Toyota 4Runner The redesigned 1996 Toyota 4Runner combines the ruggedness of a truck with the comfort of a passenger car. Shown here is the Limited, equipped with a full-leather interior, air conditioning and cruise control.
There are currently 31 sport utility model lines for sale on the U.S. market-- all pictured and described in CarPoint.	The sport-utility vehicle category is the hottest in the industry with sales up 13 percent in 1995, according to research done by J.D. Power and Associates. Consequently, consumers are paying top dollar for these popular new vehicles as automakers seize the opportunity, bringing a range of new and exciting vehicles to the market.
comfort combined with utility The Toyota 4Runner has been redesigned for 1996, offering a host of improvements. With a longer wheelbase, new suspension and reduced engine vibration, the new 4Runner provides a more comfortable, stable ride.	The sport-utility vehicle--with its rugged appearance and four-wheel-drive mystique--has rapidly become the vehicle of choice for motorists looking to travel anywhere with confidence and comfort--even if most of their journeys take them only as far as the local supermarket.      Traditionally built on heavy-duty truck platforms, sport-utility vehicles combine the hard-working utility of an off-road vehicle with all the creature comforts of the family car--right down to the cupholders. Many passenger car and minivan owners are drawn by a sense of security that comes from the increased visibility offered by a sport utility's high seating position. Others are attracted by the vehicle's solid construction, all-weather capability and no-nonsense image. Return to top
the evolution of a vehicle category With a heritage stemming from the 1940s, the Grand Cherokee represents Jeep's latest step in the evolution of the sport-utility vehicle. With dual airbags, AWD technology and available luxury interior, this Jeep excels at taking its passengers through adverse conditions in comfort.	The popularity of the sport utility didn't happen overnight and not without significant technological advancements along the way. The first sport utilities started as little more than harsh-riding trucks with an extended roof and some back seats.      The concept of a go-anywhere, haul-anything vehicle began during the 1940s when the Willys-Overland company won a bid from the U.S. Army to build light reconnaissance vehicles for use during World War II. After the war, these Jeeps, as they came to be called, slowly evolved into civilian-use vehicles.      The first Jeep vehicle designed exclusively for family transportation arrived in 1962 when Kaiser Jeep introduced the Grand Wagoneer. It had the size and comfort of a passenger car along with four-wheel drive and an automatic transmission.      The category took a significant step forward in 1984 with the introduction of the Jeep Cherokee and heated up even more as Japanese automakers Toyota and Nissan entered the market in 1984 and 1987, respectively, with enclosed versions of their popular compact pickup trucks. Today, Toyota's 4-Runner and Nissan's Pathfinder represent two of the most refined compact sport utilities on the market.      Advances in drivetrain, engine, and safety technologies are key to the evolution of the category. Most sport utilities now offer an advanced V6 or V8 engine coupled to an on-demand or full-time four-wheel-drive configuration. And many offer anti-lock brakes and dual airbags. The result is a secure, smooth and quiet motoring experience in a wide range of conditions. Return to top
the new "mini" sport utes Toyota has entered the new mini sport-utility market with the RAV4. With 120 horsepower and a ground clearance of over seven inches, the RAV4 does a fine job of keeping up with its larger cousins.	Industry experts expect the sport-utility vehicle category to experience continued sales growth in the coming years. Recognizing this, manufacturers are broadening the sport-utility market with offerings at both the entry level and upper end of the category.      Following on the popularity of the entry-level Suzuki Sidekick and Kia Sportage, Toyota, Honda, Mitsubishi and Suzuki have all entered the mini sport-utility segment with new compact, lower-cost vehicles in the past year. While the Mitsubishi Pajero Mini isn't yet slated for U.S. availability, recent U.S. introductions of the Toyota RAV4, Suzuki X-90, and the forthcoming Honda CR-V have helped to expand this new segment, bringing in new sport-utility customers. Return to top
the luxury segment takes off Earlier this year, Mercedes unveiled this unique concept vehicle that combines the attributes of a sport-utility with the safety and comfort of a Mercedes passenger car. The M-Class All-Activity Vehicle (AAV)--the production vehicle based on this concept--is scheduled to go on sale in the fall of 1997, priced in the mid-$30,000 range.	Once the sole domain of Land Rover and its luxurious $62,000 Range Rover 4.6 HSE, the upper end of the sport-utility market is heating up as other luxury auto manufacturers--such as Mercedes, Acura and Lexus--get into the act. On the one hand, these automakers see the opportunity to capitalize on the growing popularity of these high-end vehicles. On the other, they are concerned with hanging onto their existing base of upscale customers who are increasingly prepared to view the luxury sport utility as a fine substitute to the luxury sedan.      Priced between $35,000 and $47,500, the Mercedes M-Class All-Activity Vehicle (AAV), Acura SLX, and Lexus LX450 bring luxury car comfort and refinement to the popular sport-utility market. These luxury SUVs cater to the needs of a very discerning audience, one that places a premium on comfort and convenience, while still appreciating solid off-road capability. Another newcomer is the 1997 Mountaineer--Mercury's upscale answer to the best-selling Ford Explorer. Return to top
in a class by itself The AM General Hummer is easily considered the ultimate 4X4. With a ground clearance of 16 inches, the Hummer driver even has the option of inflating or deflating the tires to match terrain conditions without ever leaving the vehicle.	On the wilder side of this market resides the AM General Hummer. While not as luxurious as many of its sport-utility counterparts, the Hummer is easily the toughest. Originally known as the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV), it was developed for military service before being transformed into a civilian Hummer in 1992. Today the Hummer enjoys the reputation of being the biggest, baddest, most rugged sport utility available. Arnold Schwarzenegger reportedly owns two. Return to top