FULLSIZE SUV
Hummer H2 SUT
Name one fullsize SUV that comes to the game fully loaded with 33-inch, or larger, tires, a rear locker, and rock rails. OK, so we'll give you the Hummer H1, but at more than $120,000, it is out of the reach of most consumers. For half the money, you can get over 90 percent of the H1's capabilities in another Hummer, the H2. We chose the SUT version because we'd rather have a usable bed and a Midgate over a third row that shares real estate with the spare tire. We also considered the solid-axled Excursion and legendary Toyota Land Cruiser, but neither has the attention of the aftermarket, or is so well equipped for the trail as the Hummer H2.
Others Considered: Ford Excursion, Hummer H1 Alpha, Toyota Land Cruiser
Specs
Vehicle/model: Hummer H2 SUT
Estimated price: $52,845 (base)
ENGINE
Type: Vortec 6.0L V-8
Horsepower @ rpm: 316 @ 5,200
Torque @ rpm: 360 @ 3,600
EPA city/highway mpg: 10/13
DRIVETRAIN
Transmission: 4L65-E four-speed automatic
Transfer case: Two-speed with neutral
Transfer case: ratio 2.64:1
Axle ratio: 4.10:1
SUSPENSION
Front: IFS, torsion bars
Rear: Five-link, air springs
WHEELS AND TIRES
Wheels, base: 17-inch cast aluminum
Tires, base: LT315/70R17 BFGoodrich A/T
BRAKES
Front: Disc/ABS
Rear: Disc/ABS
DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Wheelbase, in.: 122.8
Length, in.: 203.5
Width, in.: 81.2
Height, in.: 78.5
Curb weight, lb.: 6,400
Fuel capacity, gal.: 32
Ground clearance, in.: 10
Seating: 5
Towing capacity, lb.: 6,500
LUXURY SUV
Lexus GX 470
It's no secret, we love the Lexus GX 470. We love it so much that not only did it win Four Wheeler of the Year twice, but we also built one up in the form of Project TraiLex, just to show all of the naysayers out there that this Luxo-rig does belong on the trail. Sure, we considered the Volkswagen Touareg and its Porsche Cayenne relative, the Mercedes G-Class and a host of others. But in our mind, no luxury SUV is as good on- or off-pavement for the money as the GX 470. Hey, after all of our positive experiences with this Lexus, we'll admit to being a little biased. Show us another vehicle that wins two "of the Year" competitions in three years, and you'll see another winner on this list.
Others Considered: Land Rover Range Rover, Infiniti QX56, Mercedes G-Class, Porsche Cayenne, Volkswagen Touareg
Specs
Vehicle/model: Lexus GX 470
Estimated price: $46,875
ENGINE
Type: 4.7L V-8
Horsepower @ rpm: 270 @ 5,400
Torque @ rpm: 330 @ 3,400
EPA city/highway mpg: 15/19
DRIVETRAIN
Transmission: Five-speed automatic
Transfer case: Full-time two-speed
Transfer case: ratio 2.56:1
Axle ratio: 3.73:1
SUSPENSION
Front: IFS, coil springs, KDSS stabilizer bar
Rear: Solid axle, air springs, KDSS stabilizer bar
WHEELS AND TIRES
Wheels, base: 17-inch alloy
Tires, base: 265/65HR17
BRAKES
Front: Disc/ABS
Rear: Disc/ABS
DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Wheelbase, in.: 109.8
Length, in.: 188.2
Width, in.: 74
Height, in.: 74.6
Curb weight, lb.: 4,781
Fuel capacity, gal.: 23
Ground clearance, in.: 9.8
Seating: 5
Towing capacity, lb.: 6,200