The three cars here represent the state of the art in crossover design. The most artful here would be the Volvo XC60, which has curves galore and an aggressively wedged shape by sports utility vehicle standards. The automotive artistry continues inside the cabin, which is an object lesson in blending the best of form and function. Engineering-wise, the XC60 is again a world beater and plays the safety card well, of course.
The Lexus RX350 builds upon the commercial success of its predecessor by boosting its strengths and correcting its weaknesses. The results are somewhat predictable, particularly the restyling, but
the new RX is arguably one of the most comfortable crossovers today. The on-board amenities, as
expected, emphasise comfort, along with convenience, while the driving experience is again all about relaxation on the road.
The Land Rover Freelander 2 is the odd one out, so to speak. It’s an off-roader first and a “soft-roader” second. Its styling is deliberately straight-edged, with nary a crossover curve. And, width aside, the Freelander is the smallest vehicle here by a significant margin. It is, however, a giant in the art and science of sports utility motoring, as we shall soon find out.
RX350 – The cockpit is clearly the most comfort-oriented of the group, with the plushest armrests, too. Dashboard design is the most dramatic, but it cannot beat the Volvo’s for ergonomics. Loose items are thoughtfully accommodated.
XC60 – The minimalist cockpit, seemingly inspired by Ikea in its colour scheme, offers maximum functionality and flair, in addition to beautiful build quality. The glovebox is the biggest and also the most brightly lit.
FREELANDER 2 – The dashboard is pure paramilitary luxury, with tough switchgear that can withstand a war or two. Storage of odds and ends is average, but the door bins are sizeable and the seat squab pockets are handy.
