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 BMW X3 |
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| Acura RDX |
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| Mazda CX-7 |
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| Toyota FJ Cruiser |
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| Jeep Wrangler Photos by Tracey Kroll |
The BMW X3 was the first small SUV to emphasize sporty on-road characteristics and more amenities than vehicles such as the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. For 2007 the Acura RDX and the Mazda CX-7 join the X3, and other automakers have plans to enter this segment in the near future.
At the other extreme are small SUVs that stand out for their off-road performance. Long before the term SUV was coined, the ancestor of the Jeep Wrangler stood essentially alone in this class. It wasn’t the most comfortable or practical vehicle, but its off-road prowess was well established. For 2007 the redesigned Wrangler faces competition from the new retro-styled Toyota FJ Cruiser.
We’ve split the tested small SUVs into two groups. The first group includes the $43,120 BMW X3, $37,165 Acura RDX, and $32,915 Mazda CX-7. The other contains the rugged $30,621 Toyota FJ Cruiser and $30,735 Jeep Wrangler (available to subscribers).
The freshened X3 now has a more powerful engine, a six-speed automatic transmission, and some interior improvements. It is still based on the old 3 Series wagon and is agile and fun to drive. But while BMW has improved the ride, it still feels nervous and choppy. Interior quality has been improved with softer plastics and leather replacing cheaper materials. With typical options such as leather seats, power lumbar support, Bluetooth, and a cold-weather package, the price ballooned to over $43,000.
The RDX competes directly with the X3, but it’s considerably cheaper. It shares a platform with the redesigned Honda CR-V but comes with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It delivers plenty of power but lacks the refinement of a six-cylinder and doesn’t deliver any fuel economy advantage. The RDX is agile, but the ride is stiff and road noise is pronounced. The cabin is well appointed and comfortable, but the audio controls are difficult to use. We added the navigation system and rear-view camera option package.
The CX-7 shares components with the Mazda6 sedan and the small Mazda5 minivan. The turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers good midrange power, but the CX-7 is plagued by a significant hesitation at low revs/engine speeds. Fuel economy is also unimpressive. The Mazda is agile and secure when cornering, but the ride is stiff and the cabin is noisy. Our Grand Touring AWD model was equipped with a navigation system, rear camera, sunroof, and smart key.
The Toyota FJ Cruiser is based on the 4Runner SUV and is styled similarly to early Toyota Land Cruisers. The engine is strong and the FJ is extremely capable off-road. However, it’s poorly suited for daily use. Visibility is quite poor and the rear-hinged doors are awkward. Routine and emergency handling is clumsy; the ride is compliant but unsettled. We fitted our FJ with comfort options such as cruise control, keyless entry, and an audio system upgrade, in addition to a locking rear differential for off-road. A part-time four-wheel-drive system comes with the automatic transmission, but a full-time system comes with the 6-speed manual transmission.
The Jeep Wrangler is a big improvement over the previous generation. It is more civilized, with better on-road ride and handling, more interior space and creature comforts, improved safety equipment, and available four doors.
Jeep fans will be happy with its off-road capability and traditional styling. But the vague steering, stiff ride, low handling limits, and noisy interior limit its appeal. Options include the new removable hard top, side air bags, limited slip rear differential, and an audio upgrade. The Wrangler’s four-wheel drive system is part time.
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WHY WE CAN’T RECOMMEND THE BMW X3 OR TOYOTA FJ |
