Core competitors.(sport-utility vehicles - test)(Cover Story)(Evaluation)

Midsized, midpriced models like the Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee are still the best-selling SUVs on the planet. But they could face a tough road as their long-time appeal is challenged by growing pressure for higher fuel-economy standards and by competition from nimbler, car-based models like the lower-priced Ford Escape and Toyota RAV4 and the upscale Acura MDX and Lexus RX300.

While the Explorer remains the best-selling SUV, sales for the first six months of this year were down nearly 17 percent from the same period last year, at least in part because of ongoing concern over the injuries and deaths associated with previous-generation Explorers equipped with Firestone tires. And while the Jeep Grand Cherokee received a complete makeover for 1999, as of this writing it's one of several midsized models with rebates as high as $2,000.

Several manufacturers are facing this more challenging environment with redesigned models. In March, Ford introduced a roomier, revamped 2002 Explorer and its upscale twin, the Mercury Mountaineer. With optional third-row seating and a new, independent rear suspension, both have been redesigned from the ground up and have little in common with the versions they replace. Also new for 2002 are GM's triplets, the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy, and Oldsmobile Bravada, which are cushier replacements for the Chevy Blazer, GMC Jimmy, and previous Bravada.

We had planned to include test results for the redesigned 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Limited in this issue. But, as we reported in the August issue, we rated it Not Acceptable after it tipped up repeatedly on two wheels in our short-course avoidance-maneuver test. (The avoidance-maneuver maximum speed listed in each model's specifications are for the long-course test.) Our impressions of the Montero over roughly nine months and nearly 7,000 miles of pretrack testing were mostly favorable. Were it not for its unacceptable performance in our emergency-avoidance maneuver, we believe the Montero would have been among the higher-rated models in this group. None of the SUVs included in this report exhibited tip-ups or other unusual behavior.

THE VEHICLES

Along with the new Ford Explorer and GMC Envoy, we tested the Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota 4Runner, Dodge Durango, and Jeep Grand Cherokee, all with four-wheel drive.

Though still based on a truck-inspired, body-on-frame design, the newly redesigned Ford Explorer is slightly larger and wider. It also rides on larger, non-Firestone tires. We bought a midtrim XLT version with full-time 4WD. (The Mountaineer is available only with all-wheel drive, without a low range.) While the standard engine remains a 210-hp, 4.0-liter V6, a more powerful 4.6-liter V8 is available. Base price with the V6 is $29,745. A sunroof, premium audio system, third-row seat, and leather upholstery raised the tally to $32,600, including destination charge. The CR Wholesale Price--which includes any buyer rebates and what the dealer paid after incentives--is $28,693. (All CR Wholesale Prices were effective as of early July 2001.)