Even with the economy in a severe downturn, consumers still are turning to certain types of new
vehicles to tackle their lives head-on--whether it's commuting to work,
carpooling kids to school or heading out for weekend adventures.

    Instead of piloting big, bulky SUVs, though, car shoppers are
increasingly turning to crossover vehicles. At this week's New York Auto
Show, crossover vehicles are being introduced by the major
automakers--luxury brands included--and according to the automotive experts
at TheCarConnection.com, this may signal a clear move from the SUV to the
lighter, more versatile Crossover.

    "Crossover vehicles have essentially replaced big SUVs in the minds of
many shoppers," said TheCarConnection.com's executive editor, Marty
Padgett. "They frequently have better fuel economy, more carlike handling
and extra entertainment oriented features. The car companies are responding
to consumer demand and rolling out these new, more user-friendly utility
vehicles with the features they like."

    The car experts at TheCarConnection.com, the flagship reviews site at
High Gear Media--report that even at GM and Chrysler, the financial crisis
hasn't stopped introductions of two critically important new crossovers.
The most important new crossovers on display in New York this week include:

    2010 BMW X5 M and X6 M

    BMW's American-made "sport-activity vehicles" get a major injection of
horsepower thanks to the automaker's M division. Both the upright X5 and
the sleeker, coupe like X6 get a twin-turbo V-8 with 555 horsepower and a
price tag likely soaring past $75,000--but either one's still cheaper than
the Porsche Cayenne Turbo.

    2010 Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid

    Mercedes already sells a greener ML-Class with a diesel engine; now the
German automaker launches a hybrid version of its gas-engined ML-Class,
giving consumers the rare choice of either green machine.

    2010 Kia Sorento

    Kia's mainstream SUV once took on the Ford Explorer; the new version
has become more of a big wagon, with less emphasis on off-roading and more
emphasis on seven-passenger seating and all-weather safety.

    2010 Acura ZDX

    Like BMW, Acura's taking its mainstream ute and spinning a sexier
version from it. In this case, the Acura MDX gets a four-seat silhouette to
become the 2010 ZDX. Front- and all-wheel drive versions are expected.

    2010 GMC Terrain

    The Chevrolet Equinox was previewed in GM's federal-loan filing. Now,
the GMC brand gets a creased-and-folded twin with its own edgy styling and
choice of front- or all-wheel drive. Four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines
promise best-in-class fuel economy.

    2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee

    The latest version of Jeep's venerable sport-ute surfaces this week
after being leaked in Chrysler's federal loan filings. The new version's
now a cousin of the Mercedes-Benz ML-Class; even though Chrysler and
Mercedes are going their separate ways, the Grand Cherokee now shares some
pieces with the former Benz ML, though it has its own new fuel-efficient
3.6-liter V-6 underhood. All-wheel drive and a V-8 engine are options.

    About TheCarConnection.com and High Gear Media

    TheCarConnection.com is the flagship site of Palo Alto, Calif.-based
High Gear Media. High Gear Media is a next-generation publisher of websites
targeting car-buying audiences by vehicle and lifestyle.
TheCarConnection.com's consumer-friendly reviews gather the most respected
opinions from around the web and add expert analysis and advice to help car
buyers select the right car.

    High Gear Media also publishes GreenCarReports.com, AllAboutPrius.com,
AllCarsElectric.com, and MustangBlog.com among its 23 automotive sites.

SOURCE TheCarConnection.com