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The new 2011 9-4x is more of a Saab than the rebadged 9-7x SUV, but it remains to be seen how distinguishable the compact luxury crossover will be from the model on which it's based, the Cadillac SRX.

Crossovers have become so commonplace as suburban accessories these days that it's easy to forget that they do have off-road capabilities. Or should. With that in mind, we gave our Four Seasons Acura ZDX, Audi Q5, and Subaru Outback a break from their grocery runs and slung them through an off-road-vehicle route in northern Michigan. Our intent was not to conduct a torture test in which the winner would be the one that didn't need to be winched out, but rather to have an all-wheel-drive adventure that any crossover owner should be able to make without risking life and tailpipe. That said, we weren't sure at the outset of our journey if all three vehicles-on stock tires inflated to normal pressures-would come through with fenders and dignity intact.