So, if it's beginning to sound like Ford's Five Hundred is a bit more sophisticated than the current Chrysler 300,

Renting a corner of a Wisconsin gravel pit, Ford showed us just how capable its best-in-class Haldex all-wheel drive system is. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

you're right. Not only does its V6 offer dual-overhead cam technology, and its transmission two additional forward gears, but in all-wheel drive trim its electronic Haldex system, the same that Volvo incorporates into its AWD models, has few equals if any. Ford showed us just how capable its best-in-class all-wheel drive system is by renting out the corner of a Wisconsin gravel pit and pointing us up a 35 percent grade of fine dirt and loose gravel. To be clear, this particular test was set up for us to compare its new Freestyle crossover SUV to the Chrysler Pacifica AWD and Buick Rendezvous AWD. To make a long story short, even the Five Hundred sedan walked away from the SUV-like Pacifica when starting from standstill halfway up the steep embankment. The Rendezvous couldn't even get off the mark from

The Five Hundred felt lighter on its feet and resultantly quicker in transitional response on the autocross track than the Chrysler 300. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

that location at all, but rather had to back down again, only making it to the top from a running start. Impressive. As was the Ford sedan's abilities to maneuver around a well laid out autocross course. I have to admit that the 300 handled the course well too, but the Five Hundred felt lighter on its feet and resultantly quicker in transitional response, important during emergency lane changes. The comparative Camry was much better than I expected, actually feeling fairly feisty on Ford's makeshift track. It also offered a very comfortable ride. But did it perform as well as the Five Hundred in combined ride and handling? No, the much bigger Ford has the edge in both categories.