5 Hot New Crossovers On Show in Vancouver…

by Zack Spencer on Monday, March 23rd, 2015

“The fuel cell Tucson can go 420 kilometres on one tank of fuel, a range about which electric car manufacturers can only dream.”

2016 Acura RDX

2016 Ford Explorer Platinum Series with EcoBoost

2016 Honda Pilot

Hyundai Tucson fuel cell

2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 AMG Coupe

 

 

Several new crossovers will be featured at this year’s Vancouver auto show.

Honda recently revealed for the first time at the Chicago and Toronto auto shows, the all-new Pilot. Gone is the boxy three-row vehicle, replaced by a sleeker, more stylish design. Now equipped with LED headlights and LED daytime running lights, along with available 20-inch wheels and panoramic sunroof, this is a modern take on family hauling. The Pilot is powered by a 3.5L V6 engine, matched to a six-speed automatic transmission or an optional nine-speed unit. This new model will be sold with front or all wheel drive and because it is 135kg lighter than the last model it should be more efficient.

Mercedes is renaming the M-Class as the GLE. GL refers to an SUV/Crossover and the E is the “E-Class of SUVs”. To confuse things a bit more, the first debut is the GLE Coupe, a sportier coupe-like SUV designed to compete with the BMW X6. This Mercedes, with its sleeker silhouette and powerful 262-hp biturbo V6, looks great. It will range from comfort to all-out performance.

The Acura RDX has been a big hit for this premium brand. Based on the ever-popular Honda CR-V, this Acura is filled with lots of luxury touches for a modest price. The 2016 RDX showcases the latest look of the Acura family. The dual LED headlamps and improved interior design, including two screens in the centre of the dash, puts the RDX in line with the new TLX and recent MDX. Good news is that the trusty V6 engine will stay for 2016.

Hyundai has announced that they it will start leasing Hydrogen Fuel Cell Tucson SUVs to Canadians this year, with the Vancouver area being the first market to receive these world-class vehicles. This is an electric SUV but instead of getting electricity from the grid it is produced using an onboard hydrogen fuel cell. The owner fills the fuel tank with hydrogen, not gasoline, and drives normally. The fuel cell Tucson can go 420 kilometres on one tank of fuel, a range about which electric car manufacturers can only dream.

Ford has one of the best selling SUVs of all time in the Explorer, with more than 350,000 sold in Canada so far. The all-new 2016 version made available a 2.3L EcoBoost engine on the base and XLT trim. The 290hp 3.5L V6 engine is carried over but the Sport trim and new Platinum trim will be fitted with the 365hp Ecoboost V6. The new Platinum model will be fitted with real aluminum and ash wood accents, plus leather will trim the steering wheel, instrument panel, armrests, doors and other trim.

Range Rover has two new versions of the Range Rover Sport. The most popular will be the all-new 3.0L diesel engine that produces a whopping 440 lb.-ft. of torque and better fuel consumption. In fact, Range Rover claims a 32 percent improvement over the regular V6 model. On the high performance end is the Range Rover SVR, capable of a run to 100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds. This will be the first Range Rover to sport the new SVR (Special Vehicle Racing) badge.

Prices remain to be finalized on most of these vehicles at press time.

Contact: zack [dot] spencer [at] drivewaybc [dot] ca