Next to “How much does your harp cost?” one of the most common questions harpists hear from onlookers is “What kind of car do you have to drive to haul that thing around?”

The harpmobile. It has come a long way over the years. The ubiquitous station wagon dominated harpists’ garages for years. Eventually minivans became all the rage, giving way to the rise of the SUV in the 90s, and in the last 10 years the immensely popular crossover vehicles have taken over the harpmobile market.  With so many options on the road today, it’s hard to know where to begin your search for a new harp hauler; so we’ve done the dirty work for you.

In our 2014 Harpmobile Review—our biggest ever—we evaluate 44 station wagons, crossovers, SUVs, and minivans. We’ll also tell you which harpmobiles missed the cut so you don’t set your heart on that Mini Cooper that isn’t big enough to tote your harp to gigs. It takes a harpist to get excited about a new minivan on the market or increased rear cargo space or automatic rear lift gate sensors, but we are downright giddy about some of the new harpmobiles we found this year.

Harp Column’s review of harpmobiles dates back to our first issue in 1993 when the magazine’s founders Kim Rowe and Hugh Brock rated 10 harpmobiles. The response was huge—clearly harpists don’t want to lug their harp around to car dealerships, kicking the tires on all the possibilities out there. So for the past 21 years, we’ve done it for you. It’s been a while since our last review in 2008, but we made up for lost time by looking at more than twice the number of cars we’ve reviewed in any previous article.

[pullquote]Looking for a car not listed here? Chances are we reviewed it in a previous issue. Check out our November-December 20042006, and 2008 issues, all available for download.[/pullquote]

Here’s how we conduct our review. Every few years we make a list of all of the new and redesigned vehicles that have harpmobile potential. Then we take a full size concert grand harp (this year it was a Lyon & Healy Style 23) around to car dealerships, and try loading it into every car we think it may fit in. We load our test harp into each car, evaluate its harpability and McFactor (more on those later), and take some measurements (see the chart below). If we looked at a vehicle in a previous harpmobile review, we will only review it again if it receives a significant interior redesign. So if you are looking for a specific model or a used car that you don’t see here, you will want to check out our previous harpmobile reviews.

About Our Rating Scale

We tried to keep our rating scale consistent with previous harpmobile reviews so that you can easily compare reviews from different years. Our scale ranges from zero to five for harpability and McFactor, which remains consistent back to our 2006 review. You may notice that we did not give out any perfect five scores this year. In years past, the only vehicles to ever receive a perfect McFactor score have been minivans, and no vehicle has ever achieved perfection in harpability, probably because no one has yet come out with a car that can load the harp automatically with the push of a button. We can dream, can’t we?

Harpability

[pullquote]No One is Perfect
The top harpability score possible in our review is 5, but no car has ever achieved perfection. Keep in mind, though, that a car that scores 2.5 or 3 could still be a terrific harpmobile, but it only offers flat loading, thus keeping its maximum possible harpability score down.[/pullquote]

Yes, we made up this word. Harpability is the term we use to describe how well a vehicle accommodates a concert grand harp. We test for ease of loading, number of loading options, and spaciousness. To receive a harpability rating higher than a three, a vehicle must offer flat-loading and column-loading options. So the maximum harpability score that most non-minivans can hope for is a three. Keep in mind that a car that scores a two and a half or a three could be a terrific harpmobile, but it only offers flat loading, thus keeping its harpability score down. Also consider that we reviewed these harpmobiles without any after-market customization that many harpists do to their cars. A strategically placed cushion or piece of heavy plastic from an office supply store can neutralize some of the common hitches you run into during harp loading. We tried to evaluate these harpmobiles as objectively as possible, but some biases snuck in here and there. One female harpist loaded our test harp into each vehicle. She is of average female size and strength, so those factors biased our results slightly. We could also sit comfortably in a driver’s seat with less leg room than, say, a 6’4” male. We also had an easier time loading the harp into vehicles that weren’t too high off the ground. Consequently, large SUVs weren’t our favorites, but if you are taller than the average female, you might not mind the height as much.

McFactor

Yes, we made up this word too. Car enthusiasts shudder at the thought of judging a vehicle based on its cup holders, dashboard cubbies, and shelf space to hold your burger and fries. But let’s be honest, busy harpists often need to grab dinner on their way to rehearsal, and having a comfortable space to chow without spilling ketchup on your black skirt is important. Minivans have always been the leaders in this category, probably because they are designed for busy families who are inevitably eating on the go. With only one minivan in our review this year, you won’t see too many high scores in the McFactor department, but some certainly do better than others.

[protection_text]

Categorizing

In our 2006 Harpmobile Review, there were six minivans and zero station wagons. This year there is one minivan and eight station wagons. Back in 2004, the crossover vehicle was new to the Harpmobile Review. We reviewed three back then. This year a whopping 22 crossovers made the list. The crossover genre is a broad one, so defining its limits is tricky—even for car manufacturers. If you are looking for a particular model and don’t find it in one category, it’s probably just listed in a different category.

What We Didn’t Do

We tested these vehicles for what we know about: how well they accommodate a harp and how comfortable they are for chowing down a meal in the driver’s seat. We did not test these harpmobiles for what we are not experts in, namely driving performance and safety. Driving performance is highly subjective, and there are plenty of resources available that do an excellent job of evaluating what’s under the hood and how these cars handle on the road. We also did not rate the safety of these vehicles because, again, there are other sources that do extensive safety ratings of vehicles; so check these resources out as you narrow down your harpmobile search. Finally, we limited our review to vehicles available in the U.S. There are plenty of great harpmobiles available in other markets around the world, but we weren’t able to test them for this review.

Harpmobile Score Card (Click to enlarge. See explanation of rating scale in article.)

Harpmobile Score Card (Click to enlarge. See explanation of rating scale in article.)

Harpmobile Score Card

Harpability and McFactor are based on a scale of 1–5, with 5 being the highest. In the harpability category, a vehicle had to offer both column loading and flat loading options to score higher than a 3; a vehicle had to fit the harp with the driver’s seat all the way back to score higher than a 2. The msrp prices were obtained in July 2014 from www.fueleconomy.gov and reflect standard base model pricing with maximum fuel efficiency; keep in mind that most vehicles have available upgrades that can push prices significantly higher than those listed here. Fuel efficiency statistics were obtained from www.fueleconomy.gov for 2014 models (except for the Volvo V60, which is only available as a 2015 model). The listed numbers reflect the city mpg/highway mpg and the combined fuel efficiency in bold. Cargo length measures inches from the tailgate lip to the back of the driver’s seat with the seat pushed as far back as it will go. All cargo dimensions are given in inches. Cargo width measures the cargo area’s narrowest point, usually between the wheel wells. Cargo bed height measures from ground to cargo bed with seats folded down. Cargo area height measures from the cargo bed (with seats folded down) to the vehicle’s interior ceiling. Maximum passenger seating numbers do not include the driver. *Harp did not fit with driver’s seat all the way back, so cargo length listed measures the minimum length from tailgate lip to back of driver’s seat needed to fit the harp in the vehicle.

Wagons

Ford C-Max Hybrid
Ford-CMax

Overall: If you are looking to maximize your fuel economy but don’t need a lot of leg room, the C-Max Hybrid is a viable option and an alternative to Toyota’s Prius.

The Ford salesman was incredulous when we said we thought the harp might fit in this compact little wagon. We gladly proved him wrong. Loading the harp into the C-Max was only possible after moving the driver’s seat almost all of the way forward to make room in the back. The C-Max is narrow between the wheel wells, so you have to tilt the harp to get it in and out. The harp hung over the edge of the back seat quite a bit, and the fit was tight because the back lift gate curves on the sides, but it worked. Sitting in the driver’s seat with it moved forward was doable for someone of average female height, but it would be uncomfortable for long hauls. The gas mileage of this little hybrid (combined 40 mpg) is its biggest selling point. The McFactor was less than average in the C-Max. I suppose they were trying to save space wherever possible, so there’s not much to speak of in terms of front seat storage, but there are two cup holders between the front seats.

Ford Flex
Overall: The Ford Flex provides legitimate third-row seating, but less than average harpability.

Overall: The Ford Flex provides legitimate third-row seating, but less than average harpability.

The Ford Flex has received a lot of buzz and high praise from car enthusiasts, so we were excited to review this harpmobile. We really wanted to like it. Unfortunately, in terms of harpability, it just didn’t live up to the hype. Ford calls the Flex a wagon, but it feels more like a crossover, and has the seating capacity of an SUV. The design of the Flex is boxy and unique, which could be a plus or a minus, depending on your taste. The Flex has roomy third-row seating, not the third row you see with some vehicles where no one over four-feet tall could fit. When you fold the seats flat, there is a significant gap between the second and third rows. This could easily be covered with an after-market mat, but the gap, combined with the Flex’s narrow width, made it very difficult to slide the harp in. There is also a slight incline from the second row seats. All of these little roadblocks made for tough harp loading. The McFactor was average, with some extra storage in the armrest. The boxy exterior look carried over into the interior feel.

[pullquote]Keep Your Options Open
While the prices we listed in this article are for base models, the list of options you can add to most cars could be an article unto itself. Convenient technological features like USB ports, audio outlets, and Bluetooth integration for your smart phone are no longer premium upgrades, and even come standard on many models. Listening to your orchestra parts on the way to your rehearsal is as easy as plugging in your iPod or synching your phone. Some other options (new and old) that harpists might find handy include the automatic rear lift gate (so you don’t have to take a hand off your harp to open the back hatch), hands-free rear lift gate that automatically opens by swiping your foot under the rear bumper (so you don’t have to take either hand off your harp to open the back hatch), rear view cameras that show you what’s behind your car on a screen on your dashboard (particularly helpful if you column-load your harp and can’t see as well behind you), and navigation to help you make it to every far-flung wedding job without a wrong turn.[/pullquote]

Mercedes E Class Wagon
Overall: Given the hefty price tag, we wish we didn’t love this harpmobile as much as we do.

Overall: Given the hefty price tag, we wish we didn’t love this harpmobile as much as we do.

The danger in testing luxury cars for our harpmobile review is that we end up falling in love with cars we can’t afford. Exhibit A: the Mercedes E Class Wagon. The Mercedes wagon has the old-school-style third row seating that faces backwards and folds flat into the floor, bringing back memories from the old Ford Taurus and Volvo wagons. Loading a harp in the Mercedes E Class couldn’t be easier. There is no lip, the cargo bed is wide enough to slide the harp in flat, there is almost no incline and no overhang. Unfortunately, the McFactor is not as impressive as the rest of the car, but the easy harp loading can make up for any shortcomings up front.

Subaru Outback
Overall: The harp fits like a glove in the Outback. There are other harpmobiles that offer easier loading, but the Outback is a solid choice.

Overall: The harp fits like a glove in the Outback. There are other harpmobiles that offer easier loading, but the Outback is a solid choice.

We were a little rough on the Outback the last time we reviewed in 2004. It has long been a favorite of harpists, but we found it to be tight and uncomfortable for the driver. Subaru lovers rejoice—the Outback fares much better this time around. The current Outback is in its fourth generation. The harp fits by the skin of its teeth with the driver’s seat all the way back. There is a hard plastic piece where the back seat meets the cargo area, but we negotiated it without much trouble. The rear lift gate has no lip, which is nice, but the harp must be tilted slightly to clear the wheel wells. Like the Forester, we love the height of the Subaru. It feels like a wagon that has been jacked up an inch or two. The Outback’s McFactor has also improved since we last looked at it, scoring a respectable two and a half.

Toyota Prius V
Overall: What the Prius V lacks in harpability and McFactor it makes up for in exceptional fuel economy and affordability.

Overall: What the Prius V lacks in harpability and McFactor it makes up for in exceptional fuel economy and affordability.

We were thrilled when we were able to successfully fit a harp into a Prius back in our 2006 review. Never before had harpists had such a compact, fuel-efficient option for harp hauling. In the years since the Prius came out, several competitors have emerged, but the Prius remains the benchmark by which all other fuel-efficient harpmobiles are judged. While the Prius works as a harpmobile, it’s less than spacious, so we were excited to take a look at the larger Prius V. Introduced in 2012, the Prius V is basically a Prius that is slightly longer, wider, and taller. The gas mileage on the Prius V is slightly lower than on the Prius, but still registers a combined 42 mpg. Loading the harp in the Prius V was not a cake walk. The seats do not fold completely flat, there is a gap of several inches between the second row and the cargo area, and the harp had to be tilted to clear the wheel wells. But unlike some SUVs with this same set up, the Prius V is low enough that we could muscle it in. Unlike the Prius, the harp fits in the Prius V with the driver’s seat all the way back. It had two cup holders available to the driver, but only one in the center console, which kept its McFactor down.

[pullquote]Where’s the Spare?
Anyone who has ever blown a tire on the freeway on their way to a gig knows the perils of having spare tire storage under the cargo bed. There you are on the side of the road, traffic whizzing by at 70 miles per hour, trying to safely unload your harp so you can retrieve the spare and make it to your gig on time. We did not make special note of spare tire storage in this article because most stowed the spare tire inside the vehicle, under the cargo bed. The only exceptions were models (mostly luxury vehicles) with run-flat tires, designed to withstand low or no pressure long enough to get you to the nearest repair shop. Cars with run-flat tires have no spare tire. When you narrow down your choices for a harpmobile, it’s definitely worth noting the spare location.[/pullquote]

Toyota Venza
Overall: The Venza is an excellent addition to the options for wagon-loving harpists.

Overall: The Venza is an excellent addition to the options for wagon-loving harpists.

A welcome addition to the limited number of station wagon options for harpists, the Venza performs admirably in its first harpmobile review. The Venza was introduced in 2009, just after our last harpmobile review. It is based on Toyota’s popular Camry sedan model, so it sits low to the ground and feels more like a car than a wagon in the driver’s seat. The Venza maxed out the harpability points possible with a score of three (only vehicles that offer flat and column loading can score higher than a three). Loading the harp in the Venza was easy. The second row seats didn’t fold completely flat, but there were no gaps or hitches otherwise, so the slight incline didn’t bother us. The harp fit in the Venza nicely with several inches to spare, even with the driver’s seat all the way back. The hard plastic covering in the cargo area made it easy to slide the harp in on its nylon transport cover. There wasn’t tons of extra room for other accessories with the harp, but you could easily manage to fit in your gigging basics. The Venza scores better than average comfort up front. There are four cup holders available to the driver, several cubbies and everywhere you look there are little doors that slide open to reveal more storage. The only concern from the driver’s perspective is that the blindspots created by the trim around the rear windows could be problematic.

Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen
Overall: There is lots of room for the driver, despite it being a small wagon, but the narrow cargo bed makes it a tough sell for harpists.

Overall: There is lots of room for the driver, despite it being a small wagon, but the narrow cargo bed makes it a tough sell for harpists.

We love the look of the Jetta SportWagen. It’s compact and sleek—not your mother’s station wagon. We had to do a double take when we sat down in the driver’s seat to find a stick shift! This is the only harpmobile we looked at where a manual five-speed comes standard. It is also available as an automatic, and has the option for a diesel engine. Unfortunately, the McFactor of the SportWagen didn’t match our initial excitement about the front seat of the SportWagen. To get the harp into the SportWagen, the driver’s seat has to be moved a few inches forward, but there was still ample room for the driver. The biggest impediment to loading the harp is the narrow width of the SportWagen, requiring some muscle to get the harp past the wheel wells.

[pullquote]Close, But Not Quite
If you think we reviewed a lot of harpmobiles, you should see how many more vehicles we tried and failed to fit a harp into. Here’s a list of those we tried that didn’t pass muster. Keep these vehicles in mind if you play a semi-grand or petite harp, or a larger lever harp. Just because they couldn’t hold our concert grand test harp doesn’t mean they couldn’t be a fabulous mini-harpmobile. (All vehicles tested are 2014 model year.) Audi Allroad (wagon), Chevrolet Impala (sedan), Fiat 500L (wagon), Honda Fit (hatchback), Hyundai Elantra (sedan), Jeep Compass (SUV), Jeep Patriot (SUV), Land Rover Evoque (SUV), Land Rover LR2 (SUV), Mazda 3 (hatchback), Mini Cooper Countryman (wagon), Nissan Cube (wagon), Subaru Crosstrek (crossover), Toyota FJ Cruiser (SUV), Volkswagen Tiguan (crossover).[/pullquote]

Volvo V60
Overall: If you have your heart set on a Volvo wagon and don’t mind squeezing in the driver’s seat, the V60 is worth a look, but there are better harpmobiles out there if you are simply looking for a wagon.

Overall: If you have your heart set on a Volvo wagon and don’t mind squeezing in the driver’s seat, the V60 is worth a look, but there are better harpmobiles out there if you are simply looking for a wagon.

Harpists can be almost cult-like in their devotion to Volvo station wagons. A quick scan of the parking lot at any harp gathering will almost always reveal at least one old, boxy Volvo wagon. So it’s no surprise harpists are buzzing about Volvo’s newest wagon, the V60. But before you get too excited, the V60 doesn’t seem to have been designed with harpists in mind. New for the 2015 model year, the Volvo V60 is an extremely tight fit for harp and driver. The driver’s seat has to slide forward significantly in order for the rear lift gate, which curves in significantly on each side, to clear the harp base. Despite being a wagon with a smaller platform, the harp can slide in flat without being tilted, which is good because the wagon sits very low.

Crossovers

Audi Q5
Overall: Beautiful car. Bad harpmobile.

Overall: Beautiful car. Bad harpmobile.

The Audi Q5 barely made it into our harpmobile review. Were it not for this luxury crossover’s great looks and styling, we may not have made the effort. The Q5 is a small crossover; we reviewed Audi’s larger crossover, the Q7, in 2006. The Q5 has the evil harpability trifecta of a significant backseat incline, gap in the cargo bed, and narrow wheel wells. Combine those factors with the short cargo length that requires the driver to nearly eat the steering wheel when the harp is loaded, and the Q5 doesn’t have much going for it as a harpmobile. The McFactor didn’t even redeem this car. There is nowhere to put your sandwich down, but we aren’t sure we’d want to dare eat in this beautiful interior.

BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo
Overall: If you don’t want to feel like you are driving a harpmobile, but still want the capability to haul a harp when necessary, the BMW 5 Series GT is your car. We wouldn’t recommend this for your daily, or even weekly harp schlepping, but for your occasional harp move, this is your harpmobile!

Overall: If you don’t want to feel like you are driving a harpmobile, but still want the capability to haul a harp when necessary, the BMW 5 Series GT is your car. We wouldn’t recommend this for your daily, or even weekly harp schlepping, but for your occasional harp move, this is your harpmobile!

We aren’t really sure how to classify the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo (GT). It looks like a sedan, opens like a hatchback, and has the cargo capacity of a crossover. We never would have believed this car could hold a harp if we didn’t see it with our own eyes. The shape of the back hatch of the 5 Series GT allows enough clearance for the base of the harp, once you remove the standard hatchback cover that attaches to the lift gate (all hatchbacks have this and they pop on and off easily). The cargo area is very narrow and it is difficult to tilt the harp enough to clear the sides of the car. There are also giant metal hooks that stick up several inches from the seat backs on each side that you have to protect the harp against. The driver’s seat has to go forward a few inches to make room for the harp, but there is still enough room for an average-size female driver, though taller drivers might find it too cramped. We were about to give this car a below-average McFactor, but then we found a convenient little pop-out tray that made our day.

[pullquote]Not Many Minvans
Harpists love their minivans, but the pickings are slim this year. You’ll see a new model from Ford, the Transit Connect, but that just replaced their old Freestar minivan model. Gone are the Hyundai Entourage, Saturn Relay, Buick Terraza, Chevy Uplander, and Pontiac Montana. The good news is that there are still several excellent minivan options being produced, including the Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Dodge Caravan, Nissan Quest, and Kia Sedona. And there’s always the Mazda5 “microvan” if you are looking for something different. The designs of these minivans haven’t changed dramatically since we last looked at them in previous harpmobile reviews, so check those articles out if you want to see how they fared.[/pullquote]

BMW X3
Overall: Technically the X3 can fit a concert grand harp, but it’s more realistic as an option for a semi-grand or smaller.

Overall: Technically the X3 can fit a concert grand harp, but it’s more realistic as an option for a semi-grand or smaller.

The BMW X3 looks too short to be a harpmobile, but the salesman who helped us at the BMW dealership insisted we try it because he had a customer who played the harp and had this vehicle. The harp world being what it is, we knew the harpist-customer and also that his harp is slightly smaller than our test harp. We were skeptical a concert grand would fit, but it worked! The driver’s seat must be as far forward as it can go, which leaves enough room for a small to average-size driver. The cargo area is very narrow—maybe the narrowest and most difficult we saw in this review. When folded down, the seat backs in the X3 do not extend to the car doors as they do on most vehicles. Consequently, the harp hangs over the seat backs both vertically and horizontally. Other BMW models we looked at had better McFactors than the X3, but you will be more focused on driving this car than sipping your latte.

BMW X5
Overall: BMW comes through with a luxury crossover harpmobile that gives its competitors a run for their money.

Overall: BMW comes through with a luxury crossover harpmobile that gives its competitors a run for their money.

For a long time BMW offered few models that had harpmobile potential, and the ones that did, usually got nixed because of their Euro-seats. This year three, count ‘em, three, BMW models made the cut. The best harpmobile option, by far, though, is the BMW X5. This midsize crossover offers seating for either four or six passengers, plus a driver. We tried out the four-passenger model without the third-row seat. The tailgate splits, similar to what we see on some larger SUVs, but it didn’t present any problems in terms of loading. There is an incline where the back seats fold down, and the intersection where that incline begins makes more work for the harp loader. The harp’s crown hangs over the seat backs a couple of inches, but what the X5 lacks in length, it makes up for with enough width for the harp to slide in flat. The X5 impresses with its McFactor. The cup holders have a sliding cover that could function as a shelf, as could the split armrest.

[pullquote]Tough to Find
We did our best to test every potential harpmobile we could find. However, there were a few we literally could not find. Seems car manufacturers like to keep demand high with some popular models by holding supply low. We were unable to test the Hyundai Santa Fe (though we tried the smaller Santa Fe Sport), the Volvo XC70, and the Land Rover Range Rover Sport. We are sure these three will hold a harp, but the dealerships we visited had none in stock. If you are interested and try one of these models out, let us know what you think![/pullquote]

Cadillac SRX
Overall: The luxury crossover market is growing and the Cadillac SRX is the only American luxury harpmobile that made the cut this year.

Overall: The luxury crossover market is growing and the Cadillac SRX is the only American luxury harpmobile that made the cut this year.

The Cadillac SRX has been around for quite a while, but this is the first time we have looked at it for our harpmobile review. Previous models were larger, more powerful, and offered third-row seating. After its redesign in 2010, the current SRX is slightly smaller and only offers seating for the driver and four passengers. The SRX is nice and wide, allowing the harp to slide in flat. There is a metal track system on the cargo bed (something about allowing you to secure your grocery bags), but it doesn’t hinder harp loading in any way. In order to fit the harp in the SRX, the driver’s seat must be moved forward several inches, but there is still enough room for an average-size driver to feel comfortable. The McFactor is nothing to write home about with a couple of cup holders and no other notable space beyond the requisite armrest storage.

Chevrolet Equinox
Overall: There are better small crossovers out there from a harpability standpoint, but if you like Chevys, the Equinox will work as a harpmobile.

Overall: There are better small crossovers out there from a harpability standpoint, but if you like Chevys, the Equinox will work as a harpmobile.

Another option in the small crossover class is the Chevy Equinox. While the Equinox doesn’t have third-row seating, it still has a sizeable gap between the second row and the cargo area that we typically only saw on vehicles with third-row seats. There is no lip at the rear lift gate, but the cargo bed is too narrow to slide the harp in without tilting it, and the driver’s seat has to be moved slightly forward to fit the harp. These factors, combined with a slight incline from the second-row seats made for a low harpability score of one. The Equinox has a decent McFactor with two cup holders in the center console and a cubby and storage in the armrest.

[pullquote]You Can’t Label Me
Remember the days when you saw a vehicle out on the road and you knew immediately whether it was a truck, minivan, SUV, sedan, or station wagon? Then, somewhere along the way, automakers mucked it all up by creating the “crossover” vehicle and confusing us all. Technically, a crossover is a vehicle built on a car platform with styling features taken from both SUVs and passenger vehicles, especially station wagons and hatchbacks. Confused? You should be. With so much gray area, many vehicles straddle several categories because of their wide-ranging features. For instance, depending on the source you read, the Ford Flex is considered a wagon, a crossover, and an SUV. In this review, we categorized the harpmobiles as accurately as we could. But if you aren’t finding a particular vehicle in one category, it’s likely just hiding in another category.[/pullquote]

Chevrolet Traverse
2015 Chevrolet Traverse LTZ

Overall: Ample room and easy loading makes the Traverse a good option for a large crossover.

This large crossover is a much more comfortable fit for the harp than its little brother the Equinox. The exceptionally long cargo bed means the harp does not hang over the back seat at all. There is no lip on the Traverse’s rear hatch, and the cargo bed is wide enough to slide the harp in without tilting it at all. You can get the Traverse with either two captain’s chairs or a bench in the second row, giving you an option for six or seven passengers. We tested the six-passenger model which had a significant gap between the second and third rows, but the gap doesn’t affect the loading process much at all. The Traverse feels roomy in the driver’s seat and sits high like a traditional SUV, however, the McFactor is no better than average. You can apply this review to the GMC Acadia, and Buick Enclave, as they are triplets with the Chevy Traverse.

Dodge Durango
Overall: While the Durango’s crossover redesign may show up favorably in test drives, we didn’t find much of a difference in terms of harpability from its pre-2011 design. But its excellent McFactor helps make up for some harpability shortfalls.

Overall: While the Durango’s crossover redesign may show up favorably in test drives, we didn’t find much of a difference in terms of harpability from its pre-2011 design. But its excellent McFactor helps make up for some harpability shortfalls.

The last time we reviewed the Durango, it was a traditional truck-based SUV. But in 2011 Dodge redesigned the Durango as a large crossover. The Durango feels big and sturdy, similar to the Nissan Pathfinder or Chevy Traverse. The Durango boasts one of the longest cargo lengths we saw (85” with the driver’s seat all the way back), but it was surprisingly narrow width-wise. The harp does not slide in without having to be tilted to clear the sides, and the high cargo bed makes that somewhat difficult. There is also a very large gap between the second- and third-row seats, similar to the Nissan Pathfinder, though harp loading was noticeably easier in the Durango than it was in the Pathfinder. Despite the Durango being classified as a crossover, we thought it still felt like an SUV. You have to climb up into the driver’s seat—not an ideal entry style if you are wearing a long skirt and heels. The McFactor of the Durango is impressive, as it was when we first reviewed it in 2004. It has two cup holders, convenient device outlets, cubby space, and even room to put your sandwich!

[pullquote]Gone, But Not Forgotten
Some favorite harpmobile models, and even entire makes (so long, Pontiac) have gone by the wayside in recent years. If you’re shopping for a used harpmobile, check out our harpmobile reviews in the November/December issues from 2004, 2006, and 2008 (available as PDFs on our website or in hard copy by emailing us). Among the crowd favorites no longer in production are the Honda Element (SUV), Ford Freestar (minivan), Chevy Trailblazer (SUV), Dodge Magnum (wagon), and the Mazda MPV (minivan).[/pullquote]

Dodge Journey
Overall: If you are looking for a harpmobile with third-row seating that doesn’t feel like a monster, the Dodge Journey is worth a look.

Overall: If you are looking for a harpmobile with third-row seating that doesn’t feel like a monster, the Dodge Journey is worth a look.

Dodge didn’t come out with their first midsize crossover, the Journey, until 2009, after our last harpmobile review. The Journey is one of the few small to midsize crossovers with third-row seating, though the passengers in the third row need to be small if they are going to be comfortable. The seats fold down nice and flat, so the small gap between the seats is not as much of a problem to overcome as it is in other vehicles. The harp doesn’t quite clear the wheel wells without having to be tilted, but, again, because the cargo bed is so flat and it doesn’t sit as high as some larger SUVs, it’s not a problem. The Journey’s McFactor is average, neither hurting nor helping its appeal.

Ford Edge
Overall: The Edge is your run-of-the-mill crossover for harp loading: snug but comfortable for the harp, plenty of room for the driver.

Overall: The Edge is your run-of-the-mill crossover for harp loading: snug but comfortable for the harp, plenty of room for the driver.

Ford has a lot of options in this year’s harpmobile review, and the Edge is just one of several good offerings from the U.S. manufacturer. In terms of harpability, the Edge is your typical mid-size crossover: snug fit for the harp, not too high off the ground, slight incline in the cargo bed when the back seats are folded down. The Edge does not offer a third-row seat, unlike some of its competitors. The McFactor is decent, but nothing to write home about. Sitting in the driver’s seat felt roomy and comfortable.

Honda CR-V
Overall: The CR-V has terrific harpmobile potential on the outside, but the harp-hostile second row seat design makes this a disappointing option.

Overall: The Honda CR-V has terrific harpmobile potential on the outside, but the harp-hostile second row seat design makes this a disappointing option.

There was a time when many carmakers designed their second-row seats to fold down by first pulling the seat bottom up and then pushing the seat back down. This was especially popular on foreign models, earning the term “Euro seats” in our 2006 harpmobile review. The Euro seat is much less prevalent today, so we were surprised and a little dismayed to find Euro seats in Honda’s popular CR-V crossover. While the back seat design doesn’t prevent the CR-V from hauling a harp, it does make it very difficult. In order to fit the harp, we had to boost the harp’s crown and knee block up on pillows we had brought along in order to raise the harp high enough to rest on top of the flipped up seat bottom. Not helping its harpability, CR-V is a little narrow, it has a significant dip of several inches after the back hatch lip, and the driver’s seat must be moved forward a few inches. It is still comfortable for an average-size female driver, but does not leave much more room to spare. The CR-V has an unexpectedly nice McFactor given its dismal harpability rating.

[pullquote]Car Salesmen
The car salespeople we meet doing the harpmobile review are a colorful breed of characters. Our experiences with them provide enough fodder for an article unto itself. There’s the unnecessarily nice guy, Larry, at Land Rover who insists we take some cold bottled water on our way out even though we didn’t buy anything and we just took an hour of his time. There’s the Lexus manager who asked for some live music in the lobby after we finished testing their cars. Then there’s the Honda salesman who looks to be well past retirement age, who sprints out to the parking lot to help with the harp loading and nearly has a heart attack as a result. And, living up to the car salesman stereotype, there’s the Kia guy who offers us a $100 kickback if we send in a friend who buys a car from him.[/pullquote]

Infiniti QX60
Overall: The QX60 is pricey, but its many seating options make it a good option in the luxury harpmobile arena, and for a slightly higher price tag, you can get it as a hybrid model.

Overall: The QX60 is pricey, but its many seating options make it a good option in the luxury harpmobile arena, and for a slightly higher price tag, you can get it as a hybrid model.

2014 is the first model year for the Infiniti QX60, though it’s pretty much the 2013 Infiniti JX with a different name. (It would be so much less confusing if car manufacturers would just stick to one name.) The QX60 holds six passengers plus a driver with plenty of room for all. Loading the harp was a breeze—plenty wide and not too high. An interesting note about the QX60 is that we found we could actually make room for one passenger in the back seat with the harp loaded. The second row is a 60/40 split bench seat, so if you leave the shorter side up behind the passenger seat and tilt the harp up so the right side of the harp’s soundbox rests on the side of the back seat, you can carry an additional passenger. Now this isn’t a solution we would advocate using often since the weight of the harp probably rests disproportionately on the soundbox instead of spreading it out more evenly when it’s resting flat. If we were to transport a harp like this on a regular basis, we would want to consult a trusted harp technician about this setup first. But if you are trying to fit your entire chamber music trio in your car, the QX60 could be your ride.

Infiniti QX70
Overall: If you want a fun harpmobile to drive, the QX70 is it. If you want a comfortable harpmobile to get you to your gigs, the QX70 is wishful thinking.

Overall: If you want a fun harpmobile to drive, the QX70 is it. If you want a comfortable harpmobile to get you to your gigs, the QX70 is wishful thinking.

Billed as a performance crossover, the Infiniti QX70 is the smaller, sportier brother of the QX60. The QX70 barely makes the cut in our harpmobile review. In order to fit the harp in the back, the driver’s seat must be so far forward that you feel like you are eating the steering wheel. Loading the harp in the car, though, was actually easier than we thought it would be for a crossover of this size. We were disappointed by the McFactor of the QX70, but we aren’t sure you’d be able to enjoy a burger on the way to a gig given how close to the steering wheel you have to sit.

Kia Sorento
Overall: The Kia Sorento is a solid choice for those looking for a crossover with third-row seating, provided you aren’t six-foot-five.

Overall: The Kia Sorento is a solid choice for those looking for a crossover with third-row seating, provided you aren’t six-foot-five.

The Kia Sorento is considered a mid-size crossover, and it comes with optional third-row seating, albeit a tight squeeze for those relegated to the back row. The Sorento scores a two on our harpability scale, but it certainly would have scored higher had we been able to load the harp without moving the driver’s seat forward. The Sorento is nice and wide, allowing us to slide the harp in. There is a small incline and gap between the second- and third-row seats, but because the Sorento doesn’t sit too high, we easily overcame the hitches. Despite moving the driver’s seat forward, it is surprisingly roomy up front and has a decent McFactor with easy access to device outlets.

[pullquote]123 XYZ
Admittedly, we are not gearheads here at Harp Column, so we don’t follow the automobile industry as closely as those who make cars. However, it would make the car consumer’s life so much easier if manufacturers would refrain from naming cars with random letter/number combinations like QX60, CX-5, or SRX and just stick to nice, easy names to remember like Pilot, Escape, or Tribeca. Where are the comment cards?[/pullquote]

Kia Sportage
Overall: Sure, the Sportage works as a harpmobile, but why would you make your life difficult when there are better options out there?

Overall: Sure, the Sportage works as a harpmobile, but why would you make your life difficult when there are better options out there?

The Kia Sportage is typical of many in the compact crossover class—you can fit a harp in, but it’s a tight squeeze for both harp and driver. The Sportage has no lip on the rear lift gate, but that is the only plus for this vehicle in terms of harpability. The cargo area is narrow, requiring the mover to tilt the harp to get it in, which is difficult because of the tall height of the cargo bed. There is a slight incline from the back seat and the harp’s crown hangs over the seat back quite a bit. The McFactor was a bright spot for the Sportage, measuring up to its big brother, the Sorento, in that category.

Lexus RX 350
Overall: If you are looking for a luxury harpmobile with virtually effortless harp loading, the Lexus RX 350 should be on your short list.

Overall: If you are looking for a luxury harpmobile with virtually effortless harp loading, the Lexus RX 350 should be on your short list.

Back in our 2008 review, we looked at the hybrid version of the Lexus RX 350 (the RX 400h), and reviewed its previous iteration (the RX 330) in our 2004 harpmobile review. (We should note that a hybrid version of this car is still available.) Our Lexus salesman assured us the interior cargo space had undergone a thorough redesign since we last tried it out, and that this midsize crossover was worth reviewing again. And in case you are wondering, he knew we were not in the market to buy a Lexus when he told us that. Loading the harp in the RX 350 is as easy as we remember it was 10 years ago. The driver’s seat has to be moved forward a couple of inches, but the harp slides in flat, without any hitches. The driver’s seat is still comfortable and roomy with the harp loaded, though the McFactor is nothing to get excited about. The RX 350’s harpability score was hampered by the driver’s seat position and the slight hangover of the harp’s crown beyond the edge of the back seat.

Mazda CX-5
Overall: While not an ideal harpmobile because of its compact size, the CX-5 could be an excellent harpmobile for someone who wants the smallest crossover they can find for harp hauling.

Overall: While not an ideal harpmobile because of its compact size, the CX-5 could be an excellent harpmobile for someone who wants the smallest crossover they can find for harp hauling.

Mazda entered the small crossover market in 2013 with the CX-5, which felt to us like the “light” version of the CX-9. Because the CX-5 is smaller than the CX-9, the driver’s seat must be moved forward a few inches to accommodate the harp’s length. There is still enough room for an average-size female driver, but there’s not much leg room to spare. The CX-5 isn’t wide enough to allow the harp to slide in flat, but since the cargo bed sits at a nice crossover height, tilting the harp through that space isn’t too difficult. There is a lip on the tailgate of about two inches and a slight incline to negotiate, but we found it to be a pretty easy solo load. The McFactor fell a little short, with less room up front than the CX-9.

Mazda CX-9
Overall: Though it’s not a hassle-free harpmobile, the CX-9’s stylish looks and roominess make it an option worth considering.

Overall: Though it’s not a hassle-free harpmobile, the CX-9’s stylish looks and roominess make it an option worth considering.

Mazda has produced some interesting harpmobiles, including its hugely popular “micro-van,” the Mazda 5, and the MPV, which was a leading minivan in our first harpmobile review back in 1993. Mazda has two harpmobiles in our review this time around, both are crossover, and the Mazda CX-9 is a large crossover with room to spare for harp hauling. It reminds us of the Honda Pilot in terms of size, but the Pilot outperformed the CX-9 in harpability. While the vehicle has plenty of room to hold the harp, you can’t slide the harp in flat because of the change in elevation between the second and third-row seats when they are folded flat. Instead of an upward incline, the seats create a ledge that is a couple of inches higher than the rest of the cargo bed, creating a headache for harp loaders. Luckily for the CX-9, the cargo bed sits more at a crossover height than a higher SUV height, making it possible—thought not enjoyable—to negotiate the ledge. Once loaded, the CX-9 is roomy without feeling like you are operating a tank, and the McFactor is respectable.

Nissan Murano
Overall: Despite no third-row seating, we still love the Murano for its easy harp loading.

Overall: Despite no third-row seating, we still love the Murano for its easy harp loading.

The Nissan Murano was a favorite from our 2004 harpmobile review. The mid-size crossover had just come out and had a lot of buzz because of what a departure it was from the traditional SUVs on the road. The Murano received a redesign in 2009 and this second generation model is still a favorite of ours. Loading the harp was a cinch in the Murano. The harp slides flat thanks to the car’s ample width. There was a slight incline from the back seats, but no other hitches, so it was no problem. The driver’s seat had to be moved forward slightly, keeping the Murano’s harpability score down, but there was still ample room for a tall driver with the harp loaded. After trying its smaller, more compact sibling, the Rogue first, the wider and longer Murano provided headache-free loading. The McFactor is similar to the Rogue, performing better than many of Nissan’s competitors. The biggest drawback to the Murano is probably its limited passenger seating, maxing out at a driver and four passengers when the harp is not loaded.

Nissan Rogue
Overall: If you are looking for a crossover that can seat a lot of passengers, but you can spare the extra room when toting your harp, the Rogue could be your car.

Overall: If you are looking for a crossover that can seat a lot of passengers, but you can spare the extra room when toting your harp, the Rogue could be your car.

In 2008 the Nissan Rogue had just hit the market when we looked at it for our review of green harpmobiles. Completely redesigned for 2014, we decided it was time for another look. The Rogue didn’t fare too well in harpability, but that was only because of the compact size of the car. In terms of ease of loading the harp, the Rogue performed decently, though the clearance between the wheel wells is a bit narrow. The driver’s seat must be moved forward to fit the harp in, but it still left enough room to feel comfortable. However, if you are long-legged or tall, it might not work. The McFactor of the Rogue is better than we see in its Ford, Chevy, and Hyundai competitors, putting it on par with the Honda models. We should note that the Rogue has seating options for four passengers or up to six passengers with third-row seating. Impressive for a crossover of its size.

Subaru Forester
Overall: Welcome to the party, Forester. You might not have the best harpability, but for harpists who love you for non-harp reasons, at least you are now an option.

Overall: Welcome to the party, Forester. You might not have the best harpability, but for harpists who love you for non-harp reasons, at least you are now an option.

We have tried and failed in the past to fit a harp in a Subaru Forester. Newly redesigned for the 2014 model year, the Forester is now officially in the running for your next harpmobile. The Forester is considered a compact crossover, and compact it is. The driver’s seat must be moved forward significantly, the harp must be tilted to clear the narrow wheel wells, and the harp’s crown hangs over the edge of the cargo bed by four or five inches. There is a ledge where the second row seat meets the cargo area, but there is a Velcro covering for it, so it doesn’t present any problems in terms of harp loading. As tight as the fit is for the harp, we love the height of the Forester. It sits lower—more of a wagon-height than a crossover-height—making loading and getting in and out of the driver’s seat a breeze. With the harp loaded, though, there’s not much extra breathing room for the driver.

Subaru Tribeca
Overall: It’s not a perfect harpmobile, but the Tribeca’s roominess make it a solid midsize crossover option.

Overall: It’s not a perfect harpmobile, but the Tribeca’s roominess make it a solid midsize crossover option.

With all the love that Subarus get from harpists and civilians alike, we were excited to try out their first midsize crossover. The Tribeca is bigger than Subaru’s popular Forester and Outback models, and sits higher, but not any higher than other crossovers. The Tribeca can seat up to six passengers without the harp, but with the extra seating comes the dreaded “gap” we see on so many crossovers with third-row seating. In the case of the Tribeca, the gap was more like the Grand Canyon. The Tribeca’s cargo bed is relatively low and wide, though, allowing the harp loader to negotiate the Grand Canyon with minimal problems. Though the driver’s seat must be moved forward a few inches there is still so much room for the driver. The Tribeca’s McFactor was a little bit of a letdown, but it certainly wasn’t the worst we have seen.

Volvo XC60
Overall: Had the Volvo XC60 been a couple inches longer and a couple inches lower, it would have been one of our top picks. It is still definitely worthy of consideration.

Overall: Had the Volvo XC60 been a couple inches longer and a couple inches lower, it would have been one of our top picks. It is still definitely worthy of consideration.

Though the Volvo XC60 only scores a 1.5 in harpability, it has a lot going for it. The cargo bed is so flat and wide we just had to stand there and admire it for a moment before loading the harp. We had to move the driver’s seat forward slightly to fit the harp in, and we also felt like we had to slightly hoist the harp up into the cargo bed, so that kept the XC60’s harpability scores down, but we still really like this harpmobile. It does leave a little bit to be desired in the McFactor department with just two cup holders and a cover that slides over them, which you could fashion into a burger shelf.

 SUVs

Ford Escape
Overall: In a sea of SUVs, the Escape doesn’t stand out for either good or bad reasons. It’s middle-of-the-road and definitely worth consideration, especially if you are a Ford fan.

Overall: In a sea of SUVs, the Escape doesn’t stand out for either good or bad reasons. It’s middle-of-the-road and definitely worth consideration, especially if you are a Ford fan.

There are lots of SUVs on the market that can haul a harp, and the Ford Escape deserves consideration. The driver’s seat has to move slightly forward to accommodate the harp, which kept the Escape’s harpability score down to a two, but there was still ample room for the driver and harp in this SUV. The Escape has almost no lip on the rear hatch and the cargo bed folds down very flat. The harp has to be tilted slightly to slide it in, but it doesn’t present too much trouble. The McFactor is similar to the Ford Edge—average.

Ford Explorer
Overall: If you like the traditional SUV feel, sitting high in the driver’s seat, the Explorer will deliver. If you want an easy harp load, the Explorer falls short.

Overall: If you like the traditional SUV feel, sitting high in the driver’s seat, the Explorer will deliver. If you want an easy harp load, the Explorer falls short.

The Explorer has been a perennial powerhouse of the SUV market since Ford introduced it in 1991. For as big as the Explorer feels from the driver’s seat, it isn’t excessively roomy for harps, and even less so for passengers. In terms of loading, the Explorer’s cargo bed felt very high. There was a gap between the second- and third-row seats that could be eliminated on the passenger side by sliding the second-row seat back, but this option was not available on the driver’s side second-row seat (much to the surprise of our salesperson). The cargo bed didn’t allow the harp to slide in without tilting it. The gap and high cargo bed made for a difficult load, but once it was in, the harp fit without hanging over the back seat. The McFactor was similar to other Fords, providing adequate space for snacks.

Honda Pilot
Overall: Roomy and comfortable, the Pilot is a solid contender for those in the market for a harpmobile that can carry seven passengers without venturing into the large SUV class.

Overall: Roomy and comfortable, the Pilot is a solid contender for those in the market for a harpmobile that can carry seven passengers without venturing into the large SUV class.

The Pilot was a favorite from our 2004 harpmobile review, and remains a favorite 10 years later. The Pilot was redesigned in 2009, giving it more usable interior space. That ample interior space provides plenty of room for a cart or other accessories after the harp is loaded. The Pilot’s flat and wide cargo bed make for smooth harp loading once you negotiate the small lip on the back hatch. The only thing that keeps its harpability rating down is how high the cargo bed felt, giving credence to what some reviews say about this second generation of the Pilot being more “trucklike” than the first generation. The comfortable McFactor makes you forget any hiccups in harpability, much like the Dodge Durango.

Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
Overall: While the Santa Fe Sport might stand out in other areas, it has room for improvement in harpability.

Overall: While the Santa Fe Sport might stand out in other areas, it has room for improvement in harpability.

We reviewed the Santa Fe in 2006, but when Hyundai introduced its smaller, more athletic brother, the Santa Fe Sport, in 2013, we knew we had to give it a try. Predictably, the harp is a snug fit in the Santa Fe Sport, but not an uncomfortable fit. Loading the harp into the Santa Fe Sport is more trouble than we’d like to see in a mid-size SUV. The back seat poses a significant incline, making it difficult to slide the harp in. The harp also gets stuck where the bottom of the back seat meets the rear cargo bed. There isn’t a large gap, but because the back seat doesn’t lie flat, the small gap becomes a big problem. Once loaded, the harp hangs over the back seat about six inches. The driver’s seat must be moved forward slightly to accommodate the harp’s length, but there was still ample room for the driver. The McFactor was average on the Santa Fe Sport, with the standard two cup holders in the center console, a cubby, and storage in the armrest.

Hyundai Tucson
Overall: Where harp-toting is concerned, there are better options than the Tucson in the same class.

Overall: Where harp-toting is concerned, there are better options than the Tucson in the same class.

The Hyundai Tucson is not a harpmobile option for everyone. The Tucson is a small SUV, but its limited cargo space makes for an even tighter fit for the harp than most of its competitors, such as the Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, or even the Mazda CX-5. Loading the harp wasn’t difficult, but in order to close the back hatch, the driver’s seat must be moved all the way forward. An average size driver will feel like she is eating the steering wheel—not ideal if you move your harp on a regular basis. However, if you are a smaller person or play a semi-grand, petite, or lever harp, the Tucson is a more appealing option.

Infiniti QX80
Overall: Sure, it’s spacious, but the armrest and tall height of the cargo bed lead us to think there are better options for a luxury harpmobile.

Overall: Sure, it’s spacious, but the armrest and tall height of the cargo bed lead us to think there are better options for a luxury harpmobile.

The QX80 is Infiniti’s biggest vehicle, obviously large enough to hold a harp. The QX80 is new in 2014, but it is basically Infiniti’s old QX56 with a new name. The QX80 is one of these full-size SUVs where you have to use the handle bar on the inside of the driver’s door opening to pull yourself up into the seat. Not only does the driver sit up high in the QX80, but so does the harp; we feel like we really have to hoist the harp up onto the cargo bed, which is created by folding down the third-row bench seat and two captains’ chairs. The big problem with the QX80 is the armrest between the two captain’s chairs. It sits four inches higher than the folded-down seat backs. The armrest doesn’t make it impossible to load the harp, but it does make it a huge pain. The Infiniti salesman who helped us says you can remove the armrest, but that involves unbolting it from the floor, so it’s more of a permanent solution than something you want to do every time you have to load your harp. As with other luxury harpmobiles, automatic folding third-row seats come standard on the QX80, along with some other convenient features. The QX80’s McFactor is among the best we looked at with ample space, three cup holders, and options for a shelf.

Lexus GX
Overall: The effort it takes to load the harp in the Lexus GX is proportional to the SUV’s size and price tag.

Overall: The effort it takes to load the harp in the Lexus GX is proportional to the SUV’s size and price tag.

Perched up in the driver’s seat of the Lexus GX, you feel like you could literally take a right turn and navigate an off-road short cut if you are running late for your gig. This luxury SUV seats up to six passengers, plus the driver. Once folded down, there is a ledge and a small gap between the second- and third-row seats, which is minimized by sliding the second-row seats as far back as possible. As with most luxury vehicles, the seats in the GX fold down automatically, which is a nice feature except when the battery dies while you’re folding down the seats and you have to charge the battery to complete the job (not that we are speaking from experience). The tailgate of the GX swings open to the right, rather than up. We found this slightly annoying, but it’s probably something you would get used to. The height of the GX makes us feel like we are throwing the harp up into the cargo bed. Not something we would want to do on a regular basis.

Lexus LX
Overall: Unless you regularly transport your harp off-road, down ravines, and across dried up riverbeds, the steep sticker price of the Lexus LX could be better spent on other luxury harpmobiles.

Overall: Unless you regularly transport your harp off-road, down ravines, and across dried up riverbeds, the steep sticker price of the Lexus LX could be better spent on other luxury harpmobiles.

One look in the back of a Lexus LX and there is no doubt that a harp will fit in this behemoth of an SUV. The question is, how difficult is it to load the harp? Lucky for you, we’re going to answer the question so you don’t have to lug your harp to the nearest Lexus dealer to find out. This luxury SUV is built to maximize its off-road capabilities, while still offering cushy seating for up to seven passengers, plus the driver. The tailgate is split, extending the lip of the tailgate by about a foot. The third row seats can fold up and out toward the side walls of the SUV, or fold down, both with the push of a button. Though they don’t fold flat into the floor, with both rows of seats folded down, you can lay the harp on top of the seat backs. It takes quite a bit of heaving to get the harp up into the Lexus LX, but, honestly, it ended up being easier that it first looked, given the height of the cargo bed with the seats folded down. The McFactor was adequate, but given the size and price of the Lexus LX, we expected better.

Nissan Pathfinder
Overall: Harp loading is hard work and the Pathfinder doesn’t make it any easier.

Overall: Harp loading is hard work and the Pathfinder doesn’t make it any easier.

Back in 2004 we reviewed the granddaddy of the Nissan lineup, the Armada. This year we looked at the Pathfinder, which, while certainly not as large as the Armada, doesn’t lack for space. After trying so many small and mid-size SUVs, we were looking forward to an easy, spacious harp loading experience. Unfortunately, the Pathfinder didn’t deliver as we hoped. Typical of many SUVs with third-row seating, the Pathfinder had a cavernous gap between the second and third rows. The second row also presented a slight incline. When you throw those factors in with the traditional SUV-height of the cargo bed, you have a recipe for a tough harp load. Certainly an after-market cover for the gap between the seats would make harp loading easier in the Pathfinder, but compared with other larger SUVs we tested, the Pathfinder was the most difficult to load the harp. Once we muscled the harp in, the fit was very spacious with plenty of room for a cart, amp, whatever you need to haul to the gig. From the driver’s seat, the Pathfinder feels a little like a tank, and the McFactor was decent with a huge armrest that could double as your table for lunch on the go. The Pathfinder has been around since the early ‘90s, and was redesigned in 2013 with major changes inside and out. The 2014 Pathfinder is also available as a hybrid, but with a significantly higher price tag than the conventional model.

Toyota 4Runner
Overall: Average size female harpists will struggle to hoist the harp into the 4Runner, but if you are on the taller side, this drawback could be a moot point.

Overall: Average size female harpists will struggle to hoist the harp into the 4Runner, but if you are on the taller side, this drawback could be a moot point.

Toyota has been manufacturing its 4Runner model since 1984. It has enjoyed huge popularity, and makes it into our harpmobile review for the first time this year. The 4Runner is smaller and more affordable than Toyota’s Sequoia and Land Cruiser SUVs. It’s still a large vehicle, though, and sits high off the ground as is typical of SUVs. For as big as the 4Runner is, the harp was a tight fit in the cargo area with the driver’s seat all the way back. About six inches above the lip of the 4Runner’s back hatch sits the cargo bed. The second row seats did not fold completely flat either, so the high bed plus the incline made for difficult harp loading. The 4Runner’s good McFactor, with four cup holders for the driver, two cubbies and mega storage in the armrest, improves our opinion about the vehicle.

Toyota RAV4
Overall: The harp almost loads itself in the RAV4, it’s so easy. A definite front runner if you don’t mind the limited passenger seating.

Overall: The harp almost loads itself in the RAV4, it’s so easy. A definite front runner if you don’t mind the limited passenger seating.

Loading a harp in the Toyota RAV4 was so effortless, we feel like perhaps the Toyota engineers had harpists in mind when they redesigned the popular compact SUV last year. The RAV4’s 2013 overhaul marked the fourth generation of the vehicle. The first two generations were too short to fit a harp. The third generation (produced from 2006-2012) functioned well as a harpmobile, but this fourth generation model works even better. Gone is the back hatch that swung out, replaced by a traditional top-hinged liftgate. While the new liftgate is much more harp-friendly, it comes with a trade-off. The spare tire used to be on the outside of the back hatch, but now it is housed in the car, under the cargo bed, like most other crossovers and SUVs. Also gone is the third-row seating option, which could be a drawback if you are looking to maximize your passenger seating. The flat, low cargo bed made for remarkably easy harp loading. The harp fits like a glove in the CR-V, a welcome change after muscling the instrument into so many other vehicles. While the McFactor was average, the front seat feels big for a smaller SUV. The RAV4’s fuel efficiency is pretty good at a combined 26 mpg, but it also comes in an electric model that boasts astronomic fuel efficiency (78 city/74 highway mpg), but also an astronomical price tag of more than twice the RAV4’s base model price.

Volkswagen Touareg
Overall: If you are looking for top-notch harpability, the Touareg doesn’t deliver, especially for its salty price tag.

Overall: If you are looking for top-notch harpability, the Touareg doesn’t deliver, especially for its salty price tag.

The good news is that you can fit a concert grand harp in the Touareg. This was not always possible. Since being redesigned in 2011, the mid-size SUV is now in the running as a harpmobile, but it’s not going to win any awards for harpability. The second row seats don’t even come close to folding flat, creating the steepest incline we have seen in this review. Luckily, the wide cargo bed allows the harp to slide right in without tilting it, otherwise the Mt. Everest like incline of the second row seat might present an insurmountable obstacle. The driver’s seat of the Touareg must be moved forward a few inches to accommodate the harp, but it is still comfortable for a driver of average female height. The McFactor was nothing great. The Touareg is also available as a diesel or hybrid. The diesel model costs the same but boasts slightly better gas mileage. The hybrid model is about $20,000 more than the base model price and gets about the same fuel economy as the diesel.

Minivans

Ford Transit Connect
Overall: If you want a budget-friendly minivan, but don’t need all of the bells and whistles, the Transit Connect is worth a look.

Overall: If you want a budget-friendly minivan, but don’t need all of the bells and whistles, the Transit Connect is worth a look.

The good news: Ford’s newly redesigned Transit Connect offers the only new minivan to hit the market lately. The bad news: It has no frills—none of the bells and whistles that come standard on the other minivans on the market. The minivan looks more like a European delivery van than a typical family-friendly minivan, but if you can get past the boxy, almost commercial design, it has a lot to offer. The seats do not fold into the floor, but do fold flat, making a smooth bed that sits about six inches higher than the rear lift gate lip. Because the floor of the van is so low (rear lift gate lip stands at 24”), the raised ledge doesn’t cause any problems for harp loading. The seating configuration is opposite of most minivans. The second row is a bench seat with a 60/40 split, while the third row has two captain’s chairs. You can column load the harp, but only on the “60” side of the split bench seat, leaving room for two passengers in the back—one in the second row, and one in the third row. The harp would need to be secured with some bungee cords and padding if you column load this way, but getting the harp in was easy.

Also an unexpected plus, the rear lift gate provides enough clearance that the harp can stand up under it, providing cover from the elements and eliminating the worry about banging the crown on it as you lower the harp into the van. The Transit Connect’s standard features are utilitarian—vinyl seats, manual sliding back doors, just two cup holders and no other storage up front—but upgrade options are always available.