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From the Might 1998 problem of Automotive and Driver.
“To each motion there’s at all times opposed an equal response.” —Sir Isaac Newton
Newton’s 311-year-old regulation works outaspect the physics lab. Take into account the President’s job-approval scores following the Lewinsky, uh, publicity, or the explosion of I-Hate-Gates web sites within the wake of Microsoft’s runaway advertising and marketing success.
Newton’s regulation additionally works within the auto trade. Take, for instance, sport-utility automobiles. As they gobble up an ever-larger share of the U.S. market—final 12 months, sport-utes accounted for a document 16 p.c of automotive and light-truck gross sales—response towards them is mounting. Greens have begun railing towards their greater carbon-dioxide emissions and their fuel-hungry natures. Now it has been found by the insurance coverage trade that in all crashes between pickups or sport-utes and automobiles, individuals in automobiles are 4 occasions extra doubtless than individuals in vans to wind up lifeless. (Our favourite stat: If an enormous pickup plows into your little automotive from the aspect, guess what? You’re 27 occasions extra prone to meet your maker than they’re—shock, shock! The true stat: 90 p.c of all accidents are attributable to driver error.) Some insurance coverage firms are charging extra for SUV insurance policies, citing the added injury these vans inflict on different automobiles.
Automotive consumers have been responding to those issues. A market is presently blooming for smaller, less-expensive sport-utility automobiles that mix some great benefits of an enormous SUV—stout-looking wagon bodywork, a excessive driving place, and classy four-wheel drive—with the lighter, better-handling, and extra fuel-environment friendly traits of a automotive.
The 1996 Toyota RAV4 was the primary SUV primarily based on a automotive platform to get pleasure from widespread gross sales success on either side of the Pacific. Its recognition rapidly attracted me-too automobiles to the market, just like the Civic-based Honda CR-V, the Impreza-based Subaru Forester, and a number of other extra which can be nonetheless on Large Three drawing boards. Even earlier than Toyota’s RAV4, Korean carmaker Kia turned out a automobile that had a barely bigger sport-ute physique using on a truck-style body, which offered at an econocar value. The Jeep Cherokee and the Suzuki Sidekick / Chevy Tracker fashions are neither car-derived nor carlike of their experience and dealing with, however they match the dimensions and value class.
To see which of those little utes struck the most effective stability between sport and utility, we sounded the decision for a roundup. Invited had been five-door fashions (the Jeep, the Kia, and the Toyota can be found with three doorways), sporting four-wheel drive (all however the Subaru can be found in two-wheel-drive kind) and five-speed guide transmissions. The worth cap was set at $21,000, however inopportune optioning triggered the Forester, the CR-V, and the RAV4 to creep over that restrict. We excused the lame-duck Sidekick/Tracker from our take a look at as an all-new mannequin is simply across the nook.
We drove these utes 1300 miles over all types of roads in central and southern California. We maneuvered them by the generally steep, at all times crowded streets of San Francisco and opened them up on the flats and gently rolling hills of Interstate 5. We coaxed them up the breathless climb to Dante’s View a mile above Loss of life Valley and hurled them by the dusty, tight turns of 20 Mule Crew Highway, which snakes by one of many valley’s many deserted borax mines.
Off-road, we spent a half-day powering our little sport-utes round Dumont Dunes southeast of Loss of life Valley. This picturesque sequence of arid, dusty flats and towering sand mountains has lengthy been a playfloor for off-roaders and car-advertising photographers.
Lastly, we put all of them by our normal battery of efficiency checks. Here is how these little land bruisers fared.
fifth Place: Jeep Cherokee SE
One take a look at the Cherokee’s slender, boxy physique and tall wheels and tires, and you understand this SUV is completely different. The Cherokee first appeared 14 years in the past, and it is the unique compact five-door sport-ute. Maybe envisioning this extra modest SUV market that certainly thrives immediately, Chrysler continued to construct this Cherokee after its meant alternative—the bigger and far grander Grand Cherokee—appeared in 1992. Final 12 months, the Cherokee’s styling was up to date mildly and it was given twin airbags, however the Cherokee will not be a customized match within the tall-car, light-off-roading market that the RAV4 helped create, which could clarify its last-place exhibiting.
HIGHS: Good-looking, sq.-shouldered physique; stout-feeling driveline with a number of torque for off-roading; slick shifter.
LOWS: Cramped entrance and rear quarters, mysterious dealing with in unhealthy climate, annoying engine whine, extreme plastic inside.
VERDICT: A rugged implement for off-roaders, a bit crude for everybody else.
You are reminded of the Cherokee’s age the second you climb in. The interior is slender and confining, and from the entrance, the view out is curtailed by a comparatively small windshield. The again doorways are slender, making entry and egress harder. Stark-looking plastic dominates the inside, together with the dashboard, which shares many elements with the Cherokee’s spartan Wrangler sibling. The Cherokee feels outdated if you drive it, too. It takes 12 seconds for the cast-iron, 2.5-liter four-cylinder to summon 60 mph. The four-cylinder revs simply regardless of its humble pushrods (the opposite wagons all have double overhead cams), however an annoying engine whine takes a lot of the enjoyable out of winding it out. No less than the five-speed guide transmission is satisfyingly exact.
The Cherokee steers and rides higher than we anticipated for a automobile with inflexible entrance and rear axles. It felt fairly maneuverable and steady within the emergency-lane-change take a look at. Its steering is imprecise and uncommunicative, although, within the rain at freeway speeds. The Cherokee was unremarkable within the sand, however its excessive floor clearance, low-range switch case, and high-torque engine make it a superb alternative in actually tough terrain. Jeep expects {that a} fourth of its Cherokee prospects will go off-road, and that is the next share than the opposite 4 producers anticipate.
The Cherokee’s $18,615 base value consists of air con however few different creature comforts. At $19,725, our take a look at truck lacked a tach and energy home windows and energy locks, but it surely included a restricted-slip differential, skid plates, and a full-size spare in step with its true mission as a Rubicon Path runner.
The Cherokee’s spartan simplicity suggested an interesting ruggedness to some editors whereas to others it simply felt crude. Extra of that attraction may need poked by with the $995 elective six-cylinder engine. However except you are a severe off-roader, one of many 4 different automobiles would most likely make a better option.
1998 Jeep Cherokee SE
125-hp inline-4, 5-speed guide, 3380 lb
Base/as-tested value: $18,615/$19,725
C/D TEST RESULTS
30 mph: 3.2 sec
60 mph: 12.0 sec
1/4 mile: 18.6 sec @ 71 mph
90 mph: 58.2 sec
Braking, 70-0 mph: 212 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.70 g
C/D noticed gas economic system: 17 mpg
4th Place: Kia Sportage
If there is a middle-of-the-road strategy to constructing a small SUV, Kia took it with the Sportage. The outside—revised for 1998 with a brand new grille and headlamps—is cute, however its easy strains border on generic. There isn’t a difficult automatic four-wheel-drive system—only a easy two-speed switch case, though the hubs now lock and unlock themselves robotically. The system is engaged with a lever on the ground, as within the Cherokee. The roomy inside has a brand new sprint for 1998 however nonetheless gives few frills—no folding desk or reclining rear seat or intelligent storage compartments or cargo tie-downs—simply 5 comfy seats, all with a pleasant view out large home windows. That is the Korean strategy to car- and truck-building—get the fundamentals down, and take few dangers. The payoff is a rock-bottom base value—$16,845. Our take a look at truck’s $18,554 as-tested value was additionally the bottom of the pack.
HIGHS: Ethereal inside, king-of-the-road consuming position, cute bod, low base value.
LOWS: Syrupy acceleration; heavy, numb steering; floppy accelerator pedal; wants extra suspension management.
VERDICT: A small SUV cut price that too typically feels prefer it.
The Sportage by no means fairly escaped that cost-cutter really feel, although. The engine is a contemporary design with double overhead cams and aggressive energy and torque scores, however its acceleration was the slowest of the group’s. “Underpowered,” wrote Webster.
“The engine feels just like the flywheel is 4 sizes too large.” Its gas economic system is just a bit of higher than the low-tech Cherokee’s. The Kia felt nimble and composed on San Francisco’s crowded streets, and the editors all favored the high-up seating position. Multiple driver complained in regards to the Sportage’s heavy, considerably numb steering on I-5, although. The Kia lacks roll and shock management, and its Uniroyal tires serve up the least quantity of grip of the 5 automobiles right here, making the Kia the clumsiest and slowest performer within the emergency lane change. “Sloppy, with little roll management,” wrote the take a look at driver.
Bounding round on the sand at Dumont Dunes, the Kia’s physique construction felt probably the most versatile of the group. Its lengthy wheelbase and lack of a limited-slip differential helped get it caught atop a sand dune, too.
Different niggles famous within the logbook: The accelerator-pedal spring lacks resistance, so your leg will get drained on lengthy drives. There’s additionally no distant launch for the rear hatch, and the radio buttons are in regards to the measurement of a child’s toenails. Addressing these briefcomings would broaden the attraction of this Kia. Nonetheless, the Sportage stays a competent little wagon in most respects, and it ought to fulfill these on a good finances. It is simply that a few grand additional buys much more wagon on this group, which might clarify the Kia’s fourth-place end.
1998 Kia Sportage
130-hp inline-4, 5-speed guide, 3320 lb
Base/as-tested value: $16,845/$18,554
C/D TEST RESULTS
30 mph: 4.2 sec
60 mph: 12.8 sec
1/4 mile: 19.1 sec @ 72 mph
90 mph: 38.7 sec
Braking, 70-0 mph: 202 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.63 g
C/D noticed gas economic system: 18 mpg
third Place: Honda CR-V EX
These radical-looking D-pillar-mounted taillamps say loads about this Honda. It is loaded with surprises. For instance, the tailgate glass flips up separately for simpler loading of light-weight gadgets. The entrance and rear seat cushions could be organized to kind two flat, virtually horizontal beds. As soon as eliminated, the storage cowl of the rear cargo flooring turns right into a folding desk. There’s even a mount for an elective umbrella on the rear door for bad-climate tailgate events.
HIGHS: Swiss Military–knife versatility, earth-friendly effectivity, roomy inside.
LOWS: Unusual ergonomics, sloppy emergency dealing with, jerky four-wheel drive.
VERDICT: A useful bad-weather household wagon that leaves enthusiasts wanting extra.
This 12 months the CR-V appeals to enthusiast house owners by providing a five-speed guide transmission. Teamed with Honda’s environment friendly aluminum DOHC 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, the CR-V now sprints to 60 mph in 10.3 seconds—0.6 second faster than the automated. It additionally averaged a good 20 mpg over our 1300-mile take a look at, regardless of having probably the most spacious inside on this group. Our CR-V was the one automobile right here with anti-lock brakes, which helped it cease from 70 mph in simply 187 toes—the most effective amongst these 5. The brand new guide transmission matches the excessive requirements of earlier Hondas and Acuras. “Exact, however not rigidly metallic,” wrote Winfield of the shifter.
Surprises we did not like: The steering wheel is angled uncomfortably outward towards the driving force’s A-pillar, and the cruise management on/off change and energy window controls are haphazardly situated on the sprint behind the steering wheel. A lot of wind and highway noise filter into the cabin at freeway speeds, too. The CR-V’s nimble steering will get boring with understeer because the tempo quickens.
The CR-V’s Actual Time four-wheel drive makes use of a clutch pack to distribute energy to the rear wheels when it senses entrance-wheel slip. Its considerably abrupt interactment diminished the CR-V’s dune-climbing functionality. This jerking even disrupted our cornering and lane-change testing on dry pavement. It was additionally sluggish to reply. “You’ll be able to spin the entrance wheels from relaxation as a result of it can not seem to interact the rear wheels rapidly sufficient,” complained Webster.
No large deal. Honda expects that simply 12 p.c of its CR-V drivers will probably be going off-road anyway. They will most likely be extra impressed with the EX mannequin’s array of normal options, from twin self-importance mirrors and map gentle to keyless entry with an alarm. These goodies make the CR-V an clearly useful automobile for a small household. From an fanatic’s perspective, although, it is a bit of tough across the edges, and it is not as a lot enjoyable to drive with the guide transmission as we had hoped.
1998 Honda CR-V EX
126-hp inline-4, 5-speed guide, 3200 lb
Base/as-tested value: $20,645/$21,013
C/D TEST RESULTS
30 mph: 3.1 sec
60 mph: 10.3 sec
1/4 mile: 17.7 sec @ 76 mph
90 mph: 30.1 sec
Braking, 70-0 mph: 187 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.69 g
C/D noticed gas economic system: 20 mpg
2nd Place: Toyota RAV4
Toyota helped create the small-SUV market with the RAV4 in 1996. It not solely met with important acclaim, but it surely’s been an enormous vendor for Toyota, too. Final 12 months, the RAV4 almost outsold the Avalon sedan. For 1998, its hunky form has been up to date with new entrance and rear styling and with inside modifications that embrace the addition of seatbelt pretensioners (solely the CR-V can match this security declare).
HIGHS: Pumped-up physique, tight dealing with with ample grip, rev-happy engine, tidy proportions.
LOWS: Engine runs out of steam when the going will get tough, excessive value.
VERDICT: A delightfully responsive small SUV, however you gotta pay to play.
That is the leanest-feeling, most responsive wagon on this group. The RAV4’s steering is delicate and direct, as are the brakes. There’s some roll, dive, and squat, but it surely by no means appears out of proportion. With an elective bigger tire-and-wheel bundle ($1140), our RAV4 led the category in cornering grip at 0.72 g, and it took second place in braking, stopping from 70 mph in 193 toes (with out anti-lock management). The Toyota was the quickest by the emergency lane change at 57.9 mph, doing so with the balanced controllability of a sports activities coupe. Had we not been sitting up so excessive, we’d have thought we had been driving a Celica.
That is one other factor we like in regards to the RAV4. Its seat peak and commanding view out remind us of the Kia, however the home windows and fenders appear nearer, making the Toyota really feel extra intimate. The inside lacks the versatility and spaciousness of the CR-V, however the entrance seats supply good help, and the dashboard ergonomics are glorious. The again seats cut up and fold ahead individually—the higher for carrying bikes and a rear-seat passenger—and their seatbacks can recline.
The RAV4’s driveline is as deft because the chassis. The shifter’s throws are brief and fast. Underhood is a feisty DOHC 2.0-liter 4 that’s completely happy to rev. The 127 horses propel it to 60 mph in 10.2 seconds, a digital tie with the Honda. It accelerates extra strongly in fifth gear than the Honda, making for much less frequent downshifts at excessive speeds. The switch case on manual-transmission RAV4s could be locked with a button on the sprint. With the elective limited-slip rear differential ($375) controlling rear wheelspin, our RAV4’s dune-climbing functionality was hindered solely by its engine, which merely ran out of torque when the hills obtained steep.
Pricey choices like privateness glass and energy home windows, locks, and sunroof pushed up the tab for our take a look at automotive to $22,575 and value it factors within the worth category. Limiting choices to air con, a limited-slip diff, and the fatter tires would save $2000. The RAV4 may need gained this contest had been it not for the facility deficit, relative to the Forester, and the dear sticker.
1998 Toyota RAV4
127-hp inline-4, 5-speed guide, 2980 lb
Base/as-tested value: $17,988/$22,575
C/D TEST RESULTS
30 mph: 3.0 sec
60 mph: 10.2 sec
1/4 mile: 17.8 sec @ 76 mph
90 mph: 31.7 sec
Braking, 70-0 mph: 193 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.72 g
C/D noticed gas economic system: 20 mpg
1st Place: Subaru Forester L
Just like the Cherokee, the Forester is an oddball on this group, however for a distinct motive. Technically, it is the closest of all these automobiles to a automotive. Tear off its outer pores and skin, and what you are left with is an Impreza with greater floor clearance. However automotive consumers appear to be accepting Subaru’s four-wheel-drive wagons as opponents to those little bruisers, so we invited it alongside.
Some great benefits of the Forester’s automotive genes are instantly obvious. That is simply probably the most refined wagon within the group. It’s considerably quieter at pace, and it rides extra easily than the others by a slight margin.
HIGHS: Highly effective flat-four engine; comfy, upmarket inside; clean, refined highway manners; quiet inside.
LOWS: Dorky physique, seating place low and carlike, cramped rear seat.
VERDICT: A refined automotive can nonetheless make a superb small sport-utility wagon.
The benefits proceed inside. The motive force’s seat gives extra changes than the opposite wagons’ right here, and the ergonomics (together with the steering-wheel place) are faultless. The inside additionally has rich-looking supplies and materials that the opposite wagons cannot match. (We may have completed with out the elective fake-wood accents with their peculiar orange-peel end, nonetheless.)
However it’s the working gear that actually units the Forester aside. Its DOHC 2.5-liter flat-four engine makes a rousing 165 horseenergy. The Forester suggestions the scales at simply 3120 kilos, so its power-to-weight ratio is 24 p.c higher than the next-best RAV4’s. Because of this, the Forester smokes the others in each acceleration take a look at together with the 0-to-60-mph dash, which it knocks off in 9.5 seconds. The comfortable suspension lacks the fast reflexes of the RAV4, however the steering is correct and the tires attain their 0.71-g cornering grip predictably. “Immensely steady,” wrote Winsubject. “Might be hurled into large slides, then simply caught on the throttle.”
The four-wheel-drive system deserves some credit score for this. Its limited-slip middle differential appeared to modulate energy extra easily, entrance to rear, than the CR-V may. This wagon can be the least prone to get caught in Dumont Dunes.
These automotive genes aren’t at all times to the Subaru’s benefit, nonetheless. Its strategy and departure angles are the shallowest of the group’s, which mockingly means the Forester stands out as the least in a position to sort out tough forest terrain. As well as, the Forester lacks the commanding seating peak of the opposite automobiles—one of many primary causes people purchase these automobiles within the first place. Tall home windows compensate considerably, however they make the Forester’s physique look out of proportion. The rear seat is a good, uncomfortable match for 3 adults. And not one of the editors was wild in regards to the Forester’s styling.
Styling does not imply a lot if you’re attempting to have enjoyable with a sensible wagon. However the RAV4 and the Forester had been equally enjoyable to drive, every in its personal manner. Patrons who anticipate to do any gentle off-roading ought to most likely go for the tall-boy RAV4. However our on-road fanatic editors discovered the Subaru’s fast and agile chassis and its lower cost barely extra interesting, which earned it the nod by a one-point margin.
1998 Subaru Forester L
165-hp flat-4, 5-speed guide, 3120 lb
Base/as-tested value: $20,490/$21,075
C/D TEST RESULTS
30 mph: 2.8 sec
60 mph: 9.5 sec
1/4 mile: 17.0 sec @ 81 mph
90 mph: 22.7 sec
Braking, 70-0 mph: 208 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.71 g
C/D noticed gas economic system: 21 mpg
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