Midsize SUVs that comfortably fit seven people have plenty of interior space in a small package and as such are becoming the new minivans. Family haulers like this tend not to provide much in the way of driving thrill, but new technologies have allowed smaller engines to produce enough power to move a big clan. Although it’s still common to see six-cylinder engines in midsize SUVs, 4-cylinder offerings in the midsize segment have grown in the past few years.
The biggest advantage these mills bring is better fuel economy. Less gas means more money in your pocket, and 4-cylinder midsize SUVs deliver. Although the list of mainstream SUV makers outfitting their SUVs this way isn’t big, Ford, Volkswagen, Mazda, Subaru, and Toyota offer 3-row crossovers with four-bangers. On the luxury side, Volvo also offers turbo-four engines in its biggest SUV—the XC90.
Midsize SUVs with Fuel-Saving 4-Cylinder Engines
The Toyota Highlander is one of the most popular family SUVs, and the new generation arrived with a 4-cylinder hybrid powertrain that’s quite efficient and nice to drive. A 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine is paired to an electric motor to deliver a combined 240 hp. The best news, however, is its fuel economy—36/35 mpg in city/highway for front-drives and the LE all-wheel drive, and 35/34 mpg for all other trims with all-wheel drive. We drove the Highlander Hybrid during the media launch in San Antonio and were pleased with the way it handled, providing decent acceleration and great braking feel for a hybrid SUV.
The Subaru Ascent is probably the best midsize SUV with a turbo-four engine that you can buy today. It scored second place in our recent 3-Row Big Test and really impressed us with its value, interior design, and driving behavior. As with all Subarus, the Ascent comes with standard all-wheel drive and delivers 20/26 for Limited and Touring trims and 21/27 on all other models. Its 7.3-second time from a standstill to 60 mph is sufficient for most families.
The Ford Explorer offers a 2.3-liter EcoBoost l-4 that delivers 300 hp and 310 lb-ft at the rear or all four wheels. Although its EPA numbers are not as impressive as the Highlander Hybrid’s (for obvious reasons), they are better than a traditional V-6 engine. In all-wheel drive, that engine delivers 20/27 mpg, and in rear-drive the Ford delivers 21/28 mpg. But during our Big Test, we rated the Explorer eighth out of nine SUVs given its poor handling, plasticky interior, and value.
On the opposite side of the spectrum, the Mazda CX-9 was a favorite among MotorTrend staffers who prefer a great-handling family SUV. With its 2.5-liter turbo-four engine, the CX-9 delivers 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, which seemed like plenty of power during our tests. Delivering 22/28 mpg in front-drive and 20/26 mpg with all-wheel drive, the CX-9 is among the best-rated midsize SUVs with 4 cylinders, but while its cabin is elegant, we wish it were a little more spacious when trying to fit seven occupants.
Although we like the Volkswagen Atlas’ styling and commodious interior, we’re not big fans of its ride over rougher pavement. Although folks who get the AWD version will get the Atlas’ V-6 offering, Volkswagen also offers a front-drive Atlas with the 2.0-liter engine that delivers 20/24 mpg. VW has not provided one for testing yet.
Although we usually separate mainstream SUVs from luxury SUVs, the Volvo XC90 deserves a special mention. Not only does it look premium, it also comes with an available 4-cylinder engine that’s supercharged and turbocharged, delivering great power and excellent handling. In front-drive form, the XC90 delivers 21/30 mpg with its 2.0-liter turbo, but if you opt for all-wheel drive, the numbers drop slightly to 20/27 mpg. If you upgrade to the aforementioned turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-liter, you’ll get 18/26 mpg. The plug-in hybrid variant, which is the top-of-the-line powertrain in the XC90, delivers 27 mpg combined. The XC90 is available in six- or seven-seat configurations.
Which Midsize 4-Cylinder Powered SUV Should I Buy?
The Subaru Ascent and Volvo XC90 are the two best choices. On the one hand, the Ascent offers a spacious cabin, modern technology, and great handling. On the other hand, the XC90 is a looker and delivers a powerful drive out of a small engine. Both SUVs deliver the power and fuel economy you’re looking for while providing space for the whole family.
The post Which Midsize 3-Row 4-Cylinder SUV Should You Buy? appeared first on MotorTrend.
from MotorTrend https://www.motortrend.com/news/which-midsize-3-row-4-cylinder-suv-should-you-buy/
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