Acceleration

2WD SEL	AWD SEL	AWD Limited	AWD Limited w/nav. sys.	Class Average
5	5	5	5	5.2

Sluggish on takeoff but adequate thereafter--even with a full load in hilly terrain--given liberal use of the throttle pedal. Test AWD Limited did 8.7 sec 0-60 mph. Smooth CVT provides good passing response. Unlike conventional automatic transmissions, CVTs allow engine speed to race ahead of road speed in rapid acceleration, then fall back when it finds the optimum ratio. Towing capacity is 2000 lb.

Fuel Economy

2WD SEL	AWD SEL	AWD Limited	AWD Limited w/nav. sys.	Class Average
5	5	5	5	4

Quite good for the size and weight. Test AWD SEL averaged 19.7 mpg in a city/highway driving mix. Test AWD Limiteds averaged 18.3-18.7, including gas-eating performance runs. Freestyle uses regular-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

2WD SEL	AWD SEL	AWD Limited	AWD Limited w/nav. sys.	Class Average
7	7	7	7	5.5

Composed, absorbent, and very stable at highway speed. Sharp bumps occasionally jolt, though. Little difference in ride quality between 2WD and AWD or with 17- and 18-inch tires.

Steering/Handling/Braking

2WD SEL	AWD SEL	AWD Limited	AWD Limited w/nav. sys.	Class Average
5	6	6	6	4.5

Generally carlike and better than most midsize SUVs, but ride-enhancing suspension tuning, high-profile build bring out noticeable cornering lean. Tight turning circle, but Freestyle can seem quite large in close quarters. Steering effort light at parking pace, firms up nicely with speed. Good brake pedal feel, stopping control.

Quietness

2WD SEL	AWD SEL	AWD Limited	AWD Limited w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	6	6	6	5.6

On par overall with other car-type SUVs--and better than most truck-style SUVs--with moderate highway wind and road noise. Engine, however, roars loudly during even moderate acceleration.

Controls

2WD SEL	AWD SEL	AWD Limited	AWD Limited w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	6	6	6	6.6

Gauges simple, clear, well-placed. Ditto most controls, though climate panel mounts too low for easiest use while driving. Look-alike steering wheel switches for cruise control and some audio functions require familiarization. Navigation system absorbs some audio controls, but to no great detriment. Cabin has upscale air but few padded surfaces; most panels are hard plastic, though attractively textured.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2WD SEL	AWD SEL	AWD Limited	AWD Limited w/nav. sys.	Class Average
8	8	8	8	7

Generous head room. Only tallest drivers will want more leg room. Low cowl, tall windows, standard height-adjustable seat provide commanding position. Easy ingress/egress. Comfortable seats. Visibility hindered to rear corners by thick roof pillars, but headrests don't interfere unless raised.

Room/Comfort (rear)

2WD SEL	AWD SEL	AWD Limited	AWD Limited w/nav. sys.	Class Average
8	8	8	8	6.1

Rear doors afford easy entry/exit for roomy 2nd row with comfortable chair-height seats. Taller passengers may want for head clearance beneath intrusions from sunroof housing/DVD combo. Limited's fore/aft sliding 2nd-row buckets allow favoring leg space or cargo room behind. All 2nd-row seats fold and tumble for good access to 3rd row, which is surprisingly spacious for adults, though cushion too low for long-distance comfort.

Cargo Room

2WD SEL	AWD SEL	AWD Limited	AWD Limited w/nav. sys.	Class Average
9	9	9	9	8

All rear seats fold flat. Load deck stretches to 9.5-ft with right-front seatback dropped, too. The 3rd-row seat converts more easily than most, disappears into floorwell that provides handy storage otherwise. Console and dashtop bins swallow lots of small stuff.

Value within Class

2WD SEL	AWD SEL	AWD Limited	AWD Limited w/nav. sys.	Class Average
7	8	7	6	5.9

This Recommended choice excels as a family wagon. It relegates off-roading and serious towing to truck-type SUVs, providing instead utility, space, and comfort that match any rival--including some minivans. More power would be welcome, particularly when loaded with people and luggage. But ride and handling are agreeable, as are prices.

Total Score

2WD SEL	AWD SEL	AWD Limited	AWD Limited w/nav. sys.	Class Average
66	68	67	66	58.4

Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		48
Average Score		58
High Score		69