The multi-activity vehicle (MAV, a.k.a. sport utility vehicle) segment has fallen on hard times recently, the steady rise in gas prices continuing to take its toll on sales. Even though fuel economy among the group has improved in recent years thanks to cylinder-deactivation and hybrid engine technology, MAVs are still at a disadvantage when it comes to fuel economy. The tough sales environment notwithstanding, MAVs still have a lot to offer in terms of utility, visibility, comfort, and, in some cases, performance and design.
In the multi-activity vehicle (MAV) segments, the Toyota FJ Cruiser, Buick Enclave and Toyota Sequoia are the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) StudySM award recipients.
Compact MAV Segment
Highest Ranked: Toyota FJ Cruiser
The FJ Cruiser was added to Toyota’s U.S. model lineup for 2007. Developed with a younger audience in mind, this 5-passenger SUV's retro 
styling recalls the Toyota FJ40s of the 1960s. With its body-on-frame construction and choice of rear- or 4-wheel drive, the latter complete with a 2-speed transfer case, the FJ Cruiser is designed to be durable enough for serious off-road driving, while retaining civilized on-road manners and offering such amenities as vehicle stability control, anti-lock brakes, air conditioning, power windows and locks, and a CD player.
The Toyota FJ Cruiser improves upon its No. 3 segment ranking in the 2007 APEAL Study and earns its first APEAL model award, ranking highest in the compact MAV segment in the 2008 APEAL Study.
Among the 25 models in the compact MAV segment, the 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser achieves the highest ratings in five of the 10 categories that comprise the study, including:
- vehicle exterior
- seats (in a tie with the Mazda CX-7)
- climate control
- driving dynamics
- engine/transmission
Additionally, the FJ Cruiser scores at or above the segment average in vehicle interior, storage and space, and audio/entertainment/navigation, but below the segment average in visibility/driving safety and fuel economy.
According to consumers, the top three attributes of the FJ Cruiser compared to the compact MAV segment are: front-end styling; appearance of the wheels, rims and tires; and rear-end styling. The bottom three attributes of the FJ Cruiser are: the rating of the fuel economy and range between fuel stops; visibility when changing lanes; and rear passenger room.
2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser Prices
2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser Photos
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Ranked No. 2: 2008 Mazda CX-7
Ranked No. 3: 2008 Nissan Rogue
Midsize MAV Segment
Highest Ranked: 2008 Buick Enclave
The Enclave is an all-new model, and is Buick’s latest effort to enhance the brand’s perception among consumers and appeal to a younger, more mainstream 
audience. While the styling of Buick’s previous utility models, the Rendezvous and the Rainier (both discontinued for 2008), basically involved putting a Buick “face” on existing General Motors products, the Enclave goes all-out with a nose-to-tail styling makeover that differentiates it from the mechanically similar GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook. Under the skin, the Enclave shares GM’s new crossover SUV architecture, including V-6 power, available seating for 8, and an emphasis on easy access to the second and third seating rows.
Among the 24 models in the midsize MAV segment, the 2008 Buick Enclave achieves the highest ratings in seven of the 10 categories that comprise the study, including:
- vehicle exterior
- vehicle interior
- storage and space
- audio/entertainment/navigation
- seats
- climate control
- driving dynamics
Additionally, the Enclave scores above the segment average in visibility/driving safety and fuel economy, but below the segment average in engine/transmission.
According to consumers, the top three attributes of the Enclave compared to the midsize MAV segment are all related to the vehicle’s exterior: front-end styling; rear-end styling; and the appearance of the exterior paint. The bottom three attributes of the Enclave are: the performance during rapid acceleration from a stop; smoothness of the gearshift operation; and passing power at highway speeds.
2008 Buick Enclave Prices
2008 Buick Enclave Photos
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Ranked No. 2: 2008 Mazda CX-9
Ranked No. 3: 2008 Hyundai Veracruz
Large MAV Segment
Highest Ranked: 2008 Toyota Sequoia
Toyota launched its full-size SUV for the 2000 model year. For 2008, the automaker rolls out its all-new second-generation Sequoia, which Toyota says was developed with an eye on both rising gasoline prices and environmental awareness. In addition to an all-new chassis, body and interior, the 2008 Sequoia can be equipped with either a carryover 4.7-liter V-8 engine or an even stronger but more efficient new 5.7-liter powertrain.
Among the six models in the large MAV segment, the 2008 Toyota Sequoia achieves the highest ratings in five of the 10 categories that comprise the study, including:
- storage and space
- seats
- climate control
- driving dynamics
- engine/transmission
Additionally, the Sequoia scores above the segment average in vehicle exterior, vehicle interior, and visibility/driving safety, but below the segment average in audio/entertainment/navigation and fuel economy.
According to consumers, the top three attributes of the Sequoia compared to the large MAV segment are: the usefulness of the glove box; performance during rapid acceleration from a stop; and passing power at highway speeds. The bottom three attributes of the Sequoia are: the rating of fuel economy and range between fuel stops; front-end styling; and the ease of using the navigation system.
2008 Toyota Sequoia Prices
2008 Toyota Sequoia Photos
Get a price quote on a 2008 Toyota Sequoia
Ranked No. 2: 2008 Nissan Armada
Ranked No. 3: 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe
More Research
2008 APEAL Study Results
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