The 2011 GMC Yukon is one of the available affordable large Sports Utility Vehicles today. A sports utility vehicle is usually built on a light-truck chassis, equipped with a four-wheel drive for an on-road or off-road capability.

Its fuel efficiency is a standard feature, very ordinary when it comes to all brands and models from the General Motors Corporation.

There are seven other affordable large SUVs in the market of which the GMC Yukon ranks the fourth on analysis of published reviews and test drive feedbacks. Topping this same list though are two models from GMCs corporate cousin, the Chevrolet. The 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe is number 1 on the list, while the 2011 Chevrolet Suburban is closely behind at number 2.

Performance

The Yukon is the vehicle with a large seating capacity, comfortable interior space that can do some effortless towing at the same time. Performance-wise, it is highly superior and very capable. To bring about these qualities, it is backed by the following features: Flexfuel Capability Vortec V8, Active Fuel Management and Standard Coil-over-shock Suspension.

Exterior & Interior

On the exterior, reviews rave about its silent elegance and classic look. It doesn’t shout its presence on the road but cruises along stylishly. It has a power lift rear gate that addresses both convenience and aesthetics. On the interior, it is spacious to accommodate nine adults with enough elbow room and leg room. It makes every passenger feel at home. The GMCs masculinity, though, is subtly incorporated in the interior features. It is fitted with power fold and tumble seats for spaciousness and interior flexibility.

The Yukon is a tech filled SUV as well. It is equipped with XM Radio and Available XM Navtraffic, Sideblind Zone Alert, Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist for graceful cruising, maneuvering, backing and parking. It is ready with the following gadgets and communications capabilities: DVD Entertainment System, Bluetooth, a Rearview Camera System, Touchscreen Navigation System, and Onstar services.

Safety

Safety is one strong characteristic of the Yukon. It has scored high in crash tests on the front and side collisions performed by the federal government. In fact, it offers 360 degrees of protection for maximum safety of all passengers making it a favorite among safety conscious car owners.

Largely because of its affordability, it puts more value on the space rather than the luxury. It is more to be recognized for its practicability, with the perfect blend of looks, comfort, function, size, use and price. More often than not, it is practically considered as an alternative to more expensive and gas guzzling vehicles.

The Competition

The Chevrolet Tahoe (MSRP $37,980; 15 city / 21 hwy) occupies the top spot in the affordable large SUVs category. A place it so deserves after having flawlessly executed an SUV that has size, power and comfort. The Tahoe is large, but it is light to drive. It has power but it is fuel efficient. It is comfortable and has a pleasing interior.

The Toyota Sequoia (MSRP $40,930; 14 city / 20 hwy), is ranked 3rd, one place higher that the Yukon, often find the former as its closest rival. The competition boils down to the Sequoia’s better driveability and more luxurious interior. In fact the 2011 Best Affordable Large SUVs for Families Award was given to the Toyota Sequoia.

Overall Rating
69 out of 100

What others say:

“The 2011 GMC Yukon offers a spacious interior and refined ride, though the third row can be disappointing.”Car Connection

“Yukons suffer relatively little noseplow and body lean in turns, though you would never mistake these SUVs for sport sedans.”Consumer Guide

“The Yukon’s ride is supple and controlled, with seating for seven or eight and good interior quality. But there is little cargo room behind the cramped third-row seat. ”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“The 2011 GMC Yukon is a leading choice for a traditional large SUV thanks to its comfortable cabin and strong towing and hauling capabilities. But for many people, a large crossover SUV might work out better.”Edmunds

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: SUV	Base Price: $38,945.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 26 gallons (98 liters)	MPG: 15 city / 21 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 202 in. (513 cm)	Width: 79 in. (200 cm)
Height: 76.9 in. (195 cm)	Wheel Base: 116 in. (294 cm)
Curb Weight: 5630 lbs (2553 kg)	Ground Clearance: 9 in. (22.8 cm)
Luggage Capacity(2nd row): 60.3 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 7 people

Performance

Engine: Vortec V8 OHV	Displacement: 5.3 Liter
Horsepower: 320 HP	Max RPM: 5400 RPM
Torque: 335 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic
0-60 mph: NA	Max Towing Capacity: 8400 lbs (3810 kgs)

Available Trims & Engine

Option:Yukon SLT	MSRP: $44,460; MPG: 15 city / 21 hwy
Option:Yukon Denali	MSRP: $53,650; MPG: 14 city / 18 hwy

The design of the 2012 Jeep Compass 4×4 crossover vehicle was inspired by the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Performance

The engine on the Jeep Compass is an I4 DOHC with an engine displacement of 2.4 liters. The engine has 16-valve dual variable valve timing and 4-cylinder configuration. The transmission is a 5-speed manual. The tank has a maximum fuel capacity of 13.6 gallons.

The standard capacity for payload is 925 pounds. The maximum capacity for towing capability is 2000 pounds while its standard capacity for towing capability is 1000 pounds. The configuration for driveline capability is front-wheel drive. The available type for engine fuel is regular unleaded. The combined amount of fuel economy is 26 miles per gallon.

Exterior & Interior

The outer body of the Compass is fashioned out of fully galvanized steel. The grille has chrome accents. There are 4 doors available in this crossover vehicle. The exterior lighting features include halogen headlight beam, fog and driving lights, and LED brake lights. The wheels have 17 inches of diameter and 6.5 inches of width. The wheels are made of aluminum material and tend to form a silver appearance.

The interior portion of this crossover vehicle is equipped with an analog instrument panel. The instrument panel is capable of providing a tachometer, gauge for engine temperature, clock display with radio, warning display for low fuel conditions, warning display for low tire pressure conditions, and reminder for maintenance. The sound system has 4 standard speakers, am/fm radio, CD player, and MP3 player. This vehicle has the capability of accommodating 5 passengers. It has manual air conditioning system and an air filter. The seat is made from cloth material. The floors on the front and rear portions of the vehicle are installed with carpeted floor mats.

Safety & Reliability

The Jeep Compass utilizes the use of Advanced Multistage Front Airbags which deploys the airbags according to the detected intensity of the collision. It also has a supplemental side-curtain front and rear airbags. Although this crossover vehicle has no security system, it has the technology of Sentry Key which is capable of disabling the engine to avoid theft. It also has rear child safety locks which provide protection against unlocking the rear doors unintentionally. The body frame has side impact beams for an additional protection during collision incidents.

It has the best fuel economy for the city at 23 mpg. It has a small fuel tank, which is the least compared with its competitors. Its tank can only hold 14 gallons of fuel capacity. It also has the lowest horsepower output of 158.

The Competition

There are at least three other makes that fall within the same class and price range as the Jeep Compass that may be worth looking at. These include the Subaru Forester 2.5X (MSRP $20,495; 21 city / 27 hwy), Hyundai Tucson GL (MSRP $19,045; 20 city / 27 hwy), and the Kia Sportage LX (MSRP $20,800; 22 city / 32 hwy). The Sportage of Kia has the best fuel mileage amongst all four vehicles including the 2012 Jeep Compass

Overall Rating
65 out of 100

What others say:

“Accurate, natural-feeling steering. We detected slight wander in gusty crosswinds. Body lean is moderate in corners. While Compass rides slightly lower than most compact SUVs, it feels no more nimble.”Consumer Guide

“Unimpressive powertrain; limited cargo space compared to rivals.”Edmunds

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Compact SUV	Base Price: $19,295.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 13.6 gallons (51 liters)	MPG: 23 city / 29 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 173.4 in. (440 cm)	Width: 69.3 in. (176 cm)
Height: 65.2 in. (165 cm)	Wheel Base: 103.7 in. (263 cm)
Curb Weight: 3107 lbs (1409 kg)	Ground Clearance: 8.1 in. (20.5 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 22.7 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 5 people

Performance

Engine: 16-Valve DOHC VVT Inline 4	Displacement: 2.0 liter
Horsepower: 158 HP	Max RPM: 6400 RPM
Torque: 141 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm	Transmission: 5-Speed Manual
0-60 mph: 10.4 seconds	Max Towing Capacity: 2000 lbs (907 kgs)

Available Trims & Engine

Option:Compass Latitude	MSRP: $21,645; MPG: 23 city / 27 hwy
Option:Compass Limited	MSRP: $24,295; MPG: 21 city / 27 hwy
Option:Compass Latitude 4×4	MSRP: $23,345; MPG: 21 city / 26 hwy
Option:Compass Limited 4×4	MSRP: $25,995; MPG: 21 city / 26 hwy

The logo of the Jaguar is one of the most iconic and recognizable images in the automobile industry, it immediately brings thoughts of grandeur and luxury, because truly, vehicles which bear the symbol of the Jaguar truly have a design that is unique to them, a signature that sets it apart.

But through the release of the 2012 Jaguar XJ, the vintage and time-honored design that is unique to all Jaguar vehicles will become re-energized.

This latest addition to the long line of distinguished Jaguar vehicles also ensures the accommodation of more passengers than ever before while providing their prospective drivers with a unique driving experience.

Performance & Style

The 2012 XJ veers away from the tradition of making vehicles using heavy materials as it opt for lightweight aluminum as its primary material, with about half of it even made from recycled materials. The use of recycled materials, however, is not a ploy by the company to deprive their customers of the best materials, because the use of recycled materials actually reduces emissions from the vehicle while also improving fuel consumption.

Of course, the most obvious benefit of the use of lightweight materials in the creation of the Jaguar XJ is its added speed and agility when placed on the road through its powerful three-liter, V6 engine. And finally, another added feature of the 2012 Jaguar XJ is that it effortlessly combines new technologies into its media system in its interior while maintaining the timeless and well-loved signature style of Jaguar vehicles that has made them a strong force in the automobile industry.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Sedan	Base Price: $73,700.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 21.7 gallons (82 liters)	Miles Per Gallon: 16 city / 23 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 201.7 in. (512 cm)	Wheel Base: 119.4 in. (303 cm)
Height: 57 in. (144.8 cm)	Width: 74.6 in. (189 cm)
Curb Weight: 4045 lbs (1834 kg)	Ground Clearance: NA
Luggage Capacity: 15.2 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 5 people

Performance

Engine: 5.0L 32-valve DOHC V8	Compression Ratio: 11.5: 1
Horsepower: 385 HP	Max RPM: 6500 RPM
Torque: 380 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm	Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic
0-60 mph: 5.4 seconds	Maximum Speed: 148 mph (238 km/h)

The 2012 Chevrolet Malibu comes in 6 models. The selection of colors for the exterior of this mid-size sedan is available in 9 colors.

Performance

The available engines for the Chevrolet Malibu are a V6 and a 4-Cylinder. They run on gasoline. The engine displacement for the 4-Cylinder engine is 2.4 liters while the engine displacement for the V6 engine is 3.6 liters. They both use a 6- speed automatic transmission with manual shift. The Malibu is a front wheel drive vehicle.

The horsepower capacity ranges from 169 to 252 while the torque capacity ranges from 160 to 251. They are all equipped with electronic fuel injection. Its fuel economy for city ranges from 17 to 22 miles per gallon while its fuel economy for highway ranges from 26 to 33 miles per gallon. The maximum capacity of the fuel tank is approximately 16 gallons.

Exterior & Interior

The wheels are polished either in aluminum or in chrome. It is equipped with fog lamps and daytime running lights. The seats are available in custom cloth or leather. The height of the driver seat is adjustable which allows lumbar support. The steering wheel and the shift knob are covered with leather which provides comfort and easier grip. The front, rear, and trunk are carpeted with floor mats. The audio entertainment provides good quality of sounds with its 8-speaker sound system. It also has am/fm radio, CD player, and mp3 player.

The satellite radio provided by SiriusXM comes in a trial subscription available for three months. It also has a port for USB-capable devices. The Malibu is mid-size sedan that is also equipped with 110 volts of alternating current household outlet supply. The Bluetooth technology allows the mobile phone connectivity wirelessly for a safer driving experience. The Malibu can accommodate a total of 5 passengers.

The 2012 Malibu has 6 air bags designed for front side impact, rear side impact, and thorax side impact. This mid-size sedan can be controlled remotely. It has remote keyless entry and remote vehicle start. The use of OnStar services increases the safety features of the Chevrolet Malibu. It has services for crisis assistance, automatic crash response, and emergency services which are available every day. The Malibu is equipped with a system for traction control and vehicle anti-theft. The rear door is also designed to have a child security lockout.

The Competition

The 2012 Malibu provides more safety features compared to other sedans at the same price range. They include the Toyota Camry (MSRP $20,195; 22 city / 33 hwy) and the Honda Accord (MSRP $22,180; 23 city / 34 hwy). All have practical fuel economy performance. The fuel tank capacity is noticeably the lowest compared to the others.

Overall Rating
75 out of 100

What others say:

“The spacious 2011 Chevrolet Malibu has a level of comfort and refinement that’s hard to beat in this class.”Car Connection

“Body lean is well controlled in all models. Four-cylinder versions use electrically assisted steering that’s light at low speeds for easier maneuverability, whereas the V6’s weightier hydraulic power steering and wider tires provide a sportier driving feel and better grip in fast turns.”Consumer Guide

“Rear seat is less spacious than rivals; inconsistent quality of cabin materials; lacks some competitive features.”Edmunds

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Sedan	Base Price: $21,995.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 16 gallons (60.5 liters)	MPG: 22 city / 33 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 191.8 in. (487 cm)	Width: 70.3 in. (178.5 cm)
Height: 57.1 in. (145 cm)	Wheel Base: 112.3 in. (285 cm)
Curb Weight: 3432 lbs (1556 kg)	Ground Clearance: NA
Luggage Capacity: 15.1 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 5 people

Performance

Engine: 2.4L 16-valve DOHC inline 4	Displacement: 145 cu in
Horsepower: 169 HP	Max RPM: 6400 RPM
Torque: 160 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm	Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic with manual
0-60 mph: 8.7 seconds	1/4 Mile: NA

Available Trims & Engine

Option:Malibu LT	MSRP: $23,355; MPG: 22 city / 33 hwy
Option:Malibu LTZ 3.6L V6	MSRP: $28,485; MPG: 22 city / 33 hwy

The 2012 Acura ILX Concept is scheduled for launch in the Spring of 2012. This car will usher a whole new experience when it comes to Acura’s first gas/electric hybrid. People are already looking forward to the unveiling of this high performance and efficient car this 2012.

People will be in for a treat as they find this new luxurious and compact sedan can actually give them the fuel efficiency of a smart car. The head of the Acura Design Studio also gave a teaser for customers all over the world. Jon Ikeda stated that luxury buyers will find everything that they need in the Acura ILX Concept. They’ll be inspired by the car’s exterior styling and affordability.

Efficient Exterior

This car’s exterior also provides elegance, efficiency and performance. It has been designed to be aerodynamically efficient, sleek and sporty. Its formal proportion and compact will surely bring a very professional image for future owners.

There is no doubt that people will immediately recognize this car as an Acura. It’s high and distinct exterior features will definitely bring it at the top of the luxury market. This car also offers different models that will suit the need of future buyers.

Performance

The Acura ILX Concept comes standard with a 2.0 liter inline 4 cylinder engine. For those that want a high performance model, they will be glad to know that Acura has a 2.4 liter inline 4 cylinder engine.

This model is also paired with a 6 speed manual transmission. Last but not the least, Acura will also be offering their first hybrid version with 1.5 liter gasoline/electric hybrid powertrain. Potential buyers will be able to choose the right model for their lifestyle and need.

Extras

Just like other Acura cars, the Acura ILX Concept will be offered with multiple transmission choices, standard safety features, and 4 channel anti-lock brakes, VSA or Vehicle Stability Assist and so much more. An elegant car that will provide efficiency, comfort and safety is definitely the way to go in our modern time.