The 2018 Ford Edge has an eager feel and crisp design; safety scores and Sport ride quality give pause.The Edge satisfies more than a few needs. It’s sleeker than the truck-infused Expedition, even the Explorer. It’s more spacious than the Escape. It’s also devoid of any off-road pretense, any faux-SUV ruggedness.
Pros Quick steering Cabin’s muted details Wide range of engines Composed ride on small-tire models Edge Sport lives up to name
Cons Seats are a big letdown Real-world fuel economy Stiff Sport ride
The Ford Endura is Ford Australia’s first large soft-road SUV since it stopped producing the Territory. It is powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel that’s both powerful and relatively economical. It is good to steer, with polished cornering manners for a large SUV. There are front-drive and all-wheel-drive versions, and auto-braking is standard.
Pros Punchy engine; roadholding, cabin space, standard features.
Cons Dated dashboard, no petrol option.
Many Australians sorely miss the locally built Ford Territory. We’ve had our first local drive of the imported Endura to discover whether that large-SUV product gap has been adequately filled…
Pros Spacious rear seat and big boot Good steering Ride comfort and secure handling on country roads Smooth and quiet turbo diesel Lots of technology/features from entry model upwards
Cons No third-row seating despite vehicle’s size Performance only adequate Urban ride quality still an unknown Cabin presentation a bit underwhelming $4000 charge for AWD
With its luxury appointments and on-road manners, the 2019 Toyota Land Cruiser might seem to have nothing in common with the rugged, no-nonsense Land Cruisers Toyota built for decades starting in the 1950s. But today's Land Cruiser is nearly unassailable once the pavement ends, maintaining the original version's go-anywhere reputation.
Pros Very capable off-road Comfortable ride and capable handling for a big SUV Commanding view of the road ahead
Cons Second- and third-row seats are clumsy and lack space Poor fuel economy even by large SUV standards Limited smartphone connectivity
The 2019 Toyota Land Cruiser’s go-anywhere capability makes it a cult favorite, but most buyers are better suited to rivals.
Pros The myth, the truck, the legend Will climb over anything Ample power Comfortable inrterior Soft ride
Cons Guzzles fuel Very expensive Guzzles fuel Not well-suited to suburbia Did we mention that it guzzles fuel?
