GAS MILEAGE: SPORT UTILITIES
		model	city/hwy
		Toyota RAV4	25/31
		Suzuki Vitara JX	25/27
		Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute	23/28
		Chevrolet Tracker	23/25
		Honda CR-V	23/25

Toyota RAV4
Introduced in 1996, the RAV4 was the first of the so-called "cute utes." A redesign for 2001 gave it more room and a more powerful engine. Nowadays, these smaller, more fuel-efficient sport-utility vehicles (which dominate this high-mileage list) are selling much better than their bigger, thirstier counterparts. The new RAV4 looks much sleeker, has better acceleration, and gives you a quiet highway ride. The highest mileage is for the two-wheel-drive version; adding four-wheel drive or option packages also bumps up the low $16,000 base price.

Suzuki Vitara JX
Keeping track of the Suzuki mini-utes sure is a chore. There are the Vitara and the Grand Vitara, and each has a seemingly endless array of trim levels -- each with a different letter designation. This model, a two-door with a convertible top, sips gas even with four-wheel drive because of its small, 1.6-liter engine. The Vitara is among the least expensive small utilities. But if you want to spend a little more, the RAV4, Honda CR-V, the Ford Escape and the new Jeep Liberty are all better choices.

Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute
Ford and Mazda cooperated on the engineering, but different designs give these two small utilities very different appearances. The Escape is the best seller among small utilities, but the Mazda version is an excellent choice as well. With quick acceleration and nimble handling in traffic, these two seems perfect for running errands and trekking to the mall.

Chevrolet Tracker
The Tracker is similar to the Suzuki Vitara, built in corporate partnership between General Motors and Suzuki. But the Tracker has a bigger, 2.0-liter engine and, thus, slightly lower mileage even in the two-wheel drive version. Unlike the best-selling small SUVs, which are adapted mechanically from cars, the Tracker has truck-like body construction. Like its cousin, the Vitara, Tracker trails behind its more attractive competition.

Honda CR-V
The number three seller in this category, the CR-V will introduce a new design with the 2002 model in the fall. In the meantime, the version now on the road is a pleasing combination of a smooth, car-like ride and a roomy, comfortable interior. As in Honda sedans, the gauges, the clock and the controls are exactly where you want them to be. If you want a rugged off-road vehicle, this is not the SUV for you. But since most buyers of small utilities drive them almost entirely on the road, the CR-V is a good everyday choice.

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