"IT IS A TRUTH

universally acknowledged, that a family in possession of a good fortune must be in want of an SUV."

Please excuse that shameless bastardization of Jane Austen's greatest opening line, but I happened to be rereading Pride and Prejudice while test-driving four family-oriented crossover SUVs, and Austen's prose tends to color your worldview. Crossover, of course, refers to the fact that these vehicles are all built on car, rather than truck, platforms making them a cross between a wagon and a true SUV. This is key, because while that "universal truth" about families' wanting an SUV may have been indisputable five years ago, today they're likely to find more-appealing alternatives in quasi-SUVs and tall wagons like these. Crossovers aren't meant to go offroad, but their high stance and configurable interiors make them ideal for road trips, carpool duty and treks to Home Depot to renovate the manor.

Nissan Murano The lack of a third-row seat handicaps the Murano a bit, as does the budget appearance of the interior. The dashboard and center console are swathed in hard, cheap-feeling plastics and unconvincing wood-grain trim. The higher levels of wind and road noise also knock the Murano down a notch.

But though it might not be ideal for large clans, there's plenty to recommend the Murano for smaller families. It's far more pleasant to drive than the Tribeca or the Pacifica, with taut steering and an engine that gives the relatively light (3,977 pounds) Murano some pep.

Subaru B9 Tribeca On paper, there was much about this car to like, including the head-turning styling and the 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine that gives Subaru's smaller Outback wagon such sprightly performance. But as soon as I slid behind the wheel, my disappointment set in. The peppy ride of the Outback was not to be found. The Tribeca was mushy around corners; the automatic transmission seemed too hesitant (and noisy) for hilly terrain. The car redeemed itself a bit when I turned off the stability control system and used the SportShift mode, which allows for clutchless manual shifting.

The styling does seem radical, with the driver and front passenger seats conscribed in egg-shaped spaces as the dashboard swoops down into a console between the two seats. But it's all adorned with that faux-brushed-aluminum material that is ubiquitous in midpriced cars.

The Tribeca's third-row seat was the most likely to leave passengers even kids with their chins on their knees, and the Tribeca is the only one of these vehicles that lacks side-curtain airbags in the third row. The cargo space behind that third row is also the smallest of these contenders: a laughable 8.3 cubic feet.

Chrysler Pacifica When we last reviewed the Pacifica (August 2003), its 250-hp V-6 was no match for its hefty weight, leaving it underpowered. So I wasn't expecting much, but after I overcame this prejudice, the Pacifica underwent a redemption in my eyes, thanks to its luxurious styling, comfort and safety features. The interior is far and away the most upscale of this bunch: The doors, dash and steering wheel are accented with blond wood-grain trim, the leather seats with microsuede panels. Furthermore, the Pacifica offers more leg room for those second- and third-row passengers. And there are side-curtain airbags for all three rows.

The lack of power that bothered us back in 2003 is still an issue. The Pacifica's heavy steering also does leave you with the sense that you're piloting a minivan. My test car was equipped with rear parking assist, but I wouldn't have minded one on the front end either. Clearly, the Pacifica is a passenger's car, not a driver's. But for those whose sanity is determined by the happiness of their passengers, that's not entirely bad.

Honda Pilot At first glance, the Pilot is rather plain, both inside and out. But its charms grow on you the more time you spend behind the wheel, or in the passenger seats. These charms are both major, like the reasonably spirited acceleration you get from the 3.5-liter V-6, and minor, such as the convenient and logical arrangement of cupholders, trays and bins between the two front seats. Unlike in the other three cars, with their overgrown D-pillars framing the rear window, the decent rear visibility over either shoulder makes changing lanes a snap.

Both the second- and third-row seats split 60/40 and fold into a flat-load floor, which gives the Pilot the most versatile interior of the bunch. You can fold down the two smaller sections to load several sets of skis and still have room for four passengers in the rear seats. And while none of these cars boasts acres of luggage space behind the third row, the Pilot offers 15.9 cubic feet nearly twice as much as the Tribeca.

Starting with this 2006 model, all three rows are protected by head-curtain airbags. Another new option is a two-wheel-drive version with "variable cylinder management," which shuts off three cylinders while the car is cruising to improve fuel economy a welcome touch if gas prices stay high. Because, as any good Austen heroine knows, even the most irreproachable of characters can always stand for some self-improvement.

Honda Pilot 2WD EXLN

Base Price:

$34,595 (includes destination charge)

Engine:

3.5-liter V-6, 244 hp

No. of Passengers:

8

Ride/Handling:

Int./Ext. Design:

Comfort/Versatility:

Overall Rating:

Comment:

A bit plain perhaps, but its many charms grow on you.

Chrysler Pacifica Limited AWD

Base Price:

$37,415 (includes destination charge)

Engine:

3.5-liter V-6, 250 hp

No. of Passengers:

6

Ride/Handling:

Int./Ext. Design:

Comfort/Versatility:

Overall Rating:

Comment:

Underpowered, but luxurious and roomy on the inside. Designed to please passengers.

Subaru B9 Tribeca Limited AWD

Base Price:

$37,695 (includes destination charge)

Engine:

3.0-liter 6-cylinder, 250 hp

No. of Passengers:

7 (5-passenger version also available)

Ride/Handling:

Int./Ext. Design:

Comfort/Versatility:

Overall Rating:

Comment:

It could use more zip, and the cramped third row and small cargo space disappointed.

Nissan Murano SL AWD

Base Price:

$31,205 (includes destination charge)

Engine:

3.5-liter V-6, 245 hp

No. of Passengers:

5

Ride/Handling:

Int./Ext. Design:

Comfort/Versatility:

Overall Rating:

Comment:

Peppy ride, but has a downscale interior and lacks a third row of seats.