New York Auto Show: A Repository For Crossovers

New York might seem like a strange place to find a pack of crossovers, but that’s what automakers brought to this year’s auto show.  Sure, there were flashy new cars like the redesigned Nissan Altima and Ford Fusion, and there was all of the latest technology, but crossovers dominated.  Here are the highlights:

Lincoln Aviator Concept

The star of the show came from an unexpected source:  Lincoln.  Equal parts Range Rover and Continental, the three-row rear-drive Aviator flaunts a muscular exterior and interior with wide dash, 30-way adjustable seats, and Lincoln Co-Pilot360 that combines a full suite of crash avoidance tech.  Going further, the crossover uses cameras to pre-adjust the suspension for upcoming road conditions.  Owners will be able to use their smartphone to access and start it.  A plug-in hybrid with twin-turbo engine will be available.  Expect a production model circa 2020.

2019 Subaru Forester

Coming off the redesigned Crosstrek and first-ever Ascent crossovers, Subaru overhauls its popular Forester.  A roomier and more upscale cabin houses standard automatic climate control, panoramic moonroof, and EyeSight crash avoidance system.  The ride is substantially refined.  A 182 horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, CVT, and AWD with active torque vectoring keep it moving.  There’s even a Sport model with unique interior/exterior.

2019 Cadillac XT4

Cadillac’s first compact crossover borrows styling cues from the Escala Concept, including sharp creases, black mesh grille, squinty headlamps, and wrap-around light tubes in the rear.  Infotainment is now controlled by a rotary dial in the console.  A 2.0-liter turbo-four, 9-speed transmission, and AWD launch forward.  Choose the available active sport suspension for continuous damping control.  Prices will start at $35,790 this fall.

VW Atlas Spawns Offspring

Not content to just build the three-row Atlas in Chattanooga, Tennessee, VW debuted a two-row Atlas that’s a definite go, but also an Atlas-based pickup concept called Tanouk.  The pickup has a neatly-melded separate bed with movable cargo rail, 276 horsepower V6, 4MOTION all-wheel-drive, and digital instruments.  While cool, don’t look it anytime soon.  In contrast, the Atlas 2-row arrives for 2020 with 7.5 inches shorter body, V6 engine, and a plug-in hybrid with 355 horsepower.  A conventional hybrid produces 310 horsepower. 

2019 Lexus UX200

Cadillac wasn’t the only luxury brand busting a new compact crossover.  Sharing the Toyota C-HR’s architecture, the UX200 is a bit homely from some angles, but stands out with Lexus’ spindle grille, wide taillamps, and origami creases.  Under-hood is a 168 horsepower four-cylinder engine or hybrid with 176 horsepower, 38-MPG, and electric AWD.  Battery re-charging is optimized via the navigation system.  A full suite of crash avoidance systems will be available.  The UX will be the first Lexus accessible through a subscription plan.

2019 Ford Fusion

Styling is refined, but it’s all about technology with the updated Fusion.  The car debuts Ford’s Co-Pilot360 driver assistance technologies that include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot warning, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise.  Fusion will also come with 4G Wi-Fi and the Ford + Alexa app that allows passengers to tap into Amazon’s Alexa functions from their car.  The Energi plug-in version has a 25-miles electric-only range.

2019 GMC Sierra AT4

Rebel and Raptor meet their match with GMC’s new AT4 sub-brand.  On the all-new Sierra, it includes red recovery hooks, 2” suspension lift, skid plates, hill descent control, and 20” wheels.  GMC’s MultiPro Tailgate, which folds into steps when deployed, is standard.  A rear camera mirror, head-up display, carbon fiber pickup box, and Duramax diesel engine with 10-speed transmission are available.  Prices TBA.

2019 Toyota RAV4

Completely redesigned and looking like the 4Runner’s little brother, Toyota’s compact crossover cribs the Camry with regular and XSE sporty themes.  Powertrains include a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 8-speed transmission or efficient Hybrid.  Torque-vectoring AWD enhances handling.  Tech is bolstered by available Wi-Fi, rearview camera- mirror, Amazon Alexa, Apple CarPlay compatibility, and Lane Tracing Assist that can event guide the RAV4 around curves.

2019 Nissan Altima

The mid-size sedan segment may be in retreat, but Nissan’s Altima is not.  Exterior styling cribs the larger Maxima with Nissan’s aggressive V-Motion grille and broken C-pillar.  Interiors adopt a horizontal dash with center touchscreen and flat-bottom steering wheel.  Three powertrains will be available:  A 2.5-liter four-cylinder, 2.0-liter turbo-four, and 3.5-liter V6.  All-wheel-drive joins the options list.  Nissan’s ProPILOT Assist, which keeps the car centered in its lane, is standard on premium trim levels.  Sales begin this fall.

2019 Hyundai Santa Fe

A bigger, bolder Santa Fe gives owners the choice of five- or seven-passenger seating.  Check the muscular sheetmetal embracing Hyundai’s signature waterfall grille, LED headlamps, and 19” wheels.  Safety is enhanced by a rear occupant alert and safe exit assist, which locks doors closed when vehicles are approaching.  A head-up display, wireless phone charging, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay add convenience.  Powertrains include a 185 horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, 235 hp 2.0-liter turbo-four, and 2.2-liter turbodiesel with 190hp and 322 lb.-ft. of torque.

Storm Forward!