Vehicle Tests > Middleweight Match-up

By comparison, Suzuki's Grand Vitara ($30,990) is the smallest of the trio, measuring just 4005mm and weighing only 1640kg - it's also probably the most rugged-looking. Like the Hyundai it also runs a 2.7-litre DOHC 24-valve V6 which huffs out 135kW (at 6000rpm) and 250Nm (at 4500rpm) and while that's down a touch on power it's up on torque compared to the Korean. This engine is a carry-over from the old Suzuki XL-7 and while it's great in low to middle revs it gets a little harsh at the top end.

Our spoiler for this fight is the sporty-looking four-pot Ford Escape XLT ($33,490). Its 2.3-litre DOHC 16-valve inline four-cylinder with variable valve timing smacks out 109kW (at 6000rpm) and 199Nm (at 4000rpm). Where it loses out in terms of outright power the Escape more than makes up for it by being a hell of a lot lighter than the other two (1574kg).

The Ford has also been given a recent face-lift bringing it more in line with the look of the Territory and indeed Falcon sedans. It's now a rather pretty and determined-looking car. All three cars run a four-speed auto; the Santa Fe has sportshift for that semi-manual experience.

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Right, time to weed-out the nancy boys. Around town and out on the open road both the Hyundai and Suzuki instantly impress. The Suzuki, thanks to its small size, is able to get into the tightest of parking spots and even the Santa Fe, despite its size, never feels too big around town. The Escape, which feels the fleetest of foot, is equally as good if not better, and only the rough shift of its gearbox knocks off some of the shine.

Leaving the city behind and getting into the twists and turns of a coastal road the cars are all fairly evenly matched. And despite the Escape's power disadvantage it never feels under-gunned, indeed, it's actually more than capable of showing the other two a clean pair of heels. And it doesn't get rough at the top end like the Suzuki, nor does it run out of puff. Indeed, for a four-potter it's got the mid and top-end urge of a six-cylinder.

What's particularly good about these cars is that they all sit on a monocoque chassis with independent suspension using McPherson struts at the front and multi-link rear suspension. This gives them distinctly car-like ride and handling. Indeed, pitch into a corner and there's very little body roll, and the steering, which is rack-and-pinion in each fourby, is direct and full of feel, especially in the Escape. Indeed the Escape has more of a raw, hot-hatch feel to it than the cruiser feel of the other two.

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