Capability has nothing to do with reality. Reality is 99% of SUV buyers are only ever going to drive them on normal paved roads that they could just as well drive on with a wagon or minivan. And that is why they are building what are essentially wagons and minivans and calling them suvs (or "cross-over" now I guess...some of those are like what used to be called hatchbacks).

1996 Contour GL Sport, Zetec, MTX

1995 Contour GL, Zetec, MTX