A new wave in SUVs.(Small SUVs)(Evaluation)

When the Toyota RAV4 was introduced in 1996, it represented a new approach to building sport-utility vehicles. Instead of being based on a rugged but unsophisticated truck chassis, it was based on a car platform, with unibody construction and fully independent suspension. Later came the Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, and Lexus RX300, which offered SUV buyers a logical alternative. Like the RAV4, they provided much of the versatility of a traditional SUV along with carlike ride and handling and better fuel economy. Their lower stance made these car-based SUVs easier to get in and out of, and, more important, can also make them less likely to roll over than some truck-based models.

The sales success of these early models encouraged other automakers to bring out their own car-based models. This year, your choices include the first wave of these efforts, including such new vehicles as the Ford Escape and its near twin, the Mazda Tribute; the Hyundai Santa Fe; the Pontiac Aztek; and the upscale Acura MDX. In addition, the RAV4 received its first major redesign for 2001. The car-based SUV segment has doubled in size in only one model year, and there are more on the way (see "The Next Wave," on the facing page). This month, we tested the Escape, RAV4, Santa Fe, and Tribute. An all-wheel-drive Aztek wasn't available in time for us to test. Look for a test of the Acura MDX in a future issue.

The redesigned RAV4 comes only as a four-door model. Like all vehicles in this group, it gives you a choice of front- or all-wheel drive. Unlike the others, the RAV4 doesn't offer a V6 engine, although the 2.0-liter four-cylinder has gained 20 hp this year, which brings it to 148 hp. We bought an AWD model, which starts at $18,665. With antilock brakes, air conditioning, CD player, alloy wheels, and power windows, locks, and mirrors, the sticker came to $23,611, including destination charge. The Consumer Reports Wholesale Price--which factors in any buyer rebates and what the dealer paid after incentives--is $20,619. (All CR Wholesale Prices in this report were effective as of early January 2001.)

The Hyundai Santa Fe, imported from South Korea, is the company's first SUV offered in the U.S. and is loosely based on the Hyundai Sonata midsize sedan. It comes with a choice of a 2.4-liter 149-hp four-cylinder engine or a 2.7-liter 181-hp V6. We chose an all-wheel drive V6 GLS, which is priced at $20,799 and comes well equipped. With antilock brakes (bundled with traction control), the price came to $21,909, including destination charge. The CR Wholesale Price is $20,122.

Ford and Mazda jointly developed the Escape and Tribute, which combine components from the Mazda MPV minivan and 626 sedan. Both models are powered by either a 2.0-liter Four or a 3.0-liter V6. A high-trim Ford Escape XLT like the all-wheel-drive version we bought starts at $20,820. With the V6 engine, sunroof, alloy wheels, leather upholstery, power seat, and a trailer-towing package, the price came to $24,855, including destination charge. The CR Wholesale Price is $22,515.

To see if there were meaningful differences between these cousins, we bought a mid-trim Mazda Tribute LX V6 with all-wheel drive. It starts at $22,020. Options raised the price to $24,500, including destination. The CR Wholesale Price is $21,906.

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