Best Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs)

Best SUV overall.

According to the most credible comparative reviews we found, the Honda Pilot is the best SUV on the market, balancing features, performance and price. The Honda SUV has three rows of seats; both the second and third rows are split 60/40 and can be folded flat. This configuration results in an impressive 90.3 cubic feet of cargo space, a third more than the smaller Subaru Forester. The Honda Pilot SUV can tow about two tons, and has excellent traction for snow-covered roads or light off-roading. The Honda Pilot even gets decent gas mileage (for an SUV), at about 17 mpg/city and 22 mpg/highway. (compare prices)

Best small SUV.

For the 2006 model year, the Subaru Forester is the best compact SUV, according to reviews. The turbocharged 2.5L version gets particularly high marks for acceleration that surpasses nearly all other SUVs, regardless of price and size. Reviewers claim it is plain fun to drive, while also performing well in government crash tests. The Forester seats five, and the rear seat folds flat. Safety features include ABS and breakaway foot pedals. Overall the Subaru SUV is an excellent value for those with limited hauling and passenger carrying needs. Fuel economy is very good, about 23 mpg/city and 28 mpg/highway, according to EPA estimates. (compare prices)

Best hauler.

The redesigned Ford Explorer wins truck-of-the-year honors in many reviews, which commend it for its comfortable, quiet ride in addition to a towing capacity of 7,300 pounds (when equipped with the optional V8 engine). A third row of seats is optional. The Ford SUV now has standard curtain-style side air bags for first and second row seats. Fuel economy is a bit below average among mid-sized SUVS, about 15 mpg/city and 21 mpg/highway, according to the EPA. (compare prices)

Capable off-road SUV.

Time and again, SUV reviews praise the off-road capabilities of the Nissan Xterra; at Car and Driver, the Xterra won first place in a rugged off-road test. But critics say the Xterra also performs well in more mundane driving. Reviews say handling is nimble, with quick acceleration and a firm ride. What's more, the sporty Xterra SUV gets high marks in reviews for value, and it matches the Honda Pilot on fuel economy, about 17 mpg/city and 22 mpg/highway. Editors at Edmunds.com describe the XTerra as a good choice for buyers seeking a budget vehicle that delivers both the "utility" part of an SUV and true off-road capability. (compare prices)

Full-sized SUV.

In these days of $3 per gallon fuel prices, large SUVs aren't very popular, But if you need an SUV for work, off-road adventures, towing large trailers and/or carrying a lot of people or equipment, reviewers say the nearly identical Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon are worth first consideration. They offer good maneuverability for their size, a smooth ride and seating for nine people. They can also tow more than four tons and are quite capable off-road and in heavy snow. Fuel economy isn't as low as with other large SUVs, about 15 mpg/city and 19 mpg/highway. (compare prices)