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 Skoda Kamiq is an excellent small SUV with a spacious cabin and plenty of high-tech features that’s dead easy to drive and impressively comfortable.
Pros Comfortable to drive Very roomy back seats Plenty of standard equipment
Cons Alternatives have bigger boots… …And are more exciting to drive Desirable infotainment costs extra
Another worthy crossover. Comfy, roomy, but not especially interesting.
Pros Vast space, very comfortable if you avoid the needless ‘ sports’ chassis
Cons It’s just so derivative, in a way the old Skoda Yeti wasn't
The Skoda Kamiq is everything good about Skoda wrapped up in a desirable small SUV package.
Pros Spacious Huge boot Plenty of tech
Cons Lacks individuality Not as desirable as a Volkswagen Powerful petrol engine not yet available