When you're starring in your own director's-cut version of Mad Max--in your head--you're not likely driving mom's mincing minivan. You're in a fully equipped war machine, one that can take you from the concrete jungle to the, well, actual jungle. Or beyond Thunderdome, even. Anyway, in real life you won't have to conquer an unruly gang of post-apocalyptic misfits to sit behind the wheel of your dreams. We've identified six categories of off-roading rides. Pick the one that best suits your personality and needs, then buckle up. (Tina Turner fright wig not included.)

THE COMMUTER: 2005 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID

Profile: Detroit is on a roll: first the Pistons, now the Ford Escape Hybrid. Combining a fuel-efficient gas engine with an electric-drive system, it gets 35 to 40 miles per gallon--in the city. When you're stuck in midtown traffic, the gas motor shuts off, rendering zero emissions. The "motor generator" even charges the battery when braking. Need some quick juice? The starter motor restarts the engine in 400 milliseconds. By uniting the power of both the gas and the electric engine, you have just about as much muscle as the Escape's non-hybrid V6 version.

Engine: 2.3-liter, in-line 4-cylinder gas engine, plus a 70-kilowatt electric motor Horsepower: 155 Cargo volume: 65.5 cu. ft. MSRP: $26,970 @ ford.com You'll also like: 2004 Honda Element, $16,100 @ honda.com

THE URBAN ASSAULT VEHICLE: 2004 BMW X3 3.01

Profile: The X3 combines the gear-hauling and all-terrain aptitude of its big cousin, the X5, with the maneuverability of its 3-series sedan sibling, making it ideal for urban-based adventurers, The full-time all-wheel-drive system, known as xDrive, compensates for bumpy toad surfaces, fluctuations in speed, and even poor driving on your part by constantly adjusting how much power reaches each wheel. Adaptive headlights aim the beams in the direction you're turning, and the optional large 18-inch wheels are essential for that pimped-out look.

Engine: 3.0-liter, in-line 6-cylinder Horsepower: 225 Cargo volume: 71 cu. ft. MSRP: $36,995 @ bmwusa.com You'll also like: 2005 Mercury Mariner, $21,000-$30,000 (est.) @ mercuryvehicles.com

THE LUXE OFF-ROADER: 2005 LAND ROVER LR3