It's getting harder to tell the difference between station wagons, crossover vehicles and sport utilities.

The Ford Freestyle, a five-door, six- to seven-passenger vehicle that's new for 2005, seems to have a bit of everything: All-wheel-drive expected of an SUV, body style of a wagon and the slightly higher ride height of a crossover.

Starting manufacturer's suggested retail price, including destination charge, of $25,670 for a two-wheel-drive Freestyle is in the range of competitors that blend SUV/wagon/crossover attributes. The 2005 Chrysler Pacifica starts at $24,995, while the 2005 Buick Rendezvous starts at $27,465.

Don't confuse the Freestyle with the Ford Freestar. The latter is Ford's minivan. But oh, how I wish Ford officials didn't have two names that are so similar.

The Freestyle is the wagon version of the Ford Five Hundred sedan, which is also new for 2005 and will replace the long-running Ford Taurus. The Five Hundred and Freestyle share engines, transmissions and platforms.

There are three trim levels of the Freestyle: SE, SEL and Limited. All will be available as front-wheel-drive models or as higher-priced, all-wheel-drive models. Basically, the all-wheel-drive price increase is about $1,800.

The electronically controlled all-wheel drive shifts power to the rear wheels automatically when added traction is needed. Otherwise, the vehicle travels in front-drive mode for better fuel economy.

But be aware that the Freestyle owner's manual states "your all-wheel-drive vehicle is not intended for off-road use. The manual also warns drivers that the Freestyle's warranty will not cover damage caused to the vehicle being exposed to the "excess stress" of off-road conditions.

Industry officials point out the vast majority of drivers - even those with all-wheel drive - never go off-road, even if they have all-wheel drive.

The test Freestyle model, a highly-equipped Limited that topped out at nearly $35,000, felt quite stable on the road, even on curves and during cornering maneuvers. On wet and sloppy pavement, I never lost traction and never noticed when the all-wheel drive engaged. The vehicle managed road bumps well. The impact of potholes seemed to be distributed throughout the Freestyle and then absorbed, which kept the rough stuff from passengers.

The front suspension is independent, MacPherson strut with a stabilizer bar. In back, there's an independent, multi-link, coil-over-shock setup with stabilizer bar. This rear configuration helps allow room for the Freestyle's third row of seats, which can accommodate two people. At 5 feet 4, I could sit back there and still not have my legs smashed into the second-row seatbacks.

This third row sits up higher than the other rows, so I didn't feel too constrained, and I appreciated that all seats, even these at the far back, had head restraints and shoulder belts. But a heating/ventilation system that helps make it comfortable back there is a $650 option, even on the top-level Limited.

Also optional on all models: Side curtain airbags, a safety feature that's becoming standard on some lower-priced SUVs.

There's only one engine in the Freestyle: A 203-horsepower, 3-liter V6 that can develop 207 foot-pounds of torque at 4,500 rpm.

In the front-drive Freestyles, it's mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. In all-wheel-drive models, it's mated to a continuously variable transmission.

This latter transmission can provide a bit of a different driving experience for observant drivers, as the CVT doesn't have specific, defined shift points. So, at times, especially with the radio off and the car otherwise quiet, I found myself waiting in vain for a shift sensation. But the car just accelerated smoothly and never gave an indication that it had moved from one gear to another. The power didn't come on in a sporty, showy way, the way it does in a Dodge Magnum with Hemi V8.

The Freestyle also didn't readily slow when I lifted off the accelerator. Instead, it continued to coast for a while at the same speed, which meant I had to use the brake more often than I wanted until I adjusted my driving style.

Government fuel economy ratings in the 19- to 20-mile-per-gallon range in city driving and 24- to 27-mpg on the highway are acceptable if you compare the Freestyle to many SUVs. But the comparison isn't so favorable if the Freestyle is contrasted with fuel economy ratings of station wagons.

The Freestyle isn't flashy in its appearance and didn't draw attention from other drivers.

<B>BASE PRICE:</B> $25,020 for SE 2WD; $26,420 for SEL 2WD; $26,820 for SE AWD; $28,220 for SEL AWD; $28,620 for Limited 2WD; $30,420 for Limited AWD.<B>AS TESTED:</B> $34,845.<B>TYPE:</B> Front-engine, all-wheel-drive, seven-passenger wagon.<B>ENGINE:</B> 3-liter, Duratec, double overhead cam, 60-degree V6.<B>MILEAGE:</B> 19 mpg (city), 24 mpg (highway).<B>TOP SPEED:</B> NA.<B>LENGTH:</B> 199.8 inches.<B>WHEELBASE:</B> 112.9 inches.<B>CURB WT.:</B> 4,200 pounds.<B>BUILT IN:</B> Chicago.<B>OPTIONS:</B> Rear entertainment system $995; power moonroof $895; safety package (includes front side airbags, curtain airbags and anti-theft perimeter alarm) $695; auxiliary rear climate control $650; reverse sensing system $250; adjustable pedals $175; garage door opener $115.<B>DESTINATION CHARGE:</B> $650.