2006 New-Model News

SUV's Persevere
GM's Hummer division acknowledges fuel concerns with the emergence of its new H3, which is markedly smaller than the mammoth H1 and midsize H2. On sale since spring, the H3 has a five-cylinder engine and offers an available manual transmission.


Saab issued a handful of its new midsize 9-7X sport-utility vehicles as late-2005 models before making modifications for their 2006 release. The American-made, five-passenger 9-7X has all-wheel drive and is available with a six-cylinder or V-8 engine.


Being added to the Jeep Grand Cherokee line is the new Commander—the first Jeep with three rows of seats and seven-passenger capacity. Mercedes-Benz has issued a redesigned M-Class for 2006, offering greater passenger space and more available safety features than before.


With a price tag hovering near $90,000, the new Range Rover Supercharged qualifies as a super-SUV. Land Rover's brand-new Range Rover Sport is a more affordable option.


Suzuki has reworked its compact Grand Vitara, giving it more interior space, six airbags, an Electronic Stability Program and a V-6 engine borrowed from the bigger XL-7. Pontiac's new Torrent, related to the Chevrolet Equinox, features an adjustable rear seat.