2007 Acura RDX vs. 2007 Mazda CX-7 Grand Touring vs. 2006 Toyo

How Does a carmaker reach out to young, active buyers? There isn't an easy answer to this question, particularly when you're talking about one of today's hottest market segments--the compact SUV/crossover. From cool, urban designs to the latest in audio/video technology, Honda, Mazda, and Toyota each brings its own responses to the question. But will any of these offerings turn the heads of the jaded PlayStation generation? To find out, we borrowed each maker's latest entry and hit the road.

The newest member of the ad-hoc power trio presented here is Honda's premium division's first foray into small SUVs, the Acura RDX, which comes loaded with features, including a potent turbo-four engine--first ever in an Acura product--and a variation of the Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system introduced on its flagship RL sedan.

Hot on its heels is Mazda's take on the cross/ute, the high-profile CX-7. It, too, is motivated by a ready-to-rock T-charged four, though buyers can choose between front- or all-wheel-drive configurations and base, Touring, or Grand Touring spec. Parity demanded we opt for the GT/AWD combo presented here.

To round out the mix, we tabbed Toyota's popular RAV4. A generational changeover for 2006 adds style, size, and sophistication to this evergreen entry--along with a killer V-6 engine option that can send power to the front or all four wheels of the base, Sport, or the topline Limited 4x4 (which we drove for this match).

Embellishments vary for each of these compacts. The RDX offers a Technology Package thar's highlighted by a voice-activated nav system with AcuraLink real-time traffic, upgraded 10-speaker/410-watt premium Acura/ELS DVD-A sound with XM Satellite Radio, and GPS-linked solar-sensing auto climate control as its sole extra.This supplemental goodies-set was fitted to our vehicle and, if Acura's projections prove true, will show up on about 40 percent of customer RDXs. Stepping up to Tech trim bumps the RDX's price of entry from $33,610 to a stout $37,110.

Mazda's baseline front-drive CX-7 opens at $24,310, while a GT with AWD commands $28,560. The Moonroof/Bose Audio/6CD Changer Package on our vehicle brought that number to $30,145, with the other big GT option being a $4005 Technology Package that includes voice-activated navigation and keyless remote starting.

It's a different issue ith the RAV4. Toyota's ubiquitous mini-hauler ranges from an econo-oriented four-cylinder/FWD base model at $20,905 to our primo V-6/AWD variant which opened at $26,475. Augmenting its already bountiful Limited kit with extras like a moonroof, leather upholstery, premium JBL sound, side/side-curtain airbags, and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, our tester bottomlined at $31,719.