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A Daily Drivers SUV update: Mitsubishi, Subaru, Mazda, Infiniti

 
LYRA SOLOCHEK   |   Times photos
LYRA SOLOCHEK | Times photos
Published April 9, 2015

2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SE $19,595 base, $28,545 as tested

The compact crossover is now a bit more powerful with the optional 2.4-liter MIVEC 4-cylinder engine that gets 20 more horses than the smaller 2.0. Our tester had the smaller powerplant, but the additional horsepower over the 148 for this car would be welcome. The Outlander Sport is a carryover from last year, still offering a reasonable entry point for SUV shoppers at $19,595 as its base price. It's better on pavement than off-road and best as a city ride. The lack of power is more evident on the highway. The CVT is loud, but it helps to get a decent estimated fuel mileage of 25 city, 32 highway. It handles well for an SUV, but unlike the "Sport" in its name, the ride isn't sporty. The interior has been slightly improved, with one of the most expansive sunroofs and available leather seats, but the quality still lags some of its competition.

2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek 2.0i $21,595 base, $26,140 as tested

When we first drove the newly introduced 2013 Crosstrek, we found it somewhat curious. Was the Crosstrek a car? A crossover? A new fitness regimen? It's actually a crossover built on the same platform as Subaru's Impreza. Our tester, with its special-edition Sunrise Yellow exterior paint — think taxi — was hard to miss. The ride, with Subaru's standard AWD, is stable, and one of the nice features is the 8.7-inch ground clearance, which is suited for some light off-roading or our torrential summer rains. The 2.0i horizontally opposed 4-cylinder is paired with a CVT for steady — but laggard — acceleration. The interior is better refined with an updated infotainment system and 7-inch touchscreen, but the sound quality left us wanting. Still, it's a versatile little vehicle.

2015 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring FWD $29,985 base, $38,400 as tested

Mazda gave the CX-9 a much-needed redesign in 2013. Since then, it has only tweaked the midsize SUV. There are only a few changes for 2015: a new Titanium Flash Mica (a rich, dark hue) body color and a new Recreational Accessories package that adds roof rails and crossbars, cargo net and a stainless rear bumper guard to Touring and Grand Touring models. The 3.7-liter V-6 puts out a stout 273 horsepower. Combined with firm suspension and a standard 6-speed sport transmission, the ride is athletic for a bigger vehicle, which is what we've come to expect from Mazda. Unlike some previous models we've driven, the interior is bright, with sand-colored seats and roof liner. Our tester was equipped with the towing prep package, which brings the towing capacity up to 3,500 pounds.

2015 Infiniti QX80 AWD Limited $63,250 base, $89,845 as tested

This imposing and luxurious full-size SUV gets even better with some exterior tweaks and upgrades to an already plush cabin. The front fascia below the rounded hood now looks bolder, especially against the Mocha Almond paint. With the Limited package, the interior gets truffle-brown leather with open-pore ash wood, which we thought was one of the nicest wood trims we've seen at any price point. The upgraded 22-inch wheels look like an aftermarket add-on and lend the big SUV a hip appearance. The powerplant hasn't changed for 2015: It's a 5.6-liter V-8 400-horsepower engine with a 7-speed automatic. Our loaded tester had the All-Mode AWD with computer-controlled transfer case. Those looking for an Escalade alternative could do worse than check out this luxo-barge.