Bigger Meaner and Faster Sport Utility Vehicles for 2005

January 20, 2005 -- North America has been maintaining a well developed love affair with Sport Utility Vehicles this past decade. Its versatility has captured the hearts of many people and has given them no reason to give them up in the near future. On the contrary, SUV's has developed into a go anywhere luxury vehicle with the necessary space to boot. From the start, the compact SUV's gave the major nod. But modifications and added features to these fuel hungry larger vehicles have made them a gradual hit. Manufacturers have not given up on the bigger SUV's.

As a matter of fact, six luxury and near luxury Sport Utility Vehicles are introduced in the market for 2005. The segment is divided into two groups the middle weight and the heavy weight. The former includes the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Nissan Pathfinder and the BMW X3 3.0i. The latter has in its roster the Lexus GX 470, Infiniti QX 56 and then the Land Rover LR3.

Jeep Grand Cherokee

The new Grand Jeep Cherokee for 2005 emphasizes a lot on the grand. It has been given a total redesign but still bears the air of sophistication mixed with the outdoor ruggedness it always projected. Plus it has grown in length, height and weight. The 2005 Grand Jeep Cherokee is available with a choice of three engines, a five-speed automatic transmission and new levels of refinement. Even the base trim Laredo, with a 3.7-litre V-6 making 210-horsepower, and 235-lb.-ft. torque (also used in the Liberty), is quick off the mark and quiet on the move. The top-of-the-line, 330-horsepower Hemi V-8 is a real performer, however. This engine propels the 2,112-kg truck from 0-100 km/h in a sports car like 7.0 seconds. It'll tow an impressive 3,266-kg.

Throughout the years, Jeeps has made the Grand Cherokee what it is today, it reeks of class and sophistication, its interior is uncluttered and full of features and yet it still acts as a complement to its tough and durable off-road capabilities.

Nissan Pathfinder

For the first time, Nissan's Pathfinder arrives with a body-on-frame construction and a five speed automatic transmission. The full-time four-wheel drive, Pathfinder has been developed in all dimensions. The towing capacity is up by 20-percent to 2,722-kilograms, and the added length allows space for a third row seat for occasional passengers. The 2005 Pathfinder is based on the Titan/Armada platform.

The 2005 Nissan Pathfinder is powered by a highly-regarded VQ 35 V-6 engine that has been specially modified for truck applications. This powerful engine provides 270 horsepower and 291-pound-feet of torque. Even with its hefty 2,195 kilograms of total bodyweight, this truck could go to 0-100 km/h in an impressive 7.9 seconds. The 2005 Nissan Pathfinder though is not just all about power and all terrain. It also has the luxury to make it a city dweller. It has a great exterior design which is very impressive, it offers a luxurious interior which is very classy, a high-tech navigation system is installed, independent suspensions, standard 16" alloy wheels, vehicle stability control and Hill descent control as one of its features. All of these provides for a car-like feel to it.

BMW X3 3.0i

BMW is not about to be left behind. For 2005, the BMW X3 3.0i is introduced as a "Sports Activity Vehicle" or SAV. For this group this would be considered as the lightweight coming in at 1,825 kilograms. It is only slightly smaller than the more luxurious BMW X5 and comes a bit cheaper too.

The BMW Z4 and the new X3 share the same 3.0 liter, 225-horsepower inline-six cylinder engine, so it would be safe to say that this is an SAV that aspires for extreme performance in the road. For other terrains though, it makes use of the same feature of the X5, the xDrive. It is an all-wheel drive system that shifts power to the front or rear wheels when required by means of a centrally located multiple-plate clutch. Standard with this vehicle is BMW's Dynamic Stability Control and another notable option is the Panorama Sunroof.

Lexus GX 470

The Lexus GX 470 has been available for quite awhile, what makes it attractive for this year is the wide array of options that Lexus is offering. The GX 470 is positioned between the RX 30 and gigantic LX 470 in the Lexus SUV catalog. The Lexus GX 470 is just a bit bigger than the Pathfinder in size but its performance and power makes the difference in segments. The power for the LX 470 is derived from a 4.7 liter V-8 engine that produces 235 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. Its 2,150 kg frame can be boosted from 0-100 k/h in just 8.1 seconds and would also be capable of towing 2948 kg. Lexus has always been known for its luxury. Even in its SUV line up they pride themselves in that department. Even in its base trim, the GX 470 has an impressive interior environment. When options are made, you may avail of yourself a full array of electronic and mechanical driveline technologies that are cutting edge. Features such as the Mark Levinson audio system and the height adjustable rear suspension is very noteworthy.

Infiniti QX 56

The 2005 Infinity QX 56 is another Nissan vehicle that makes use of the Titan/Amada Truck platform. It is the Pathfinders' bigger and more luxurious brother, in fact the Infiniti QX 56 is the biggest in this group of 2005 SUV's. These SUV will take off-roading to new heights, never will such luxury be considered in America's wild outdoors. Exceptionally though, buyers are more interested in the Infiniti's massive on-road performance and looming presence. Tested on the roads, the Infiniti is relatively smooth and easy to drive, but due to its massive frame, it may take a bit of maneuvering in tight spaces.

With its commitment to luxury and style, the 2005 Infiniti QX 56 doesn't come with options, no need to, it already has everything you need in on enormous package. Such amenities as a DVD entertainment system, luxury leather, rear vision back-up camera, premium Bose audio system, chrome finish wheels, puddle lights in outside mirrors, and side curtain airbags are only a few of the standard features. Now this is what you may call as fully equipped. Its driving force is delivered by a massive 5.6 liter V-8 engine that spews up 390 lb - ft of torque. It can also tow as much as 3,991 kg. Amazingly, with a weight of 2,554 kg, it can sprint from 0 - 100 in only 7.8 seconds and mileage tests show that it is less of a gas guzzler than its contemporaries.

Land Rover LR3

The 2005 Land Rover LR3 is the replacement for the much respected Discovery Land Rover. Even with the substantial hike in the price tags, Land Rover is confident that it will still appeal to the loyal Land Rover enthusiasts. They reason that this is an all-new vehicle with exceptional sophistication and of supreme performance. The 2005 LR3 is also the heaviest in the weight section of this group. It weighs 2,629-kg on its electronic air suspension with state-of-the-art automatic load leveling and other multiple modes. The 300-horsepower, 4.4-litre V-8 engine makes 315 lb.-ft. torque and is paired to a six-speed electronic automatic transmission. Towing is rated at 3,500-kg and the 0-100 km/h time is 8.7 seconds, the slowest of this group, but still quick for a heavy truck considering its weight. This Land Rover feels like it was carved out of a solid block, and has off-road capabilities well beyond most, if not all, other vehicles in its class, Its toughness could be the bar that all others would have to prime for. And speaking of class, it looks like a slightly scaled down Range Rover, and is packed with luxury amenities. The price tag is justified by its luxury, sophistication and its ruggedness and durability.

Rumors of the Large SUV downfall

Rumors of the SUV's demise may be premature. Many rumor mongers say that with the preference of the people for the compact SUV for easier city handling the Large SUV will soon meet its fate of extinction But be it as it may, these vehicles combine all-terrain capability with luxury and sophistication. As long as there's demand, manufacturers will ensure that there's a ready supply. SUV manufacturers would always be at hand to present these long lasting vehicles and pack them with more attractive features to entice interest back once more.

With their reputation for longevity, toughness, reliability and durability, large SUV's have been given the most extreme tests and they have survived. From the Rocky Mountains in Colorado to the scorching desert of Death Valley, these monster trucks have surpassed all expectations. But they too are susceptible to wear downs. It is necessary to submit them to regular checkups and frequent maintenance.

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