Cargo capacity
With a large family, the ability to stow 8-10 suitcases behind the seat, while still seating 8 people is not found in many vehicles. Fewer still are the vehicles that can also tow a travel trailer effectively while so loaded in the front.
Powertrain performance
Vehicle fairly effortlessly tows our 8000 lb. trailer with the said 8 people in the vehicle.
Driving position & visibility
The driver seat adusts 6 ways and the peddles can be raised and lowered for very comfortable driving. The vehicle sits fairly high, so the ability to see the road and over smaller cars is surpassed only by full size vans and large trucks..
Interior styling
The interior seat fabrics are comfortable and supportive. All the "toys" one could want are less than an arms length away.
Controls and instruments
The controls for the vehicle are all located around the steering wheel and are easy to use and very intuitive. It would take the average person less than 5 minutes to be completely comfortable with their locations and functions.
Price or payments
With a sticker price of $45K, the price for this or any vehicle that can act as a tow vehicle may be beyond the reach of most and especially the large family for which the vehicle would be most functional.
Powertrain performance
With the exception of the lines, the design of the transmission cooling system is completely engolfed within the radiator. We had a coolant leak into our transmission fluid, but no visible outward leak. The leak is found when the transmission is trashed
Reliability & durability
The transmission replacement coupled with no way of knowing if another such leak would trash a second hurts our reliability feelings. The front end is also sensitive to tie rod and ball joint damage. Not what one would expect for an "off road" vehicle.
Safety & braking
The brakes function OK, but by the time you realize it is time to change them, you are in for new rotors every time. A better warning system would be nice.
Fuel economy
At $4 a gallon and a 32 gallon gas tank, you feel it every time you fill up and if you drive a lot in the city, at 15 mpg, you will fill up often. The vehicle actually garners a respectable 21 mpg on the highway.