Economical versatility.(Product/Service Evaluation)

The Honda Element is turning heads, but the freshened Subaru Forester is our new top pick.

With several improvements for 2003, the Subaru Forester just edged out the Toyota RAV4 as our highest scoring small sport-utility vehicle. This shows the continuing improvement in this category, which is one of the fastest growing in the auto market.

Small SUVs package reasonable cargo-carrying capability with a relatively inexpensive price and good gas mileage. When equipped with four- or all-wheel drive, they also provide the ability to tackle adverse weather and moderate-to-challenging off-road conditions, depending on the model.

Consumers now have about 20 small SUVs from which to choose. Most are car-based models--sometimes called crossovers by automakers--that provide most of the functionality of a traditional truck-based SUV along with better ride, handling, and fuel economy. Small SUVs, in general, are lighter and aren't as tall as conventional, midsized models; their bodies are more aligned with those of passenger cars so they won't inflict excessive damage in a collision, and they have a lower center of gravity.

For this issue, we tested five models that span the market. The Mitsubishi Outlander and Subaru Forester are derived from existing passenger cars--the Lancer and Impreza, respectively. The Pontiac Aztek is based on GM's minivan platform. The boxy; attention-getting Honda Element has been adapted from the car-based Honda CR-V. The Kia Sorento is a traditional, truck-based design, available with permanent or part-time 4WD and low-range gearing. Prices ranged from $21,310 for the Element to $27,986 for the Aztek.

We also did a full test of the new Subaru Baja--a small car-based pickup--which is another alternative for consumers looking for both versatility and carlike driveability. See page 57 for details.

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