This year's top spots are taken by two convertibles, two sedans and one SUV -- Jaguar's latest performance-oriented coupe, the XKR Convertible; BMW's newest drop top, the 3-Series Convertible; family-hauling and towing favorite Chevrolet Suburban; Dodge's performance sedan, the Charger SRT8; and Mercedes-Benz's E320 BLUETEC featuring the latest state-of-the-art clean diesel technology.
"In choosing our list, we wanted to include a vehicle for every journey -- from weekend jaunts of one or two people, to week-long escapades that involve one or two entire families and maybe a dog and a boat," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book and kbb.com. "Our selection criteria included all the tangible and intangible need-to-have attributes such as driving enjoyment, passenger comfort, fuel economy and cargo space."
Kbb.com Editors' Comments on Each Vehicle:
Jaguar XKR Convertible -- When your itinerary includes a stop at the kind of ritzy resort in which a highly desirable Jaguar XK Convertible merely blends into the scenery, you can one-up the other guests by opting for the sportier and more exclusive XKR Convertible. The same sexy sheetmetal found on the XK is adorned with sportier accoutrements that reflect the 420-horsepower supercharged V8 and livelier suspension underneath.
BMW 3-Series Convertible -- With a retractable hardtop and available twin-turbo engine -- two big firsts in the celebrated history of the 3 Series -- BMW's newest drop top is better suited than ever for the varying demands of a long journey. The turbo engine generates 300 horsepower, the roof retracts in 22 seconds and the whole thing screams "long weekend."
Chevrolet Suburban -- For really big road trips, the strapping Suburban is the hauler of choice. Load it up with nine people, and Chevy's family-style workhorse still has room for 45.8 cubic feet of gear. Combine that kind of space with a maximum towing capacity of 9,700 pounds and you've got a vehicle that can do the work of three.
Dodge Charger SRT8 -- An eye-catching 425-horsepower muscle car that's also a comfortable long-haul sedan, the Dodge Charger SRT8 is a road trip car that everyone can agree on. The kicker is the available rear-seat DVD entertainment system -- an invaluable companion on family road trips and a feature not offered on most sedans.
Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec -- How do you top a German touring sedan for traveling long distances in style and comfort? The answer: a German touring sedan that returns 35 mpg, that's how. The E320 Bluetec is powered by a state-of-the-art clean diesel powerplant that produces prodigious amounts of torque without the shake, rattle, emissions and smell that characterized last century's diesels.
GMC Acadia -- A three-row troop transport that's more stylish than a minivan and more efficient than a full-size SUV, the GMC Acadia is attractive and comfortable inside and has excellent road manners to boot. Along with its cousins -- the Saturn Outlook, forthcoming Buick Enclave and a yet unnamed Chevrolet version -- we expect the Acadia to become a common sight on road trips around the country.
Land Rover LR3 -- The stylish and capable Land Rover LR3 is equally appropriate for a night on the town or a week in the desert. For a road trip that promises to involve aspects of both, Land Rover's middle child is uniquely qualified, thanks to a list of features that range from the sophisticated dial-a-surface Terrain Response system to three sunroofs.
Ford Edge -- Ford's all-new crossover SUV delivers sedan-like quiet and comfort but with a roomier backseat and a more versatile cargo area. Attractive exterior styling provides parking-lot panache, while an available panoramic sunroof lets even backseat passengers while away the miles finding faces in the clouds.
MINI Cooper -- Even though the redesigned 2007 MINI Cooper is both larger and more powerful than its predecessor, highway fuel economy has actually increased from 35 to 40 mpg. Combined with a newly improved highway ride, the latest MINI Cooper makes a pleasant companion on straight stretches, in twisty canyons and at thieving gas pumps.
Mazda MX-5 Hardtop Convertible -- The newest MX-5 takes the classic roadster formula and, at the push of a button, adds the comfort and security of a coupe. Compared with the MX-5's traditional cloth top, the new-for-2007 power retractable hardtop adds fewer than 100 pounds and folds away with no impact on trunk space. Highway fuel economy of 30 mpg only adds to the appeal.
Source: Kelley Blue Book
