The 2011 Porsche Cayenne S Tiptronic has been completely redesigned for 2011. The engine powering this new Cayenne is a 4.8-liter aluminum V8 which features VarioCam Plus, dry-sump lubrication and direct fuel injection. The engine produces 400 hp at 6500 rpm and 369 lb-ft of torque at 3500 rpm, which is up 15 hp from 2010. Combined with the new eight-speed automatic transmission, the Cayenne S happily runs from 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds. Top speed is a very fast 160 mph.

Watch the 2011 Porsche Cayenne review at YouTube.

The interior has received a major upgrade as well. Now resembling the interior of the Porsche Panamera, it’s much cleaner, sportier, and sexier.

The 2011 Porsche Cayenne S weighs about 400 pounds less than the 2010 model. This weight savings helps considerably with acceleration, braking, and handling and contributes to improved fuel economy.

Vehicle: 2011 Porsche Cayenne S Tiptronic
Base Price: $63,700
Price as tested: $92,935
Engine: 4.8 liter, 8 cylinder
Transmission: 8 speed Tiptronic
Horsepower: 400 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque
0-60 MPH: 5.6 seconds
Warranty: 4 years, 50,000 miles

EPA: 16 city / 22 highway MPG

Host: Ross Rapoport

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The 2011 Subaru Forester, as reviewed by our host Emme Hall, retains much of 2010′s model’s simplistic looks and drivetrain, save a few key differences.

For 2011, the Forester has an upgraded engine that boosts key areas in horsepower, torque, and gas mileage. The new engine is a 2.5 liter 4-banger that gets 170 horsepower and 174 pound feet of torque, making gas mileage 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. You can also choose to get a different trim with a turbocharged version of this engine, which will produce roughly 50 more horses and pound-feet. And all of these transmissions can come in either manual or automatic.

Watch the 2011 Subaru Forester video review on YouTube.

And of course, the Forester without question gets Subaru’s infamous all-wheel drive, letting the Forester hit the trails with ease. Handles are smooth and precise thanks to the AWD, and performs with aplomb. Not to mention its awesome 8.7 inches of ground clearance!

Inside and out, the Subaru is functional but not stylish. Its form won’t turn any heads, but what it lacks in aesthetics it more than makes up in practicality and user-friendliness. The space inside this crossover is roomier than one would expect, and the standard amenities are passable; trip computer, bluetooth & iPod integration, panoramic sunroof. As you ascend the trim levels, amenities start piling up, the more expensive trims feature rearview cameras, portable TomTom navigation screen, and more.

All in all, the Forester is a pleasant ride and definitely capable of holding its own in the crowded crossover SUV category, thanks to great fuel economy, a great sticker price, and fun, precise handling. All told, the Forester starts at $23,495, with our test car coming in at $26,384.

Host: Emme Hall
Emme Hall’s racing team: http://www.hallassracing.com/

Vehicle: 2011 Subaru Forester
Base Price: $23,495
Price as tested: $26,384
Engine: 2.5L 4-cyl engine
Transmission: 5-speed manual standard, optional 4-speed automatic w/sport mode
Horsepower: 170 hp / 174 lb-ft torque

EPA: 21 city / 27 highway MPG

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Completely overhauled and redesigned for 2011, the all-new Kia Sorento boasts a fresh look and some cool new features. Host Emme Hall spent a week in the SUV and was thoroughly impressed. Previously based on a truck’s frame, the 2011 has been turned into a more reliable unibody frame, and the Sorento is all the better for it.

Watch the 2011 Kia Sorento Video Car Review on YouTube.

The engine is improved as well–our tester came with a 3.5L V6 engine with 276 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque, as well as the drivetrain changing from rear-wheel drive to front-wheel drive. Gas mileage is roughly 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.

Inside, the Sorento has room to spare. With a new third row of seats, you can fit up to 7 passengers inside this modestly-sized crossover. With the seats down, your cargo space is enormous and well-suited to haul whatever your junk might be.

The interior, in addition, is improved. Amenities are bountiful, you have Bluetooth/wireless integration, iPod connectivity, dual-zone climate control, a whole slew of audio and satellite radio options. The seats are a little on the plain side, but match well with its no-nonsense exterior. Plus, the two-row sunroof is a great and much-appreciated addition.

And, all things considered, the list of safety options on the Sorento is staggering, with an onslaught of airbags and electronic safety features that will surely make for a safe ride for you and your family.

Manufactured at Kia’s brand new factory in West Point, Georgia, the 2011 Sorento is born and bred here in the United States, and is a welcome competitor in the hotly contested crossover-SUV market. Starting at $33,895, with an as tested price of $35,890, the all-new Sorento is a huge cause to give Kia a very serious look when compared to its many competitors in its segment.

Host: Emme Hall
Emme Hall’s racing team: http://www.hallassracing.com/

Vehicle: 2011 Kia Sorento
Base Price: $33,895
Price as tested: $35,890
Engine: DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads, port fuel injection
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Horsepower: 276 hp / 248 lb-ft torque
0-60 MPH: 7.1 seconds
Warranty: 10 years or 100,000 miles limited powertrain warranty, 5 years or 60,000 24 hour roadside assistance

EPA: 19 city / 25 highway MPG

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For 2011, Chrysler has completely redesigned the Jeep Grand Cherokee from the ground up, bringing it to its 4th generation. Its chassis has been given a remarkable facelift, with many structural improvements to improve sturdiness, vibration, and road noise, making one of the staples of the SUV industry an even more durable and rugged piece of work. Host Ross Rapoport and Roadfly TV spent a week test-driving this new Jeep and discovering its capabilities. Here’s their review:

The engine is on the receiving end of a major overhaul as well–new for 2011 the Grand Cherokee gets a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine that garners an impressive 290 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, giving you all the power you’ll need to overcome any obstacles in rough or smooth conditions or even tow up to 7200 pounds. Fuel economy, unfortunately, hasn’t changed much–you’ll be getting 16 mpg city and 22 mpg on the highway. And for those who aren’t worried about gas mileage and want a little extra power, there’s a V8 package that will get you an additional 70 horses.

As far as the Grand Cherokee’s offroad capabilities–this is where it excels. It features a terrain-select system that will adaptively alter in real-time your transmission, engine, braking system, traction control and more, depending on the current weather and road circumstances. The Grand Cherokee also clears the ground at a serviceable 8.6 inches, but an incredible feature on Grand Cherokee allows the ground clearance to be raised an almost 3 inches further, bringing it to an astounding 11.1 inches. Great for conquering any craggy terrain in your near future.

The Grand Cherokee’s interior is also very sumptuous and impressive, far better than predecessors. Once inside, the cabin is tailored from helm to stern in a smart choice of wood, leather, and chrome. All the seats, and even the steering wheel, are heated, and the sunroof is one of the biggest and convenient you’ll find on any vehicle in the industry. And all the electronics are well placed, easy-to-use, and accommodating.

While many consumers are placing stock in hybrid and crossover vehicles, SUVs of the Jeep Grand Cherokee’s caliber are a dying breed. However, with its brilliant offroad capabilities, remarkably handsome aesthetic and emboldened engine, this new 2011 Grand Cherokee is something of a revelation, a spark of life in a slowly stagnating sector of the automotive industry. This is the best iteration of the Cherokee Jeep has ever offered thus far, but it doesn’t come cheap. Our Grand Cherokee Overland came with an as-tested price of $43,845, roughly 2 grand more than its base price of $41,120.

Hosts Jessi Lang and Steve Hammes road-tested and reviewed the dependable and economical 2010 Nissan Murano, one of the originators of the modern crossover vehicle, the benchmark for all subsequent competitors.

Most of the major facelifts on the Murano came with last year’s model, which had garnered a whole new redesign, and this year finds only a few minor changes on several different trim levels. The luxury LE trim model now comes in a 2-wheel drive package, with several other minor equipment and technology additions. Our tester itself was the SL trim with all-wheel drive, definitely a model worth having in inclement wintry seasons. However, the Murano still retains its attention-grabbing looks and lines, maintaining its sleek, rounded physique that could be defined as sporty and utilitarian at the same time.

The Murano still retains their powerful and award-winning 3.5-Liter V6 engine that musters 265 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque, giving you plenty of ample acceleration for the road ahead. Gas mileage is decent, the Murano is rated at 18 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway.

The interior, however, could use a redesign when it comes to aesthetics. Its plain and lackluster console and dashboard amenities is a little disappointing, considering the comfortability of the drive and the beauty of its exterior. At first glance, the overall design inside the cockpit seems a little outdated, and could perhaps use a healthy touch of modernization.

The Murano is priced at $31,200 to start with, and our tester came in at $36,100 altogether with the technology, premium and leather package options. With a powerful engine, a gorgeous look, smooth ride, and all-wheel drive, this year’s Murano is a smart addition to the lineup of what is considered as the Godfather of the modern crossover SUV.

Move over X3, you have a new competitor in the small compact SUV world. Join RoadflyTV as host Jessi Lang and correspondent Steve Hammes review the 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK 350. While Mercedes first focused on going bigger with the ML and GL SUV lines, they decided to take on the longstanding front runner, the BMW X3 and relative newcomer, the Audi Q5 in the SAV/luxury crossover market.

The GLK boasts flashy styling that pays homage to the G Class, with an over-sized three point star to remind everyone on the road that you’re in a Benz. We tested the 4Matic 4WD GLK 350 option (not the RWD option) and found ourselves pleasantly surprised with its “go anywhere” attitude. A reminder to those off-roading in their GLK: you do not have a transfer case for the low range but you do have almost eight inches of clearance. Powering the GLK 350 is a 3.5L V6 engine paired to a seven-speed automatic transmission that produces 268 horsepower, doing 0-60 in 6.5 seconds. The GLK takes premium so filling up could become a frequent occurrence with estimated fuel economy of 16 mpg city and 21 mpg highway.

At a starting price of $35,475 and an as-tested price of $47,445, the Mercedes GLK 350 may be a bit pricey for what it offers. Buyers will need to weigh the lack of passenger legroom against the generous rear cargo space and the “go anywhere” attitude with the lack of passionate, spirited driving feel that drivers have grown to expect from luxury sport manufacturers.

Join guest host Elizabeth Kreft as she reviews the 2010 Nissan Cube. While the Cube’s design may not appeal to all, it obviously is doing something right as it enters its second year stateside. In Elizabeth’s video review, you’ll hear about it all, from the ripple theme design to how the ’10 Cube handles in the urban, DC environment.

We tested the 1.8L 4-cylinder model with the Xtronic CVT that produces 122 horsepower and 127 lb-ft of torque. While the power may be lacking, the fuel economy makes up for it with averages of 27 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. To add to the appeal of the person on the move or the family who doesn’t want to splurge on a luxury SUV, the 60/40 split of the rear seats and recessed back hatch floor space make the Cube a great vehicle for those who have kids, groceries, sporting goods and/or backpacks to stuff into one vehicle.

For the functionality, fuel economy, and a price tag of $20,170 including three package upgrades, we’re sure the Nissan Cube will continue to gain fans in the States.

Set to go on sale in July 2010 as a 2011 model, the next generation Infiniti QX is all new.  Its new high-stiffness frame structure enhances ride comfort through the use of Infiniti’s Hydraulic Body-Motion Control system.  The new 5.6-liter V8 engine combines the responsive acceleration of Infiniti’s VVEL (Variable Valve Event & Lift) technology with the efficiency of a Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG) engine mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission.  With 400 horsepower and 413 lbs-ft of torque, the QX can tow up to 8,500 lbs. Fuel consumption has improved by 14% in the new QX56 for 2011.

YouTube Link: 2011 Infiniti QX56 Road Test Video

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We recently tested the re-designed 2009 Subaru Forester. The ’09 Forester boasts a new look, from the front to the back and also gained a few inches of ground clearance for those who like to explore off of the beaten path. Despite the new higher ground clearance, the Forester still has the lowest center of gravity in its class, where its main competitors are the ever-popular Honda CR-V and Toyota Rav-4.

This rugged SUV from Subaru comes with two engine options. We tested the 2.5 L 4-cylinder engine that produced 170 horsepower at 6,000 rpm 170 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm mated to a manual transmission. The other option is the 4-cylinder turbo engine from the WRX sedan, mated to an automatic transmission. Yes, that’s right, a turbo paired to an automatic transmission. Subaru, unfortunately, will not offering turbo motors with manual transmission in Foresters.

Everything about the 2009 Forester is practical, from the gas mileage, to the interior features and price. For an SUV, the Forester does not disappoint in its fuel economy numbers, getting 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. The interior design has also improved with nice features like the over-sized sunroof and consideration for backseat passengers with the sliding cupholders and ample legroom. Lastly, and in the current economy, most importantly, the cost of the Subaru Forester can almost be called cheap, starting at a base price of $22,495 and an as-tested tag of $24,011.

Join us as we test the 2009 Land Rover LR2. Sibling to the LR3 and the Range Rover, the LR2 can be described as the baby of the family, both in price and size.

The LR2 uses the same engine that is found in Volvo’s XC90 and S80, the aluminum 3.2 L V6 that produces 230 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 234 lb-ft of torque at 3,200 rpm. The engine is paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission with manual control options. Even with the power, you still get decent fuel economy, getting around 19 mpg in mixed driving, 16 mpg in the city, and 23 mpg on the highway.

The LR2 fits the bill for someone who likes adventure but also needs a vehicle that can serve as an everyday driver. The price is reasonable, as the value-buy of the Land Rover line, starting at a base of $35,375 and an as-tested price of $41,400.

The 2008 Chrysler Aspen is a welcomed option in a market that is currently being overrun by crossovers and mid-sized SUVs. The Aspen is a full-sized SUV that gives the extra space needed when carting around the family, towing your boat, or trying to get all of the supplies for your home re-modeling project in one trip. Gas prices are back down again so the idea of purchasing a vehicle that doesn’t get 20 mpg to a gallon doesn’t seem like such a bad idea. Starting at a base price of $35,780, the optional features that give the Aspen a luxurious feel like the second row heated bucket seats, a functional third row, a preferred package with 20-inch rims, back-up camera, leather seats, and sunroof, don’t make the price skyrocket. The price for all of those goodies and the optional 5.7 L Hemi V8 remained reasonable at $43,890

We tested the optional 5.7 L Hemi V8 engine that produces 335 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 370 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 rpm, though the standard 4.7L engine, producing around 300 horsepower, would be enough for most drivers. Like most large SUVs, the fuel economy may not seem fantastic with a range of 13 mpg city and 18 mpg highway, but when you factor in the 9,000 pound towing capacity, size of the SUV, and Hemi engine, the mileage isn’t too bad. But, if you’re curious to how this beast handles or you don’t believe that a third row could actually be comfortable, you’ll have to watch our car review video of the 2008 Aspen.

During our recent trip to Cascais, Portugal for “Nissan 360” (see related story-Around the World in Two Days!), we had the opportunity to drive scores of Nissan products from their worldwide portfolio. We were not familiar with many of the nameplates or body styles, but one stood out, even though you can’t buy it in the United States. On a specially built off-road course at the famed Estoril racetrack, we fully exploited the 2008 Nissan Patrol’s surefooted capabilities.

The Nissan Patrol (known as SAFARI in Japan) is an off-road workhorse with a Land Rover-like reputation for conquering difficult terrain. Nissan calls the Patrol “the definitive, authentic and original off-roader.” There may be a lot of truth to that, as the Patrol was originally introduced in 1951.

Patrol is powered by a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6 with a four-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive. Horsepower is a modest 160, but with 261 pound-feet of torque, road acceleration and off-road hill climbs will be no issue for Patrol’s drivers. Patrol’s chassis features a surprisingly compliant suspension, with on-point axle articulation and long wheel travel to soak up even the worst road imperfections, all while keeping Patrol under control. And though this is a true, purpose-built SUV, Patrol occupants are treated to leather seating, navigation and climate control air conditioning.

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