|
Moving
in any direction is pretty much what a rock solid sport utility
vehicle is all about. Uphill, downhill, through muddy parking
lot trenches, or across icy tundras that would challenge even
the reputation of the U.S. Postal service. The things that
could bog down most vehicles are simply so many exercises
in stamina for this most resourceful one. (A stubborn water
buffalo or shopping mall cart blocking your path would count
as two.)
In
our search for resourcefulness behind the wheel, we gave
top marks to Land Rover's new, refined, yet tough as nails
LR3. This sport utility vehicle fulfilled the wish list
and fixed shortcomings that kept the previous generation
model it replaced from making the grade. Through all the
changes, the LR3 manages to remain distinctively Land Rover.
Underpinning the new LR3 is a frame technology that addresses
the demands of many driving conditions with an amenity-laden
interior geared for solid comfort and nimble performance.
More power, better road manners and a deference for a quiet,
comfortable ride vie for attention with five different terrain
settings, three meant for going off-road. Two systems enhance
braking on rugged landscape. Elevated ride and ample headroom,
give LR3 a height advantage on roads. Good ground clearance
and adjustable air suspension augment its ability to forage
through almost any terrain. We find it merges the best of
both worlds.
| Honorable
Mentions: |
|
Ford
Escape Hybrid
At a glance one couldn't guess Ford's hybrid Escape
small sport utility was any different than its thousands
of brothers already on American roads. Close up, or
behind the wheel it's still hard to tell. Check below
deck for the unfamiliar battery and conversion hardware,
or gauge fuel consumption and sparse emissions to
know this is Ford's first venture into high volume
gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles. As the world's
first "full" hybrid SUV, it runs on electricity
or gas alone, or a combo of both. We salute Ford for
choosing one of its best sellers as a launch pad,
where "green" gains can have the broadest
impact.
Nissan
Pathfinder
Put an advanced and functional interior in a newly
developed body on frame with handsome styling and
authoritative guts and you have the redesigned Nissan
Pathfinder. This seven seater goes off-road with abandon
or on-road in comfort and style, surrounded in Bose
premium sound or the flicker of wireless, headphone-muted
DVD. Crickets in the farthest reaches of woodlands
can provide a nocturnal symphony when its far from
city lights or anything resembling a road. We think
Nissan's staple mid-size sport utility is so improved;
we honor it among our best.
|
|
