One thing that’s immediately noticeable about this vehicle is its size. It measures about 188.4-inches in length, 75.2-inches across and tipping the scales at close to 4,000 lbs. However, this size doesn’t hinder you from seeing the artistry on its design. Every door and fenders are lined-up as they should be as well its hood and rear hatch lid. As for paint finish, it’s glossy and has an orange peel generally noted by its absence, even on dark colored ones.

Space would never be your problem once you’re inside. The second row legroom has 38.3-inches to stretch the legs, while the interior space has a clearance of more than 40-inches, all the way back which is aided by a fairly angular roof line.

As for the powertrain, two combinations are offered on the regular 2010 model, a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine, teamed with a six-speed automatic and a 3.5-liter V6 that comes with a five-speed slushbox. It’s rated at 187 horsepower at 5100 rpm and just 186 ft-lbs of torque at 4100 revs, the four-cylinder is not the best choice for this type of vehicle.

The 2010 Toyota Highlander is one of the best options for a family car today. Why? If you’re looking for decent build quality, good feature content, a comfortable ride, and capacious interior, this ride has it all.

Source: Auto Guide

Do you know that the Cadillac Escalade is one of the best SUVs that you can invest in? This vehicle has very high ratings in terms of power, comfort, and size. And because of this, it won’t be surprising if it becomes a huge hit for family-oriented people. Aside from that, anyone who is lucky enough to own this vehicle will surely be proud of its sleek and modern appearance! Just take note of the chrome accents right in front!

Performance-wise, the 2010 Cadillac Escalade will deliver superb drivability thanks to its 6.2-liter V8 engine. This engine can rev up to 400HP and 417 lb-ft of torque.

Road performance is not the only thing that the Cadillac Escalade can boat about. It is also furnished with a very luxurious interior. What you’ll find inside are the heated leather seats, Bose sound system, Satellite navigation and multimedia, running boards, automatic climate control, and even a rear view camera

Thinking of getting a new SUV? Let the 2010 Cadillac Escalade be in your thoughts!

When it comes to safety on the road, families would be better off driving in a big and bulky car rather than in a flimsy one. The size of a vehicle sometimes helps in protecting its occupants from injuries, and death even.

So, for Moms and dads out there who are looking for a bigger vehicle for family use, the 2010 Land Rover LR4 seems like a great option. This mid-size sport utility vehicle has superior handling, topnotch performance, and a stylish appearance. Topnotch performance comes from the new 5-liter, direct injection V-8 that is capable of producing 375-lb-ft of torque. The six-speed automatic helps a lot in the manageable and easy handling if this Land Rover.

However, if you’re concerned about fuel economy, this Land Rover is rated at 12 miles a gallon in city driving and 17 miles on the highway.

So, think you’ll like the 2010 Land Rover LR4?

Photo Credit: Autonet

Parents want nothing but the best for their children and loved ones. Nothing can ever assuage the pain of losing a loved one, especially one’s very own child. So, they make sure that they are safe all the time. When it comes to road trips, one of the safest vehicles available today is the 2010 Ford Escape. This vehicle is equipped with advanced safety features to make the driver and his passengers secure every time they go out for a drive. Yup, the 2010 Ford Focus has more advanced safety technologies than its predecessors.

Want to know what these safety features are? Take a look.

#1 Integrated Spotter Mirror – Composed of an outside rearview mirror that is matched with a secondary convex spotter in the top corner. It effectively eliminates a driver’s blind spot on either side of the vehicle. The secondary convex spotter provides a wider perspective for the driver if a vehicle gets into those blind spots.

#2 MyKey – This is a very popular safety feature developed by Ford. Its usage promotes safety-belt usage, provides low-fuel warnings, and can be programmed to give warning if the speed reaches 45, 55, and 65.

#3 Rear View Camera System – This is composed of a camera installed right at the rear. It is connected to a video display right at the dash. The driver is able to have a live view of what’s going on at the rear, so untoward incidents like backover accidents are avoided.

#4 Active Park Assist – Is made up of ultrasonic-based sensing system and Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) that makes it easy for a driver to perform parallel parking, calculate the optimal steering angle, and accomplish quick parking.

#5 SYNC – This is a very beneficial safety feature because it allows a driver to synchronize with Directions, and Information.

Photo Credit: Zimbio

The 2010 Honda Element has finally made its debut! This vehicle has great features that will make families love it, especially to the canine-loving lot. Honda has been so thoughtful in designing this vehicle with dog’s comfort and well-being in mind. There is aversion that is specifically designed for transporting dogs and not just people. Interested persons will have to pay additional $995 for this. Care to know more about the new 2010 Honda Element? Read this Press Release.

PRESS RELEASE

2010 Honda Element Goes to the Dogs

Much-anticipated “Dog Friendly” equipment adds to diverse Element lineup

10/09/2009 - TORRANCE, Calif. -

The Honda Element lineup expands for the 2010 model year with an all-new “Dog Friendly™” pet accommodation system designed to improve safety, comfort and convenience for dogs and their owners alike, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today. The 2010 Honda Element arrives at dealerships nationwide by mid-October. The Dog Friendly Element is set to become available on November 16.

“The Honda Element has long been recognized as an accommodating vehicle for people with active lifestyles involving sports and hobbies,” said Vicki Poponi, assistant vice president of Product Planning for American Honda. “The new Dog Friendly Element takes that concept to a whole new level with specially designed features for dogs and their owners.”

Engineered to integrate with factory precision into the Element EX, the Dog Friendly equipment is intended to accommodate the secure transportation of a dog in the cargo area within a nylon-webbed car kennel. In daily operation the car kennel helps prevent a dog from interfering with the driver in traffic by keeping the pet properly restrained and out of reach of the driver. In the event of a frontal collision, the kennel is intended to help restrain the dog behind the rear seats, reducing the chance for the pet to be injured - or to injure human occupants during a crash.

The Dog Friendly equipment enhances pet comfort by providing a soft floor surface for the dog’s legs and paws along with a dedicated fan and a spill resistant water source. Convenience is improved for owners with an integrated ramp, easy to clean surfaces and a full suite of matching Dog Friendly accoutrements.

Major components include:

* a soft-sided cargo area car kennel made from seat belt-grade netting;
* a cushioned pet bed in the cargo area with an elevated platform;
* a 12V DC rear ventilation fan;
* second-row seat covers with a dog pattern design (matches the bed fabric);
* an extendable ramp (stores under the pet bed platform);
* all-season rubber floor mats with a toy bone pattern;
* a spill-resistant water bowl; and
* Dog Friendly exterior emblems (driver’s side and rear).

The ramp stores underneath the bed platform and can be conveniently accessed when the rear tailgate is down. The car kennel was designed and is being constructed by Takata Corporation, one of the world’s leading automotive safety systems suppliers. The Dog Friendly equipment group has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $995.

Already designed to be people friendly, the Honda Element received numerous upgrades for the 2009 model year that included a new exterior appearance and a refreshed interior design. Three unique Element models are available that range from the rugged and simple Element LX, to the more refined Element EX, to the sporty Element SC. The Dog Friendly equipment group is designed exclusively for the Element EX trim level.

The Element offers an easy-to-clean urethane floor (carpeted on SC) and an expansive, flat cargo area (up to 74.6 cu-ft. with rear seats removed), wide-opening side cargo doors, low lift-in height, and accommodating dimensions for tall items. The interior provides seating for four people along with a cargo area that quickly adapts to large items with its flip-up rear seats that fold flat, fold up and to the side, or can be removed altogether (64-plus seating arrangements).

The Element LX and EX have a water resistant urethane-coated utility floor that quickly wipes down and seat fabric that resists moisture. Standard equipment includes air conditioning, cruise control, power windows and keyless entry.

All Element models feature a 2.4-liter i-VTEC® 4-cylinder engine with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Real Time 4WD™, available on the Element LX and EX, enhances all-weather traction. EPA city/highway fuel economy ratings1 range from 20/25 mile per gallon for two-wheel-drive models and 19/24 miles per gallon for Real Time 4WD models.

The Element LX comes standard with a 4-speaker AM/FM audio system with a CD player. The Element EX and SC feature a 270-watt high-output audio system, an AM/FM tuner, CD player with MP3/WMA™2 capability, auxiliary audio input for MP3 players or other audio devices, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, seven speakers including a 6.5-inch subwoofer. XM® Radio3 is standard on the Element EX and SC.

The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System is an available feature on the Element EX and includes a rear backup camera and a USB audio interface4. The navigation system features a 6.5-inch motorized display that opens and closes for access to an internal single-disc CD player and a digital audio card reader.

Numerous storage bins and beverage holders provide places for cell phones, CDs and drinks. Available storage areas include: a large three-bin tray above the glove box (ideal for mobile phones and portable music players); a modular 3-compartment overhead storage bin (EX, SC); seat back storage (EX, SC); six hooks for strapping down bikes or other bulky gear; and door storage pockets on all four doors. The Element EX exclusively has a convertible center console with a removable cooler/storage box.

The Element SC provides a unique appearance with street custom-inspired styling, a lowered stance and exclusive premium features. Its exterior styling exhibits a performance-oriented attitude with a monochromatic color scheme and exclusive features that include custom front and rear painted bumpers, large alloy wheels, custom grille, and a lowered stance. The lowered stance is achieved by lowering the ride height and by using uniquely shaped painted side sills and slimmer roof moldings.

Element SC interior appointments include passenger-area carpeting, a fixed center console with storage, piano black trim pieces and unique fabrics and patterns. The exclusive center console integrates the auxiliary audio input jack and two beverage holders. Meter styling color on all Element SC models is copper-hue, replacing the blue backlit illumination on the other models.

The Element’s fully independent suspension uses a front MacPherson strut design and a rear compact double wishbone design for responsive handling and a comfortable ride. A 101.4-inch wheelbase contributes to a compact exterior size. An ultra-tight turning diameter of 34.9-feet (36.9-feet, Element SC) provides for excellent maneuverability in tight quarters. Element LX and EX models are equipped with 16-inch wheels (steel on LX, alloy on EX) with all-season P215/70R16 tires. Additional LX and EX standard features include power rack-and-pinion steering and front and rear stabilizer bars (30.0×4.5 mm tubular front / 21.0 mm solid rear).

The Element SC adds 18-inch alloy wheels, P225/55R18 tires, exclusive spring and damper tuning (30 percent firmer), a lowered ride height (approximately 0.7 inches) and increased rear stabilizer bar size (25.0 mm, solid). Compared to Element LX and EX, the solid front stabilizer bar is 25 percent stiffer and the rear stabilizer bar is 30 percent stiffer. The steering gear box also provides a 6 percent faster ratio (2.94:1 compared to 3.26:1).

All Element models have an aluminum Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) engine that produces 166-horsepower at 5800 rpm and 161 lb-ft. of torque at 4000 rpm. The Element’s i-VTEC variable valve timing system enhances low rpm torque while also delivering high rpm horsepower. The five-speed automatic transmission features Grade Logic Control to minimize “gear hunting” on hilly roads.

Available on Element LX and EX, the Real Time 4WD system aids traction in snow, rain and sand by sending power to the rear wheels when the front drive wheels experience a traction loss.

Standard safety equipment includes: Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®), commonly referred to as electronic stability control; a pedestrian safety design in the front of the vehicle; dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags; side-curtain airbags with a rollover sensor; front side airbags with a passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); active front seat head restraints; an anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist; and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and active front seat head restraints.

The Element is assembled in Ohio at the Honda of America Mfg., Inc., East Liberty Auto Plant using domestic and globally sourced parts.

1Based on 2010 EPA mileage estimates, reflecting new EPA fuel economy methods beginning with 2008 models. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.
2Windows Media® Audio is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
3Required XM Radio subscription sold separately after 90-day trial period. Subscriptions are governed by the XM Customer Agreement available at xmradio.com/serviceterms. Other fees and taxes apply after trial period; see XM Customer Agreement for details. Fees and programming subject to change. Service not available in Canada, Alaska, or Hawaii. © 2009 SIRIUS XM Radio Inc. SIRIUS, XM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of SIRIUS XM Radio Inc. and its subsidiaries.
4The USB Audio Interface is used for direct connection to and control of some current digital audio players and other USB devices that contain MP3, WMA or AAC music files. Some USB devices with security software and digital rights-protected files may not work. Please see your dealer for details on compatibility.

Photo Credit: Autoblog

The Frankfurt Auto Show is on the roll once again. Toyota is just one of the manufacturers that unveiled a new creation and model for the entire world to see. The 2010 Land Cruiser is the new model that this company is proud to unveil. Well, some of you might think that the Land Cruiser has been with us a long time, so what could be new with the 2010 model?

According to the Press Release, the major points that one can look forward to in this SUV are:
• All-new land Cruiser builds on six decades of worldwide success
• Advanced, user-friendly technology increases off-road capability and driver assistance
• More refined on-road performance
• Improved equipment specifications
• UK range to feature single single powertrain: 3.0-liter D-4D diesel engine with five-speed automatic transmission
• Five-door model with five or seven seats
• On sale in UK from 1 December 2009
This European model is based on the Prado platform. This five-door, seven-passenger SUV boast an improved under-the-hood components as well as performance. The 171-hp 3.0-liter D-4D diesel engine is matched with a five-speed automatic transmission. Off-road driving is always associated with SUVs, so the new Toyota Land Cruiser is integrated with a suspension system with active anti roll bars and Adaptive Variable Suspension. This added feature makes it more than capable of going on off-road tracks comfortably. If this SUV is great when it comes to off-road tracks, what more in the paved streets?

Aside from great performance, the 2010 Toyota Land Cruiser also boasts great fuel economy and less harmful emissions. It has 34.9mpg and C02 emissions are 214g/km. This is a great improvement when compared to the current Land Cruiser’s capability.

Like in all Toyota creations, creature comforts and technology are superiorly made in this particular SUV. A very spacious interior is one of the highlights of this vehicle. Inside you’ll find three rows of benches that can seat seven passengers. The second row seats features a sliding range of 135mm and a more flexible 40:20:40 configuration, with reclining seatbacks. Accessing the third row of seats is quite easy thanks to the walk-in, slide and tilt function. The two third row seats are designed with headrests to make passengers even more comfy. They fold completely flat onto the floor when not in use so that there’s more cargo space. Both left and right hand seats can be raised and lowered independently by means of the innovative Toyota Easy Flat system. These seats also have additional goodies for occupants like storage spaces and USB ports.

Some of the goodies that the 2010 Toyota Land Cruise offers are the following: 14-speaker JBL Synthesis Premium Surround Sound System, giving 7.1 channel sound from compatible CDs and DVDs. It features an 11-channel, 605W Digital Signal Processing amplifier and, using the navigation system’s Hard Disc Drive (HDD), offers a “sound library” facility, capable of transferring and storing up to 2,000 tracks from CDs.

Toyota also unleashes new technology in this Land Cruiser. It comes with a very helpful Multi-terrain Select, which provides real-time images of the immediate surroundings to the vehicle’s computer. The Steering Angle Display displays the vehicle wheels’ position, and the Crawl Controlto help the driver navigate through extreme road conditions. 

Photo Credit: Motortrend

How would you feel if your car gets suddenly swamped by mud and water right before your very eyes and there’s just nothing you can do about it? It’s that total helpless feeling that overcame an Englishman by the name of David Foster as he watched his Honda 4×4 get engulfed by the water and mud in Brean, Somerset.

Mr. Foster was just there to find a good fishing spot. I guess it was really a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time because unfortunately for him and his £25,000 car, the tide was already rolling in. During the investigation, he said that as he drove, the vehicle was so stuck in the mud that calling for help was not of any use. And even though the tide was already gone, the Honda 4×4 was still firmly stuck. The extent of the damage was so serious that driving it again is already out of the question. A recovery truck was called to pull it out.

Well, Mr. David Foster really did learn a lesson there, one that’s so painful on the pocket. Aside from losing his £25,000 to the mud and water, he also had to pay £3,000 for the two-hour retrieval operation.

This is a great lesson for families and vacationers who regularly go out for adventures. Always be sure it’s not the wrong place and the wrong time!
Photo Credit: Dailymail

Do you know what vehicle is ideal when it comes to family comfort, convenience, and luxury? Take a guess. It’s the 2010 Land Rover Range Rover! This is a luxury vehicle that you won’t get tired driving all day and even all year long. You can drive it along concrete roads and even the back roads yet, you know that this won’t give up on your and it will give the performance that you expect. Quiet, unruffled, and smooth — these are words that you can directly relate to the Land Rover Range Rover.

Impressive exterior is one of the factors that make this vehicle a winner. A few new features and designs have been integrated into the new model. First thing you’ll notice is the stack of three horizontal bars. Even the interior has a few changes. It now has a pair of big flat screens that is about 12-inches. This takes up most of the instrument cluster. This screen also enables the driver to see navigation information, and the passenger to watch DVD.

Aside from the excellent, exterior and interior, the Land Rover Range Rover is also capable of superior road performance, thanks to its V8 engine. This is capable of producing 503bhp, which can possibly let you have 19mpg. This engine is teamed up with excellent suspension system that accounts for the ride comfort. A new electronic adaptive damping is added to the existing variable-height air springs and variable stiffness anti-roll.

Photo Credit: Topgear

Just a year after the first Ford Flex was put on sale, its maker saw fit to revamp it already. So, don’t be surprised to see changes in the 2010 Ford Flex.

One major change in the 2010 Ford Flex is its engine. The vehicle now has an EcoBoost engine which features 3.5-liters of displacement and dual turbochargers. Although it’s able to produce V8 power, its fuel economy is like that of a V6. It is able to produce 350 Hp and 355-lb-ft of torque.

The makers also made some touchups on the exterior and interior. It retains its rectangular shape; I don’t think that’s ever going to change since it’s one of the things that make it a Ford Flex. Bigger wheels are also some of the new things about the 2010 model. 18, 19, and 20-inch wheels are some of the sizes of the wheels.

For the interior, there are big, flat, and perfectly comfortable seats to make you feel relaxed throughout the ride. Aside from the comfy seats, there are also some neat features inside. These are the Sony audio, rear climate controls USB and auxiliary ports, Sync, and optional Navigation through touchscreen.

Photo Credit: Autoblog

Are you a fan of the Hyundai brand? If you are, then maybe you’re well-aware of the new version of the popular Santa Fe model. Aside from the changes in its appearance, the crossover will also have a name! Well, in its homeland anyway. It’s going to be called 2010 KDM in Hyundai’s home market.

Are you curious to know what these changes are? Well, the 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe has redesigned grille, bumpers, headlamps, tail lamps, and wheels. Wow these definitely are major touchups to the model. The interior also has a few changes made on it. It’s now equipped with a push-button start and a rear back-up camera. That push-button start is a very convenient one as users can say bye-bye to twisting and turning of the key in the ignition. And the camera is useful for improving safety, not only of the driver but also of bystanders. Having it will lessen the occurrence of backover accidents that take so many innocent lives.

Several engines are available to choose from. These include the 2 4-cylinder diesel engines – a 2.0-liter that produces 184-HP and a 2.2-liter that generates 200-HP.

Photo Credit: AOL