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
PROS Larger boot than standard Tivoli Smarter new front bumper Huge standard specification Manual or auto, two- and four-wheel drive
CONS No petrol engine Same passenger space as Tivoli Not a thrilling drive Diesel engine quite noisy
The Ssangyong Tivoli XLV offers good space and practicality to families on a budget. However, if you can afford to spend a little more, there are much more competent family SUVs available.
Pros Spacious interior Generous standard equipment Competitively priced
Cons Noisy engine Crashy ride Stodgy handling
The SsangYong Tivoli XLV takes the stylish Tivoli and makes it bigger. It looks a bit more awkward than before, but it’s also more practical.
PROS Extremely versatile Generous warranty Good value
CONS Noisy engines Challenging styling Not the most economical
