Road Test: Isuzu Rodeo, Nissan Pathfinder, and Toyota 4Runner
Bargain shoppers might want to opt for a 4x2 Rodeo S with the 2.6-liter inline-four and five-speed manual, which begins at a low $17,340. Opting for a V-6 starts you off at $20,500, while going 4x4 brings the base to $22,540. An automatic adds $970 to 4x2 models and $1150 to 4x4 versions.
If you don't demand as many creature comforts, these lower-end models still give you all the advantages of the core vehicle with a more manageable monthly payment.
Space Exploration
Sure, SUVs offer an active image, go-anywhere freedom, all-weather independence, and other romantic attractions. But one of their key selling points is cargo space: the basic ability to haul a bunch of stuff around when necessary.
There are different ways, however, of measuring this space. If you look only at the cubic feet behind the rear seat, the Toyota offers the most at 44.6 (with the optional third seat removed), compared with 38.0 cubic feet for the Nissan and 35.0 for the Isuzu. Fold down the rear seat and the Pathfinder's 85.0-cubic-foot maximum outdoes the 4Runner's 79.7 and the Rodeo's 74.9.
However, cubic-foot calculations include the height of the cargo area, making them most meaningful when filling the rear with luggage, boxes, or ping-pong balls. Most of the time, useable floor space is a better gauge. To calculate this, we measured each vehicle's cargo-floor length, with the second-row seat both up and down, and its unobstructed width between the wheelwells. Here, the Isuzu and Toyota provide the most, measuring up almost equally. All dimensions are shown in the accompanying chart.
To access this cargo space, both the Toyota and Nissan have opted for one-piece rear lift doors, with separately opening glass. A spare tire is located under both vehicles' rear floors. The Rodeo retains a tailgate design, along with a swing-away rear tire rack.
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