The global economic crunch may have sent prospective SUV (sports utility vehicle) buyers scurrying to their nearest small hatch dealer, but these cars still provide drivers with the best mix of on road dynamics and some measure of off road ability. Here are our Top 5 pics.

BMW X3 xDrive20d 4x4 AT

The X3 is probably one of the least capable vehicles in this comparison when you venture too far off the beaten track, but one of the most car-like on tarred road. Its two litre four cylinder diesel motor cranks out 135 kW of power at 4000 RPM and 380 Nm of torque between 1750 and 2750 RPM.

Consequently, the X3 is able to bring up 100 km/h on the speedometer in an impressive 8.5 seconds, and go on to reach a 210 km/h top speed.

Even more impressive though is its claimed fuel usage figure for combined consumption, which comes to 5.6 litres per 100 km according to BMW.

Its on-road prowess and license for badge-snobbery comes at a price – namely R482 300.

Audi Q5 2.0 TDI S Tronic

The Q5 is the best looking vehicle in this comparison and as with the Beemer, it is the on-road abilities of the Q5 which may interest prospective buyers more than how well it fares on the dirt.

Audi’s 2.0 TDI engine pushes out 130 kW, coupled with a maximum torque of 380 Nm at just 1750 RPM. This means you should reach 100 km/h in nine seconds, whilst more fuel conscientious drivers can get a frugal combined cycle fuel usage rate of between 5.3 and 6.4 litres per 100 km, according to Ingolstadt.

At R464 000, this German model does not come cheap, but at the same time is not the most expensive car in this comparison.

Chevrolet Trailblazer LTZ AT

Just like its main competition within this segment, Toyota’s Fortuner, GM’s Chevrolet Trailblazer LTZ goes for the rugged look, as opposed to the head-turning style of the Q5 and X3. The Trailblazer backs this tough-as-nails design bark up with some capable powerplant bite, as its 2776 cc Duramax turbo-charged diesel engine churns out 132 kW at 3800 RPM along with a massive 470 Nm of torque at a low 2000 RPM. This is enough go-juice to accelerate is sizable 2.75 ton frame to 100 km/h in under 11 seconds, onto a terminal top end of 180 km/h. Sensible drivers should obtain about 8.4 litres per 100 km on a combined cycle (town and highway driving).

Pricing for the Trailblazer LTZ starts at R429 900.

Hyundai Santa Fe R2.2 AWD Elite

At a recommended retail price of R499 900, Hyundai’s Santa Fe R2.2 AWD Elite might not be the most affordable car in this comparison, but it still manages to deliver a great deal of value via its standard feature set.

Powering the all-wheel-drive Elite model is a 2199 cc four cylinder turbodiesel that delivers 145 kW at 3800 RPM, 436 Nm of torque between 1800 and 2500 RPM, and 8.3 litres per 100 km on a combined cycle according to Hyundai.

While its design lets it go toe-to-toe with (but not beat) the X3 and Q5, it’s this vehicle’s long list of standard features, including a rear parking assist system, that help it stand out from the rest of the SUV crowd.

Toyota Fortuner 3.0 D-4D 4x4 Auto

The benchmark within the SUV segment is Toyota’s Fortuner, which not only rules this segment but also frequently finds itself in the top 10 ‘best-selling passenger vehicles of the month’ listings.

It may not be the best looking vehicle in this comparison, but it certainly doesn’t stand back for any rival whilst venturing off the beaten track. Its 2982 cc turbodiesel engine cranks out 120 kW at 3400 RPM and 343 Nm of torque between 1400 and 3200 RPM.

Out of all the cars in this comparison the Fortuner will more than likely offer the best resale value come trade-in or selling time, due to a number of reasons not least of which is the Japanese car maker’s tried and tested build quality.

This, coupled with impressive standard features the likes of a touchscreen infotainment system that also displays images from its reversing camera, and High Intensity Discharge automatic headlamps, make the Fortuner our Top SUV choice. RRP R476 700. [HD]