The Consumer Guide to 2008 Midsize SUVs
by Don Sikora II
2008 Midsize SUV Lineup
Base Price Range: $22,380 - $28,980 EPA MPG Range: 3.4-liter V6 17/24 mpg city/highway, 3.6-liter V6 16/24 mpg city/highway The 2008 Chevrolet Equinox gains a pair of new models, one bent toward luxury, the other for performance. Equinox benefits from its low starting price, flexible rear-seat accommodations, and good cargo space. The Sport, while decently quick, likely represents the worst model of the bunch with its poor handling, plentiful noise, and overall lack of refinement. It's the most expensive version, too. On the whole, other five-passenger crossovers deserve more consideration than this one. | |
Base Price Range: $26,815 - $33,255 EPA MPG Range: 4.2-liter I6 14/20 mpg city/highway, 5.3-liter V8 13/20 mpg city/highway, 6.0-liter V8 12/16 city/highway The 2008 Chevrolet TrailBlazer gains curtain side airbags as standard equipment this year. TrailBlazers are the most affordable of GM's midsize truck-type SUVs, and match most rivals for pace and space. Overall, however, we prefer the GMC Envoy among this GM family as the best blend of performance, interior design, and dollar value. | |
Base Price Range: $24,460 - $35,825 EPA MPG Range: 3.8-liter V6 16/23 mpg city/highway, 4.0-liter V6 14/23 mpg city/highway The 2008 Chrysler Pacifica carries over with no major changes. Pacifica feels smaller inside than its generous exterior dimensions suggest. And it drives like a heavy minivan--which is better than driving like a heavy SUV. In the end, it successfully mixes traditional vehicle types to create a versatile wagon with some upscale appeal. | |
Base Price Range: $26,455 - $37,215 EPA MPG Range: 3.7-liter V6 14/19 mpg city/highway, 4.7-liter V8 13/19 mpg city/highway, 5.7-liter V8 13/19 mpg city/highway The 2008 Dodge Durango gets a more powerful V8 engine. Durango matches some large SUVs for space and towing capacity. Unfortunately, it matches them for poor fuel economy, too. Still, avoid the underpowered V6 in favor of a V8, preferably the 5.7-liter Hemi. | |
Base Price Range: $19,595 - $24,665 EPA MPG Range: 3.7-liter V6 15/22 mpg city/highway, 4.0-liter V6 15/21 mpg city/highway The 2008 Dodge Nitro gets no major changes following its 2007 introduction. Though small for a midsize SUV, Nitro's boxy design provides acceptable space for four adults and an impressive amount of cargo. And the relatively tidy exterior dimensions take the hassle out of negotiating traffic and tight quarters. But Nitro works best as a style statement, trailing most crossovers for drivetrain refinement and rear-seat accommodations. | |
Base Price Range: $25,330 - $32,070 EPA MPG Range: 15/24 mpg city/highway The 2008 Ford Edge adds a new top-end Limited model to its roster. Ford has a lot riding on the success of this crossover, and Edge impresses for its carlike ride and generous passenger and cargo room. Base prices are competitive but quickly escalate with options. Give Edge a look, but favor an SE model or a judiciously equipped SEL for the best value for your money. | |
Base Price Range: $25,755 - $35,835 EPA MPG Range: 4.0-liter V6 13/20 mpg city/highway, 4.6-liter V8 13/20 mpg city/highway The 2008 Ford Explorer adds some new features this year, including a "capless" fueling system. Explorer and its Mercury Mountaineer sibling are highly competent overall performers with an outstanding array of available features. These include V8 power, seven-passenger seating, and a power folding 3rd-row seat. Their traditional truck-type design serves trailering needs without giving up much refinement to lighter-duty midsize SUVs with car-type construction. Mountaineer provides nothing of consequence over similarly equipped Explorers, making the Ford version our pick for its broader range of model choices. | |
Base Price Range: $26,615 - $32,185 EPA MPG Range: 15/24 mpg city/highway The 2008 Ford Taurus X is the new name for Ford's Freestyle crossover. Taurus X works best as a family wagon. It relegates off-roading and serious towing to truck-type SUVs, providing instead utility, space, and comfort that match many rivals--including some minivans. | |
Base Price Range: $29,110 - $35,575 EPA MPG Range: 16/24 mpg city/highway The 2008 GMC Acadia gains some new features this year. Acadia is tailor-made for buyers who need a minivan but don't want to drive one. This crossover is dynamically capable, comes standard with a host of safety features, and offers several unusual and useful options. Though we consider it a midsize, those shopping large SUVs will find this Best Buy a sensible alternative. | |
Base Price Range: $27,015 - $35,995 EPA MPG Range: 4.2-liter I6 14/20 mpg city/highway, 5.3-liter V8 13/20 mpg city/highway The 2008 GMC Envoy gains standard curtain side airbags and trims down its model lineup. We judge Envoy the best choice among GM-built midsize truck-type SUVs. It has a pleasing enough interior and a good ride/handling mix. Truck-tough engineering is a plus for towing. Still, crossover SUVs remain more sensible for most everyday users. | |
Base Price Range: $28,395 - $35,645 EPA MPG Range: 15/22 mpg city/highway The 2008 Honda Pilot adds some new models to its lineup. Pilot is the Honda Accord of midsize SUVs--pleasant, practical, and family friendly. There's no question about this wagon's laudable balance of utility and comfort, refinement, and power. Toss in Honda's reputation for reliability and resale value, and Pilot is a Best Buy. | |
Base Price Range: $30,080 - $38,645 EPA MPG Range: 3.7-liter I5 13/19 mpg city/highway, 5.3-liter V8 13/16 mpg city/highway The 2008 Hummer H3 gets a top-line Alpha model that brings V8 power to this midsize SUV lineup. H3 combines comfortable accommodations and decent on-pavement dynamics with impressive off-road proficiency. The V8-powered Alpha adds good performance and towing capability. The H3 offers most of the Hummer H2 attributes in a more sensibly sized package. However, sacrifices are made for off-road capability and extroverted styling. For shoppers without true wanderlust, most other midsize SUVs make more sense. | |
Base Price Range: $20,995 - $29-600 EPA MPG Range: 2.7-liter V6 17/24 mpg city/highway, 3.3-liter V6 17/24 mpg city/highway The 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe is largely unchanged, but there are new standard features for the Limited model. Santa Fe offers impressive room, build quality, and standard safety features, all at competitive prices. Hyundai's generous warranty is another value plus. Santa Fe needs more zip and some buyers may appreciate a better ride/handling balance, but many people should find this a satisfying Recommended choice. | |
Base Price Range: $26,900 - $35,750 EPA MPG Range: 15/23 mpg city/highway The 2008 Hyundai Veracruz is largely unchanged, but many items that were previously optional on the top-line Limited are now standard. Veracruz shines for its refined powertrain, hushed cabin, and upscale interior decor. With a focus on serene cruising, its handling isn't as responsive as most rivals. Our Recommended nod goes to the competitively priced GLS and SE models. Limited versions can approach $38,000--more than some shoppers may be willing to pay for a Hyundai. | |
Base Price range: $27,149 - $29,149 EPA MPG Range: 14/20 mpg city/highway The 2008 Isuzu Ascender SUV is largely unchanged. Though Ascender matches most truck-type rivals for pace and space, Isuzu's longer warranty doesn't fully offset a sparse dealer network and the lower resale values associated with this brand. Ascender intenders would be better off with a Chevy TrailBlazer or GMC Envoy, as their pricing and equipment are much the same. | |
Base Price Range: $27,415 - $43,850 EPA MPG Range: 3.7-liter V6 13/19 mpg city/highway, 4.7-liter V8 14/19 mpg city/highway, 5.7-liter V8 13/19 mpg city/highway The 2008 Jeep Commander gets a more powerful V8 engine and, for the first time, becomes available with five-passenger seating. With its square-rigged styling and seating for seven, Commander gives Jeep buyers an alternative to the sportier Grand Cherokee, even if the two are similar under the skin. These Jeeps have a decent balance of comfort and utility. They can get pricey with options, though. Loaded versions can top $45,000, putting them in league with some premium midsize SUVs that are more refined, get better fuel economy, and are likely to have higher resale values. | |
Base Price Range: $28,520 - $43,440 EPA MPG Range: 3.7-liter V6 15/20 mpg city/highway, 4.7-liter V8 14/19 mpg city/highway, 5.7-liter V8 13/19 mpg city/highway, 6.1-liter V8 13/19 mpg city/highway, Diesel 3.0-liter V6 17/23 mpg city/highway The 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee makes news by getting slightly revised styling and a more powerful available V8 engine. Rear-seat room and comfort may disappoint, and fuel economy with gasoline engines is poor on models we tested. But Grand Cherokee is solid, rides comfortably, has fine ergonomics, and is tenacious off-road. It's also competitively priced. The V6 is too weak for this vehicle's weight, but not the gutsy diesel or muscular 5.7 Hemi. The SRT8 is a hot rod wagon. | |
Base Price Range: $20,995 - $26,195 EPA MPG Range: 3.3-liter V6 15/22 mpg city/highway, 3.8-liter V6 15/21 mpg city/highway The 2008 Kia Sorento loses its base model and gains a second engine choice. Sorento is priced like a compact SUV yet acts like a midsize, and impresses for interior decor and features per dollar. Resale values don't match those of top Japanese brands, but those rivals don't match Kia's generous warranty. | |
Base Price Range: $23,750 - $28,000 EPA MPG Range: 16/23 mpg city/highway The 2008 Mazda CX-7 gets no major changes following its 2007 introduction. CX-7 emphasizes sport over utility and ride comfort to stand out in a crowded market segment. Its turbo 4-cylinder engine is neither as fuel-efficient as one might expect nor as smoothly powerful as it ought to be. But there's appeal here for those who need something roomier than a midsize car and want fresh-looking SUV styling. | |
Base Price Range: $29,400 - $34,655 EPA MPG Range: 15/22 mpg city/highway The 2008 Mazda CX-9 gets more power on the heels of its 2007 introduction. CX-9 is a stylish, refined entry that adeptly balances solid driving dynamics with generous passenger and cargo room. The ride is a bit stiff, and the navigation system isn't the easiest to use. Still, this crossover is a Best Buy pick that does many things well. | |
Base Price Range: $26,050 - $32,115 EPA MPG Range: 4.0-liter V6 13/20 mpg city/highway, 4.6-liter V8 13/20 mpg city/highway The 2008 Mercury Mountaineer gets few changes this year. It suffers some ergonomic lapses, and interior materials are unimpressive. Mountaineer, however, is a competent SUV with a solid array of useful features. Its traditional truck-type chassis serves trailering needs without giving up much refinement to lighter-duty crossovers. However, there's nothing of consequence Mountaineer provides over similarly equipped Explorers, making the lower-priced Ford version our pick. | |
Base Price Range: $27,599 - $29,099 EPA MPG Range: 18/28 mpg city/highway The 2008 Mitsubishi Endeavor gets a standard antiskid system on all models. Endeavor's strengths are its pleasant driving manners and roomy interior. It's also discounted more than such rivals as the Honda Pilot, Nissan Murano, and Toyota Highlander. That recognizes the stronger overall appeal of those competitors, but also reflects Mitsubishi's troubled image, lower-rung customer-satisfaction scores, and mediocre resale values. Note also that Mitsubishi's own Outlander is a newer design that rivals Endeavor for size and power at a potentially lower cost. | |
Base Price Range: $25,780 - $38,780 EPA MPG Range: 4.0-Liter V6 14/22 mpg city/highway, 5.6-liter V8 12/18 mpg city/highway Freshened styling and an available V8 engine make news for the 2008 Nissan Pathfinder. For everyday driving ease and fuel economy, this truck-type SUV trails such car-type rivals as the GMC Acadia and Nissan's own Murano. Only the most expensive versions offer the convenience of 4-wheel drive that can be left engaged on dry pavement. However, Pathfinder does possess a solid array of true-SUV attributes, including real off-road prowess and 7000-lb trailering capacity. | |
Base Price Range (2007): $20,050 - $27,950 EPA MPG Range: 16/22 mpg city/highway Xterra is smaller, sportier, and less costly than Nissan's midsize Pathfinder SUV, with which it shares its truck-type platform. Xterra is slightly smaller than most in the midzise-SUV class, hence the somewhat tight interior space. Its off-road orientation accounts for subpar ride comfort, and its backwoods-ready avoidance of luxury touches makes it seem relatively unrefined. Indeed, its main appeal is that rugged demeanor, cargo versatility, and youthful attitude. | |
Base Price Range: $22,855 - $28,980 EPA MPG Range: 3.4-liter V6 17/24 mpg city/highway, 3.6-liter V6 16/24 mpg city/highway The 2008 Pontiac Torrent gains a sporty GXP model this year. A base Torrent makes some sense as a space-efficient people mover with attractive pricing. Overall refinement trails class leaders however, and vague steering and sloppy handling take all the fun out of driving. Aggressive GXP has meaningful amount of extra power but suffers from a rough ride and excessive amounts of noise. The only reason to put Torrent on your shopping list would be deep discounts and huge rebates--otherwise look elsewhere. | |
Base Price Range: $27,605 - $31,905 EPA MPG Range: 16/24 mpg city/highway The 2008 Saturn Outlook gets a few new features following its 2007 introduction. This impressive SUV is a Best Buy for its near large-class cargo and passenger accommodations, refined, responsive drivetrain, and car-like driving experience. Aggressive pricing and Saturn's strong reputation for customer service further enhance Outlook's appeal. | |
Base Price Range: $29,995 - $33,595 EPA MPG Range: 16/21 mpg city/highway Fresh styling and more power highlight changes to the 2008 Subaru Tribeca, which drops the B9 prefix from its name. Tribeca's styling has gone more mainstream for 2008 and the extra power is appreciated, but it still has its shortcomings. It remains a pleasant crossover SUV with a versatile interior and numerous standard features, but there are more-compelling, less-expensive alternatives. | |
Base Price Range (2007): $22,899 - $29,549 EPA MPG Range: 15/22 mpg city/highway The 2008 Suzuki XL7 is largely unchanged. Its 2007 redesign improves on the trucky previous-generation XL-7, but still trails the competition for value and overall refinement. XL7 shines only for acceleration and transmission performance, but for ride, handling, and quietness falls far short of class leaders such as the Honda Pilot and Saturn Outlook. | |
Base Price Range: $28,015 - $38,735 EPA MPG Range: 4.0-liter V6 16/21 mpg city/highway, 4.7-liter V8 14/19 mpg city/highway The 2008 Toyota 4Runner is largely unchanged. Some rivals offer a smoother ride and sharper on-road handling, but 4Runner is tough to beat for refinement, off-road ability, and overall execution. Toyota charges premium prices for this SUV, but in exchange it delivers a satisfying array of available safety features, traction enhancers, and a reputation for reliability and high resale value. | |
Base Price Range: $22,545 - $24,135 EPA MPG Range: 15/20 mpg city/highway The 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser is largely unchanged following its 2007 introduction. The FJ pays a price for its exaggerated styling and off-road-biased engineering: On-road performance and daily practicality don't match those of less-radical rivals. However, it is solidly built and looks like no other SUV. | |
Base Price Range: $27,300 - $39,950 EPA MPG Range: 3.5-liter V6 18/24 mpg city/highway, Hybrid 31/27 mpg city/highway The 2008 Toyota Highlander is redesigned with larger dimensions, more standard safety features, and a new engine. Highlander is a competent, refined, family focused SUV that offers great practicality, cargo and passenger versatility, and evident quality. Versions with the conventional V6 engine best represent Highlander's attributes, as the Hybrid models' higher prices may take years to offset in fuel savings. |
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