2000 Sport/Utility Buyer's Guide

BMW X5Designed for those who like an active lifestyle, but still enjoy being pampered in BMW-like poshness, the all-new X5 Sports Activity Vehicle, comes with responsive performance, generous proportions, and more intelligent features than the JPL think tank. Although made in America, German genius is plentiful including dynamic stability control, hill descent control, cornering brake control, and self-leveling electronically controlled air suspension. The X5 comes standard with a 2.8-liter/190-horsepower inline-six or an optional (and recommended) 4.4-liter/282-horsepower V-8. About a half-foot shorter than the 5 Series, and slightly wider than the 7 Series, the X5 will compete with the likes of the Lexus RX 300 and M Class.

Chevrolet SuburbanAs part of its 65th birthday, Chevy reengineered, revamped, and otherwise recreated its venerable Suburban. The tweaking began with the suspension to improve on-road ride quality. A more capable, Silverado-derived 4.8-liter/275-horsepower V-8 brings 20 more standard horses, while a 5.3-liter/285-horse and 6.0-liter/300-horse V-8s are optional. All engines can be paired with rear- or four-wheel drive. Rounder exterior contours and a smoother interior lend sleekness to the rig. Other new interior perks include optional heated seats, optional second-row bucket seats, a new ventilation system, and premium audio package.

Cadillac EscaladeEvery bit as luxurious as any other Cadillac, and every bit as tough as any other GM truck, the {{{Cadillac Escalade}}} melds sedan-style luxury with truck-like ruggedness to create an ultra-luxo SUV. Derived from the Yukon Denali, the sole powertrain in the Escalade is a 5.7-liter/255-horsepower V-8 coupled with a four-speed automatic transmission. An AutoTrac-selectable four-wheel-drive system allows you to choose from five different traction control and towing options. Complete with plush leather, Zebrano wood accents, and OnStar computer the Escalade tops off its long list of features with a dual CD player Bose sound system. New this year: optional vertical rear cargo doors.

Chevrolet TahoeCompletely rebuilt from the ground up, Chevy's Tahoe motors into 2000 more ready than ever to go anywhere and do anything. Underhood, the Tahoe now comes packing a 4.8-liter/175-horsepower V-8 standard, or an optional 5.3-liter/285-horse V-8. A stiffer frame and enhanced suspension gives the Tahoe better on-road manners and greater off-road capability. Plenty of new safety features have been added, as well, like four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes and side airbags. Demands for extra seating capacity have been met, thanks to the addition of a rear third-row bench seat. Add all this to a long list of standard features and stunning good looks and you've got the makings of a winner.

{{{Chevrolet Blazer}}} SeriesJunior member of Chevy's sport/ute lineup, the Blazer receives only minor changes for 2000. A dark argent grille now adorns LS models, new blackwall tires are added to the Trail Blazer model, and all Blazers come with new color options. Available with two doors or four, the Blazer can be had in street cruisin' two-wheel drive, or off-roadin' four-by. Standard LS trim comes with many features, including air conditioning and a theft deterrent system. LT trim, only available on four-door models, adds cruise control, a CD player, and more, while the top-of-the-line Trail Blazer adds leather and other comforts. All Blazers are powered by a 4.3-liter/190-horsepower V-6.

Chevrolet TrackerSUV shoppers on a budget don't need to compromise fun for frugality. A reengineering in '99 brought the Chevy Tracker new styling, features, and capability. This compact SUV features a choice of two engines, a 1.6-liter/97-horsepower inline-four or a 2.0-liter/127-horsepower variant that can be paired with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic gearbox. Similar to its {{{Suzuki Vitara}}} platformmate, the Tracker comes either as a four-door or two-door convertible and is available in either two- or four-wheel drive. A ladder-type frame adds to the integrity of the vehicle, while a variety of optional features allows you to keep the price low or add many comforts.

Dodge DurangoFor those seeking the maneuverability of a midsize SUV but preferring the seating capacity of a fullsize, the Durango can accommodate both desires. Larger than an Explorer or Blazer, but considerably smaller than an Expedition or Tahoe, the Durango features seating for five to eight people, and comes in two-wheel drive and full- or part-time four-wheel drive. New for 2000, the 4.7-liter/235-horsepower V-8 that's now optional on the Dakota becomes optional on the Durango, as well. A 5.2-liter/230-horsepower V-8 is standard on rear drivers, while an optional high-end 5.9-liter V-8 puts out 245 horsepower. Also new this year is a value-priced Sport package that joins the other two trim levels.

Ford ExplorerFord enhances its top-selling SUV for 2000 by building on its existing strengths. Freshened styling in '99 brought it new bumpers, grille, headlights, and moldings. This year adds new exterior colors and a standard towing package to the XLT Sport, Eddie Bauer, and Limited models. Five trim levels allow you to customize the interior with various comfort and safety features. Sporty two-door and utilitarian four-door models come with two-wheel drive, four-wheel drive, or all-wheel drive. The base engine is a 4.0-liter/160-horsepower V-6, with a 210-horse variant or a 5.0-liter/215-horsepower V-8 optional. Like the Expedition, a Reverse Sensing system is now optional.

Ford ExcursionIn the battle for the biggest, baddest sport/ute, the torch is passed (for now) to Ford with the release of the 2000 Excursion. What other vehicle can haul an entire group of Motor Trend road testers and all their gear to lunch? Compared with the Chevy Suburban, the Excursion is 7.2 inches longer, 3.3 inches wider, and between 4.3 and 5.8 inches taller. After securing up to nine adults comfortably, the Excursion still has 48 cubic feet of cargo room left. Built on the Super Duty pickup platform, it comes with a standard 5.4-liter/255-horsepower V-8 and offers an optional 6.8-liter/310-horsepower V-10. Four-wheel drive is available as are luxury extras like a CD player and heated leather seats.

GMC JIMMY, envoyBringing with it the anniversary-edition Jimmy Diamond, as well as the luxurious Envoy, GMC's Jimmy offers a wide range of choices for a midsize SUV. Choose between two or four doors, rear or 4WD and five different trim levels. New this year on base SLS Jimmys are standard foglamps, a compass, and external temperature gauge. Diamond Editions add brushed aluminum side rails, unique side cladding, and a grille guard, as well as diamond-quilted leather seats plus Diamond logos and embroidery. Envoys sit at the top of the Jimmy line with a Bose sound system, HID headlamps, and optional OnStar system. All models are powered by a 4.3-liter/190-horsepower V-6.

Ford ExpeditionWhether you're toting the whole soccer team to a victory party or towing your boat to the lake, Ford's Expedition gets the job done even better in 2000 with new power-adjustable pedals, two-position memory driver's seat, and a wider, more functional front center console. Parallel parking at the pizzeria? No problem, thanks to the new optional Reverse Sensing System that uses sonar to detect objects less than six feet behind the vehicle, warning the driver who might be about to run over a {{{Geo Metro}}} or stray soccer player. Two powertrains allow you to choose between a 4.6-liter/240-horsepower V-8 or a 5.4-liter/260-horse variant. Rear-wheel drive is standard and 4WD is optional.

GMC YukonReceiving nearly the same upgrades as the longer Yukon XL, the Yukon has a similarly large collection of standard accoutrements wrapped in a slightly smaller package. About twenty inches shorter than the XL (more room in the garage for bikes), the Yukon loses some cargo room, but is still big enough to meet the needs of most SUV buyers. An all-new 4.8-liter/275-horsepower V-8 comes standard, while a 5.3-liter/285-horse version is optional. Unlike the XL, no 6.0-liter is available. Both Yukon variants boast plenty of standard features like deep tinted windows, CD player, and power windows, locks, and mirrors. Optional equipment allows you to upgrade to heated memory seats and other comforts.

GMC yukon xlChanging its nameplate from Suburban to Yukon XL, GMC is hoping to differentiate its rugged-yet-refined full-size SUV from its Chevrolet-badged twin, the Suburban. Plowing into 2000, the Yukon XL comes with all-new styling and a cornucopia of standard features including CD player and programmable door locks. A stiffer chassis along with the new Autoride suspension package smooths out bumps in the road, while all-new powertrains provide even more flexibility. Smaller engine displacement gives the Yukon XL a 4.8-liter/275-horsepower V-8 standard with optional 5.3- and 6.0-liter/285/300-horse V-8s optional. All engines are paired with revised four-speed automatic transmissions.

Hyundai Santa FeWanting to get its piece of the sport/ute action, Hyundai steps into the market with its completely new Santa Fe. Named after the New Mexico capital, the Santa Fe sets out to blend the city's ruggedness and style into an all-wheel-drive vehicle. Equipped with a 2.7-liter/190-horsepower V-6, coupled with a four-speed automatic transmission, this rig resembles a mutant combination of a Sonata and a Tiburon with bold, sleek lines and utilitarian style. Similar in size to a Honda CR-V or Toyota Rav-4, the Santa Fe's interior hosts plenty of conveniences and nifty gadgets, like jumbo cup-holders, lift-out picnic table, and optional side airbags.

Honda CR-VAfter its release in '97, a front-wheel-drive option added in '98, and 20 more horses in '99, little was needed to gear up Honda's compact CR-V for 2000. A solid choice for those who like the sporty looks of an SUV, but don't necessarily require all the utility, the CR-V gives you the choice of front drive or Real Time 4WD, which engages in slippery situations to maintain traction. A spacious interior has room for five plus plenty of storage, and all CR-Vs include power locks, windows, and mirrors. The sole powerplant is a 2.0-liter/146-horsepower inline-four that can be matched with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission, moving you to freeway speed in a relaxed 11.7 seconds.

Infiniti QX4For those who like to be coddled and pampered in a luxury vehicle, but be able to venture off road, as well, Infiniti offers its versatile QX4. Big changes are coming mid-year 2000, and although Infiniti is somewhat circumspect about the details, a few hints have been dropped. A new 3.5-liter/240-horsepower V-6 is expected to take the place of the current 3.3-liter/168-horse engine. In addition to 72 more ponies, expect new interior styling as well (the '99 is pictured here). Carrying over are the magnum loady luxo standards, including power leather seats, Bose audio system, the clever All-Mode 4WD that powers up when traction's down, and the Infiniti Total Ownership Experience.

Honda PassportReceiving a major rework in '98, Honda's Passport motors into 2000 with new front and rear fascias, new wheels and tires, and a new trim level. The cosmetic changes should give it a more aggressive look, similar to its mechanical sibling, the {{{Isuzu Rodeo}}}. Also like the Rodeo, the Passport features a 3.2-liter/205-horsepower V-6 that produces 8.3-second 0-60-mph times, provides a 4500-pound towing capacity, and delivers plenty of climbing power. New up-level EX-L trim will feature leather seating, two-tone paint, body side moldings, fender flares, and an in-dash six-disc CD changer. Base LX trim gets new wheels, while mid-level EX trim carries over intact.

Isuzu AmigoLooking for a distinctively styled, fun, compact SUV, but not quite ready to go all the way to a VehiCross? Then consider the Amigo. This iconoclastic Isuzu is essentially a cropped two-door Rodeo with a removable rear softtop or hardtop. Despite about 10 inches less wheelbase, the Amigo still has plenty of room for five and their gear. Freshened exterior styling and an optional Intelligent Suspension Control system highlight the changes for 2000. Also new is an Ironman package that features an AM/FM/cassette/CD changer, unique badging, and more. A 2.2-liter/130-horsepower inline-four is standard on all two-wheel-drive models, while four-wheel drives get a 3.2-liter/205-horse V-6.

Isuzu RodeoRecently restyled in '98, the {{{Isuzu Rodeo}}} gets a few new exterior wrinkles for 2000. An optional new Intelligent Suspension Control (also on the Amigo) allows the driver to choose between "sport" and "normal" mode-switch. This new handling tweak, coupled with a smoother transmission for the inline-four, lends a bit more refinement to the Rodeo. Nearly identical to the {{{Honda Passport}}}, the Rodeo features an optional four-wheel-drive 3.2-liter/205-horsepower V-6 (standard in the Passport) or a basic 2.2-liter/130-horse inline-four rear drive (not available in the Honda-badged Passport). Other 2000 highlights include the Ironman Package and minor interior upgrades.

Jeep CherokeeOne of the founding fathers of SUVs, Jeep gives its classic Cherokee several modest upgrades for 2000. Underhood, new exhaust manifolds and a redesigned cylinder head make the 4.0-liter/190-horsepower inline-six engine cleaner and quieter than the previous version. A four speaker radio/cassette combination is standard now, too. Four trim levels range from the austerely equipped SE, which comes with a 2.5-liter/125-horse inline-four to the fully loaded Limited version with the aforementioned I-6. Either engine can be paired with a manual or automatic transmission and rear or four-wheel drive. The Limited edition also receives minor cosmetic freshening this year.

Isuzu TrooperIsuzu's flagship Trooper jumps into 2000 with various enhancements, including a new rear-drive variant. Although its platform partner, Acura's SLX, is saying sayonara for 2000, the well-appointed, opulently outfitted Trooper appeals to a wide range of SUV shoppers. Three new trim level designations-S, LS, and Limited-all come with Auto A/C, and various options like power seats, leather, and wheel choices. All versions receive a new grille this year and come with a 3.5-liter/215-horsepower V-6 that can be paired with either rear or four-wheel drive. A sophisticated Torque-On-Demand system that beefs up torque in slippery situations is optional with four-wheel drive.

Jeep Grand CherokeeCompletely revamped in '99 with increased performance and freshened styling, Jeep expands its Grand Cherokee model choices for 2000 to include a two-wheel drive version of the V-8 engine. A basic 4.0-liter/195-horsepower inline-six coupled with a four-speed automatic is standard on both the Laredo and Limited trim levels. An optional and worthy step up, the 4.7-liter/235-horsepower V-8 paired with a multi-speed automatic will run you to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds. Both engines feature a choice of rear drive, Selec-Trac full-time four-wheel drive (formerly only available on the inline-six), or Quadra-Trac speed sensing torque transfer four-wheel drive.

Isuzu VehicrossLooking like an escapee from a Concept Vehicle Side Show, Isuzu's VehiCross blends unconventional styling with rugged four-wheel drive and a potent powertrain. Outfitted with scratch-resistant body cladding and a carbon-fiber-look interior, complete with leather-covered Recaro bucket seats, the VehiCross truly puts the "sport" in sport/utility. Sole drivetrain is a 3.5-liter/215-horsepower V-6 that comes paired with a four-speed automatic transmission and a Torque-on-Demand system that works with the four-wheel drive to distribute torque to the front wheels before tire slip occurs. New color options, wheels, and an upgraded air-conditioning package are the slated changes for 2000.

Jeep WranglerThose who remember sport/utes back in the days when they were no-nonsense bushwackers recall the {{{Jeep Wrangler}}} with nostalgic fondness. Descended from the original U.S. Army workhorse, the Wrangler retains every bit of its rough terrain ruggedness, but a major update in '97 added a host of modern amenities to appeal to the new breed of SUV-buyin' young'uns. Three trim levels-SE, Sport, and Sahara-come with a hard- or softtop and with four-wheel drive. A 2.5-liter/120-horsepower inline-four comes standard in the SE. Up-level Sport and Sahara pack a 4.0-liter/181-horse inline-six. Both engines are paired with a five-speed manual transmission or optional four-speed automatic.

Kia SportageSales of Kia's affordable Sportage SUV grew by nearly 59 percent over the past year. Given that kind of market acceptance, Kia figures why change a good thing. For model year 2000, expect to see the Sportage return nearly the same as it was in '99, including the price. Packing a high fun factor, the Kia two-door convertible has a manual top that can be quickly removed or stored under a tonneau to let you soak up the rays. Care for a larger, more traditional SUV? Check out the Sportage four-door. Both body styles come with a 2.0-liter/130-horsepower inline-four and in rear drive with a four-speed automatic transmission, or in four-wheel drive with a five-speed manual gearbox.

Lexus LX 470Every bit as sumptuous inside as an LS 400 sedan, and just about as quiet, it's hard to believe that the Lexus LX 470 can also serve off-road duty. Last year brought many changes to this full-size SUV, including new sheetmetal, added luxury features, and an all-new V-8 engine. Nestled underhood is a smooth and potent 4.7-liter/230-horse motivator that feeds power to all four wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission. New for 2000 is standard VSC and Off-Road Traction and Brake Assist as well as a moonroof, illuminated running boards, and illuminated keyless entry. Slightly smaller than a {{{Lincoln Navigator}}}, the LX 470 comfortably accommodates up to eight people.

Land Rover DiscoveryA major rework in '99 prepared Land Rover's Discovery to enter the new millennium with plenty of class, style, and sophistication, and with all that was new for '99, few changes are expected for 2000. Technological innovations abound. Optional Active Cornering Enhancement reduces body roll during cornering while Hill Descent Control automatically applies ABS during steep off-road descents. A Bosch management system improves response and acceleration output from the 4.0-liter/182-horsepower V-8. Luxury options are plentiful and include heated eight-way power leather seats, rear forward-facing jump seats, rear air conditioning, and more.

Lexus RX 300A runaway sales hit, Motor Trend's '99 SUV of the year award winner returns for 2000 virtually unchanged. Placing more of an emphasis on road-going luxury rather than off-road slugging, the RX 300 offers sedan-like comfort with SUV-like ride height and utility. A solid unibody construction, fully independent suspension, and all-wheel drive provide excellent highway ride quality, albeit with modest load carrying and towing capacity. But how many city-cruising SUV purchasers really need all the ability of a heavier-duty rig? Fitted with Lexus' variable intake valve timing package, the ES 300-derived 3.0-liter/220-horsepower V-6 propels the RX 300 to 60 mph in 8.8 seconds.

Land Rover Range RoverLike its sibling, the Land Rover Discovery, the Range Rover benefited from a Bosch engine management system in '99 and myriad other improvements. The 4.0 SE features a 4.0-liter/190-horsepower V-8. An uplevel 4.6 HSE benefits from a 4.6-liter/225-horse alternative. If you're really lookin' to cruise in style check out the 240-horse limited-production Callaway version. One of the fun perks of the Rover is a unique hydraulic air suspension that provides 5.2 inches of height adjustment over five settings. Lower it down to climb in and out, or raise it to cross a creek. Luxuries abound inside with heated leather seats, a premium audio system, and an analog clock. Our only complaint: wimpy cupholders.

Lincoln NavigatorAttention power-mongers! Lincoln has heard your pleas and put a new 5.4-liter/300-horsepower V-8 engine in its posh-as-a-town-car SUV. Thanks to DOHC heads, this new engine will be pumpin' out 70 more horsepower over last year's model. Other great new optional gadgets for 2000 include a reverse-sensing system that alerts drivers of objects in the vehicle's path, and makes parallel parking almost as easy as it is in a Miata. A new satellite navigation system helps the Navigator live up to its name. The interior of the Navigator pampers you with climate-controlled seats that circulate either hot or cold air through the perforated leather surfaces, and plenty of other luxuries.

Mercedes-Benz M-ClassEver eager to please, the gang at Mercedes-Benz has once again responded to buyer demands for a higher performing M-Class. In '99, the firm bolstered the original 3.2-liter/215-horsepower V-6 ML 320 with the ML 430 powered by a 4.3-liter/268-horse V-8. This year, the AMG-prepped ML55 arrived boasting a 5.5-liter/340-horse V-8, as well as the optional Sport Package available on other MLs. Mercedes added some tricks to the rest of the ML family as well, including free maintenance for four years or 50,000 miles, a Touch Shift select shifting system, optional seat memory, and rear side airbags.

{{{Mitsubishi Montero}}} SportJunior partner in Mitsubishi's SUV lineup, the Montero Sport gets a number of nifty upgrades for 2000. Key among them is a new 3.0-liter/173-horsepower V-6 base engine that replaces the old 2.4-liter/134-horse inline-four. Optional is the big Montero's 3.5-liter/200-horse V-6. Distinctive style refinements include an all-new front fascia, new bodyside moldings, and revised taillamps. All Montero Sports offer a great deal of refinement at a reasonable price. Even the "base" ES trim includes items like power windows and locks, an overhead console, and a CD player. Three other trim levels all come in either rear- or four-wheel drive.

Mercury MountaineerAlthough Mercury's Mountaineer won't be seeing any tough mountain off-roading, it is a choice vehicle for indulging drivers through the city. Desire thorough pampering and plenty of luxury features? The new-for-2000 Premier Mountaineer delivers leather seats, wood grain trim, automatic climate control, and most of the luxury features your discerning senses could ask for. All Mountaineers are nearly identical to Ford's popular Explorer and feature a standard 4.0-liter/210-horsepower V-6, or an optional 5.0-liter/215-horsepower V-8 (standard on the Premier model). Also nifty is a reverse sensing system that alerts drivers of objects rear of the vehicle when backing up.

Nissan PathfinderNissan released its 2000 model year Pathfinder in January '99 as a '9911/42 model with a new front end design, new rear taillamps and tailgate, and a refined interior. Choosing not to follow the trend of bigger, the Pathfinder received a revised 3.3-liter/170-horsepower V-6, SE Limited trim level, and a smoother suspension along with its facelift. The standard engine can be paired with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission and either rear-wheel drive or shift-on-the-fly four-wheel drive. We can't wait until Nissan's next Pathfinder, slated for 2001 which should feature a class-leading, more powerful 3.5-liter/240-horsepower V-6.

Mitsubishi MonteroLike the Montero Sport but need a couple extra seats for when the in-laws visit? Perhaps the original Mitsubishi sport/ute would be more appropriate. For those Montero fans complaining that the one trim level didn't offer enough amenities, a new Endeavor edition comes complete with heated leather seats, interior wood trim, power sunroof, and a premium sound system. Alas, the sole powerplant remains a 3.5-liter/200-horsepower (197 in California) SOHC V-6 with a four-speed overdrive automatic transmission. Safety features on the Montero include standard ABS and an Active-Trac four-wheel-drive system that uses four modes to cope with varying conditions.

Nissan XterraAs long as they were revamping just about their entire vehicle line, Nissan figured they might as well build a new one while they were at it. Based on the same platform as the Frontier truck, the all-new Xterra is longer, wider, and taller than the Jeep Cherokee and {{{Toyota RAV4}}}. The Xterra was built to suit active and adventurous buyers that would appreciate its distinctive roof line complete with rack, interior storage compartments, and first aid kit. Xterra's base engine is a modest 2.4-liter/143-horsepower inline-four paired to a five-speed manual transmission. A worthy upgrade is the 3.3-liter/170-horsepower V-6 with manual or automatic transmission. Four-wheel drive is optional with both engines.

Oldsmobile BravadaAdding to the breed of SUVs that would more amply be named LUVs (luxury utility vehicles) is Oldsmobile's Bravada. While Bravada probably wouldn't do too well in excessively rugged terrain, it is well suited for real-world driving with a road-oriented drivetrain built around SmartTrak full-time all-wheel drive and a car-like suspension. New for 2000 is an optional OnStar communications system and a cargo management system that prevents groceries from mixing with soccer gear. Mechanically related to Chevy's Blazer, the Bravada carries a 4.3-liter/190-horsepower V-6. Plenty of convenience features come standard, including leather seats and a well-stocked overhead console.

Toyota 4runnerBringing plenty of style, sophistication, and class to the SUV world, Toyota's strong-selling 4Runner returns for 2000 with minor enhancements to its optional features list. A new optional AM/FM/Cassette/CD player is available on the base model and standard on SR5 and Limited models. The 4Runner is powered by a base 2.7-liter/150-horsepower inline-four or a 3.4-liter/183 horse V-6. Both can be paired to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission with either rear or four-wheel drive. Three trim levels range from base to Limited and have a wide array of features with which to outfit your four-door 4Runner.

Subaru ForesterOffering the handling and ride comfort of a car and the heavy duty suspension and off-road capabilities of a light-duty sport/ute, Subaru's Forester blurs the line between car and SUV. Related to the Impreza passenger car, the Forester offers a higher vantage point and significantly greater ground clearance than most wagons without compromising such key features as safety and fuel efficiency. A 2.5-liter/165-horsepower opposed-four engine received new SOHC heads last year to improve throttle response and drivability. For 2000, not much has changed although cruise control has been added as standard. Other standard features include air conditioning, power windows and mirrors, and ABS.

Toyota Land CruiserCruisin' into 2000 with even more standard features, Toyota's Land Cruiser builds on its '98 remake to update this opulently appointed SUV. '98 brought a new 4.7-liter/230-horsepower V-8 as well as greater structural integrity and a sharpened appearance. For 2000, Toyota engineers added a standard vehicle skid control and an Active TRAC full-time four-wheel-drive system that brakes spinning wheels and transfers torque to the wheels with the most traction. Other standard features include illuminated remote keyless entry, power moonroof, and leather. A cavernous interior is available with an optional third rear seat that can hold three passengers for a total passenger volume of eight.

{{{Suzuki Vitara}}} SeriesA major transformation at Suzuki in '98 saw the birth of the Vitara series, a line of compact sport/utility vehicles that replaced the Sidekick. The two- or four-door Vitara comes with a 1.6-liter/97-horsepower inline-four in rear drivers, or a 2.0-liter/127-horsepower version in rear and four-wheel drivers. New on these Vitaras is a luggage cover and new trim level nomenclature. The up-level Grand Vitara comes with a 2.5-liter/155-horsepower V-6 and plenty of other goodies, including a newly designed spare tire cover and trim level name change. Limited edition Grand Vitaras come with all the perks like leather seats, foglamps, and a CD changer.

Toyota RAV4What do you buy when you like soaking up rays in a convertible, but need the utility of an SUV? Toyota suggests its RAV4. With a removable softtop and removable windows and sunroof on two-door models, getting sun should not be a problem. Plenty of room and optional four-wheel drive ensure sporty utility. A hardtop four-door model is available for those who burn easily, or need room for five passengers. Introduced in '98, both RAV4s come with a sole 2.0-liter/127-horsepower (125 in California) inline-four engine with a standard five-speed manual transmission or optional four-speed automatic. All RAV4s come with a new cupholder design for 2000 and L trim will have a new monochrome paint scheme.