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Top Cargo-Friendly Vehicles of 2010
There’s no point owning a vehicle that promises huge amounts of cargo capacity if the car or truck in question rides and handles like the QE2 coming into port. Many vehicles might promise vast amounts of luggage space, but the unwitting owner typically has to sacrifice driving dynamics for that extra luggage room. Abandoning all hope of driving enjoyment when the road gets twisty—and there’s a load of IKEA bookshelves in the back—is not our idea of fun.
When it comes to hauling loads of stuff it’s hard to beat the convenience of a sport-utility vehicle or a crossover. However, opting for a super-sized SUV doesn’t mean you’ll necessarily enjoy the benefits of having tons of cargo room. Loading an extra-large vehicle can mean having to lunge yourself into the trunk to arrange everything. Bigger is not always better, especially when it comes to lugging a hefty suitcase over a mile-high bumper and into the trunk.
An SUV or crossover that offers sedan-like dynamics, reasonable proportions, and haul-anything luggage capacity is the best solution. Here are five vehicles that manage to balance all three attributes:
2011 Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander has been a go-to choice amongst midsize crossover vehicles. A recent refreshening made the Highlander bigger and roomier than ever before—not to mention even more luxurious. This Toyota crossover blurs the line between the cargo-toting convenience of a sport-utility and the fuel economy and driving dynamics of a sedan or station wagon.
The base Highlander comes standard with a 187-bhp 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine. If you need extra power, a 270-bhp 3.5-liter V-6 is standard on Sport, Limited and all-wheel-drive models. There is also the Highlander Hybrid, which combines a 3.3-liter V-6 and an electric motor for a total power output of 270 hp. A power tailgate takes away some of the hassle of loading luggage or groceries.
Most important, the Highlander isn’t abnormally higher than most sedans and station wagons, so filling the cargo area doesn’t mean you have to be an Olympic gymnast.
2011 Ford Edge
The new 2011 Ford Edge looks fantastic and drives like a luxury sport-utility. About the worst thing we can say about the Edge is that, from behind the wheel, this crossover feels every bit of its (approximately) 4200-lb. curb weight. The Edge might not be a lightweight, but the extra poundage doesn’t seriously detract from its cargo-toting convenience and refined road manners. Trucks and crossovers costing thousands more don’t have the same fun-to-drive dynamics of the Edge.
Two V-6 engines are offered, and both come with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Ford loves to talk about the investment it made when it came time to improve the NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness) of the Edge. We’ll allow the marketing department a little leeway since the Edge surprised us with its solid handing and a sure-footed ride even in some seriously tricky weather conditions.
The all-wheel-drive Edge SEL V-6 returns EPA fuel economy of 18 mpg city/25 mpg highway. And early next year, an even more economical turbocharged 4-cylinder arrives in the Edge.
2011 GMC Terrain
The GMC Terrain (and the mechanically identical Chevrolet Equinox) offer the load-hauling capacity and rugged looks of a traditional sport-utility, albeit in a much more user-friendly size. The blocky styling of the GMC might not suit everyone’s taste, but it’s proved to be a sales hit for General Motors. A 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine is standard, but it can feel overwhelmed and sound raucous when you need a solid dose of acceleration.
Choosing the larger 3.0-liter V-6 engine will hurt mpg a bit, although a 25-mpg EPA highway rating is still pretty good for this class of vehicle. The Terrain comes with front- or all-wheel-drive and a 6-speed automatic transmission. A rear-view camera is standard (a nice touch) while the all-important power-liftgate is optional. Thanks to its reasonably compact size, the Terrain is light and maneuverable in cut-and-thrust city driving.
If you value fitting into tight parking spots as much as total cargo capacity, the Terrain is definitely worth a look.
2011 Kia Sportage
How did Kia manage to become one of the hottest-looking choices in the crossover market? The brand-new Sportage is a quantum leap forward in terms of exterior styling and, thankfully, the available engines back up the handsome new sheet metal. A 176-bhp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder and 2.0-liter turbocharged four are available, and both come with a 6-speed automatic transmission—a 6-speed manual is available only on the base model. Either engine can be had with front- or all-wheel drive. Hard to believe, but the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder is actually more powerful than the 2.7-liter V-6 found in the previous Sportage.
The Sportage is also a long way away from past Kia vehicles with regard to standard equipment and optional extras. Bluetooth phone connectivity and USB/aux audio inputs are standard. Extra equipment includes ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof and satellite navigation. On the road, the Sportage is nimble and vastly more refined than the previous generation. There is ample room and, thanks to its manageable size, you don’t need to lunge yourself into the truck when loading or unloading cargo.
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Jeep has a reputation for utilitarian charm (which is good) and road manners that usually favor the Rubicon Trail (which is not so good). The 2011 Grand Cherokee throws out the old Jeep rulebook thanks to its classy cabin and superior ride and handling. The go-anywhere Jeep capability is still there—if you need it—courtesy of Chrysler’s new Pentastar V-6 or optional Hemi V-8, along with three automatically controlled 4x4 systems and adjustable air suspension.
Inside the Grand Cherokee you’ll find luxurious touches such as supple leather, heated and reclining rear seats, satellite radio, soft-touch surfaces and TV with internet access. The platform underneath all this luxury has been significantly beefed up and strengthened in the new Grand Cherokee. And the driving dynamics? They are finally a match for the traditional Jeep functionality.
Why Buy A Custom-Fit Vehicle Cover?
To help protect your investment and keep your vehicle looking show-room new. Keeping your automobile covered with a car include can:
• Prevent unsightly dents, dings and scratches
• Shield it against finish-destroying man-made and natural hazards
• Act being an excellent theft discouraging factor
• Put a barrier involving the paint and harmful weather
• For the fifth car cover benefit go to AutoAnything.com for more details
Nicks, Dings and Scrapes Reference
There's a certain feeling you experience whenever you discover that first dent, ding or scratch in your new vehicle. Regrettably, they're a fact of life and nothing short of covering your vehicle along with reactive tank armor may truly prevent all of them. However, using a car cover adds a layer of protecting padding to cushioning against runaway shopping buggies, absent-minded car doors or even other blows.
Natural Hazards Guide
Birds, trees, dust. They actually seem harmless sufficient, but without a vehicle cover, they can instill serious damage to your prized vehicle.
Our fine feathered friends seem to have impeccable aim when it comes to leaving their droppings on our vehicles. Outdoor car covers catch bird tanks before they sprinkle against your paintjob. In addition, the majority of outdoor car cover fabrics aren't harmed by the droppings acidity outdoor vehicle cover fabrics.
The actual shady spot within tree may look like a welcome place to park your vehicle. However, with nut products, berries, sap, pollen, not to mention the roosting birds, parking under a tree may wreak havoc on your automobile. A car cover can help keep your vehicle cool, even in the sun. Or even, if you do park within tree, a car cover can safeguard your vehicle from the onslaught.
Your automobile's paint is only regarding 0.006 inches heavy. Whether indoors or out, when dirt sits on your paint it turns harsh and causes minute scratches. By the time you notice them, it's already too late. Both indoor car cover fabrics as well as outdoor car include fabrics are designed to keep dust away from the surface of your vehicle.
Theft Deterrent Reference
Though it may only look like a thin layer of fabric, a Covercraft car cover can do an amazing job at keeping thieves from your vehicle. Since period is crucial in not getting caught, thieves often pass by covered automobiles, which take longer to get into, and go after simpler prey. And, if you add a lock as well as cable to your car cover, you will not only keep the cover secure, your vehicle becomes even harder to steal.
Damaging Weather Manual
You don't have to be a meteorologist to understand that harsh weather can do a number in your vehicle's finish. An intermittent spring shower poses no real threat to your vehicle. However, seemingly harmless rainfall can find its way into tiny scratches or blemishes and start the actual corrosion process. And, acid rain -- well, the title says it all. A water-resistant car cover will keep your vehicle high and dry.
Harsh UV (ultraviolet) rays and also the intense radiant warmth of the Sun may cook the color right out of your paint. A car cover is like sunscreen for your vehicle, obstructing harmful UV light and preventing photo degradation. And, a lighter colored vehicle cover will yield a reflective air conditioning effect.
It's not the cold that reaches your vehicle's finish - it's the dampness and salt. These two corrosive cohorts are in cahoots to ravage your paint. Fortunately, a car cover can keep both these causes away from your vehicle.
The essential advantages of custom-fit car handles
A custom-fit car include is specially tailored to the lines of the vehicle. No detail is left unturned. Custom-fit vehicle covers hug each and every contour of your automobile and feature sewn-in mirror wallets, plus grommet holes for antennas.
On the other hand, low-quality universal-fit car covers are baggy and may slip, slide and rub against your own paint, destroying your own finish. Additionally, the poor fit allows the harsh elements to slip in at every gap and defeat the objective of the cover.
The specialized cut of a custom-fit car cover is by far the best choice to wrap up as well as protect your vehicle.
Whenever deciding which car cover is right for your automobile, we advise that you consider:
• Where you recreation area and how often you utilize your vehicle
• The weather in your town
• What color is right for your automobile and storage requirements
Where You Park and How Often You Use Your vehicle:
• When you park outside and cover up every single day, you may want to choose a light-weight outdoor car cover that's simple to use and easy to fold.
• For those who park in packed lots or on streets with kids at play as well as heavy pedestrian visitors, a thicker heavyweight outdoor car include that provides some dent and ding protection is best.
• If you garage your automobile and frequently cover as well as uncover it, a lightweight indoor car cover is ideal.
• Choose a heavier indoor vehicle cover to keep your classic safe for long-term storage.
• A super-soft indoor car cover lets you pamper your "baby" and ensure that it stays safe and secure.
The Weather in your town
The ideal car cover your vehicle is significantly influenced by your local weather. Many materials happen to be developed to deal with particular inclement weather conditions. Wet parts of the country like the North american and Deep Southern would demand an outdoor car cover with exceptional water resistance. The actual coastal areas along the Atlantic, Pacific as well as Gulf of Mexico need a vehicle cover that will protect from and last in salty air. In the sunniest zones of the nation like the desert Southwest, a Coverking car include with extra UV and photo degradation protection and refractive properties makes the most sense.
Tips on Exactly what Color is Right for Your automobile and Storage Requirements
Car covers can be found in an array of colors, however picking the right hue isn't solely dependent on personal taste. Here are some tips and factors of reference to help you with your choice:
• If you live inside a sunnier climate, you'll want the lighter colored material for outdoor storage.
• If you have a lighter colored vehicle, a lighter colored fabric is actually safer for your fresh paint. Bright colors, although thoroughly, tested could bleed under certain conditions.
• If you're looking for design, a vibrant color can lend your vehicle character or compliment its finish.
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