Sport Utility Vehicles

Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine, Dec, 2000

Acura MDX

As close to a sedan's ride as you'll get in an SUV, this brawny replacement for the old SLX is sure to be a hit.

COST | Bottom line

* Price as equipped: $34,850

* To buy: $893 a month ($6,970 down/9.5%/36 months)

* To lease: $459 a month ($3,485 due at signing/$24,047 residual/ 36 months)

Devan Acura of Norwalk, Conn.

Chevrolet Suburban 1500

A perennial winner and proof that huge vehicles can be popular if they are attractively priced and handle well.

Pontiac Aztek

A real head turner, the Aztek does zero to 60 in about ten seconds, thanks to its 185-horsepower V6.

Hyundai Santa Fe GLS

Hyundai's new entry arrives with a V6 that's bigger than the power plant in Honda's CRV and Toyota's RAV4.

Ford Explorer

Dubbed a 2002, the new Explorer will arrive in the showrooms early next year with a lower center of gravity than the current model.

2001 Car Guide

For an explanation of our scoring system, see page 115; See Kiplinger's Car Finder 2001 at www.kiplinger.com