"It's impossible to overlook the Toyota's virtues: fleet of foot, polished, roomy, well-crafted, fuel-efficient, attractively priced," says St. Antoine. Loh expresses similar sentiments: "Though I like the Edge's styling and prefer the Murano's drive, the Toyota simply can't be beat by virtue of the three Ps-packaging, performance, and price. " Not only is the Venza the least expensive of the group-and not because of a deficiency in equipment-it is also the most fuel efficient (22 mpg EPA combined, 19.8 mpg observed), the quickest, and the most commodious. No matter how it's viewed -- car or crossover -- the Venza is a winner. Winner of this test and winner of our 2009 Sport/Utility of the...oh, darn it, strike that.
1ST PLACE: TOYOTA VENZA
The most carlike crossover here, the Venza doesn't sacrifice sport or utility.
2ND PLACE: NISSAN MURANO SL
An eye-catching, fun-to-drive rig that can't match the winner's quickness or value.
3RD PLACE: FORD EDGE SPORT
Gargantuan wheels and hefty curb weight spoil an otherwise fresh offering.