Dual-purpose duel.(AWD Wagons & SUVs)(Evaluation)

The line between the SUV and wagon categories is blurring. Many new sport-utility vehicles are now based on a car chassis, rather than the traditional truck chassis, so they handle better, ride more comfortably, and sit a little lower to the ground--like a wagon. At the same time, some wagons now offer all-wheel drive, a higher ground clearance, body cladding, and more-rugged styling to make them more appealing to potential SUV buyers.

For this report, we tested the Acura MDX and Lexus RX300--two car-based luxury SUVs--and the Audi Allroad and Volvo Cross Country "SUV wagons." The Allroad and Cross Country are variants of conventional upscale wagons--the Audi A6 Avant and Volvo V70, respectively. All four of our tested models use unibody construction, independent suspension, and all-wheel drive. They are so close in both their intentions and capabilities--including acceleration, handling, ride, fuel economy, interior noise, cargo area, and towing capability--that the terms "SUV" and "wagon" are almost meaningless. Still, our testing has shown that there are notable differences among the four vehicles.

THE VEHICLES

Introduced for 2001, the Audi Allroad has a more powerful engine and larger tires than its sibling, the A6 Avant. It also has a sophisticated four-step air suspension that can raise and lower the vehicle's ride height by almost three inches. The Allroad's 250-hp, 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6 is coupled with Audi's standard Quattro all-wheel drive (also on the A6 Avant). The base price, which includes a sixspeed manual transmission, is $41,900. Options on our vehicle included a five-speed automatic, sunroof, upgraded audio system, rear-facing third seat, high-intensity xenon headlights, heated seats and steering wheel, and other features. The final sticker price was $48,950 with shipping. The CR Wholesale Price--which includes buyer rebates and what the dealer paid after incentives--is $43,689. (All CR Wholesale Prices were effective as of early May 2001.)

Also new for 2001, the Acura MDX shares components with the Honda Odyssey minivan. It provides three rows of seats--good for seven passengers; the handy third-row seat folds flat into the floor when not needed. It's powered by a 240-hp, 3.5-liter V6, which is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. The base price is $34,370. Optional equipment, including power heated seats, an audio upgrade, a roof rack, and a navigation system, boosted the price to $39,450 with shipping. The CR Wholesale Price is $34,508.

The Lexus RX300 has been one of our top-scoring SUVs since 1998, its first year, and has been our top pick in the midsized SUV category for the last three years. The RX300 shares some components with the Toyota Camry sedan and the Sienna minivan, among others. Power comes from a 220-hp, 3.0-liter V6 linked to a fourspeed automatic transmission. For 2001 the RX300 received a mild facelift, standard electronic stability control, and an optional navigation system. Front-wheel-drive models start at $33,955, while all-wheel-drive versions, like the one we tested, start at $35,705. With a navigation system, heated leather seats, a CD changer, a sunroof, xenon headlights, and a trailer-hitch receiver, the price climbed to $42,961. The CR Wholesale Price is $36,865.

The Volvo Cross Country is simply one trim version of the V70 wagon, which was redesigned for 2001. It carries the V70 XC badge on the rear, but Volvo is now marketing it as a separate model in advertising and promotions. The features that distinguish the Cross Country from other V70 models are all-wheel drive, larger tires, a slightly raised ride height, and some styling details. It has the same 197-hp, turbocharged 2.4-liter five-cylinder engine as the V70 2.4T wagon. The Cross Country starts at $36,150. With heated seats, CD player, leather seats, a third seat, and destination charge, the price came to $40,975. The CR Wholesale Price is $37,727.