longer, and lower to the ground, all of which will improve everyday and extreme ride and handling.

Similar in architecture and philosophy to the revamped Range Rover, the LR3 will have an adjustable ride height and a dynamic new four-wheel-drive system, called Terrain Response, that will allow the new Land Rover to continue its class-leading 4x4 credibility. This new system is no longer lever or push-button operated, but includes a rotary switch that requires the driver to select one of five appropriate terrain settings. The vehicle's many electronic controls and traction systems are then optimized for that specific type of terrain.

When the old compact Blazer evolved into the midsize TrailBlazer, it left a hole in Chevrolet's lineup. As of early 2004, that space will be filled by the Equinox, built to compete with the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, and Toyota RAV4. Unlike the Blazer, the car-based Equinox isn't meant for serious off-roading, but what it lacks in trail prowess it makes up for in comfort, interior versatility, and luxury at a bargain price.

The sport/utility will be powered by GM's 3.4-liter OHV V-6 and backed by a five-speed Aisin-Warner automatic. Suspension consists of a MacPherson-strut front and a four-link coil-spring rear. Front-drive is standard, with all-wheel drive optional. Front discs and rear drums come on all levels of the Equinox. Four-wheel ABS is standard on all-wheel-drive models and optional for front-drivers.

Redesigning a vehicle like the Jeep Grand Cherokee is a blessing and a curse. It's a competent vehicle that needs some updates to remain competitive in the market--but it can be tricky to mess with the brand's best-seller (its sales are triple those of the Wrangler) without affecting what people love about the current model. (This doesn't take into account the die-hard off-roaders who cringe every time Jeep announces any changes.) The good news: Jeep met the challenge, managing to make nearly everyone happy.

The five-seat sport/utility comes in two- or four-wheel drive, with three 4WD choices. Quadra-Trac I provides full-time 4WD and is the closest to all-wheel drive of the bunch. It has an NV140 single-speed transfer case and works with a Brake Traction Control System for all-season capability. Quadra-Trac II provides the next level of off-road readiness, combining an active transfer case--the same one found in Quadra-Drive II--with BTCS. This system also uses Throttle Anticipate, which measures throttle movement to maximize traction before any tire starts to slip.