2003 4x4 Trucks And SUVs - The Four Wheeler Guide To 2003 Trucks And SUVS

MIDSIZE SUVS (cont...)

Land Rover
For '03 the Land Rover Discovery, previewed in the November issue of Four Wheeler, comes standard with the 4.6L V-8 previously used in the Range Rover. A redesigned exterior, based on that of the Range Rover, features distinctive new headlamps, a new grille and round foglamps. Improved clearance should aid in off-road driving. The new HSE model comes with standard 18-inch wheels, rear park distance control and a self-leveling rear suspension. The Discovery rides on coil springs and solid axles front and rear.

The all-new-for-'03 Range Rover, previewed in the May '03 edition of Four Wheeler, features the 282hp 4.4L BMW-built DOHC V-8. Fit with a Torsen center differential, 4-wheel Electronic Traction Control (4ETC) and a 2.70:1 low range, chances are you'll be the best looking 'wheeler out there. The Range Rover features IFS with MacPherson air struts and independent rear suspension with dual A-arms. It can tow up to 7,700 pounds.

Lexus
For '03 Lexus is bringing its all-new midsize GX470 to market. This vehicle will share its powertrain, including Toyota's 4.7L V-8, with the LX470, which gets its powertrain from the current Toyota Land Cruiser. Based on an all-new platform, the GX features a full-time four-wheel-drive system and a two-speed transfer case, a new Downhill Assist Control (DAC) system to provide extra control for off-road driving on steep descents (at least for unskilled drivers), Active TRAC traction control, Vehicle Skid Control and Adaptive Height Control. This Lexus features IFS and a solid rear axle with air suspension with self-leveling abilities. The height control allows you extra clearance when you're off-road. The two-speed transfer case offers a locking center differential for off-road conditions.

Mercedes
In 2002, Mercedes added its venerable G500, known as the Gelandewagen in Europe, to its list of SUVs available here. The boxy wagon is about 4 inches longer than the M-Class and features the same 292hp 5.0L V-8 that powers the Mercedes-Benz S-class sedans. Interestingly, the G500, unchanged for '03, really is capable of attacking the trail. It features two solid axles as well as five-link suspension with coil springs and gas shocks at each corner. It relies upon full-time four-wheel drive with on-the-fly low range that can be selected at speeds of up to 15 mph. Further evidence of the G500's four-wheeling prowess can be found in its three locking differentials. Of course, this being a Mercedes, the G500 also offers occupants several upscale accoutrements, including standard GPS, full leather interior, front and rear heated seats and automatic climate control. For a base price of $73,165 we wouldn't mind if it did the dishes too.

Mercedes-Benz's other SUVs include the ML320 and ML500. For '03, these vehicles remain, for the most part, unchanged. The ML500 is powered by a 288hp 5.0L V-8. The ML320 is powered by a 3.2L V-6.

Mitsubishi
For '03 the Montero has been improved upon with more power and better looks. Available in two trim levels, the XLS and the Limited, it now relies on a larger 3.8L V-6 engine that delivers 215 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to a five-speed Sportronic automatic transmission. Mitsubishi also replaced the optional limited-slip differentials with the Mitsubishi Active Stability and Traction Control system, now standard on all models. The '03 Montero also features a subtly redesigned grille, front fascia, new headlights and running boards that are illuminated on the Limited model. The Montero rides on IFS and IRS, with coils all around.

The Montero Sport, slightly smaller than its counterpart, is practically the same as it was in '02, with the addition of a higher roof, allowing for a little more headroom. The Sport features independent front suspension and a three-link coil-sprung solid axle at the rear.

Nissan
Nissan follows last year's addition of the Supercharged V-6 to its Xterra line by adding another 10hp to the naturally aspirated engine, bringing the total number up to 180hp. In addition, Vehicle Dynamic Control with the Traction Control System will be made available on the Xterra for the first time. Xterras are available in two trim levels, the SE and the XE, and each is available in either a standard 3.3L V-6 or a Supercharged version. The entry-level Xterra is offered with the 2.4L I-4.

The '03 Pathfinder, Nissan's premiere SUV and the 2001 Four Wheeler of the Year, is available in SE or LE models, with the 3.5L V-6 standard in both. Both models can now be ordered with the same Dynamic Control Package as the Xterra. A limited-slip rear differential is standard on the manual 4x4 SE, but can be ordered on the LE with certain other packages. The Pathfinder uses IFS and a five-link coil-spring suspension with a beam axle. Pathfinders equipped with automatic transmissions are rated with a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.

Porsche
Porsche has entered the midsize SUV category with a bang. The name of that bang is the Cayenne. Available in two versions, Cayenne S or Cayenne Turbo, this SUV has several innovative features including Porsche Stability Management (PSM), pneumatic height adjustment (standard on the Turbo), a 2.7:1 low-range ratio, and an available Advanced Offroad Package. Cayennes feature a switch that, when engaged, activates a center differential lock and automatically raises the vehicle to an off-pavement height of 10.75 inches off the ground. The approach/departure angles are 32 degrees at the front and 27 degrees at the rear when in this mode. With the Offroad Package, the Cayenne features a steel plate beneath its radiator and includes a differential lock on the rear axle. Like any Porsche, these SUVs have plenty of motor. The Cayenne S features an all-new Porsche-designed V-8 engine, while the Turbo features a turbocharged 4.5L V-8 said to produce 450 hp. Suspension is handled by double-A-arms in the front and rear.

Suzuki
The Suzuki XL-7 now shows off a redesigned interior highlighted by a new dashboard and console design, plus an overhead console with reading lamps. The XL-7 is available in four trim levels. The entry-level XL-7 is a five-passenger model that replaces the "Standard" model. Then there's the XL-7 with a third row of seating. This seats seven passengers and replaces last year's "Plus" model. The Limited trim level is a fully loaded XL-7 that's only available with the automatic transmission. The other model, also only available with an automatic transmission, is the Limited with the third-row option, which features rear A/C, climate control and running boards. Power is generated by an all-aluminum 2.7L V-6 mated to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. The XL-7 features IFS and a solid rear axle that uses coil springs.

Toyota
The 4Runner has been among the most popular SUVs in America ever since it was introduced in 1985. For '03, an all-new fourth generation 4Runner, previewed in the November issue of Four Wheeler, offers three trim levels; the SR5, Sport and Limited editions. They're offered with a standard 4.0L V-6, which has enough towing ability to bring along a 5,000-pound trailer. The other engine choice is the familiar 4.7L V-8, the same i-Force unit found on the Land Cruiser, Sequoia and Tundra. Two transfer cases have been developed to work with these engines, including the VF4AM, which features a two-speed planetary gear with 2.566 low-range. The VF4BM transfer case offers the same low-range ratio, along with full-time four-wheel drive. It's the one you get when you opt for the V-8 engine.

The 4Runner also utilizes an electronic traction-control system very much like that of the Sequoia, and something called X-REAS, designed by Yamaha. This application is a diagonal-linked shock absorber system, offering a sport-enhanced suspension that's supposed to dampen overall suspension compression, diagonal roll and body pitch.

Abbreviations:
4A = four-speed automatic
5A = five-speed automatic
5M = five-speed manual
6M = six-speed manual