To crossover or not to crossover? (Possible rant)

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by JSH

Looks like the new Toyota Corolla Cross.

That was the first one of this model that I spotted on the street.

[JSH]

Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr

That was the first one of this model that I spotted on the street.

I would say it is odd that the rest of the world gets a hybrid version and the USA only gas engines but it really isn't that odd. The gas version will meet our fuel economy standards and gas is cheap enough in the USA that hybrids don't sell that well.

[pprince]

I am surprised this is a burning issue.

I like my Mercedes GLK250 much more than my VW Sportswagen TDI.

[JSH]

Originally Posted by pprince

I am surprised this is a burning issue.

I like my Mercedes GLK250 much more than my VW Sportswagen TDI.

It isn't a burning issue outside of a tiny minority of people. I hear it here on ecomodder and on some car forums that believe everyone should either drive a brown manual diesel station wagon or a 2 door manual sports car.

Meanwhile in day to day life people love crossovers.

[Isaac Zachary]

TBH, with me I think I'm against CUV's mainly because I'm more attracted to things that are different. Sure, +90% of people prefer a crossover or other utilitarian vehicle. But there was one time I had an electric car, a diesel car and an air-cooled car all at the same time. I'm also the guy that stuck with my little candy bar phone while everyone else had already gotten smartphones. Then I got a Windows Phone when I finally got one. But it seems everyone and their dog has a grey CUV and I can't tell the difference if it's a Toyota, Ford or other brand. They all look the same to me.

Another thing is that some try to convince me that I really need to buy a CUV myself because 1 sedans are extremely dangerous, 2 I can't possibly drive in the snow in my sedan and 3 I must hate myself and everyone I try to pack into my "tiny little" sedan. And that makes me want to put up a tough counterargument.

Of course CUV's really aren't all that terrible either. And if that's what people want, that's fine. It is a little sad that other cars types are slowly disappearing or becoming luxury only. I do feel the extra hight is unnecessary, although I do like having space in my vehicle for kids and stuff.

[Piotrsko]

Everybody said my surfer van wouldn't off road either. Didn't stop me from getting lost waay out in the boonies on logger roads.

Everybody says I have to have 4wd in the F250. I prefer chains, sand,and 2wd.

[freebeard]

My Dove Blue panel van prompted two comments from others.

Downhill through an abandoned trail in the Oregon Coast Range.
Backing up uphill on wet leaves.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by JSH

I would say it is odd that the rest of the world gets a hybrid version and the USA only gas engines but it really isn't that odd. The gas version will meet our fuel economy standards and gas is cheap enough in the USA that hybrids don't sell that well.

In some export markets, the hybrid will actually be the only available. BTW the hybrid has a smaller fuel tank, supposedly to provide clearance for the battery pack.

[JSH]

Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr

In some export markets, the hybrid will actually be the only available. BTW the hybrid has a smaller fuel tank, supposedly to provide clearance for the battery pack.

Makes sense. A hybrid will get more miles per gallon so needs a smaller tank to go the same difference and that battery has to go somewhere.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by JSH

A hybrid will get more miles per gallon so needs a smaller tank to go the same difference

Not so much better on highway.

and that battery has to go somewhere.

Considering the rear suspension switched from the sedan's multilink IRS to a torsion beam due to clearance issues which would decrease the trunk capacity, presumably it would make sense to use a smaller Lithium battery such as the one fitted to the Prius C and 7-seater versions of the Prius V instead.