Compact Four-Door SUV
Our Pick: Honda CR-V
Compact SUVs offer a good combination of four-door practicality at a reasonable price. Several vehicles in the category feature V-6s, but that option can tack on as much as 25 percent to the total price. Traditionally, strong players in this segment include the Ford Escape, Jeep Liberty, and Nissan Xterra, but, not surprisingly, none have a four-cylinder engine that provides much power. Also, not surprising, the Honda CR-V's standard 2.4-liter four-banger feels only slightly less powerful than the bigger compact's V-6s, yet has much better fuel economy. We think they offer the most versatile and well-thought-out interior of the category.
To get more information on all the vehicles included in this class, please click on the headline graphic above to reveal a 1274-pixel-wide in-depth spec chart.
Ultimate-Performance SUV
Our Pick: Hummer H2
Unofficially, this is our "Money Is No Object" category, so pricing typically doesn't come into play; however, it's worth noting that this year's selection is also the vehicle with the least-expensive base price. The much-publicized Hummer H2 is a combination of many 3/4-ton GM truck parts, assembled in a way to make one of the strongest, capability-driven 4x4 SUVs we've seen in a while. At a time when political correctness seems to be infiltrating design studios, it's almost refreshing to see a vehicle make no apologies for its ruggedness. We'd place the $25,000 (more expensive) M-B G500 in the same category. Another standout of the group is the super-luxurious (and off-road capable) Range Rover.
To get more information on all the vehicles included in this class, please click on the headline graphic above to reveal a 1274-pixel-wide in-depth spec chart.
Half-Ton Extended-Cab 4WD Pickup
Our Pick: Chevy/GMC Silverado/Sierra
Manufacturers understand this is the segment that can make or break their entire model lineup. That's why vehicles, like the new 1/2-ton Ram, came out with such fanfare last year and the new F-150 will received so much attention this year. You can bet both Toyota and GM are deep into their current-model upgrades and innovations with upcoming redesigns, as well. We like the Chevy/GMC interiors and engine lineup in this segment, with towing as one of our top priorities. In addition, we've driven each of these trucks close to full payload capacity and the Silverado/Sierra handles it without ride and handling sacrifice.
To get more information on all the vehicles included in this class, please click on the headline graphic above to reveal a 1274-pixel-wide in-depth spec chart.