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If there's such a thing as crossover enthusiasts, 2007 should be a banner year for them, with many auto makers tripping over themselves to come out with the latest and greatest, hot-selling, tall-riding hatchback.

But the traditional 4WD SUV is far from dead, as proven by the Chevrolet Tahoe and Chrysler Aspen (someone erroneously labelled it the Dodge Aspen on our team evaluation ballots and it will likely be called that somewhere).

In evaluating these six SUVs back to back, it's interesting to see the contrasting flavours of vehicles designed in various parts of the world, sometimes for other parts of the world. The group is an interesting blend of contrasting philosophies and priorities between American, Japanese and, yes, even some Canadian-baked sensibilities.

Acura RDX Technology Package

The Technology Package tag on the RDX is more a trim level than part of its name, although it accurately could be with this thing. Its Star Trek-worthy cabin has not only a large controller knob in the centre of the dash to control the navigation system and other functions, but also a multitude of buttons.

Despite being mid-pack in terms of price, it was the only one of this group fitted with a back-up camera, which scored it extra points for visibility. Unfortunately, it doesn't have the even-handier and night-friendlier back-up sensors that some others had.

The RDX was the athlete of the group, too, with a responsive, turbocharged four-cylinder engine that scooted eagerly with every paddle-shift of the five-speed automatic, as well as slick moves in the corners that would please the grumpiest NHL coach.

But the engine was also surprisingly raucous for a luxury machine — picture an Integra Type R with a performance-tuned, all-wheel-drive system and nicer interior and you have the RDX.

Chevrolet Tahoe

And now for something completely different — one of two traditional pickup truck SUVs that offers much of its appeal in maximum utility and metal for the dollar.

As a fully redesigned, full-size SUV based on the upcoming pickup truck GMT900 architecture, the Tahoe uses modern technology to help with some of the traditional vices of these big people-movers — fuel consumption and handling — while keeping the Denny's-size truck portions that are so popular in parts of the United States.

So the big V-8 engine shuts off when cruising on the highway; the suspension offers cutting-edge, real-time, auto-adjusting damper rates to help preserve a good comfort/handling balance; and the engine can run on E85, which doesn't help anyone in this country yet, but may a few years down the road.

This particular Tahoe's $50,135 as-tested price also included handy features such as a remote start system, XM satellite radio and very-necessary, radar, bumper-saving beepers — although any SUV with a $47,000-plus base price should feature side-curtain airbags as standard equipment.

Chrysler Aspen Limited

From the same full-size genre as the Tahoe, the Chrysler Aspen is a seriously enhanced version of the Dodge Durango. It featured an admirable interior, as it should have with the highest asking price of the entire group.

There was only about $5,700 difference in price between the Tahoe and Aspen, but the Chrysler looked notably more luxurious inside, while the Chevy put its money into its more modern suspension and engineering over all.

The Aspen was the most boat-like to drive, with loose, disconnected steering that gave about zero feedback to the driver and lumbering body lean in turns. Like the Chevy, it also offers cylinder deactivation, but the 5.7-litre V-8 is still larger and therefore thirstier than the Tahoe and anything else in this group.

The Aspen's greatest appeal lies in its complete list of standard safety and convenience features, and although its insides are a lot nicer than the Durango's, I don't think there's much of a premium in going from a Dodge to a Chrysler badge on the hood.

Lincoln MKX

First things first: it's apparently pronounced em-kay-ex, and not Mark Ex or Mark Ten, both of which I've heard. Whichever way you say it, the Oakville, Ont.-built crossover provided the most impressive meld of luxury, performance and innovative features of the bunch. And its trimmer size than the other American entries gave it a less hulking, more digestible feel on the road.

It's not the quickest of the group, but it's no slouch, and the smooth 3.5-litre V-6 gets only slightly worse fuel economy than the Acura's turbo four — plus the Lincoln makes full power on regular fuel.

The steering wheel features controls for virtually everything you need (climate, stereo and cruise), so it's possible to make trip after trip without taking your hands off the steering wheel. The optional panoramic Vista roof really is a marvel, with its large area unencumbered by any structural braces to block out the sunshine and view above — perfect for taking in the fall colours while in quiet, climate-controlled comfort.

Suzuki XL-7 AWD

The least expensive offering in the group actually had to be optioned up to make the $35,000 starting point in this group, given that a powerful V-6, all-wheel drive and three rows of seats are all standard in the Suzuki XL-7's base price of $30,995.

This Ingersoll, Ont.-built SUV has strong GM overtones, as the plant that builds it is a joint venture with GM and also builds the Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac Torrent.

It is perhaps the best-handling seven-seater on the market, although the size and tough access to that third row makes it an inhospitable place for most. But the manumatic transmission and plentiful power give it a sporting feel on the road that's very impressive at this price.

Too bad the interior looks so low rent and the fuel economy isn't as good as one might expect in a Suzuki SUV.

Toyota FJ Cruiser

Presenting the best-looking Toyota Highlander in beach-going drag: the Toyota FJ Cruiser. As audacious as the Highlander is inauspicious, the FJ Cruiser trades the Highlander's refinement and me-too looks for a lower-priced, hey-look-at-me personality, especially in the retina-burning “sun fusion” yellow of this tester, while running on the same platform and engine as Toyota's more mature mid-size SUV.

The surfer-dude, adventure-seeker styling theme continues inside, with colour-matching interior accents and three humps tacked on to the dash for a large compass, outdoor temperature gauge and an altimeter.

Its slit-like windshield is likely the most vertical one in the business, now that the Hummer H1 is no longer available, and that flat, if low, windshield contributes to its relatively high fuel consumption.

Still, it's an admirably fun vehicle, very un-Toyota-like in its brashness, while the rear mini-doors offer more utility than almost anything else that has this much visual punch.

If it were my hard-earned money buying one of these, it would be the Lincoln, but only after checking out the prices of a well-optioned Ford Edge, its less expensive sibling under the skin.