San Francisco Chronicle

Other SUVs

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Jeep Wrangler

MSRP: $25,440 The Wrangler is the quintessen­tial Jeep. A charming anachronis­m with roots dating back to World War II, it virtually started the SUV craze. As with the wartime Jeep from which it's descended, today's all-new Wrangler JL will go just about anywhere. Wranglers come in two- and four-door body styles and are equipped with a 3.6-liter V-6—a turbocharg­ed four-cylinder and a diesel V-6 are joining the lineup soon—that powers all four wheels through a variety of available all- and four-wheel-drive systems.

Dodge Durango SRT

MSRP: $64,390 The Durango SRT makes even the mundane tasks of hauling kids and cargo as fun as a day at the track. Under its ventilated hood sits a growling 475-hp 6.4-liter V-8, driving all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic. In our testing, it hit 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. A gaping front air intake, 20-inch wheels, and dual 4.0-inch tailpipes give the Durango SRT a menacing aesthetic, while adaptive dampers and adjustable drive modes provide track-ready dynamics.

Volkswagen Atlas

MSRP: $31,745 Like its namesake, the Volkswagen Atlas can carry the world on its shoulders — figurative­ly speaking. Two adults fit comfortabl­y in the third row with room for luggage behind them. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard; 12-speaker Fender audio is optional. The base model comes with a 235-hp turbo four, front-wheel drive, and an eight-speed automatic. All-wheel drive is available if you choose the 276-hp V-6. Optional safety tech includes automated emergency braking and lane-keeping assist.

Mazda CX-9

MSRP: $33,275 Putting zoom-zoom charisma into a crossover is no easy feat, but Mazda does it with the CX-9. It offers a great deal of driving fun thanks to a well-sorted chassis, communicat­ive steering, and a gutsy turbo engine. But there are compromise­s: Cargo room and third-row space aren’t generous. Its cabin is dressed in class-above materials and features; automated emergency braking and adaptive cruise control are standard on all but the base Sport trim.

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