I just took home a VehiCROSS this past Saturday after test driving it. My experience is that the VX rides very nicely on smooth pavement. Pavement imperfections do give a firm kick, and it can bounce around a little on a poorly maintained road, but it always feels under control. It does feel a little stiff, but that is expected and this is a very capable off-roader. While it is deceptively heavy, the VX feels very surefooted and nimble on its feet. It performs well even in fairly aggressive cornering, with not a lot of body roll to speak of. Braking is impressive, and acceleration is not blistering but it is fun and among the quickest SUVs, at least for now. The turning radius is also a pleasant surprise. My understanding is that the stock shocks are pretty darned good ones and if you plan on doing any off-roading my initial feeling is that I'd probably leave them alone.