Test Fest: Best New SUV / CUV under $35,000

MORE TEST FEST COVERAGE
Pick-Up	Nov 15, 2006
SUV / CUV over $60,000	Nov 14, 2006
SUV / CUV $35,000 - $60,000	Nov 13, 2006
Convertible	Nov 10, 2006
Sport / performance car over $50,000	Nov 9, 2006
Sport / performance car under $50,000	Nov 8, 2006
Prestige car over $75,000	Nov 7, 2006
Luxury car under $50,000	Nov 6, 2006
Family car over $30,000	Nov 5, 2006
Family car $22,000 - $30,000	Nov 4, 2006
Small car over $18,000	Nov 3, 2006
Small car under $18,000	Nov 2, 2006
The most coveted parking space in the country	Nov 1, 2006
Writers' predictions for the best new cars of 2007	Nov 1, 2006

A crowded category

A sign of the times: the category with the most vehicles in contention at this year's Test Fest is "Best New SUV / CUV under $35,000". Nine different models are competing; in fact, the organizers could even have divided the category in two sections.

Jeep Compass (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

Since they did not, the hardcore Jeep Wrangler is battling the athletic Mazda CX-7, while the eco-friendly Saturn Vue Green Line is trying to keep up with the powerful Toyota RAV4 V6...

Two Jeeps, one Dodge
The Chrysler Group has not one, not two, but three models in this category, including the Dodge Nitro, Jeep Compass and Jeep Wrangler. Talk about internal competition!

Jeep Wrangler (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

Unfortunately for Jeep, the off-road course that would have allowed its SUVs to showcase their unparalleled capacities had to be closed because the rain made it too muddy. Having conquered the Rubicon Trail at the wheel of the new Wrangler, I know that this 4x4 would have won precious points. Instead, it loses some at the hands of its more comfortable rivals.

Dodge's Nitro proved to be an average SUV. The steering is overassisted, the accelerations are noisy, the build

Dodge Nitro (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

quality is ordinary and the technology is old school, beginning with the 4-speed automatic transmission with no manual mode... Not the stuff champions are made of.

Finally, the compact dimensions of the Jeep Compass do not make for a spacious interior, while its drivetrain is undeniably less powerful than that of other rivals. The low base price ($19,995 for the AWD model) helps a little, but that's not quite enough to steal first place.

The real battle pits Mazda's CX-7 against Hyundai's Santa Fe

Mazda CX-7 (Photo: Mazda)

In my mind, the winner will either be the Mazda CX-7 or the Hyundai Santa Fe. The former definitely has the sporty genes that we drivers so much, with athletic handling and a turbo engine that delivers a dynamic performance. What's more, the CX-7 boasts the nicest looking exterior of the group.

Sure, with its 269-hp V6, Toyota's RAV4 is notably more powerful, sprinting from 0 to 100 kph in 6.7 seconds -- a full two seconds faster than the Mazda. The engine never seems tired, while the

Toyota RAV4 (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre, Auto123.com)

chassis is one of the most efficient there is.

Toyota eclipsed by Hyundai
Where the RAV4 disappoints, however, is in the equipment level. Despite carrying a sticker price or nearly $35,000, there were no leather or heated seats, no audio controls on the steering wheel and no sunroof. The RAV4 even has to make do with a 5-speed automatic gearbox with no manual mode.