The 2018 Ford Edge has an eager feel and crisp design; safety scores and Sport ride quality give pause.The Edge satisfies more than a few needs. It’s sleeker than the truck-infused Expedition, even the Explorer. It’s more spacious than the Escape. It’s also devoid of any off-road pretense, any faux-SUV ruggedness.
Pros Quick steering Cabin’s muted details Wide range of engines Composed ride on small-tire models Edge Sport lives up to name
Cons Seats are a big letdown Real-world fuel economy Stiff Sport ride
The Ford Endura is Ford Australia’s first large soft-road SUV since it stopped producing the Territory. It is powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel that’s both powerful and relatively economical. It is good to steer, with polished cornering manners for a large SUV. There are front-drive and all-wheel-drive versions, and auto-braking is standard.
Pros Punchy engine; roadholding, cabin space, standard features.
Cons Dated dashboard, no petrol option.
Many Australians sorely miss the locally built Ford Territory. We’ve had our first local drive of the imported Endura to discover whether that large-SUV product gap has been adequately filled…
Pros Spacious rear seat and big boot Good steering Ride comfort and secure handling on country roads Smooth and quiet turbo diesel Lots of technology/features from entry model upwards
Cons No third-row seating despite vehicle’s size Performance only adequate Urban ride quality still an unknown Cabin presentation a bit underwhelming $4000 charge for AWD
For many reasons, the Acura RDX is one of our top picks in the luxury compact SUV segment. It's a well-made and well-equipped SUV that is a clear, premium step up from mainstream compact SUVs such as the Honda CR-V. Its value is undeniable and a must-drive for buyers who value smart engineering and style equally.
PROS Strong acceleration and fuel economy from standard V6 engine Elevated rear seat provides generous legroom and a commanding view More features than competitors at a similar or much lower price Generous cargo capacity for the segment
CONS Cabin lacks overtly luxurious look and feel High-tech safety features and adaptive cruise control don't work as well as some rival systems Technology interface can be distracting to use
The 2018 Acura RDX ranked #1 in Luxury Compact SUVs. Currently the Acura RDX has a score of 8.9 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 53 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Spacious, adult-friendly seats in both rows Convenient cargo area Refined, competent V6 engine
Cons Complicated, confusing infotainment systems Fewer available amenities than some rivals No engine or performance upgrades available
