Acceleration

XS 4WD	Class Average
5	4.7

Test XS 4x4s clocked a class-average 8.3 sec 0-60 mph. But the V6 somehow feels somewhat labored, aggravated by syrupy throttle response and need for a hefty shove on the accelerator for best pickup. The transmission is responsive in its Sport mode. Torque On Demand system is unobtrusive and can be left in 4WD.

Fuel Economy

XS 4WD	Class Average
3	3.8

Aided by lots of highway miles, one test Axiom averaged 17.4 mpg. Another returned only 13.4 in testing that including gas-eating performance runs. Axiom uses regular-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

XS 4WD	Class Average
3	4

Poor overall, despite adjustable suspension. Normal mode doesn't smother bumps well and allows queasy wallow and residual bouncing. Firmer Sport setting controls body motions better but makes things jittery-harsh except on glassy surfaces.

Steering/Handling/Braking

XS 4WD	Class Average
2	3.5

Here too, gimmicky suspension can't disguise aged Rodeo chassis. Handling generally imprecise, far sloppier than in car-based unibody rivals like Toyota Highlander. Mediocre grip, marked body lean in corners, especially in Normal mode, which also allows unruly nosedive and rebounding in hard stops. Slow, numb steering. And Axiom is easily blown about by gusty crosswinds.

Quietness

XS 4WD	Class Average
4	4

Class-average at best. V6 coarse and throbby except in gentle cruising, wind rush evident from 40 mph, tire roar marked on all but unblemished asphalt.

Controls

XS 4WD	Class Average
4	6

OK gauges and stalk controls, but look-alike audio and climate buttons are distinguished only by color. Their settings appear on a central screen that's crowded with outside-temperature, date, and time data. Display is busy and washes out in bright light. Nicely padded interior surfaces clash with budget-grade molded plastics and cut-rate painted-metal-look trim pieces. One test Axiom had several rattles after only 3500 mi.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

XS 4WD	Class Average
5	6.2

Rather shapeless, low-set seats allow decent 6-footer head room but force awkward legs-out posture and don't have height or cushion-tilt adjustments. Generally good outward visibility, enhanced by large side mirrors.

Room/Comfort (rear)

XS 4WD	Class Average
4	5.1

Bench seat also low, shapeless, lacking in thigh support. Too narrow for uncrowded three-abreast travel. Good knee clearance, but little toe room, marginal 6-footer head room. Entry/exit impeded by high step-up and rear doors that don't swing out very far.

Cargo Room

XS 4WD	Class Average
7	7.7

Liftgate lacks separate-opening glass and doesn't rise very high, so anyone above 5-ft-8 must stoop beneath it. Split rear seat double-folds to create a flat floor, but headrests must be removed first. Total load volume and small-items storage nothing special.

Value within Class

XS 4WD	Class Average
2	4.5

Underwhelming. Beneath its edgy styling, Axiom is troublingly trucky and trails any number of car-based "crossovers" for value, refinement, performance, and even utility. And lack of 3rd-row seating is a drawback these days. Axiom sales are snail-paced, so don't buy without big price cuts.

Total Score

XS 4WD	Class Average
39	49.5

Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		37
Average Score		49
High Score		65