2009 Car of the Year: SUV/CUV $35,000-$60,000

In the heart of the SUV market, companies fight for consumer loyalty with a variety of vehicles that know no design bounds. Among the entries this year are traditionally shaped trucks along with boxy wagons and muscle-bound imports.

With a $25,000 spread, a variety of interior appointments offer a contrast between opulent and bland – a tough category to judge and an even harder range to purchase in.

Chevrolet Traverse

The Traverse takes its body styling cues from the 2008 Chevy Malibu, but with optional 20-inch wheels, it has a decidedly off-road look. Inside, this crossover is about delivering maximum space for seven or eight adults. Traverse comes with front bucket seats and a 60/40-split second-row bench or two second-row captain's chairs. The third row is a 60/40-split bench.

Towing capacity is 2,359 kg towed by a standard 3.6 L V6, which also delivers decent fuel economy. Cargo is handled with a series of fold-down seats, including the front passenger bucket (for long items). Traverse is available with Bluetooth phone and a rear-view camera .

Price as tested: $37,770

Chrysler Aspen Hybrid

The Chrysler Aspen is a full-size luxury SUV made palatable in the current fuel-conscious environment by a two-mode electric hybrid function added to its powertrain. In addition to the electric mode, the 5.7 L Hemi engine is equipped with MDS that cuts the fuel to four cylinders when the truck is cruising on the highway. The electric motors are housed in the transmission and known as electric continuously variable transmission, or ECVT.

A specific advantage of this two-mode system is that it does not rule out towing. The Aspen is rated to tow up to 2,722 kg – a respectable load for a vehicle this size. This Aspen two-mode hybrid has an unofficial fuel rating of 10.9 L/100km city and 9.9 L/100km highway.

Price as tested: $56,620

WINNER: Ford Flex

Ford's Flex has a distinct design – a squared-up wagon with horizontal side grooves, a "greenhouse" roof and two-tone paint scheme that contrasts the roof, in white or silver, with a second body colour.

Flex is powered by a 3.5 L V6 and six-speed automatic transmission. It carries six or seven, with an optional second-row 60/40 folding bench. In many ways, Flex is a new age minivan, with grocery bag hooks and storage compartments throughout. Unique features include the glass roof over all three rows of seats, voice-activated navigation, a reverse camera, an EasyFuel capless fuel system and a refrigerated rear console.

Price as tested: $49,676

Honda Pilot

Unlike what Honda is famous for – its small Civic – the Pilot is large.

It offers three rows of seats in a traditional SUV shape, and this year it has bumped up its horsepower.

But at the same time it's added a new cylinder deactivation system that cuts gas consumption – slightly.

The Pilot has added legroom and better access to its second row of seats, while the third row gets new rear HVAC vents along with independent temp/fan control.

The rear gate has flip-up glass(operated by key fob) and there's an additional 96 litres of space behind that third row. With the seats folded flat, the Pilot will take a sheet of plywood inside with the hatch closed.

Other driver conveniences include a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, programmable auto door locks, an auxiliary audio input jack and active head restraints.

Price as tested: $49,920

Kia Borrego

Kia built its seven-passenger body-on-frame SUV with high-tech touches such as voice-activated navigation, Bluetooth, keyless start and backup camera. These are meant to inspire shoppers, as are luxury interior features like leather seats, power tilt/telescoping wheel, heated front seats, Infinity audio system and rear-seat DVD entertainment system.

But the surprise is the Borrego's ability to tow up to 3,400 kg with the optional 4.6 L V8. It comes with a base 3.8 L V6.

Price as tested: $40,995

Nissan Murano

The second-generation Nissan Murano continues to blur the line between crossover and SUV with its aggressive exterior look and civilized luxury interior.

New 20-inch wheels set off the rear spoiler, large LED tail lights and new dual exhaust tips. Inside, the Murano offers new front seats, ambient lights, wood and aluminum accents, a power liftgate, rain-sensing wipers and a rear-view camera. Over the rear 60/40-split seat is a new skylight – these back seats are also heated.

All 2009 Muranos feature a VQ-series 3.5 L V6 with a CVT transmission that drives an AWD system. This setup also features vehicle dynamic control and traction control for all-weather driving.

Price as tested: $50,583

Toyota Sequoia

The Toyota Sequoia is a straight-up full-size SUV meant to go up against North American competitors.

Much of what is new in this SUV comes by way of the Toyota Tundra pickup truck. The V8 engine and six-speed transmission are direct spinoffs from the truck program, as is much of the frame and sheet metal styling.

The Sequoia will carry seven (or eight) people, with cargo, and still tow up to 4,125 kg.

Inside, the Sequoia features 10-way power leather seats, heated and ventilated. The second-row captain's chairs are also heated. Overhead is a nine-inch LCD monitor and separate stereo/CD controls for the JBL 14 speaker system.

Price as tested: $59,900