New Models Make 2006 a Banner Year for Trucks, SUVs and Crossovers

2006 Hyundai Tucson - The Best Compact SUV?

Hyundai

Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press

introduced its new Tucson earlier this year as a 2005 model, but because it's so new, and so good it deserves mention among this list of 2006 entries. Although fighting against a batch of long-in-tooth compact SUV rivals, most of which are due for redesigns shortly, the Tucson rises above the pack in almost every category. Its available V6-power is sporting, ride comfortable and handling agile, interior fit, finish and materials quality top of class, safety equipment unparalleled, warranty almost the best in the industry, and value proposition untouchable - except for Kia's Sportage which is much the same vehicle in a different wrapper.

2006 Jeep Commander Overview - Longer, Taller and More Accommodating

It

Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press

looks much bigger than a Grand Cherokee, but this new 7-occupant Jeep rides on the same chassis with the same wheelbase length, albeit has two additional inches tacked onto the rear to make way for the kids-only third row seat. The iconic 4x4 brand reaches back to its recent past by resurrecting classic Cherokee styling cues, but leaves the past behind with its luxurious, spacious interior. Still "Trail Rated", this gentleman's off-roader offers 3.7L V6-power in base trim, a 4.7L V8 alternative, plus the all-powerful 5.7L HEMI V8 for serious hauling combined with "MDS" cylinder deactivation for up to 20 percent fuel savings.

2006 Kia Sportage - Perfecting the Compact SUV

It's

Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press

been a while since Kia offered a truly compact SUV in North America, but its new Sportage has made up for lost time. Sharing architecture with Hyundai's award-winning Tucson, the Sportage offers impressive road manners while its 142-hp, 2.0L 4-cylinder and optional 175-hp, 2.7L V6, mated to either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed auto with manual mode, deliver spirited performance. Kia's fit and finish, inside and out, plus interior materials quality has been improving dramatically with each new model, as has the brand's overall reliability. The Sportage follows suit, and standard six airbags, plus traction and stability control are impressive.