Sports Utilities to the Rescue
An SUV can be the perfect remedy to those blustery winter days

When the weather is cold and the roads covered with snow, nothing beats a sport utility vehicle. These go-everywhere performers give off-road performance with room for many and style to boot. Considering that 1997 was the first year that more sport SUV's were sold than cars, the four trucks profiled, from Mercedes-Benz, Lincoln, Honda, and Dodge, may make you forget about ever owning anything else.

Mercedes Benz ML320 Mercedes totally rethought how the sport utility should be and the end result is the brand new M-Class that was named the Truck of the Year by Motor Trend.	Mercedes Benz ML320 Engine type: SOHC 18-valve V-6 Displacement: 2.8 liters Horsepower: 215 hp @ 5500 rpm Torque: 232 ft-lbs Drivetrain: 5-speed automatic Wheelbase: 111 inches Cargo/Trunk space: 85.4 cu ft
Built at its new Alabama plant, Mercedes crafted a deceptively large and efficient design that is all German. From its car-like ride to the low emissions grade engine (a first for an SUV), the ML320 can seat up to seven in luxury while traveling throughout the worst conditions.

Lincoln Navigator Full-size SUV's are gaining in popularity and one of those at the top of the list is the new Lincoln Navigator.	Lincoln Navigator Engine type: SOHC 18-valve V-8 Displacement: 5.4 liters Horsepower: 230 hp @ 4250 rpm Torque: 325 ft-lbs @ 3000 rpm Drivetrain: 4-speed automatic Wheelbase: 119 inches Cargo/Trunk space: 118.3 cu ft
This truck is so large it could benefit from its own zip code. True to the Lincoln name, luxury is still the name of the game with every kind of appointment, including leather, wood trim, and separate heating and A/C for front and rear passengers.

Honda Passport The redesigned Honda Passport gives buyers more power, interior room, comfort, and luxury for 1998. The second generation model is more refined than the past but still maintains a certain rugged character.

Honda Passport Engine type: DOHC 24-valve V-6 Displacement: 3.2 liters Horsepower: 205 hp @ 5400 rpm Torque: 214 ft-lbs @ 3000 rpm Drivetrain: 4-speed automatic Wheelbase: 106.4 inches Cargo/Trunk space: 81.1 cu ft

Dodge Durango The new Dodge Durango is a compact SUV that thinks like a full-size. Some advan tages include eight-passenger seating and segment leading power towing and hauling capacity.	Dodge Durango Engine type: SOHC 16-valve V-8 Displacement: 5.2 liters Horsepower: 230 hp @ 4400 rpm Torque: 300ft-lbs @ 32OO rpm Drivetrain: 4-speed automatic Wheelbase: 115.9 inches Cargo/Trunk space: 88 cu ft
With its flared fenders and pronounced grill, the Durango is also one of the sportiest "utes" around.

Chris Taylor is managing director for The Lane Report and an auto enthusiast.

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