Four Wheels of Fun

(Courtesy of BMW, Ford, Chevrolet, Volvo, Kia)

Sport Utility Vehicles have come a long way from being a rough truck to the luxury vehicles they are today and a standout in any garage. Prices shown reflect the MSRP of base models.

(Courtesy of BMW)

An All Purpose Beemer

BMW X1 xDrive28i

From $39,100

While BMW is well known for luxury sedans, it also has a line of full-featured SUVs that includes the X1. Powered by a 241-horsepower, two-liter twin-scroll turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine linked to a seven-speed automatic transmission and speed-sensitive power steering, the xDrive28i’s all-wheel-drive and compact dimensions makes it suitable for city driving as well as on snowy roads to the ski slopes. It combines expected BMW luxury with sensible capabilities.

(Courtesy of Ford)

A Classic Reborn

Ford Bronco

From $31,130

The four-door Big Bend Bronco has seating for five, powered by a 330-horsepower six-cylinder EcoBoost engine. Unlike most SUVs, the Bronco can be ordered with a manual transmission. The High-Speed Off-Road Suspension linked to an independent front suspension helps ensure a firm grip in muddy or icy conditions. The cargo area won’t hold furniture, but can accommodate plenty of luggage or the weekly groceries with ease.

(Courtesy of Chevrolet)

Plus-Sized

Chevy Tahoe

From $54,200

The Tahoe may be a candidate for those who prefer a larger SUV but don’t have garage space for an “extra-large” model. Notable aspects include three rows of seating that accommodates adults, a large cargo area, and ride height that provides a commanding view of the road ahead.  A 5.3-liter V8 engine and ten-speed automatic transmission is standard, with the optional turbo-diesel engine providing impressive fuel economy and towing capacity.

(Courtesy of Volvo)

A Practical Scandinavian

Volvo XC40

From $41,495

Volvos are known for being sensible vehicles, and the XC40 is no exception. Engineered to be eminently practical, this compact SUV combines a comfortable passenger cabin with a roomy cargo area, plus safety features such as all-wheel-drive, blind spot, and cross-traffic alerts, and the ability to brake to avoid a collision or steer back into the correct lane if the vehicle inadvertently strays into the path of an oncoming vehicle.

(Courtesy of Kia)

A Georgia Peach

Kia Telluride

From $35,990

Built at Kia’s factory in Georgia, the Telluride proves a SUV doesn’t have to be huge to have big features. Powered by a 291-horsepower V6 engine, the base model has seating for eight, 5,000-pound towing capacity, plus a blind-spot, rear, and side collision avoidance alert system, a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, rear parking sensors, dual zone air conditioning, 18-inch alloy wheels, one-touch sliding/folding second-row seats, and a cavernous cargo section.