SUV Buyers Need to Do Their Homework Before Buying 2003 Model.

Byline: Matt Nauman

Oct. 11--A dozen new nameplates and a half dozen major revisions will require sport-utility buyers to do some major research before buying a 2003 model-year SUV. Don't blink, though, because the lineup for calendar 2003 includes another big handfuls of all-new SUVS including the BMW X3, Buick Rainier, Cadillac SRX, Ford Escape Hybrid, GMC Envoy XUV, Infiniti FX45, Mitsubishi Endeavor, Porsche Cayenne and VW Touareg.

You'll have to wait to read about those SUVs of the near-future, but here's a look at the sport-utilities being offered to U.S. buyers for 2003. Prices are from the manufacturers or from Motor Trend magazine.

ACURA: Honda engineers refined the exhaust system and make other changes to boost horsepower to 260 (from 240) on the MDX ($34,900-$39,500). A new five-speed automatic transmission was added to handle the extra power. The MDX also adds a Vehicle Stability Assist (VDA) system and drive-by-wire throttle technology. The vehicle's navigation system adds a rear-view camera and adds voice recognition for 2003.

BMW: On the X5 ($39,995-$67,445), the navigation system goes from CD to DVD, and Brake Force Display and a Rear Head Protection System are now standard. On both the 3.0i and 4.4I models, Dakota leather replaces Montana leather.

BUICK: Changes are few and small to the Rendezvous ($25,745-$28,795). XM satellite radio is available as is a DVD rear-seat entertainment system. Two new paints colors are offered, and, later in the year, an electronic lift gate will be available.

CADILLAC: Cadillac gets a version of General Motors biggest SUV as the Escalade ESV joins the Chevy Suburban and GMC Yukon XL. Resembling the shorter Escalade ($50,480-$55,000), the ESV features a 345-horsepower V-8, all-wheel-drive, four-channel StabiliTrak, road-sensing suspension, passenger-sensing air bags, rear-parking assist and one year of OnStar. Sold in black, silver or white, the ESV also include a leather-and-wood steering wheel, a Bose stereo and 108 cubic feet of cargo space with the third-row seats removed and the second-row seats folded down.