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The Bottom Line: The 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Laramie managed to surprise us with its excellent performance and handling, as well as its well-appointed cabin and tech. This is definitely a great option for the sophisticated truck buyer.

Specs: Truck, Ram Pickup 1500, Gas

The Bottom Line: The 2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid provides the most power, utility, and economy available today. It makes a good choice if you need to haul people, cargo, and trailers, but it comes up a little short in its cabin tech.

Specs: SUV, Hybrid

The Bottom Line: The 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid has the practical configuration of a small SUV, along with the low emissions and good fuel economy of a hybrid. Its cabin electronics are up-to-date, although not extraordinary.

Specs: SUV, Base, Hybrid

The Bottom Line: Although it has some of the trappings of a crossover, the 2007 GMC Acadia feels a lot like an SUV. Its tech offerings are considerable, but it gets pricey when fully optioned up.

Specs: SUV, SLT-2, 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: 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: 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

The Bottom Line: With this hybrid's price falling, it becomes a solid proposition in an all-around city driver. Sized well and easy to drive, the Escape Hybrid is a useful, advanced vehicle let down a bit by its amenities. Prospective buyers might want to wait for the next model year, which should see an overall upgrade.

Specs: SUV, Base, Hybrid

The Bottom Line: This latest child in the Yukon family promises a lot, but fails to fully deliver as a SUV or a family car--especially for $54,000. There are more powerful, plush, and/or affordable SUVs available.

Specs: SUV, Denali, Gas

The Bottom Line: The 2006 Nissan Xterra's 4.0-liter V-6 engine has enough oomph to schlep through mud, gravel, and snow, but it doesn't handle city streets with much sophistication. Soccer moms and weekday commuters should look elsewhere for an all-purpose vehicle, as the Xterra's rough ride, dated interior, low gas mileage, and poor emissions ratings leave much to be desired.

Specs: SUV, SE, Gas