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Truck Trend's Best In Class 2010: Compact SUV, AWD/4WD
From the March, 2010 issue of Truck Trend
By The Editors of Truck Trend
Winner: Toyota FJ Cruiser
Runner-Up: Ford Escape
Vehicles in this category are expected to do everything: carry gear, go off-road, tow a small trailer or a boat, and provide a comfortable ride during the week. It's no easy task, but the Toyota FJ Cruiser achieves much of what a compact SUV should. It can tow 5000 pounds, provides plenty of power, good fuel economy, and seating for five, and in regular form is great off-road--and that capability gets even better with the Trail Teams edition. However, there are rumors it will be going away in the near future, and its cool design means there are blind spots. Looking for a more traditional option? The Ford Escape gives you a choice of three powertrains (with up to 240 horsepower), 3500 pounds of towing capacity, comfortable seating for five, and some capability off the beaten path. As long as you aren't tackling the Rubicon Trail, the Escape (and Mazda Tribute/Mercury Mariner sibs) is an excellent all-around vehicle.
| Compact SUV, AWD/4WD (UNDER 106-in WB) -- A to F |
| Vehicle | Acura RDX | Audi Q5 | Ford Escape |
| Base price | $35,330 | $38,175 | $24,705 |
| Wheelbase | 104.3 in | 110.5 in | 103.1 in |
| Engine | 2.3L DOHC T I-4 | 3.2L DOHC V-6 | 2.5L DOHC I-4 |
| Opt engines | | | 3.0L V-6 $2815, 2.5L hyb $7630 |
| Power, SAE | 240 hp | 270 hp | 171 hp (240, 194) |
| Torque, SAE | 260 lb-ft | 243 lb-ft | 171 lb-ft (223, 136) |
| 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/drum, ABS |
| Tires | 235/55R18 | 235/60R18 | 235/70R16 |
| Fuel cap | 18.0 gal | 19.8 gal | 16.5 gal |
| EPA fuel econ, city/hwy | 17/22 mpg | 18/23 mpg | 20/26 mpg (18/23, 30/27) |
| Seating cap | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Curb weight | 3931 lb | 4244 lb | 3504 lb |
| GVWR | 4800 lb | 4800 lb | 4200 lb |
| Payload | 900 lb | 1400 lb | 1080 lb |
| Cargo cap | 60.6 cu ft | 57.3 cu ft | 67.2 cu ft |
| 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 Compact SUV, AWD/4WD in the comment box below.
 | Every Full-Size, Compact, Pickup, SUV, Van, and More -- 14 Winners in 11 Different Categories |
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