2011 AutoPacific Ideal Vehicle Awards: Mid-Size Crossover SUV

by Michelle Naranjo

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February 1, 2011

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5 min. Reading Time

AutoPacific’s 2011 Ideal Vehicle Awards (IVA) are based on 73,000 surveys completed by owners of new cars and light trucks in the United States in the first half of 2011.

The Mid-Size Crossover SUV segment consists of of vehicles like the Nissan Rogue and Ford Escape. These reasonably sized XSUVs have limited off-road capability but typically have good fuel economy and on-road handling. These vehicles have become very popular alternatives to Compact and Mid-size Cars in recent years.

This year's AutoPacific IVA Mid-Size Crossover SUV winner is the 2011 Toyota RAV4.

Read on to see the entire list of category candidates and how they scored.

*NOTE: Results for 2010 Model Year Vehicles are Included in the 2011 Model Year Research Because of Availability. Scores Are Shown Where Sample Sizes Allow

#1 Mid-Size Crossover SUV: 2011: Toyota RAV4

Rank: #1

Score: 1217

The evergreen Toyota RAV4 achieves the highest ranking among Mid-Size XSUVs based on owner ratings in AutoPacific’s 2011 Ideal Vehicle Research. As winner of its class, RAV4 owners want little significant changed with the notable exception that 35% want more infotainment technology. This is confirmation that, even as you move down in vehicle classes, buyers today want all the bells and whistles available in more expensive vehicles. Slightly over 20% of RAV4 owners want better interior lighting, better safety features, better visibility and more roominess. About 15% of RAV4 owners want a softer ride. RAV4 owners most like its seat comfort. RAV4 nosed out the even-older Mazda Tribute to win its class.

#2 Mid-Size Crossover SUV: 2011: Mazda Tribute

Rank: #2

Score: 1208

The 2011 Mazda Tribute is a 4-door, 5-seat Sport Utility, available in 9 trims, ranging from the i Sport (M5) FWD to the s Grand Touring 4x4. Upon introduction, the $20,555 i Sport (M5) FWD is equipped with a standard 2.5L, 4-cylinder, engine that achieves 23-mpg in the city and 28-mpg on the highway. a Manual transmission is standard. The $29,065 s Grand Touring 4x4 is equipped with a standard 3.0L, 6-cylinder, engine that achieves 18-mpg in the city and 23-mpg on the highway. an Automatic transmission is standard.

#3 Mid-Size Crossover SUV: 2011: Ford Escape

Rank: #3

Score: 1200

The 2011 Ford Escape is a 4-door, 5-seat Sport Utility, available in 6 trims, ranging from the XLS FWD to the Limited 4x4 3.0L. Upon introduction, the $21,240 XLS FWD is equipped with a standard 2.5L, 4-cylinder, engine that achieves 23-mpg in the city and 28-mpg on the highway. a Manual transmission is standard. The $27,920 Limited 4x4 3.0L is equipped with a standard 2.5L, 4-cylinder, engine that achieves 20-mpg in the city and 26-mpg on the highway. an Automatic transmission is standard.

#4 Mid-Size Crossover SUV: 2011: Subaru Forester

Rank: #4

Score: 1191

The 2011 Subaru Forester is a 4-door, 5-seat Sport Utility, available in 8 trims, ranging from the X (M5) to the XT Touring (A4). Upon introduction, the $20,495 X (M5) is equipped with a standard 2.5L, 4-cylinder, engine that achieves 21-mpg in the city and 27-mpg on the highway. a Manual transmission is standard. The $29,995 XT Touring (A4) is equipped with a standard 2.5L, 4-cylinder, engine that achieves 19-mpg in the city and 24-mpg on the highway. an Automatic transmission is standard.

#5 Mid-Size Crossover SUV: 2011: Honda CR-V

Rank: #5

Score: 1171

The 2011 Honda CR-V is a 4-door, 5-seat Sport Utility, available in 10 trims, ranging from the LX FWD to the EX-L With Navigation 4x4. Upon introduction, the $21,895 LX FWD is equipped with a standard 2.4L, 4-cylinder, engine that achieves 21-mpg in the city and 28-mpg on the highway. an Automatic transmission is standard. The $30,095 EX-L With Navigation 4x4 is equipped with a standard 2.4L, 4-cylinder, engine that achieves 21-mpg in the city and 27-mpg on the highway. an Automatic transmission is standard.

#6 Mid-Size Crossover SUV: 2011: Nssan Rogue

Rank: #6

Score: 1133

The 2011 Nissan Rogue is a 4-door, 5-seat Sport Utility, available in 6 trims, ranging from the S FWD to the S Krom Edition AWD. Upon introduction, the $21,460 S FWD is equipped with a standard 2.5L, 4-cylinder, engine that achieves 22-mpg in the city and 28-mpg on the highway. an Automatic transmission is standard. The $25,680 S Krom Edition AWD is equipped with a standard 2.5L, 4-cylinder, engine that achieves 22-mpg in the city and 26-mpg on the highway. an Automatic transmission is standard.

#7 Mid-Size Crossover SUV: 2011: Mitsubishi Outlander

Rank: #7

Score: 1112

The 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander is a 4-door, 5-seat Sport Utility, available in 5 trims, ranging from the ES (CVT) FWD to the GT (6ST) 4x4. Upon introduction, the $21,995 ES (CVT) FWD is equipped with a standard 2.4L, 4-cylinder, engine that achieves 23-mpg in the city and 28-mpg on the highway. an Automatic transmission is standard. The $27,795 GT (6ST) 4x4 is equipped with a standard 3.0L, 6-cylinder, engine that achieves 19-mpg in the city and 25-mpg on the highway. an Automatic transmission is standard.