Though our Best Buys, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, and Mazda Tribute don't offer true off-road ability, they do mix ride comfort, cargo capacity, and versatility with all-weather traction. The V6 Tribute/Escape offers more power, comfort, and space than any in its class. CR-V has a bit more on-road refinement and cargo space.

Another car-based mini-SUV, Subaru Forester is a Recommended choice. Like the CR-V it doesn't have a low range for serious off-road use, but it blends excellent on-road manners with SUV styling. The Jeep Liberty may lack some of the advantages of more-carlike SUVs, but it leads the pack in off-road ability. It's Recommended as an affordable, capable competitor.

Santa Fe is proving a big hit for Hyundai, with year-to-year sales up a healthy 39.7-percent in 2002. Such success is one reason Hyundai is splurging for a first-ever U.S. factory. It's expected to open near Montgomery, Alabama in time to start building a redesigned 2006 Santa Fe. No word yet on what the new one will be like, but we'd be surprised if it isn't a little larger and more powerful than the current offering.

A midsize SUV is also apparently on Hyundai's to-do list. Contrary to earlier reports, this will not be an Americanized version of the home-market Terracan, a Ford Explorer-size 4-dr with Toyota Land Cruiser looks, separate frame, and available dual-range 4WD. Terracan was evidently deemed too crude for U.S. tastes. Well, how about an upscale version of the Sorento from Hyundai-owned Kia? It's possible, but Hyundai is more likely to opt for a car-based design, perhaps derived from a new-generation XG sedan. Timing is unknown right now, but stay tuned.