the 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee delivers excellent off-road handling and good performance on road from its array of engines -- three in all, including a new 6.1-liter Hemi V8.
Since the diesel and 4.7-liter V8 engines have been discontinued for 2010, the 2010 Grand Cherokee now offers three engine options: A base 3.7-liter V6, a 5.7-liter V8 HEMI, and the high-performing SRT8 model's 6.1-liter V8 HEMI. Reviewers find power more than adequate, except in the case of the sluggish base V6 engine. They recommend either of the V8 options instead. A five-speed automatic transmission is standard and a multi-speed overdrive automatic is a no-cost option for some models.
According to the EPA, the most fuel efficient Grand Cherokee, the 2WD with the V6 engine, achieves 16/21 mpg city/highway. However, models with the 6.1-liter V8 engine, while very powerful, can achieve as low as 12/16 mpg -- making fuel economy a definite weakness.
the 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee solid enough for on-road driving, but where it really stands out is in its off-road performance. The Grand Cherokee is available with a choice of three four-wheel drive systems. Quadra-Trac I, standard on the Laredo 4x4 and SRT8 4x4, is a full-time system that features a single-speed transfer case. Quadra-Trac II, standard on the Limited 4x4, provides a two-speed transfer case. Quadra-Drive II, optional on the Limited 4x4 and V8 Laredo 4x4, features a full-time transfer case with Electronic Limited Slip Differentials.
the 2010 Land Rover LR4 offers better on-road performance than ever, while continuing to shine off the beaten path.
The LR4 features a new 5.0-liter V8 engine shared with Jaguar and other Land Rover models and paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. It makes 375 horsepower and 375 pound-feet of torque - figures that are a big improvement over the previous 4.4-liter V8s, which weren't powerful enough to move the LR3's heavy frame. Thanks to new direct-injection technology, the added power doesn't take a toll on fuel economy, which remains unchanged. According to the EPA, the LR4 is expected to net 12 mpg in the city and 17 on the highway.
The FJ Cruiser does exactly what it's supposed to do: Excel as a top-notch off-roading machine. But it's still a decent enough performer on the pavement, even though the non-off-roaders in its class offer smoother rides and quieter engines. For off-roading, the FJ Cruiser offers an All-Terrain Package that comes with a locking rear differential, A-TRAC Active Traction Control and floating ball-type multi-information display (with an inclinometer, compass and temperature).
The 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser features an updated 4.0-liter V6 engine that makes 259 horsepower. It is available with a five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission or an optional six-speed manual for the full-time 4WD model. Along with the added power, the new engine comes with better fuel economy -- a plus considering that low gas mileage was a major complaint on the 2009 model.
According to the EPA, the 2010 FJ Cruiser is rated at 17/22 city/highway in two-wheel drive -- that's a one mile-per-gallon increase over the previous model. The 4WD model also achieves increased ratings: 17/21 with the automatic transmission and 15/19 with the manual. These figures are a little better than average for an off-road SUV, but they fall in the bottom half of their class when compared to non-off-roaders. The Jeep Patriot and Suzuki Grand Vitara are the two off-roaders that achieve the best fuel economy.
While reviewers criticized the 2009 4Runner's poor fuel economy, the new 2010 model's fuel economy ratings should alleviate those complaints. Even better, the 4Runner continues to be an excellent off-roader while also offering a relatively smooth ride on the pavement.
Under the hood, the 2010 4Runner packs a more fuel efficient 4.0-liter 270-horsepower V6 engine that makes a whopping 34 more horsepower than the 2009 model. It's paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. The optional V8 is no longer offered, though now a 2.7-liter 157-horsepower four-cylinder engine is optional for 2WD SR5 models only. Power is excellent from the new V6 engine, though some reviewers miss the extra torque of the previous V8 option. Reviewers have not yet tested the less powerful four-cylinder engine.
A plus for 2010 is the improved fuel economy. According to the EPA, the 2WD 4Runner achieves 17/23 mpg city/highway, while 4WD models achieve 17/22 mpg (compare that at 16/21 for previous models). Those figures make the 4Runner's fuel economy better than most off-roaders and even put it on par with some of its crossover competitors. If fuel economy is a major concern for you, consider the Jeep Patriot. It costs about $10,000 less than the 4Runner, possesses capable off-road skills and boasts a 23/28 mpg rating.
The 2010 Nissan Xterra is a good option for those who want a rugged off-roader with plenty of utility and space. Its 4.0-liter V6 engine has lots of power, especially for its class. However, its on-road ride simply can't compete with its car-based crossover competitors such as the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.
With a 4.0-liter 261-horsepower V-6 engine, the 2010 Xterra has plenty of power for any situation and boasts a 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity, which is excellent for its class. However, all that power impacts its fuel economy, which is a major drawback. The EPA NEW NISSAN XTERRA 2010 is rates the 2WD model at 16/20 mpg city/highway rating with the six-speed manual transmission and 15/21 with the five-speed automatic. The 4WD model nets 16/20 and 15/20 with the manual and automatic, respectively. Several other off-road SUVs offer better fuel economy TERRA 2011, with the Jeep Patriot achieving the most miles per gallon.
The 2010 Explorer is available in three trims: the base XLT, Eddie Bauer, XLT Sport, and top-of-the-line Limited. It’s unchanged for 2010, but buyers should note that Ford is expected to build the 2011 Explorer on a car-based platform rather than a truck-based one. The 2011 model will come with a smoother ride, 25 percent better fuel economy, and even Ford’s powerful EcoBoost engine option – in other words, the new Explorer will remedy many of the 2010 model’s faults.
NEW FORD EXPLORER
If you’re a fan of the more traditional truck-like Explorer, 2010 may be your last chance to get it. And if you wait until the 2011 model comes out in fall 2010, you could get a great deal on the 2010 Explorer. In the meantime, be sure to check for current Ford deals that may be available.
