Definitions

Bicycle Transport

While there are all kinds of trunks, bikes and cargo areas, the idea here is to simply make a determination on whether a bicycle can be easily transported INSIDE a vehicle's trunk or rear cargo area. In order to receive our "Yes" qualification, a vehicle must be able to comfortably fit a standard 56 cm road bicycle (with only the front wheel removed) in the trunk, cargo area or combination trunk and pass-through feature to rear-fold down seats.

We also require that this can be accomplished in less than 30 seconds. Therefore if folding the rear seats down also means having to remove headrests, the car won't qualify. Every ALV car tested here is put through our quick bike transport test.

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Off-Road Capability

In order to qualify as ALV off-road capable, the vehicle must be equipped with all-wheel or four wheel drive, so that it can transfer power to the wheel(s) with the best traction. It must be able to maintain directional control when one or two wheels are off the ground, and have a minimum ground clearance of 7.5-inches. Critical engine components must also be protected from water intrusion, and the underside of the chassis should be designed to resist rock damage. Tow hooks, off-road wheels and tires must also be standard or available as an option.

While many focus on lowest point clearance numbers, the bigger factors are vehicle length and how high it sits off the ground. We define clearance based on having sufficient approach, departure and breakover angles.

Even though many all-wheel drive, or even two-wheel drive vehicles, can perform adequately off-road, the intention here is to qualify only those vehicles that can maintain straight-line forward movement with any two wheels touching the ground. In addition, all ALV vehicles listed here have been tested over challenging off-road courses to make our final determination.

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Towing Capability

This one's pretty straightforward. If an ALV vehicle's recommended towing capacity doesn't exceed 3,500 pounds, sorry, we're not going to recommend it for towing your precious sports toys. You wouldn't want to be pulling your 3,000 pound boat up a slippery boat ramp with an underpowered two-wheel drive vehicle.

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