NAVIGATION
Introduction
Fourth Place
Third Place
Second Place
First Place
Conclusion
Editors' Evaluation
Specifications and Performance
Top 10 Features
Consumer Commentary
Stereo Evaluation
Video Evaluation
Final Rankings and Scoring Explanation

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Comparison Tests

2003 Midsize Crossover SUVs Comparison Test
Final Rankings and Scoring Explanation
By Neil Dunlop
Date Posted 06-13-2003

Final Rankings
  Mitsubishi Endeavor Honda Pilot Nissan Murano Toyota Highlander
Personal Rating (10% of score) 75.0 83.0 42.0 58.0
Recommended Rating (10% of score) 83.0 92.0 25.0 50.0
Evaluation Score (20% of score) 79.0 82.0 79.5 75.0
Feature Content (20% of score) 43.0 43.0 67.0 27.0
Performance Testing (20% of score) 92.0 78.0 97.0 63.0
Price (20% of score) 97.5 96.5 98.0 100.0
         
Total Score 78.1 77.4 75.0 63.8
Final Ranking 1 2 3 4

Scoring Explanation

Personal Rating: Purely subjective. After the test, each participating editor was asked to rank the SUVs in order of preference based on which he or she would buy if money were no object.

Recommended Rating: After the test, each participating editor was asked to rank the SUVs in order of preference based on which he or she thought would be best for the average consumer shopping in this segment.

Evaluation Score: Each participating editor ranked every SUV based on a comprehensive 24-point evaluation. The evaluation covered everything from engine performance to cupholders. Scoring was calculated on a 1 to 10 point system, and the scores listed are averages based on all test participants' evaluations.

Feature Content: For this category, the editors picked the top 10 features they thought would be most beneficial to the consumer shopping in this segment. For each SUV, the score was based on whether that feature was standard, optional or not available.

Performance Testing: Each SUV was subjected to a set of performance tests that measure acceleration, braking and handling through a 600-foot slalom course. Scores were calculated by giving the best vehicle in each category 100 percent. Subsequent vehicles were awarded points based on how close they came to the best performing vehicle's score.

Price: The numbers listed were the result of a simple percentage calculation based on the least expensive vehicle in the comparison test. Using the "as tested" prices of the actual evaluation vehicles, the least expensive vehicle received a score of 100, with the remaining vehicles receiving lesser scores based on how much more each one costs.