Fresh on the market are the capable, confident and better-in-every-way Chevrolet Trailblazer and GMC Envoy SUVs. Whereas the last-generation of GM's "mid-size" SUVs were so tight and poorly packaged inside that they bordered on a compact designation, these trucks are more than mid-size. In fact, they are only seven inches shorter and four inches narrower than the very full-size Chevy Tahoe. If you have tight parking accommodations, bear in mind that these trucks are not small.

Benefits pay off inside. While cargo space is unremarkable given its exterior dimensions, hip and shoulder room are outstanding, especially in the park-bench-like rear seat. As is GM fashion, these trucks are loaded with features -even the base Trailblazer features dual-zone a/c and side air bags, for example.

Whereas the $25K-$35K Trailblazer is aimed at conspicuously value-driven buyers, the $30K-$40K Envoy is targeted to somewhat more upscale buyers, a difference that is no more apparent than in the trucks' divergent interior and exterior design. Accordingly, the Envoy has even more standard goodies, including standard OnStar services. Options for both include rear-seat DVD entertainment system, leather seats and a power moonroof (although the you can't get the DVD and moonroof together).

At the heart of any 2002 Trailblazer or Envoy is a sinewy, quiet 270-hp inline-6-cylinder engine that truly shames most every other engine in its class in terms of smoothness, power and efficiency. GM really did its homework when engineering this world-class powertrain. And by the way, Fall 2002 sees the launch of stretched versions of the Trailblazer and Envoy that will have a third-row seat and a V-8 engine.