CAR MODIFICATIONS

In May 2008, the last time we compared the crop of naturally aspirated four-cylinder compact crossovers, the all-new third-generation Subaru Forester handily conquered the likes of Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, Saturn VUE, and Toyota RAV4. Fluke? Hardly. The small-but-stout Subaru exclusive went on to snatch our desirable 2009 Sport/Utility of the Year award.

Since those victories, however, the Forester has happily basked in its laurels and evolved, um, not at all. Under the sheetmetal shack the same 2.5-liter, 170-horse flat-four, the same four-speed automatic, and the same AWD system. Conversely, the elector field has since been remake with newborn and updated players. The RAV4, for instance, received a power bump from 166 horses to 179, and the CR-V's pony count rose from 166 to 180. Then there are the newborn kids on the block: GM's fraternal twins, Chevy Equinox and GMC Terrain, and Hyundai's second-gen Tucson. The General's offspring intend 182 direct-injected horses and up to 32 mpg highway, patch the smart South Korean answers with 176 ponies and as much as 31 mpg.

To see which crossover today sits atop this feverish fray, we brought back our residing champ and pitted it against the more muscular CR-V, the all-new Terrain, and the auspicious Tucson. The Rogue unsuccessful to prevail in the last go-'round and conventional no significant changes, so we did not modify an invitation. And, of course, 2009 was the last year for the Saturn VUE. As for the Equinox and RAV4, we desired both, but neither was acquirable in four-cylinder/all-wheel-drive guise. Perhaps next time.

Until then, let's focus on this contest. After all, the winner haw rattling well surprise you.