We recently tested the re-designed 2009 Subaru Forester. The ‘09 Forester boasts a new look, from the front to the back and also gained a few inches of ground clearance for those who like to explore off of the beaten path. Despite the new higher ground clearance, the Forester still has the lowest center of gravity in its class, where its main competitors are the ever-popular Honda CR-V and Toyota Rav-4.

This rugged SUV from Subaru comes with two engine options. We tested the 2.5 L 4-cylinder engine that produced 170 horsepower at 6,000 rpm 170 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm mated to a manual transmission. The other option is the 4-cylinder turbo engine from the WRX sedan, mated to an automatic transmission. Yes, that’s right, a turbo paired to an automatic transmission. Subaru, unfortunately, will not offering turbo motors with manual transmission in Foresters.

Everything about the 2009 Forester is practical, from the gas mileage, to the interior features and price. For an SUV, the Forester does not disappoint in its fuel economy numbers, getting 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. The interior design has also improved with nice features like the over-sized sunroof and consideration for backseat passengers with the sliding cupholders and ample legroom. Lastly, and in the current economy, most importantly, the cost of the Subaru Forester can almost be called cheap, starting at a base price of $22,495 and an as-tested tag of $24,011.

Join us as we test the 2009 Land Rover LR2. Sibling to the LR3 and the Range Rover, the LR2 can be described as the baby of the family, both in price and size.

The LR2 uses the same engine that is found in Volvo’s XC90 and S80, the aluminum 3.2 L V6 that produces 230 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 234 lb-ft of torque at 3,200 rpm. The engine is paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission with manual control options. Even with the power, you still get decent fuel economy, getting around 19 mpg in mixed driving, 16 mpg in the city, and 23 mpg on the highway.

The LR2 fits the bill for someone who likes adventure but also needs a vehicle that can serve as an everyday driver. The price is reasonable, as the value-buy of the Land Rover line, starting at a base of $35,375 and an as-tested price of $41,400.

The 2008 Chrysler Aspen is a welcomed option in a market that is currently being overrun by crossovers and mid-sized SUVs. The Aspen is a full-sized SUV that gives the extra space needed when carting around the family, towing your boat, or trying to get all of the supplies for your home re-modeling project in one trip. Gas prices are back down again so the idea of purchasing a vehicle that doesn’t get 20 mpg to a gallon doesn’t seem like such a bad idea. Starting at a base price of $35,780, the optional features that give the Aspen a luxurious feel like the second row heated bucket seats, a functional third row, a preferred package with 20-inch rims, back-up camera, leather seats, and sunroof, don’t make the price skyrocket. The price for all of those goodies and the optional 5.7 L Hemi V8 remained reasonable at $43,890

We tested the optional 5.7 L Hemi V8 engine that produces 335 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 370 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 rpm, though the standard 4.7L engine, producing around 300 horsepower, would be enough for most drivers. Like most large SUVs, the fuel economy may not seem fantastic with a range of 13 mpg city and 18 mpg highway, but when you factor in the 9,000 pound towing capacity, size of the SUV, and Hemi engine, the mileage isn’t too bad. But, if you’re curious to how this beast handles or you don’t believe that a third row could actually be comfortable, you’ll have to watch our car review video of the 2008 Aspen.

During our recent trip to Cascais, Portugal for “Nissan 360” (see related story-Around the World in Two Days!), we had the opportunity to drive scores of Nissan products from their worldwide portfolio. We were not familiar with many of the nameplates or body styles, but one stood out, even though you can’t buy it in the United States. On a specially built off-road course at the famed Estoril racetrack, we fully exploited the 2008 Nissan Patrol’s surefooted capabilities.

The Nissan Patrol (known as SAFARI in Japan) is an off-road workhorse with a Land Rover-like reputation for conquering difficult terrain. Nissan calls the Patrol “the definitive, authentic and original off-roader.” There may be a lot of truth to that, as the Patrol was originally introduced in 1951.

Patrol is powered by a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6 with a four-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive. Horsepower is a modest 160, but with 261 pound-feet of torque, road acceleration and off-road hill climbs will be no issue for Patrol’s drivers. Patrol’s chassis features a surprisingly compliant suspension, with on-point axle articulation and long wheel travel to soak up even the worst road imperfections, all while keeping Patrol under control. And though this is a true, purpose-built SUV, Patrol occupants are treated to leather seating, navigation and climate control air conditioning.

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