1995 Land Rover Discovery

Road TestThe sport/utility vehicle is an enigma. It represents the fastest-growing segment of the automotive market, with no end in sight. Automakers are climbing over themselves to secure a viable entry on dealers' lots; buyers are abandoning passenger cars for SUVs like Washington democrats jumping from the health-care platform. Luxury-car owners are finding that the SUV's image-factor is as high as its on-road stance. Yet, even the manufacturers aren't sure what the frenzy means. Is the SUV a passing phenomenon or is it here to stay? Is it an off-roader, a family wagon, an executive coach, a luxury vehicle, a cargo hauler, an outdoor activity base camp, an adventure on four wheels? The simple answer is "yes." And it's exactly this wide range of versatility that attracts so many different types of buyers.

With the SUV market changing every year, we felt it was time to take a hard-nosed look at the current 4x4 elite. Our target range was the $30,000-$40,000 compact SUV segment. The only higher-priced four-door offerings are the ultraluxury Range Rover ($45,000-$54,000), the battle-forged AM General Hummer ($47,310-$56,994), and the recently refined full-size Toyota Land Cruiser (which bases at $38,688, but easily jumps to over 40 grand when normally equipped).

All the vehicles feature four-wheel drive with two-range transfer cases, four doors, automatic transmissions, and leather seats (except for the Trooper), and are well stocked with the power amenities and premium sound systems. Some go beyond the call of duty, with seven-passenger capacity, wood-grain trim, automatic climate control, CD changers, trip computers, or other extras.

Determined to see just how tough these elite 4x4s are, we stoically buckled ourselves into sumptuous seats, grimly slipped our CDs into eight-speaker sound systems, set the automatic climate controls to a sobering 72 degrees, and headed out to face the worst that Mother Nature, the Mojave Desert, and the Southern California mountains and freeways could throw at us.

Ford Explorer Eddie BauerThe Explorer is the reigning SUV sales leader, with buyers picking up over 300,000 units per year since its '91 introduction. Now, with the opening of a second assembly plant in St. Louis, Missouri, Ford expects this ante to increase to a heady 400,000 units for '95. In the lineup, the Eddie Bauer edition (basing at $29,515) fits in between the volume-leader XLT ($25,000) and top-of-the-line Limited ($33,935).

For '95, the Explorer receives a substantial redo, most evident in the rounder front end, aired-out grille, flared fenders, and redesigned interior. The Explorer has always offered one of the most inviting cabin environments in its class, and this new version was unanimously praised for its friendly, contemporary carlike layout and styling. It's one of only three in this group with dual airbags. Plus, the attention to detail was evident in such thoughtful touches as locating the six-disc CD changer in the center console for easy access, and fitting an integrated tissue dispenser behind the dual cupholders.

The real substance of this SUV's redesign, though, lies under the surface. With Ford's clever Control Trac drivetrain, for instance, the vehicle normally operates in two-wheel drive unless its computer senses a loss of rear-wheel traction. Then, it automatically engages the front wheels for four-wheel-drive operation, with no driver intervention needed.