There was once a time when most Canadian drivers fell into one of two categories: the gas-guzzling pick-up truck driver, or the economical and fuel-efficient compact passenger vehicle driver. However, if you’ve looked out onto the roads lately, you may have noticed that things have drastically changed—many people have begun opting for the exceptional comfort that’s offered by sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and crossover utility vehicles (CUVs). In fact, these two vehicle types have actually become the most popular choices for Canadian drivers. Canadian Auto World reported that just last year the sale of SUVs and CUVs increased by 16.5 per cent in Canada.
While SUVs and CUVs are generally more expensive than compact passenger vehicles, consumers are willing to pay the higher price. Why? Any mechanic college graduate knows that the all-wheel drive alone is enough to secure the loyalty of any driver who has experienced a Canadian winter with a 2WD vehicle. Though the safety features, increased cargo space, and exceptional handling are among some of the other attractive features.
Of course, automotive manufacturers have obviously become privy to this trend in auto sales and they have adapted accordingly by introducing tons of new SUV and CUV models for Canadian drivers to choose from and enjoy. Here are a couple of our favourite 2014 best-sellers:
Ford Escape
The 2014 Ford Escape not only has a sleek and sporty exterior, but it also boasts some advanced tech features. One of the Escape’s most unique features (that no other crossovers in its price range offers) is its innovative trunk, which automatically opens when the driver waves his or her foot beneath the rear bumper. This car is powered by a 2.0-litre EcoBoost turbo engine and any automotive service advisor can confirm that its agile handling and strong performance makes for quite the fun drive. The Ford Escape is quite an affordable crossover, as it starts at approximately $25,000 and can cost as much as $36,000 depending on additional features and packages.
Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V offers practicality, comfort, fuel economy, reliability and usability all in one sleek automotive package that’s powered by a 185 horsepower 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine. Individuals who have taken auto mechanic courses know that the CR-V is the ultimate family vehicle. Its interior is extremely spacious and comfortable and its trunk allows the driver to flip the backseat to create a larger cargo area. While this car may not be as technologically advanced as some of its competitors, its controls are very simple to learn and use. One downside to this car is the fact that its interior seems a little dated, as it is very minimalistic and it does not have any of the high-quality materials that are features in some other crossovers. Honda’s 2014 CR-V also seems a little pricy to some, as it starts at about $27,800.
Which of these Canadian favourites would you consider purchasing for yourself?
