Personal Picks: Small SUVs, part 2

Here, we revisit the February-issue small SUV test group, including the Chevrolet Equinox, Honda CR-V and Element, Jeep Compass, and Saturn Vue Hybrid, with Cars staff members casting their own personal perspective on the vehicles.

Cliff Weathers: The Honda CR-V didn't have much competition from the field in which we tested it. In the published test, the CR-V won hands-down over a bunch of middling vehicles, such as the Jeep Compass and Chevrolet Equinox. Instead, I'll compare it with the Toyota RAV4 and the Subaru Forester, our other top small SUVs. To my taste, the CR-V has a more composed ride than the RAV4 and it makes the Forester seem very dated in comparison. Of course, the CR-V's 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine feels anemic compared with the RAV4's available 3.5-liter V6. I'm a big stickler for outward visibility, and I always admired the Forester for being uniquely easy to see out of. Unfortunately, Honda has gone in the opposite direction with the CR-V redesign. I find the sloping rear and big rear pillars to be an impediment, not only when backing up, but when assessing the traffic behind me.

Rick Small: The small SUV market is rapidly growing and continues to be very popular. It is no surprise, as these vehicles have many advantages over the older truck-based models, including superior ride, handling, and fuel efficiency. They're also very roomy for their size and folding seats add to their usefulness. I like the new Honda CR-V and Hyundai Santa Fe, which are both much improved over their earlier versions. That said, I need a 3,500-pound towing capacity for my boat, so that leaves the four-cylinder models off my list. The Santa Fe and Toyota RAV4 offer V6s that cover my towing needs; the new Mitsubishi Outlander has a standard V6 that can also tow 3,500 pounds. Of these, the Outlander is the sportiest of the group and it fits my 6' 3" frame the best--although my wife complains that it lacks leg room. The RAV4 is a good choice, but I don't like the right-hinged rear gate door. I find that a hatchback design is much more user friendly. These well-equipped V6 models run around $30,000 and get 17-18 mpg overall. My favorite SUV, though, is still the Nissan Murano, which can be more expensive but is quicker, bigger, and sportier than most of these and still manages 19 mpg overall.

Jeff Bartlett: Living in New England, I can appreciate the desire for an affordable, efficient vehicle with a flexible interior, AWD, and elevated ground clearance. Yet, I still favor one with some personality. At today's prices, cars are simply too expensive to be passionless appliances. Among the small SUVs, the Honda Element stands out to me as addressing my objective needs and desire to have a few surprise and delight features. Now late in its model run, the Element has seen many shortcomings addressed. Most noticeable has been covering the box front to back in (gasp!) paint. For 2007, the once-door-mounted seat belts are now fed from new front seats, easing rear-passenger access. The new SC trim line brings a tribal art look to the interior, and more importantly, quiets the cabin with carpeting -- an Element first. Power climbs 10 horses and the automatic transmission sprouted an extra gear, for five total. The result is an affordable machine ready for mild adventures -- on the scale most people attempt. Fold or remove the back seats and it's ready for a hardware store run, or a mountain bike expedition. The clamshell-split rear hatch makes access easy, and tailgating fun. Sure, it is a touch heavy, with compromised visibility, rear seat capacity, and too much road noise... but it's fun, practical, and has its own distinct personality, even if it looks like the box the CR-V was delivered in.