2011 AutoPacific Ideal Vehicle Awards: Premium Mid-Size Crossover SUV

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.

Right-sized two and three row vehicles make up this segment which includes vehicles like the Ford Edge and the Honda Pilot.  These vehicles are primarily used for hauling people.  Towing capability is often limited due to the car-like structure of the vehicle but these Crossover SUVs are comfortable to drive and provide a very sedan-like driving experience.

This year's AutoPacific IVA Premium Mid-Size Crossover SUV winner is the 2011 Ford Explorer.

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 Premium Mid-Size Crossover SUV: 2011 Ford Explorer

Rank: #1

Score: 1223

The all-new 2011 Ford Explorer moved from a traditional SUV to a crossover SUV for 2011.  It adopted all new styling, package and powertrain.  Its owners rate the Explorer highest in AutoPacific’s 2011 Ideal Vehicle Research.  As the class winner, Explorer owners identify few attributes they want changed, but there are a few.  Ford consciously adopted more contemporary, more modern and aerodynamic styling for the new Explorer.  The result is that owners want better visibility and easier ingress/egress.  Available only with a 3.5L V6 for 2011, about 25% of Explorer owners want more power.  Explorer owners most like its seat comfort, ride, size and handling.  The Explorer outpoints the all-new 2011 Dodge Durango and wins by a nose.

#2 Premium Mid-Size Crossover SUV: 2011 Dodge Durango

Rank: #2

Score: 1217

The 2011 Dodge Durango is a 4-door, 7-seat Sport Utility, available in 10 trims, ranging from the Express AWD to the R/T 4x2. Upon introduction, the $31,195 Express AWD is equipped with a standard 3.6L, 6-cylinder, engine that achieves 16-mpg in the city and 22-mpg on the highway. an Automatic transmission is standard. The $35,690 R/T 4x2 is equipped with a standard 5.7L, 8-cylinder, engine that achieves 14-mpg in the city and 20-mpg on the highway. an Automatic transmission is standard.

#3 Premium Mid-Size Crossover SUV: Toyota Venza (2010)

Rank: #3

Score: 1214

The 2011 Toyota Venza is a 4-door, 5-seat Sport Utility, available in 4 trims, ranging from the FWD to the V6 AWD. Upon introduction, the $27,125 FWD is equipped with a standard 2.7L, 4-cylinder, engine that achieves 21-mpg in the city and 27-mpg on the highway. an Automatic transmission is standard. The $30,400 V6 AWD is equipped with a standard 3.5L, 6-cylinder, engine that achieves 18-mpg in the city and 25-mpg on the highway. an Automatic transmission is standard.

#4 Premium Mid-Size Crossover SUV: 2011 Toyota Highlander

Rank: #4

Score: 1210

The 2011 Toyota Highlander is a 4-door, 7-seat Sport Utility, available in 8 trims, ranging from the Base (A6) FWD to the SE AWD. Upon introduction, the $28,090 Base (A6) FWD is equipped with a standard 2.7L, 4-cylinder, engine that achieves 20-mpg in the city and 25-mpg on the highway. an Automatic transmission is standard. The $35,300 SE AWD is equipped with a standard 3.5L, 6-cylinder, engine that achieves 17-mpg in the city and 22-mpg on the highway. an Automatic transmission is standard.

#5 Premium Mid-Size Crossover SUV: 2011 Ford Edge

Rank: #5

Score: 1208

The 2011 Ford Edge is a 4-door, 5-seat Sport Utility, available in 8 trims, ranging from the SE FWD to the Sport AWD. Upon introduction, the $27,640 SE FWD is equipped with a standard 3.5L, 6-cylinder, engine that achieves 19-mpg in the city and 26-mpg on the highway. an Automatic transmission is standard. The $38,775 Sport AWD is equipped with a standard 3.7L, 6-cylinder, engine that achieves 17-mpg in the city and 23-mpg on the highway. an Automatic transmission is standard.

#6 Premium Mid-Size Crossover SUV: 2011 Chevrolet Equinox

Rank: #6

Score: 1208

The 2011 Chevrolet Equinox is a 4-door, 5-seat Sport Utility, available in 8 trims, ranging from the LS FWD to the LTZ AWD. Upon introduction, the $22,995 LS FWD is equipped with a standard 2.4L, 4-cylinder, engine that achieves 22-mpg in the city and 32-mpg on the highway. an Automatic transmission is standard. The $30,320 LTZ AWD is equipped with a standard 2.4L, 4-cylinder, engine that achieves 20-mpg in the city and 29-mpg on the highway. an Automatic transmission is standard.

#7 Premium Mid-Size Crossover SUV: 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe

Rank: #7

Score: 1202

The 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe is a 4-door, 5-seat Sport Utility, available in 10 trims, ranging from the GLS (M6) FWD to the GLS V6 AWD. Upon introduction, the $21,845 GLS (M6) FWD is equipped with a standard 2.4L, 4-cylinder, engine that achieves 19-mpg in the city and 26-mpg on the highway. a Manual transmission is standard. The $26,745 GLS V6 AWD is equipped with a standard 3.5L, 6-cylinder, engine that achieves 20-mpg in the city and 26-mpg on the highway. an Automatic transmission is standard.

#8 Premium Mid-Size Crossover SUV: Honda Accord Crosstour tour (2010)

Rank: #8

Score: 1198

The 2011 Honda Accord Crosstour is a 4-door, 5-seat Sport Utility, available in 5 trims, ranging from the EX FWD to the With Navigation 4x4. Upon introduction, the $29,990 EX FWD is equipped with a standard 3.5L, 6-cylinder, engine that achieves 18-mpg in the city and 27-mpg on the highway. an Automatic transmission is standard. The $36,540 With Navigation 4x4 is equipped with a standard 3.5L, 6-cylinder, engine that achieves 18-mpg in the city and 26-mpg on the highway. an Automatic transmission is standard.

#9 Premium Mid-Size Crossover SUV: 2011 Kia Sorento

Rank: #9

Score: 1198

The 2011 Kia Sorento is a 4-door, 5-seat Sport Utility, available in 11 trims, ranging from the Base (M6) FWD to the SX V6 4x4. Upon introduction, the $21,195 Base (M6) FWD is equipped with a standard 2.4L, 4-cylinder, engine that achieves 20-mpg in the city and 27-mpg on the highway. a Manual transmission is standard. The $34,095 SX V6 4x4 is equipped with a standard 3.5L, 6-cylinder, engine that achieves 18-mpg in the city and 24-mpg on the highway. an Automatic transmission is standard.

#10 Premium Mid-Size Crossover SUV: 2011 Nissan Murano

Rank: #10

Score: 1194

The 2011 Nissan Murano is a 4-door, 5-seat Sport Utility, available in 8 trims, ranging from the S FWD to the LE AWD. Upon introduction, the $29,290 S FWD is equipped with a standard 3.5L, 6-cylinder, engine that achieves 18-mpg in the city and 23-mpg on the highway. an Automatic transmission is standard. The $39,900 LE AWD is equipped with a standard 3.5L, 6-cylinder, engine that achieves 18-mpg in the city and 23-mpg on the highway. an Automatic transmission is standard.