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
Fiat adds the 500X Sport to the lineup. Slotting in above the Trekking, the Sport model has a new front end with LED headlamps and a Sport badge, body-color side moldings, and a restyled rear end with twin chrome exhaust tips. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard, with 19s optional. Inside, the 2020 Fiat 500X Sport features seats with added bolstering, along with simulated-suede inserts and red stitching on both the seats and the restyled, flat-bottomed steering wheel, and aluminum trim on the pedals.
Pros Punchy turbo engine, useful driver-assistance aids, distinctive design.
Cons Priced high for a subcompact SUV, small cargo capacity, cramped passenger quarters.
The 2020 Fiat 500X is a stylish alternative to mainstream models but can be cramped inside.
Pros Quirky styling Standard all-wheel-drive Comfortable ride
Cons No cheaper and more efficient FWD model Competitors offer better value Active safety tech only optional
The 2020 FIAT 500X is unranked in Subcompact SUVs due to missing safety data. Currently, the FIAT 500X's overall score is not available, though its Critics' Rating, Performance score, and Interior score are based on our evaluation of 29 pieces of research and data.
Pros Ritzy cabin
Cons Firm seats Cramped rear quarters Tiny cargo hold
