There are lots of great alternatives to the big hulking SUVs. Which alternative vehicle is right for you depends on why you want to buy an SUV. Is it for the rugged good looks? The all-wheel drive? The perceived safety? The high-seating position? Or the carrying capacity?

Well, here are our favorite alternatives to the big SUVs, listed by the criteria you're interested in. Some of the vehicles listed in one category actually meet two or more of the above criteria. Check out the accompanying notes for the low down.

If you need a vehicle with all the above criteria, maybe you should buy an SUV. Just make sure you really, truly need one, because they have an awful lot of downsides.Ê And if you really can justify an SUV, don't automatically "supersize" it. You'll notice that our recommendations, below, include a number of smaller proportioned SUVs.

Is there something we've left out? Email us.