Jeep Grand Cherokee

MSRP: $28,940
Angle of approach/departure: 34/27 degrees
Ground clearance: 8 inches
Turning radius: 18.5 feet

2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee + click to enlarge | view gallery >

Suburban people-mover or off-road runner? The Grand Cherokee can play either role depending on how it’s equipped. It offers four different engines and three different four-wheel-drive systems. Top off-road guise includes the Quadra-Drive II system, with electronic limited-slip differentials, allowing the power to effectively get to any wheel that has more traction than the others.

Engines rate up to a 330-hp Hemi 5.7-liter V8 and even a 420-hp 6.1-liter version on the high-performance (though more road-oriented) SRT8. With a manageable overall size and a tight turning radius, the Grand Cherokee is maneuverable enough to take on smaller forest trails and fits where full-size SUVs won’t.