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Sport Utility Wagons
Crossover Sport Utility Wagons
Today, faced with rising gas prices, rollover issues, and increasing derision from non-SUV owners, car makers are beginning to blur the lines of traditional sport utility design. These are the hybrids - Autos that are neither SUV nor car, designed specifically for (as Nissan puts it), "adventures in on-roading." We call them Crossover Vehicles, Sport Utility Wagons, or any other moniker we can come up with to describe a type of car that didn't exist five years ago. But however we choose to label them, we can be sure that next year the designs will break the mold again. The rebel nature of these vehicles is admirable. Much like investment bankers who ride Harleys on the weekend, these not-quite-trucks are determined to stand out from the crowd without being irresponsible. The five we've selected are the front-runners in this automotive category. All have standard ABS, 4 or all wheel drive, child safety locks, and (with the exception of the Honda Element) standard side air bags. 
The brand new Pacifica AWD is one of the most exciting models we've seen this year. It has seating for six - the most in this category. The EPA claims 17 to 23 MPG, which is on par with the 16 mpg average for traditional sport utes. But overall, the styling of this car is what makes it shine. To us, it delivers on what the PT Cruiser promised: modern, efficient lines that evoke the feel of a more practical (yet stylish) bygone era.
Some would criticize us for suggesting the Element as a practical hauler to the Soccer Mom set. Originally called the "Model X" concept, the Element is targeted towards young males. And though we don't care for the styling, the Element has some features that are worth noting. For one, it's tall. Bikes will easily fit upright in the back, and managing oddly shaped cargo is made easier by the addition of suicide doors. Secondly, it has a very tempting price point. At almost $10,000 less than the next cheapest, the Element makes for a great budget Ute.
The Murano, along with its big sister the Infiniti FX, was the inspiration for this comparison. One of the forerunners in this category, this car sports dual-zone climate control, rear seat curtain air bags, and optional navigation system. It also has a continuously variable automatic transmission, a bit of technical wizardry that creates the smoothest shifts possible.
As everyone who drives one knows, Volvo means safety. The XC70 is no exception. Of the 29 safety features this car offers, only one is optional: the auto-dimming mirrors. Beyond side impact door beams, Volvo has put in what they call a "Safety-Cage Passenger Compartment". This is essentially the same type of steel cage that race car drivers use to protect themselves in high-speed impacts. Whiplash protection systems, side head protection airbags, front and rear rain sensing wipers all add up to make this one of the safest cars on the road.
The Allroad has long been one of our favorite wagons, but as we compare the newest offerings in this category, we find our love waning. Though built on a traditional station wagon chassis, the venerable Audi gets only 16 miles to the gallon. Perhaps it's because of the 250 horsepower twin turbo engine, or the advanced Quattro IV all wheel drive system with 4-wheel limited slip. The 2003 Allroad is most assuredly a driver's car. If you're looking for a $40,000 compromise between a basic kid-and-gear shuttle and a high-performance, off-road capable machine, then the Audi certainly fits the bill.
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The Sport Utility Vehicle category is one that has been evolving since it was created... And what a long, strange trip it's been.
Originally designed as 4WD Jeeps with enough cargo room to haul gear to your outdoor playground, SUVs found themselves adopted by parents who were looking for capable, dependable vehicles to haul kids and gear to, well, their outdoor playgrounds.
The recipe of four wheel drive, style, seating for four and an enclosed bed that could easily fit four bikes and a dog was an instant success.
