all-wheel drive SUV

The Bottom Line: Although not the car we would consider fun to drive, the 2009 Lincoln MKX's entertainment system delights, while information services can keep you out of bad traffic and help you find the cheapest gas.

Specs: SUV, MKX, Gas

The Bottom Line: The 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon was designed to be a great off-roader, with little compromise to make it practical for paved roads. Its navigation system should help out in the wilderness, but Bluetooth seems less useful in a car that you'll want to take beyond the range of cell towers.

Specs: SUV, Unlimited Rubicon, Gas

The Bottom Line: The 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon was designed to be a great off-roader, with little compromise to make it practical for paved roads. Its navigation system should help out in the wilderness, but Bluetooth seems less useful in a car that you'll want to take beyond the range of cell towers.

Specs: SUV, Unlimited Sahara, Gas

The Bottom Line: The 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon was designed to be a great off-roader, with little compromise to make it practical for paved roads. Its navigation system should help out in the wilderness, but Bluetooth seems less useful in a car that you'll want to take beyond the range of cell towers.

Specs: SUV, Unlimited X, Gas

The Bottom Line: The rugged little 2007 Suzuki SX4 makes sense for outdoors types prone to get stuck in the mud with other bargain basement cars. But don't expect much in the way of on-road infotainment.

Specs: SUV, Base, Gas

The Bottom Line: The 2007 GL450 is true to the Mercedes-Benz mission of performance and luxury; however, its plentiful cabin tech features are not as useful or usable as we would like.

Specs: SUV, GL450, Gas

The Bottom Line: Chrysler's hit-or-miss styling misses on the 2007 Aspen, with not enough standard equipment included to entice customers to take the plunge. Factoring in the power deficit and teetering handling, the useful interior starts to look like the only real high point.

Specs: SUV, Limited, Gas

The Bottom Line: At $60K, this pimped-out pickup truck is more likely to be found on Rodeo Drive than driving to a rodeo.

Specs: truck, Base, Gas

The Bottom Line: The 2007 Acura RDX is a good value, with practical interior space and very good drivability. Techies will delight in its cabin systems, but luddites will be overwhelmed by the many buttons and voice commands.

Specs: SUV, Base, Gas

The Bottom Line: The 2006 Honda Element is a car for audiophiles who want the space and versatility of an SUV, the performance of a car, and the looks of a UPS delivery truck.

Specs: SUV, EX-P, Gas