2014 Toyota Highlander vs. Its Competition

Martin Padgett Editorial Director

Three-row crossovers are SUV replacements, and some of them still lean toward the sport-ute look and even some of the off-road-capable hardware.

The Dodge Durango is probably the best example of that kind: though it can carry a boatload of passengers, it's also equipped with a relatively rugged all-wheel-drive system and has a V-8 option for towing.

The Honda Pilot has the SUV look down pat--but it's all look.

The Pilot's the prototypical crossover, only in its latest version it looks less appealing, and has a really thrifty looking interior, especially by Honda standards.

The Nissan Pathfinder is new for 2013 and it's chucked its old SUV bona fides and thrown in with the crossover crowd; it's based on the Altima sedan now, and has a CVT and a six-cylinder, with fuel-saving versions in the pipeline.

The Chevy Traverse sizes up nicely against the biggie Pathfinder, and it's just as carlike, with only a big V-6 and an option for all-wheel drive.

Finally, the Ford Flex is the closest thing to a real station wagon you can buy.

It's missing only the faux-wood paneling to complete its Fairlane-alike styling--make your own and save up for the fantastic turbocharged EcoBoost powertrain.