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Nowhere was the burgeoning popularity of crossover sport utilities (CUVs) more evident than at the 2006 Car of the Year competition staged last month by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC).
Best new SUV/CUV under $35,000 was by far the largest of 13 vehicle categories, with nine entries.
Here's my take on the nine, in alphabetical order.

DODGE NITRO SLT ($32,830): It has the funkiest looks, which I really dig. Unfortunately, its drivetrain doesn't match the excitement of its styling, with acceleration times that put it toward the back of the pack.


FORD EDGE ($33,919): It's assembled at the company's Oakville plant. Edge offers ride quality on par with Santa Fe and CX-7. The 265-hp, 3.5-litre V6 is coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission and outclassed everything but RAV4.



HONDA CR-V LX ($29,700): I thought the CR-V handled better than anything else in the category but came up short on rear seat access and comfort.

HYUNDAI SANTA FE GLS ($34,295): It may have the highest as-tested price, but everything on the test vehicle was standard equipment. This is one very well equipped vehicle.


JEEP COMPASS NORTH ($26,135): It is the most car-like of the group and the least satisfying, perhaps for that very reason. This is Jeep's version of the hot-selling Dodge Caliber.


JEEP WRANGLER UNLIMITED four-door ($29,750): It's the only true 4x4 in the group, and the only one you'd want to take on a serious wilderness adventure. But that's not what most people want out of this class of vehicle and Wrangler's noisy drivetrain, cramped rear seat and rudimentary appointments will appeal only to Jeep diehards.


MAZDA CX-7 ($34,185): One of the pricier vehicles in this category, CX-7 delivers a refined ride, a high level of equipment and decent performance.


SATURN VUE GREEN LINE ($29,160): It can be looked at as a great bargain, coming in under $30k with a hybrid gasoline-electric drivetrain; however, at that price it had only four air bags and front-wheel drive. The 170-hp hybrid system is built more for economy than speed.


TOYOTA RAV4 V6 SPORT ($33,590): Already one of the best-selling vehicles in this class, the redesigned 2006 entry will do nothing to hurt that standing. RAV4 offers the easiest loading/unloading of bulky items, especially when your hands are full.