SAN DIEGO – To thrive in modern society, one must understand and embrace the art of multi-tasking. The days of Dad going off to work while Mom stays home with the kids are largely gone, as are focused job descriptions and check books. Instead, dual-income households are home to Dad pinch-hitting for daycare drop-off duty as Mom conducts a conference call on her way to the airport, all while their colleagues at the office are simultaneously paying bills online and checking the day’s email. People are becoming akin to Swiss Army knives, and their vehicles are being forced to keep pace. Many car shoppers now demand that a truck do more than haul cargo, an SUV tote an upright refrigerator, and a sedan serve as more than a commuter car. Such buyers are afforded few choices, with three notable exceptions: the Chevrolet Avalanche, the Honda Ridgeline and the Ford Explorer Sport Trac.

That full-size Chevrolet has its merits, but buyers seeking a mid-size crew cab truck that rides like a car will be comfortable in the Ford or the Honda. The only hard question is whether to choose Honda, with its reputation for longevity, or Ford, which offers higher horsepower and towing ratings and superior off-road capability. Best bet is to give the Sport Trac a go before inking the deal on either one.