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WITH 2006 on the doorstep, it could be one of the best years to buy light commercial vehicles for your business. Ford and General Motors are lowering prices on some of their new models, and there are plenty of incentive programs available if you're in the market for a fleet. But before you put your money on the table, let's take a look at the trends and changes in store for commercial vehicles in 2006.

Dodge, Ford and GM dominate the light trucks/ commercial vehicles market this year, with Toyota leading the imports and Honda debuting its new half-ton Ridgeline. Honda's first pickup, the four-door Ridgeline, has already earned the best rollover resistance rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Ford's F-150 garnered a five-star frontal crash rating from the NHTSA, and the company's bestselling compact pickup, the Ranger, has more choices of packages and powertrains. Another new import is Mitsubishi's midsize Raider pickup, in extended and double-cab versions. And GM's top-selling Silverado is updated with a new extended cab/short box model, more towing power and a two-wheel drive model.

For 2006, Nissan adds an optional vehicle dynamic control system with locking differential and a tow package to its Titan, and a power package is offered on the Frontier King Cab XE. A unique crew cab is a perk from Chevrolet, whose Avalanche bed and cab are integrated.

There's also more room for passengers in pickups. Dodge's massive six-seater Megacab boasts the biggest cab ever built, while Honda's five-seater Ridgeline boasts an integrated cab and bed. GMC's Sierra adds an extended cab/short box and a two-wheel drive/four-wheel drive SL crew cab to its 2006 lineup, and its Duramax 6600 V-8 turbo-diesel engine is now available on the Savana and Sierra. Dodge's Dakota Club Cab has full-swing access doors and a best-in-class tow rating. All these factors point to vehicles that can handle extra cargo and additional crews, which could preclude having to buy two trucks instead of one.

Fuel economy savings in 2006 come from Dodge's eight-passenger Durango SUV and Ram 1500 pickup, which shut off four cylinders in their V-8 engines when not needed. Dodge's Dakota pickup line expands with four new high-performance models, and diesels are showing up as options in Ford's E-150 Wagon, E-350 Wagon and E-350 Super Duty Extended Wagon. Jeep reports that demand for its diesel-powered Liberty SUV is outstripping supply.

Manufacturers consider conversion vans an untapped market segment and they're pursuing it with more welcoming and luxurious interiors with leather seats, front and rear air conditioning, and sedan-like driver compartments. Ford's E-Series and Dodge's Sprinter vans offer a greater variety of interior furnishings and upfits, easier access and low step-in heights. GM's full-size Uplander Passenger and Cargo crossover sport vans are ideal for fleet and commercial buyers who are looking for smaller, more nimble vehicles. Some work-vehicle manufacturers are replacing carpeting with hard rubber flooring that can be hosed down. Dodge's Caravan cargo van has commercial suspension, so carrying heavier loads won't mean sacrificing a comfortable ride, and Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana buyers can even add a slideout sofa and reading lights for long hauls.

GM made major changes to its minivan group in 2005, retiring the Chevrolet Astro and the GMC Safari. However, GM plans three new minivans by 2009 and is already selling the mid-van crossovers Buick Terraza, Chevrolet Uplander and Pontiac Montana SV6. Chrysler and Dodge have made a few changes to the Town & Country and Grand Caravan, including better access to storage bins.

Toyota has a boxy new SUV, the FJ Cruiser, and Mazda steps up with a six-seat microvan, the Mazda5. Hummer adds a more affordable, smaller H3. Want a less commercial-looking delivery vehicle? Check out the Jaguar X-Type Superwagon, Mercedes-Benz's gigantic new R-Class SUV/ wagon, and Chevrolet's HHR SUV. Upscale SUVs include Buick's Rainier and Rendezvous, and Land Rover's Freelander.

Federal tax credits are on the menu for hybrids, reaching as much as $2,000 per vehicle. Eligible choices include the Ford Escape, the GMC Sierra, the Lexus RX 400h, the Mercury Mariner and the Toyota Highlander. An even higher credit, up to $3400, is available beginning next month if you buy newer diesel-powered vehicles. Credits are based on the vehicle's weight, fuel efficiency rating and emissions level. Another benefit: Hybrid vehicle drivers with no passengers can now use carpool lanes.

In the power department, 46 percent of Dodge buyers are opting for HEMI engines that are available in several light-duty trucks, including the Ram 1500. The Dodge Ram SRT has a Viper-powered V-10 engine. With all these changes--and choices--you're sure to find the best vehicle for your business in 2006.

JILL AMADIO is Enterpreneur's "Wheels" columnist.

Best of Both Worlds

You don't have to sacrifice anything for a fuel-saving
hybrid--they're coming in bigger sizes, more styles
and at all different price levels.

                  GAS-ELECTRIC ENGINE AND
MODEL             MAJOR STANDARD FEATURES

Chevrolet         Vortec 5.3-liter V-8, 14kw electric
Silverado         induction motor, electro-hydraulic
Hybrid            power steering system, 2WD,
                  34 system indicators, 4 power outlets

Ford Escape       Duratec 2.3-liter 1-4/Atkinson cycle,
Hybrid Compact    reverse sensing system, navigation
SUV               system, power outlet

Lexus             3.3-liter V-6, electric motors,
RX 400h Hybrid    voice-activated navigation system, power
                  tilt/telescope steering column, sunroof,
                  towing prep package, Bluetooth,
                  mower outlet

Mercury Mariner   2.3-liter 1-4/Atkinson cycle, 4WD,
Hybrid Compact    power doors/windows, ABS, electric
SUV               power-assist steering, roof rack,
                  cruise control

Toyota            3.3-liter V-6, 3 electric motors, 2WD,
Highlander        ABS, stability/traction control,
Midsize Hybrid    air conditioning, prep package,
SUV               engine immobilizer

                    SEATING/MAX     FUEL ECONOMY
MODEL             CARGO CAPACITY    CITY/HIGHWAY    PRICE

Chevrolet         6/113.6 cu. ft.    17/23 mpg     $18,190
Silverado
Hybrid

Ford Escape       5/65.6 cu. ft.     36/31 Mpg     $26,380
Hybrid Compact
SUV

Lexus             5/38.3 cu. ft.     31/27 mpg     $49,060
RX 400h Hybrid

Mercury Mariner   5/61.8 cu. ft.     33/29 Mpg     $29,840
Hybrid Compact
SUV

Toyota            7/80.6 cu. ft.     33/28 mpg     $33,030
Highlander
Midsize Hybrid

SUV