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
The 2018 GMC Yukon XL receives only minor changes. The Denali version comes with a new 10-speed automatic transmission that should slightly improve fuel economy and acceleration. Other changes include a new chrome grille design and a new Denali Ultimate package with 22-inch wheels, a sunroof and a large helping of tech add-ons.
pros Seats up to nine passengers Plenty of cargo capacity, even with all the seats deployed Can tackle rough terrain when fitted with four-wheel drive High towing ratings
cons Size, weight and length make it unwieldy around town Slow gas pedal response makes engine feel weaker than rated Cargo space utility is limited by high load floor
Pros Safety alert driver's seat available Quiet cabin Spacious interior Easier-than-expected maneuverability
Cons Trucklike ride with body roll in corners Small cargo space behind third row (regular-length Yukon) Interior design too similar to Chevrolet siblings Some dashboard buttons could be larger
