Chevrolet Suburban

The Suburban’s niche is knack for accommodating a healthy passenger and cargo load, and boasting a towing capacity that falls just this side of a tugboat. Available in ½ ton 1500 Series and ¾ ton 2500 Series platforms, a carefully optioned Suburban can extend its trailer towing capacity to 12000 lb. Maximum payload ranges from 2077lb. to 3153 lb. depending on the series and driveline configuration.

Those impressive weight ratings are due in large part to the Suburban’s muscular engine lineup. The LS and LT 1500 Series models come standard with the Vortec 5300 V8, while the 2500 Series trucks get the beefy Vortec 6000 V8. The serious muscle is found with the 2500’s optional Vortec 8100 engine introduced last year. With 340bhp and a peak torque rating of 455 lb.-ft., an 8100 equipped Suburban can just about move the proverbial mountain? Three transmissions are offered, all electronically controlled 4 speed automatics. The 4L60-E versions optional for the 2500 Series.

One might expect the bruiser like this to come up short in the comfort and handling departments. Not so. The 2000 model year makeover significantly improved the Suburban’s ride quality. The benefits of the precision tuned independent torsion bar front and 5 link coil rear (2500 Series models receive leaf springs and a semi floating rear axle) are further augmented by the Premium Smooth Ride suspension and Autoride shock system.

Chevrolet Tahoe

In spite of their classification, too many sport utility vehicles fall short of their namesake. Too big or rugged for “sport,” too small for “utility.vDon’t count the Tahoe among this group. Thanks to versatile traction control systems, a strong power train, flexible cargo capacity and a smart suspension, Chevrolet’s Tahoe is equally at home climbing mountains or cruising the macadam.

Since its makeover in 2000, Tahoe buyers have gravitated towards the LS and LT trim level offered in both the 2 and 4 wheel drive models, so this year the base trim package has been discounted. A number of features have been added to the now standard LS version, including 6 way power front seats, foglamps, heated outside mirrors, rear heating and window defogger, self dimming driver’s mirror, side steps and a HomeLink universal transmitter.

The real story, however, is in the hardware. The Tahoe LS comes standard with the Vortec 4800 V8, while LT buyers enjoy the Vortec 5300 V8 as standard equipment. These engines offer 275 and 285bhp, respectively. Not a huge difference unless you plan to two big toys, when the 5300’s extra 35 lb.-ft. of torque must be factored in. the 5300 V8 has also been tweaked this year to accommodate both regular and 85 percent ethanol content fuel. Both engines were backed by the reliable 4L60-E electronically controlled 4 speed automatic transmission.

Toyota RAV4

Sailing successfully along since 1996 North American Introduction, Toyota’s funky little RAV4 received a major makeover last year that not only made it roomier and more powerful, but also saw its styling mature to a more mainstream look. The new shape was penned at CALTY, Toyota’s design center in California, and has been likened to a scaled down BMW X5. In other words, funky became handsome.

As might be expected after such a recent and thorough redo, this year’s changes are minimal, consisting of exterior and interior color revisions including the addition of Spectra Blue Mica, Rainforest Pearl and Frosted White Pearl to the available palette on both the base and fully loaded “L” models. Base models contrast body color with gray finish bumpers and body side molding. The upscale RAV4 goes the monochrome route with all bumpers, moldings, door handles and outside mirrors painted body color, and also includes air conditioning, cruise control, AM/FM/cassette/CD with six speakers, power windows and door locks, power actuated heated mirrors, foglamps, rear privacy glass, a tonneau cover, carpeted floormats and distinct badging.

In either trim level, buyers can ponder the choice of a front wheel drivetrain, or a full time 4 wheel drive system that provides additional surefootedness without sacrificing the RAV4’s decidedly sporty handling.

Toyota Land Cruiser

I have driven Toyota Land Cruiser since 1972 and have always found them to be strong and tough. In the early days, they were also noisy and a bit crude, but well suited to their mission of being a serious off road vehicle for those seeking fun and adventure. In recent years, however, the Land cruiser has moved way upmarket and become one of the prestigious sport utility vehicles that many Americans hanker for. And with good reason, for this is an extremely impressive SUV.

Even though the vast majority of SUVs are purchased for use as family wagons, it is nice to know that with Toyota Land Cruiser, you also get serious off pavement ability for your money. And I do mean serious, because the Land Cruiser has proven itself in the toughest going imaginable. So, a run through the snow to your favorite ski lodge is mere child’s play for this Toyota.

Reality is, however, that few will do more than cruiser the highways and byways in the Land Cruiser. And they will find that its ride character is remarkable, the handling is quite decent and the level of comfort and convenience is excellent. On extended trips of several thousand miles, I have found the highway demeanor unsurpassed for steady cruising with little noise intrusion and a great sense of security.