Economic, light-duty turbodiesel engines powering Ford, Ram and Chevy/GMC half-ton pickups to their all-time-high fuel mileages are spreading also to the SUV stables.

Delivered to me in December 2019 was the 2020 Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 4X4 EcoDiesel.

Among our drives with the Jeep was one of 85 miles on a rainy/snowy afternoon in the rain and snow.  Equipped with the EcoDiesel V-6, 8-speed automatic transmission and the Rock-Trac heavy-duty, part-time four-wheel-drive system, the Jeep was prepared for the driving tasks.

The Wrangler carried Jan and me west on U.S. 34 through Loveland and on to the Dam Store at the entrance to the Big Thompson Canyon. We turned around there and backtracked to the Big Thompson Elementary School, where we headed north to Masonville, then drove the twisty road northeast to Fort Collins. We headed east through Severance and on to Eaton Grove corner, then south for home.

It was a smooth ride for the Wrangler, which exhibited good grip, most of which occurred in rear-wheel-drive, though conditions required occasional use of four-wheel drive. The Wrangler still uses a lever for engaging four-wheel drive; most car builders today use electronic switches.

Jeep officials expect the Wrangler Ecodiesel to be EPA-rated at least 29 miles per gallon for highway; multiply this by an 18.3-gallon fuel tank and it estimates a range of 530 miles. I averaged 21 to 25 mpg during a variety of driving maneuvers during the week.

The Wrangler V-6 diesel is nearly identical to the diesel engine we tested recently in the Ram pickup. The Jeep version of the turbodiesel develops 442 lb.-ft. of torque, compared with 480 in the Ram. Much of the Jeep duties are at lower speeds, such as churning through mud, climbing over rocks, fording small streams, etc., thus its maximum torque output is at 1,400 rpm, Ram’s is at 1,600. Horsepower is 260, the same in both the Jeep and Ram.

Jeep engineers turned to higher capacity coil springs and retuned dampers in the Wrangler’s suspension to accommodate the extra pounds of weight with the ecodiesel over the other engines used in the vehicle.

Big wheels and B.F. Goodrich All-Terrain 285/70R17 tires were no deterrent to higher fuel mileage. The Jeep cabin was an extremely high step-in.

A feature of the Wrangler is a Sky one-touch retractable top which slides open and can be removed and stored. I remember a Liberty of eight or nine years ago that I bought and sold with a troublesome Skyrider top; I still have nightmares about that one.

A load of options raised the Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon from a base price of $41,795 to a sticker of $64,380. The turbodiesel engine, automatic transmission and Sky top added $10,000; also added were leather-trimmed bucket seats, heated steering wheel, remote start, premium audio and navigation, blind-spot and cross-path detection, adaptive cruise control with stop, steel bumpers with red tow hooks and other items.

The Wrangler is built in Toledo; the diesel engine comes from a Fiat/Chrysler plant in Italy and the transmission is manufactured in Germany.

The first-gen Acura MDX (2001-2006) quickly became recognized as one of the most comfortable of midsize three-row luxury crossovers.

For the 2020 MDX, luxurious comfort remains the byword. Over the past 15 or so years, while the overall length of the MDX has been increased by 8 inches, the overall structure of the Acura has shed 250 pounds and estimated fuel mileage has risen to 19 city and 25 highway from the first gen’s  estimate of 15 and 21.

Horsepower for its 3.5-liter V-6 engine has reached 290, 50 more than the original.

Acura continues into the ‘20s with sleek design and high-tech features for the MDX (multi-dimensional luxury). Among its competitors, most of which are priced higher than the Acura, are Mercedes-Benz GLE, Audi Q7, BMW X5, Lexus RX350, Lincoln Nautilus, Infiniti QX60, Volvo XC90 and Cadillac XT5.

We enjoyed a pleasant ride with good handling while guiding the MDX to Denver and back in falling snow. The next day, with 2 to 3 inches of snow on the ground and some slick spots, the big Acura performed with excellent grip. Acura’s SH-AWD (super-handling) system sends up to 90 percent of torque to the front wheels in normal cruising; as much as 50 to 70 percent can be directed to the rear wheels as needed for improved traction, and added split can be divided between the rear wheels.

Good, steady performance is supplied by the MDX’s 3.5-liter V-6 engine and 9-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. Tow capacity is 5,000 pounds. Acura for several years has used an odd-looking, electronic push-button shifter, in which the driver pushes down a lever for Park, pulls back on another for Reverse, pushes for neutral and makes contact with a circle button for Drive.

Overall fuel-mileage average for the MDX was 21.8 miles per gallon, reduced some by cold-weather warmups and driving in the snow. The crossover rides on Continental 265/45R20 tires.

The Acura MDX AWD A-Spec carried a sticker price of $56,295, including remote engine start, power moonroof, navigation, Bluetooth/CarPlay/ Android Auto and safety features – adaptive cruise, lane-keeping assist and collision mitigation braking.

Sport seats of red leather and black alcantra inserts are attractive; the second-row seats may be folded with push of a button. Cargo space behind the third row of seats is only 15 cubic feet; fold the seats and that expands to 38.

The MDX review model lacked a heated steering wheel. To gain that comfort, the optional Advance package could be added at several thousand bucks extra. Besides a warm steering wheel, the package also adds heated rear seats, middle-row captain’s chairs, leather-wrapped steering wheel and a surround-view camera system.

The MDX is assembled at a Honda factory at East Liberty, Ohio.

When the big snowfalls hit, it’s been my good fortune over the past 40 years that most often I’m in possession of an SUV or pickup with 4X4 capability.

Not so this time. In my garage in late November when we woke to 10 inches of snow was a 2020 BMW 7 series sedan. The xDrive designation alongside the 750i indicated it was an all-wheel-drive model, hooray for that.

The BMW xDrive AWD setup has long been an impressive one, a favorite of mine, and the 4,700-pound four-door maneuvered through the deep snow with only a slip or two. The Bimmer is very agile for a large sedan, with quick, responsive steering.

The BMW 750i is one of six dream cars making up the super-luxury-sedan class. Others are the Bimmer’s chief rival, the Mercedes-Benz S Class, the Porsche Panamera, Audi A8, Lexus LS and the Jaguar XJ. These don’t come around often. I reviewed an S Class and LS in 2018, an XJ in ’15, an A8 in ’14 and a Panamera in ’13.

The ’20 BMW, assembled in Dingolfing, Germany, is a standout with its quilted nappa leather seats, sure-grip traction and awesome acceleration from its 523-horsepower, 4.4-liter twin-power turbo V-8 engine and quick-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission.

Price tag on the BMW is $126,145; at those premium levels, these luxury liners sell in no great numbers. Through the end of October 2019, Mercedes  S Class had registered 9,989 sales this year, followed by the BMW 7 series at 7,433, the Porsche Panamera 5,376,  Lexus LS 4,416, Audi A8 1,962 and Jaguar  XJ 995.

The 750i’s quiet, smooth ride comes from an extra-long wheelbase of 126.4-inches in length, with overall length of 207.4 and the curb weight of 4,722.

Its sumptuous cabin displays beautiful leather, finished in brown/butterscotch, all over the interior accented by fineline black wood trim. A highlight are front seats which massage, heat and cool. A spacious rear seat features pillow-soft headrests and massagers, along with center-console controls for entertainment, air and heat.

The price soared with high-end optional amenities – $6,000 for Bowers & Wilkins sound system and the rear-seat entertainment system, $4,000 for active steering and active comfort drive with road preview, $3,900 for  heated steering wheel and the rear comfort, another $3,900 for panoramic roof and the front comfort, $1,300 for 20-inch multispoke wheels.

A big, new grille adorns the front of its long hood; at the rear a hands-free lid opens to a trunk boasting 18 cubic feet of space.

Among safety assurances are frontal collision warning and braking, lane-departure warning and correction, active blind-spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert.

The big sedan carries an EPA fuel estimate of 17/25 miles per gallon. My overall average, even after crawling about in the deep snow, was 21.6.

It’s an absolute pleasure to drive, and includes soft-close automatic doors, head-up display, Apple CarPlay, wireless charging and automatic high beams.

Colors, and the alluring casts being reflected today, are a major consideration in choosing an auto.

Heading north on Wadsworth Boulevard in the 2020 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross from final respects for Irv Moss at Horan McConaty out south, I sensed the driver of the vehicle beside me was following my pace.

A quick glance to the left confirmed it; a woman in a Subaru rolled down its front passenger window, then hollered, “What color is your car?”

It’s an obvious red, she must wonder what shade of red; it’s a pleasantly soft red and is labeled “red diamond.” “I love it,” she said, then moved over a lane and made a left turn. I’ll take it as a plus for Mitsubishi, a Japanese company which struggles these days to get much attention, let alone compliments.

The Eclipse Cross, introduced in 2018, is a compact crossover highlighting sharp, sculpted body lines and a large rear window split in half by a spoiler. Only three other models are produced by Mitsubishi – the Outlander and Outlander Sport crossovers and the small Mirage sedan. The Eclipse Cross is built in Okazaki, Japan.

The Eclipse gets by, with a whine here and there, from its 1.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine developing 152 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque, a continuously variable transmission and all-wheel drive. There is no surplus of power, though the small block operates smoothly and earned a relatively high 25-miles-per-gallon in-city fuel mileage estimate. The highway rating is only a bit higher at 26 mpg.

A Sunday afternoon drive to Fort Lupton and back to Greeley for Kim Parker, Jan and me, followed by the Monday morning trip into Denver for Irv Moss’ funeral resulted in a very decent 27.6 overall mpg. The Mitsubishi’s tow rating is only 1,500 pounds. Handling is okay, ride quality can turn harsh on our weather-beaten roadways.

Highlighting a pleasant interior are a panorama sunroof, 7-inch smartphone -link display audio with touchpad controller, heated leather seating, head-up display, and Ms. Parker gave the rear-seat headrests a thumb’s-up rating for comfort and ease of raising and lowering. Cargo area behind the rear seats is only 22.1 cubic feet.

A $2,100 optional Touring package, available only with the SEL trim level, adds the sunroof, Rockford Fosgate premium audio, forward emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and heated steering wheel. This brought the review model’s sticker price to $28,595. Cheaper trims are the ES, LE and SE; starting price for the ES with all-wheel drive is $24,595.

Mitsubishi labels its all-wheel-drive system S-AWC for Super All Wheel Control; push-of-a-button will move its grip control from auto to snow to gravel.

Some observers have likened the Eclipse Cross’ split rear window style to the Pontiac Aztek of the early 2000s; the Aztec is considered one of the worst-looking crossovers produced. The Mitsu’s style, even at the rear, doesn’t approach that sight; the Mitsubishi is okay.

The Horan McConaty Chapel was filled with friends and associates of Irv Moss, the 60-year member of The Denver Post sports department who passed away Jan. 8, 2019. When I began work at The Post in the fall of 1968, Irv had already been there 12 years.

Of the 94 new cars and trucks I drove and reviewed during 2019, the lowest-priced was the Nissan Versa, with a sticker of $19,140. Others of the 10 low-enders were the Nissan Kicks $23,500; Volkswagen Beetle $23,940; Volkswagen Jetta $25,265; Honda Civic 1.5T $28,220; Kia Soul GT $28,710; Toyota Corolla $29,168; Volkswagen Tiguan $29,285; Mazda3 $30,930, and Toyota Prius all-wheel drive at $32,146.

Priciest was Mercedes-Benz’ outstanding Gelaendewagen, the G550, at $134,315, followed by the Range Rover Sport SVR $131,520; BMW 850i $131,395; BMW 750i xDrive $126,145; Lexus LC500 Hybrid $108,895; BMW X7 $103,495, and Mercedes GLS550 $99,620.

The average price of cars and trucks provided for reviewing took a big jump last year, to $57,460 from an average of $50,602 the previous year. In order that new technology be tested, manufacturers typically provide new models that are loaded with options. Toyota and Nissan supplied the most models, followed by three luxury models, BMW, Mercedes and Lexus.

Ten years ago, in 2009, average price of cars driven and reviewed was $41,169. The range of the cars and trucks was from $16,310 for the little Nissan cube to $107,000 for the luxurious Jaguar XKR convertible.

Following are the cars driven in 2019, listed alphabetically, and their sticker prices:

• Acura RDX $45,900;
• Alfa Romeo Giulia $51,885;
• Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio $88,390;
• Audi Q8 $88,690;
• Audi Q3 S $44,990;
• BMW 750i xDrive $126,145;
• BMW M2 Competition Coupe $67,945;
• BMW M850i $131,395;
• BMW X5 $73,980;
• BMW X7 $103,495;
• BMW Z4 $63,485;
• Cadillac XT4 $54,785;
• Cadillac XT6 $71,585;
• Chevrolet Equinox $37,745;
• Chevrolet Silverado Trail Boss $57,285;
• Chevrolet Traverse $45,090;
• Chevrolet Blazer $49,290;
• Chevrolet Colorado Bison $53,245;
• Chrysler 300 $50,265;
• Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Electric $50,375;
• Ford Edge $46,910;
• Ford F150 Lariat V-8 $64,555;
• Ford F150 Raptor $70,770;
• Ford F250 Super Duty turbodiesel $75,605;
• Ford Ranger SuperCrew $45,190;
• Honda Civic 1.5T $28,220;
• Honda Civic Type R $36,620;
• Honda Passport $44,725;
• Honda Pilot $49,015;
• Honda Pilot Black Edition $50,715;
• Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400 $60,475;
• Infiniti QX50 $49,685;
• Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk $45,425;
• Jeep Gladiator Rubicon $60,380;
• Jeep Wrangler Unlimited EcoDiesel $64,380;
• Jeep Wrangler Unlimited $50,050;
• Kia Niro EV $47,155;
• Kia Soul GT $28,710;
• Kia Telluride $47,255;
• Land Rover Discovery $81,395;
• Land Rover Discovery $80,915;
• Lexus GS F $87,985;
• Lexus GX460 $72,210;
• Lexus LC500 Hybrid $108,895;
• Lexus LX570 $88,940;
• Lexus NX300 F $47,818;
• Lexus UX250H $42,050;
• Mazda3 $30,930;
• Mazda3 hatchback $32,195;
• Mazda CX-5 $39,030;
• Mazda Miata GT RF $35,405;
• Mercedes AMG GLC $83,655;
• Mercedes C300 Coupe $63,675;
• Mercedes AMG CLS $87,205;
• Mercedes AMG E53 $92,105;
• Mercedes GLE prototype $70,000;
• Mercedes GLS550 $99,620;
• Mercedes G550 $134,315;
• Mitsubishi Outlander plug-in hybrid $42,920;
• Nissan Altima $32,495;
• Nissan Kicks $23,500;
• Nissan Leaf Plus $44,850;
• Nissan Murano $44,090;
• Nissan Pathfinder $44,455;
• Nissan Rogue $36,085;
• Nissan Titan turbodiesel $63,270;
• Nissan Versa $19,140;
• Ram 1500 EcoDiesel $41,885;
• Ram 1500 Longhorn $66,700;
• Ram Big Horn Mopar 1500 $65,884;
• Ram 2500 Tradesman $52,450;
• Ram Rebel $59,150;
• Range Rover Sport SVR $131,520;
• Subaru Ascent $43,305;
• Subaru Forester $35,270;
• Subaru Legacy $36,795;
• Subaru Outback $37,750;
• Subaru STI S209 $64,880;
• Toyota Avalon Hybrid $44,870;
• Toyota Corolla $29,168;
• Toyota Highlander $45,019;
• Toyota Land Cruiser $88,675;
• Toyota Prius AWD Hybrid $32,146;
• Toyota RAV4 Adventure $39,948;
• Toyota Sienna $51,427;
• Toyota Supra $56,220;
• Toyota Tacoma $50,210;
• Toyota Tundra $51,040;
• Volkswagen Arteon $45,960;
• Volkswagen Atlas $49,390;
• Volkswagen Beetle $23,940;
• Volkswagen Jetta $25,265;
• Volkswagen Tiguan $29,285;
• Volvo S60 plug-in hybrid $64,190;
• Volvo V60 CrossCountry Wagon $55,250.

At last, Atlas in four-wheel-drive configuration has been sent my way by Volkswagen.

Atlas is VW’s new midsize crossover which has attracted interest for its spacious, three-row interior.

I’ve kidded Volkswagen for sending me in April 2018 an Atlas of front-wheel drive, then again in April of this year another FWD model. VW dealers in Colorado generally stock only Atlas models with 4Motion (all-wheel drive). This is four-wheel-drive country.

Made available to me finally, though, was a 2019 Atlas SEL Premium with 4Motion. It performs with a 276-horsepower/266-torque, 3.6-liter V-6 engine and 8-speed automatic transmission. It offers a comfortable ride and smooth shifting, with snow and offroad driving modes. It has no paddles at the steering wheel, but the shifter can be tapped for manual-mode downshifting or upshifting.  

There is adequate power, though not a great deal of excess, due partially to the Atlas’ curb weight of 4,500 pounds. Its size is what sells it. The third-row seating is roomy enough for adults and is accessed through a middle row that slides and tilts. Tow capacity is 5,000 pounds; the Atlas rides on Continental 255/50R20 tires

Following a variety of driving situations, Volkswagen’s trip computer showed the Atlas was averaging 14.5 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers. Understand that a U.S. gallon is equal to 3.785 liters, and that a mile is equal to 1.61 kilometers, then peek at a “liters per 100 km to U.S. mpg conversion table,” which gives an average of 16.2 miles per gallon for the Atlas. With an EPA estimate of 17/23, it ought to do better than 16.

The Atlas competes against other midsizers Chevy Traverse, Ford Explorer, Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Mazda CX-9, Subaru Ascent and the newly arrived Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade. Though of German heritage, the Atlas is built in the U.S. at VW’s Chattanooga assembly plant.

The Atlas SEL review model carried a sticker price of $49,390, including panoramic roof, heated and cooled front seats, three-zone climate control, Fender premium audio with Bluetooth, lane-keeping assist and autonomous emergency braking.

Regarding the light-duty turbodiesels for half-ton pickups, I’ve now driven the Big Three – Chevy, Ford and Ram.

They’re powered by 3.0-liter, turbocharged engines; the Chevy an inline-6-cylinder, the Ford and Ram with V-6s.

A relatively short drive to Fort Collins and back home completed my test of the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Double Cab RST (Rally Sport Truck) with the turbodiesel.

In a move maximizing its fuel-mileage capability, the rear-drive version, rather than four-wheel-drive, was provided, and due to deep snow and continued icy conditions of nearby streets the pickup remained in the garage most every day.

The Fort Collins run resulted in fuel-mileage reading of 27.2 miles per gallon for the Silverado. A rear-drive 2020 Ram 1500 Tradesman QuadCab EcoDiesel V-6 averaged 26.1 mpg, and a year ago a 2019 Ford F-150 4X4 SuperCrew Power Stroke V-6 diesel posted only 20.7, though it was hampered by strong winds from Sterling to Ogallala, Neb.

EPA esimates for the three trucks, with rear-drive configuration, are 23/33 for the Chevrolet, 22/32 for the Ram and 22/30 mpg for the Ford. The 30-33 mpg highway ratings are attracting attention from light-duty truck drivers.

The Chevy rear-drive did a fairly decent job of maneuvering over the slick street surfaces and through the deep snow and slush at intersections, and sailed along almost effortlessly over the cleared and dried highways. The four-door pickup rides on Michelin Primacy M&S 265/65R18 tires.

Tied to a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Chevy I-6 Duramax diesel is built in Flint, Mich., and generates 277 horsepower and 460 lb.-ft. of torque. Throttle response is very satisfactory; the engine is smooth and quiet. The pickup is assembled in Roanoke, Ind.

Several times, someone said of the pickup, “That’s the one with the fancy tailgate, isn’t it?” “No,” I’d explain, “GMC Sierra has the six-way tailgate; Chevy hasn’t yet been given it for the Silverado.” Some say it will be available soon. What the Silverado does have is a power button to push inside the cab to lower the tailgate outside.

It’s a 6 ½-foot bed, with a handy step at each rear corner of the pickup. An inconvenience is lack of running boards or step rails to enter the cab.

The added cost for the turbodiesel power over a Silverado gas engine is $3,890. That and another $4,000-plus for front bucket seats with leather, heated steering wheel, trailering package, Bose sound and  Bluetooth/Apple Carplay/Android Auto increased sticker price from a base of $38,800 to $48,685.

There is all sorts of room inside the four-door’s relatively plainly finished cabin, which includes color driver-information center and steering wheel audio controls. Among features are remote start, power adjustable heated mirrors and a rear-seat reminder for objects left in the back while exiting the vehicle.

My best drive of 2019 was during daylight hours, Christmas Eve, to Johnstown, on to southwest Denver’s Ken Caryl, back north to Windsor and on into Greeley aboard the new entry 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB250 4Matic compact SUV.

Highlights were Christmas stops at Dale and Sandy Wells, Kurt and Tammy Wells, Brent and Tina Wells, Kathy and Bill Allen and finally, Kim Parker, who accompanied us to Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at the First United Methodist Church in downtown Greeley.

The little Benz was impressive in the 170-mile run with its turbocharged 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder engine, 8-speed automatic dual-clutch transmission, all-wheel drive, 27.7-miles-per-gallon fuel average, and so well-equipped for a sticker price of $51,216. That seems near-bargain, considering this level of performance and luxury from a German automaker.

The B is more rugged-looking than the sleeker GLA and GLC. The interior quietness is remarkable, it has one of the most finely designed instrument panels in its market. Its liftgate opens so high, 80 inches, that more than half of prospective GLB buyers won’t be able to reach it (of course, they may use the button on the key pod).

It went on sale just this final month of 2019, will be a contender for car of year honors in 2020.

My favorites among the new vehicles I’ve driven this year are the Jeep Gladiator, Kia Telluride and Toyota GR Supra.

Car of Year – The ’20 Supra, with a supporting role from the boys from BMW, returned this year after a hiatus of more than 20 years. The two-seater coupe, beautifully styled, is powered by a turbocharged inline-6-cylinder engine borrowed from BMW, as Toyota no longer produces inline blocks. It’s an outstanding handler.

Truck of Year – The ’20 Gladiator offering of ruggedness, roominess, offroad capability and open-top fun is unmatched by any other pickup. Among features are coil springs all around, forward-facing camera and 8-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift mode. The sturdy-looking Gladiator returns Jeep to the compact/midsize pickup wars after an absence of 27 years.

SUV of Year – The three-row Kia Telluride, largest model ever offered by the Korean company, has stylish exterior, comfortable interior with decent cargo space, strong performance from its V-6 engine and is well-equipped including the latest safety features. It is built in West Point, Ga.

Other mentions as the year comes to a close:

Priciest – Topping the sticker lists at $134,315 was the special mountain-climbing Mercedes-Benz G550, built in Graz, Austria, priced just three bills above the BMW M850i xDrive at $131,395. The Germans prevail in this category; last year it was the Mercedes S450 sedan as costliest and the BMW M5 sport sedan runnerup.

Cheapest ‑ $19,140 for the 2020 Nissan Versa SV four-door, which showed up a bit longer in overall length and equipped with automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, Nissan Connect featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus SiriusXM satellite radio.

Gas hogs – Poorest fuel mileage results for all my drives during the year was 13.2 mpg by a 2019 Toyota Tundra with 5.7-liter V-8 and 6-speed automatic transmission. Two others that fell in the 14s were the Ram 2500 Tradesman Crew Cab with 6.4 Hemi V-8 at 14.4 mpg and Toyota Land Cruiser with 5.7 V-8 at 14.6.

Highest MPG – A 2020 Nissan Versa ,with 1.6-liter engine, posted an average of  37.8 miles per gallon, the highest of the year, other than the hybrids and all-electrics. Among other upper averages were 34.8 by a Toyota Corolla, 33.9 by Honda Civic, 32.4 by Nissan Kicks and 31.5 by Nissan Altima.

Jan’s favorite – The new Mercedes mentioned at the top of this column.

Best greeting – Happy New Year!

I shout “Merry Christmas” to all my readers Dec. 25, 2019, from the open window of the 2020 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk.

With its red tow hooks out front in place of Rudolph’s nose, the Cherokee serves very adequately as a modern-day Santa’s sleigh.

The Cherokee’s 25.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats can handle the greetings and gifts being delivered. An extra-long list to be filled might require use of a Honda CR-V, which has 50 percent more cargo space than the Cherokee, or a bigger Jeep, such as the Grand Cherokee.

The 2020 Jeep Cherokee is in its seventh model year since its resurrection after the original Cherokee was discontinued in 2002.

It is a strong competitor in the compact SUV/crossover field, against the Honda, Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Subaru Forester, Ford Escape, Chevy Equinox and many others.

The Cherokee provided for my testing was equipped with a 270-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder engine, 9-speed automatic transmission and Active Drive II four-wheel-drive technology, which includes low range and terrain selection for auto, snow, sport and sand/mud.

Overall fuel mileage for the Jeep, including lots of in-town stop-and-go for Christmas shopping, was 22.2 miles per gallon. Its EPA estimate is 20/26.

With heated and cooled seats, heated steering wheel, full sunroof, and a safety package of full-speed forward collision warning, lane-departure correction, adaptive cruise and automatic high beams the sticker price climbed to $45,425.

Jan and I drove the Cherokee 100 miles northeast to Sterling to visit my sister, Norma Wagner, in her recuperation at Devonshire Acres from a fall and broken hip. Christmas cheer awaited us in the smiling faces of Norma and her husband, Dave Wagner Jr.

Norma and I enjoy a memory from 75 years ago of our childhood at the pretty little town of Wray. I’ve told it before, let me tell it once more, very briefly.

It was a Sunday afternoon in the fall of the year when Dale Wells, our dad the Ford dealer at Wray, took a call at home from a fellow apparently having truck problems. Mom, Norma and I joined Dad on a drive to the garage, during which Dad mentioned, “I think he may be Santa Claus.” Sure enough, the man had long hair and a long white beard and in the back of his big Ford cattle truck were a number of reindeer. While Dad repaired the truck’s cooling system, the old gent walked over and talked with Norma and me and invited us over to the truck for a close look at the reindeer. With the truck running cooler, he left Wray on U.S. 385 heading north (as in North Pole).

Merry Christmas.