Madmaster
03-09-2005, 11:50 AM
Car and Driver of April did a comparison of mid sized SUVs. Here's how it went.
6. Ford Explorer XLT V8 166
5. Toyota 4Runner Sport 171
4. VW Touareg V-6 174
3. Mitsubishi Montero Limited 175
2. Nissan Pathfinder SE Off-road 181
1. Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 5.7 190
Pathfinder
Highs- feels satisfyling trucky, good power, nicely calibrated throttle, all day seat comfort.
Lows - Lots of interior roar at speed, too many interior textures and gestures, little space in 3rd row, uncomfortable 2nd row.
Verdict - Does it all with no significant dissapointments
They disliked the Explorer's interior styling, but liked its price and quiet interior. 4Runner had poor ergonomics but good chassis and throttle motions and sound. VW lacked space, was short on performance and wa sexpensive, tho was comfortable with a great interior, as well as being smooth on and off the road. Montero had a good view, roomy front and easy to use AWD, but had odd styling, oversensitive throttle while off roading and little 3rd row space. Cherokee had a haul ass Hemi, excellent 4wd, and a good driving position, but had poor textures on dash, poor mileage, and jumpy throttle during off road.
Pathfinder scored high on value along with its other Japanese competitors, and scored well in performance and chassis as well. Cherokee was the top dog in almost every aspect of performance and fun to drive, and tied for highest highway mileage.
Some Pathfinder Specs
0-60 7.5
qtr mile 15.9 at 87
15/21 mpg
9.2 inches of ground clearance (2nd highest in group, VW's suspension system auto adjusts clearance)
Cherokee
0-60 6.8 (best)
Qtr 15.3 at 90 (best)
14/21 mpg
8 inches ground clearance (lowest in group)
6. Ford Explorer XLT V8 166
5. Toyota 4Runner Sport 171
4. VW Touareg V-6 174
3. Mitsubishi Montero Limited 175
2. Nissan Pathfinder SE Off-road 181
1. Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 5.7 190
Pathfinder
Highs- feels satisfyling trucky, good power, nicely calibrated throttle, all day seat comfort.
Lows - Lots of interior roar at speed, too many interior textures and gestures, little space in 3rd row, uncomfortable 2nd row.
Verdict - Does it all with no significant dissapointments
They disliked the Explorer's interior styling, but liked its price and quiet interior. 4Runner had poor ergonomics but good chassis and throttle motions and sound. VW lacked space, was short on performance and wa sexpensive, tho was comfortable with a great interior, as well as being smooth on and off the road. Montero had a good view, roomy front and easy to use AWD, but had odd styling, oversensitive throttle while off roading and little 3rd row space. Cherokee had a haul ass Hemi, excellent 4wd, and a good driving position, but had poor textures on dash, poor mileage, and jumpy throttle during off road.
Pathfinder scored high on value along with its other Japanese competitors, and scored well in performance and chassis as well. Cherokee was the top dog in almost every aspect of performance and fun to drive, and tied for highest highway mileage.
Some Pathfinder Specs
0-60 7.5
qtr mile 15.9 at 87
15/21 mpg
9.2 inches of ground clearance (2nd highest in group, VW's suspension system auto adjusts clearance)
Cherokee
0-60 6.8 (best)
Qtr 15.3 at 90 (best)
14/21 mpg
8 inches ground clearance (lowest in group)