Road warriors: six SUVs that satisfy your inner nomad

When you're starring in your own director's-cut version of Mad Max--in your head--you're not likely driving mom's mincing minivan. You're in a fully equipped war machine, one that can take you from the concrete jungle to the, well, actual jungle. Or beyond Thunderdome, even. Anyway, in real life you won't have to conquer an unruly gang of post-apocalyptic misfits to sit behind the wheel of your dreams. We've identified six categories of off-roading rides. Pick the one that best suits your personality and needs, then buckle up. (Tina Turner fright wig not included.)

THE COMMUTER: 2005 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID

Profile: Detroit is on a roll: first the Pistons, now the Ford Escape Hybrid. Combining a fuel-efficient gas engine with an electric-drive system, it gets 35 to 40 miles per gallon--in the city. When you're stuck in midtown traffic, the gas motor shuts off, rendering zero emissions. The "motor generator" even charges the battery when braking. Need some quick juice? The starter motor restarts the engine in 400 milliseconds. By uniting the power of both the gas and the electric engine, you have just about as much muscle as the Escape's non-hybrid V6 version.

Engine: 2.3-liter, in-line 4-cylinder gas engine, plus a 70-kilowatt electric motor Horsepower: 155 Cargo volume: 65.5 cu. ft. MSRP: $26,970 @ ford.com You'll also like: 2004 Honda Element, $16,100 @ honda.com

THE URBAN ASSAULT VEHICLE: 2004 BMW X3 3.01

Profile: The X3 combines the gear-hauling and all-terrain aptitude of its big cousin, the X5, with the maneuverability of its 3-series sedan sibling, making it ideal for urban-based adventurers, The full-time all-wheel-drive system, known as xDrive, compensates for bumpy toad surfaces, fluctuations in speed, and even poor driving on your part by constantly adjusting how much power reaches each wheel. Adaptive headlights aim the beams in the direction you're turning, and the optional large 18-inch wheels are essential for that pimped-out look.

Engine: 3.0-liter, in-line 6-cylinder Horsepower: 225 Cargo volume: 71 cu. ft. MSRP: $36,995 @ bmwusa.com You'll also like: 2005 Mercury Mariner, $21,000-$30,000 (est.) @ mercuryvehicles.com

THE LUXE OFF-ROADER: 2005 LAND ROVER LR3

Profile: Incorporating the stunning lines of the flagship Range Rover, the LR3 also borrows its superior four-corner cross-linked suspension while adding multiple sunroofs, ample glass, and stepped roofline. Whether you venture off-road or not, the Terrain Response System has your back. Based on five driver-selectable settings--general driving, slippery conditions, mud/ruts, sand, and rock crawl--the system automatically selects from various subsystems, such as adjustable ride height, hilt-descent control, and traction control in order to optimize the ride.

Engine: 4.4-liter V8 Horsepower: 300 Cargo volume: 87.4 cu. ft.-90.3 cu. ft. MSRP: $40,000-$50,000 (est.) @ landrover.com You'll also like: 2005 Saab 9-7X, $37,000-$45,000 (est.) @ saab.com

THE OUTDOORSMAN: 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER

Profile: If Pathfinder were an athlete, you'd look at this redesign and assume it had hired a personal trainer. The truck is bulked up with a larger body and third-row seating, while the interior is trimmed to configure a wide range of passenger and gear scenarios. In other words, it's much more fit. Available with all-mode four-wheel-drive, one can manually select two-wheel drive, auto, and four high and four low modes for varying terrain. And since the rear seats fold completely flat, it also makes a fine backcountry love shack for you and your special guest.

Engine: 4.0-liter V6 Horsepower: 270+ Cargo volume: 37.7 cu. ft. MSRP: $26,000-$35,000 (est.) @ nissan.com You'll also like: 2004 Volkswagen Touareg, $35,900 @ vw.com

THE PLAYER: 2004 JEEP WRANGLER UNLIMITED

Profile: Wranglers have never been poster children for practicality --they're better known for their prowess at taking off-road romps and cruising for college babes. In the past, they've had an uncomfortable ride and barely enough room. The new Unlimited version, however, extends the back seat by two inches and the cargo area by 13, making it ready for the most ambitious of road trips. The longer wheelbase ups the towing capacity by 1,500 pounds and smoothes out the ride. When Old Man Winter hits, put on the optional hardtop.

Engine: 4-liter, in-line 6-cylinder Horsepower: 190 Cargo volume: 63.3 cu. ft. MSRP: $24,385 @ jeep.com You'll also like: 2004 Land Rover Freelander, $28,995 @ landrover.com

THE MERCENARY: 2005 HUMMER H2 SUT

Profile: The new H2 SUT is a modified version of its older SUV sibling, with a short pickup bed where there once was an enclosed cargo area. This nets you 30 cubic feet for all manner of extreme-sports gear and building materials alike, along with seating for five inside. Got more gear? Fold down the midgate and back seat to reveal a veritable 72 inches of storage room. Inside, the cabin is appointed with leather seats and optional heated cushions and seatbacks--rely plush. Open up the huge windows and sunroof and you'll think you're in a convertible.