26.4 gal | 22.0 gal | 21.0 gal |
| EPA fuel econ, city/hwy | 14/19 mpg (17/25, 13/18) | 16/22 mpg | 17/23 mpg (15/21) |
| Seating cap | 7 | 8 | 5 |
| Curb weight | 5170 lb | 4985 lb | 4307 lb |
| GVWR | 6746 lb | 6460 lb | 5467 lb |
| Payload | 72.5 cu ft | 115.3 cu ft | 61.2 cu ft |
| Cargo cap | 6600 lb | 4500 lb | 3500 lb |
| Max towing cap | 1500 lb | 4400 lb | 3500 lb |
Don't agree with our winner? Then tell us which vehicle would you have picked as the 2010 Best in Class AWD Crossover in the comment box below.
 | Every Full-Size, Compact, Pickup, SUV, Van, and More -- 14 Winners in 11 Different Categories |
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