Ride quality is better as well, whether on pavement and smooth dirt roads. Rough dirt roads are easily handled

by the MPV as long as speeds are kept to reasonable levels. Thrash away like you're trying to win the Baja

1000 and the suspension begins to bottom out.

On slippery surfaces, the four-wheel-drive system improves traction and handling. We climbed a steep, silty

hill in Southern California that would have left a sedan choking in the dust. We later drove it through the

snow and ice of a New England winter with no worries.

The 4WD system automatically splits power between the front and rear wheels as needed, improving traction

in the snow. When the going gets really sloppy, the driver can push a button that locks the center differential.

This splits traction equally between the front and rear wheels, which helps when driving up a steep slope of

mud, snow or ice.

Even with four-wheel drive and those rugged-looking All-Sport trim pieces, the MPV is not ready for rock

climbing. It lacks the long suspension travel and low-range set of gears found on many sport-utilities. So

knowing its limits and slowing down for big obstacles is important in the backcountry.

Plenty of power is on tap and the V6 engine complements the four-speed automatic. Steering is light and

precise. The four-wheel disc brakes instill confidence. At high speeds, the MPV is stable, a benefit of its

independent A-arm front suspension and five-link live rear axle. Anti-roll bars at both ends minimize body

lean in corners, adding to that fun-to-drive quotient.

Our experience is that the MPV is a stable vehicle for pulling light trailers. Based on a rear-wheel-drive

platform, the MPV is far superior for towing than the front-wheel-drive minivans. An optional load leveling

package allows the MPV to tow up to 4,500 pounds. This makes it a good choice for pulling ATVs, motorcycles,

snowmobiles, personal watercraft, canoes, small boats and other light loads. It's a stretch, but we've used it to pull light race car trailers.