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(Enlarge photo)
Picturesque Sedona, Ariz., served as the backdrop for this year's SUV shootout.
(Photo by Scott Jacobs)
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Road Test: Comparison Test
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2002 Midsize SUVs Comparison Test
Midsize Mudslingers
By
Ed Hellwig, Lead Senior Editor
Date posted: 04-04-2002
Hard to believe, but it's been almost 20 years since the introduction of the SUV
as we now know it (remember the S-10 Blazer?). But unlike the pint-size two-door
that started it all, today's sport-utes boast V8 engines, room for seven, top-of-the-line
safety systems — even DVD entertainment systems. Despite their much-maligned
reputation as road hogs and gas guzzlers, they're as popular as ever, and they
have the sales numbers to prove it.
Nearly every major manufacturer produces some form of sport-utility vehicle, from
the smallest mini-utes right on up to the gargantuan Hummer, but the midsize four-doors
remain the out-and-out sales leaders by a wide margin. Their blend of size, power
and safety has turned them into the family vehicle of the 21st century, but with
so many different models to choose from, it can be a nightmare trying to decide
which vehicle is just the right one for your particular needs.
We conducted an extensive eight-vehicle comparison test just two years ago, with
the Nissan Pathfinder coming out on top. But with several strong new challengers
now available, we considered it high time for another sport-ute showdown to see
just how well the newcomers compete. Despite the introduction of numerous new
crossover sport-utility vehicles, we stuck with more traditional midsize SUVs
that offer dual-range transfer cases and real off-road ability.
There would be only five competitors this time. The Nissan Pathfinder comes in
virtually unchanged from the previous test, as it was a freshly updated model
at that time. Ford's Explorer and Chevrolet's TrailBlazer are both all new for
2002, so they were obvious choices. Mitsubishi released its completely revamped
Montero in 2001, so it got the nod as well. We rounded out our fivesome with the
Dodge Durango. It hasn't undergone a full redesign since the last test, but numerous
upgrades and a strong second place finish the last time around made it a logical
choice.
To conduct our evaluations, we trekked out to scenic Sedona, Ariz., a trip that
included long stretches of highway, snow-covered mountain trails and mud-caked
fire roads. When it was all said and done, we tallied up the scores and declared
a winner. So if you want to know what we think is the best midsize SUV currently
on the market, just keep on clicking and we'll tell you everything you need to
know.
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