How Are SUVs Professionally Tested and Compared? An Inside Look at the 2019 Compact SUV Challenge Methodology

Professional vehicle comparisons are conducted through rigorous, back-to-back testing on identical routes by a team of expert judges and in-market shoppers to uncover the subtle differences that determine a winner. This standardized methodology, as used in the 2019 Compact SUV Challenge, combines subjective scoring across critical categories like comfort and handling with objective data on fuel economy and safety. The result is a comprehensive evaluation that goes beyond simple specifications to reveal how these vehicles perform in real-world conditions.

What Makes a Vehicle Comparison Test Fair and Unbiased?

The core of a trustworthy comparison is a controlled testing environment. For the 2019 Compact SUV Challenge, this meant that every competing SUV was driven on the same routes, back-to-back, by the same panel of judges. This panel typically includes experienced automotive editors and often an in-market shopper to provide a perspective reflective of a genuine buyer. This approach minimizes variables and allows judges to directly compare nuances in driving dynamics, comfort, and technology that might be missed in isolated test drives. The scoring system itself is a blend of subjective opinions and hard data, ensuring a balanced and objective final result.

How Do Experts Score Subjective Elements Like Comfort and Quality?

A significant portion of a vehicle's score comes from meticulous subjective evaluation. Judges assess numerous aspects of daily usability:

• Front-Seat Comfort: This goes beyond simple dimensions. Experts consider legroom, headroom, and knee room, alongside the quality of cushioning and seat adjustability. Features like heated and ventilated seats, passenger seat controls, and memory functions are also noted.
• Backseat Comfort: Similar to the front, judges evaluate dimensions, cushion support, and the ease of entry and exit. The presence of a large center floor hump is a negative, while features like reclining seats, rear climate controls, and heated seats are positives.
• Interior Quality: Judges determine if the materials and craftsmanship are appropriate for the vehicle's price point. They assess the appearance and feel of surfaces, noting if materials are authentic or cheap imitations, and whether the quality remains consistent from the front to the rear seats.
• Ride Quality: This category evaluates how the suspension contributes to overall comfort. Is the ride too firm or too soft? Judges look for a controlled feel over bumps and stability on rough roads.

What Role Do Technology and Visibility Play in the Overall Score?

In modern vehicles, the multimedia system is the nerve center, and its execution is critical. The evaluation of Multimedia and Controls considers the logic, visibility, and ease of use for all buttons and touchscreens. Key factors include:

• Display quality, responsiveness, and the presence of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Connectivity options like USB ports, Wi-Fi, and wireless charging.
• The integration of vehicle controls into the screen and the availability of supporting physical knobs or buttons.

Visibility is scored based on potential obstructions from roof pillars and the size of blind spots. Features that mitigate these issues, such as rear head restraints that flip down or a camera-based rearview mirror, are highly valued for enhancing safety.

How is Performance and Driving Dynamics Evaluated Without a Track?

Even without formal track testing, judges can provide robust performance assessments through direct, back-to-back driving on a set route. The Powertrain score reflects how well the engine and transmission work together. Judges assess:

• Acceleration from a stop and for passing maneuvers.
• Transmission smoothness and responsiveness to downshift requests.
• Overall engine refinement (smooth vs. rough).

Handling is evaluated by how confidently a vehicle corners, including the amount of body roll (lean) and the effort required to steer cleanly through a bend. Braking is judged on pedal feel, modulation (how easy it is to apply the right amount of pressure), and the overall sense of confidence it inspires.

What Objective Data is Collected to Support Subjective Impressions?

To complement the judges' opinions, several categories are scored based on quantifiable data:

• Mileage Drive: Instead of relying solely on EPA estimates, all vehicles embark on a real-world 200-mile road trip. Drivers rotate between vehicles to average out driving styles. This provides a realistic fuel economy figure representative of family road trips.
• Safety and Autonomy: Vehicles earn points based on the number and sophistication of their driver-assistance features. These include automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-centering steering, and blind-spot warning.
• Cargo Storage: This rating goes beyond manufacturer-stated cubic footage. Judges assess how usable the space is, the ease of loading items, and the availability of features like a sliding/reclining backseat or a power liftgate.
• Child-Safety Seats: Certified car seat installers test the fitment of various child-safety seats in each vehicle, a critical practical consideration for families.

In conclusion, a professional SUV comparison like the 2019 Challenge provides invaluable insights by combining real-world driving impressions with hard data. For any car shopper, the key takeaway is to look for reviews that detail their testing methodology. The most reliable evaluations are those conducted back-to-back on controlled routes, as this is the only way to truly highlight the strengths and weaknesses that will affect your daily driving experience.