Ultimate 4x4 Challenge

Remember as a kid jumping in mud puddles instead of walking around them? Well, we've matured only enough to substitute trucks for white sneakers-a perfectly good mudhole seldom goes unnoticed on Truck Trend's Ultimate 4x4 Challenge.

The Contenders
Every year, we round up a new batch of challengers, and this mix is particularly interesting. Just as we were leaving for the trip, GM announced a cease-fire on H1 Alpha production, but there are plenty left for sale, and this model is the civilian H1 to get. The No Fear Titan is a sensibly modified pickup you can buy at select dealerships. The proven Xterra and new FJ Cruiser also came along. In addition, we asked for a Jeep Wrangler (all-new for 2007), but none were available in time for our test.

In the unintended spirit of previous 4x4 Challenges, breakage is becoming part of the routine-read on to find which trucks came home with battle scars.