Archive for the ‘crossovers’ Category

It's about time that another automaker took on Ford's Sync hands-free communication and entertainment interface. One of the best rival systems—at least in affordable vehicles—comes from an unlikely source: Mitsubishi. The new 2010 Outlander is the first vehicle to get the handy interface.

In a way, it figures. Mitsubishi used to have a geeky reputation in the U.S. and elsewhere; many years ago now, the Japanese automaker stood out from the rest with features like all-wheel-drive, active yaw control, speed-sensitive four-wheel power steering, and high-end audio with steering-wheel controls. With recent features on offer like the excellent...

In the three years since the second-generation Mitsubishi Outlander first went on sale, Mitsubishi has gone through a sort of identity crisis here in the U.S. market. While the Japanese automaker’s compact Lancer models—especially the high-performance Evolution and Ralliart—have been generally well received, Mitsubishi’s larger vehicles, including the larger Endeavor SUV, Galant sedan, and even Eclipse sport coupe, have lost their way in the market.

With a modest but transformation refresh for 2010, Mitsubishi is bringing the Outlander’s styling closer to that of the Lancer on which it’s based. A subtle set of design changes takes the...

Mazda's CX-9 can be more than a little deceiving. Get caught up in the driving experience—as you actually can in the somewhat nimble-feeling CX-9—and you might actually think you're driving a tall but reasonably compact wagon.

That is, until you look back from the front seat at the spacious three-row interior or assess from the outside that yes, this really is a large vehicle.

For 2010, the CX-9 gets a few minor design improvements, but inside or out, you'd probably have to park the '09 and '10 side by side to notice the differences. At the front, the CX-9 gets a little more brightwork to frame its grille, lower grille and foglamps,...