Similar to their non-premium counterparts, premium multi-activity vehicles (MAVs, or SUVs) offer an equal blend of utility and comfort, but add a premium touch, and often include upscale features such as navigation systems, rear-seat entertainment systems and backup cameras as standard equipment—features that are either unavailable or high-cost options on non-premium MAVs.
In the premium MAV segments, the Porsche Cayenne and Land Rover Range Rover are the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) StudySM award recipients.
Midsize Premium MAV Segment
Highest Ranked: 2008 Porsche Cayenne
After taking a one-model-year hiatus, for 2008 Porsche rolls out the “second generation” Cayenne SUV, its best-selling model in North America. While the first Cayenne underscored the “sport” in SUV, 
this next Cayenne shows off an updated body design and bears an array of more powerful engines across the full model range. A new model for 2008, the 405-hp Cayenne GTS, slots itself between the 500-hp Cayenne Turbo and the slightly less powerful 385-hp Cayenne S.
Among the 15 models in the midsize premium MAV segment, the 2008 Porsche Cayenne achieves the highest ratings in seven of the 10 categories that comprise the study, including:
- vehicle exterior
- vehicle interior
- seats
- climate control
- driving dynamics
- engine/transmission
- visibility/driving safety
Additionally, the Cayenne scores above the segment average in storage and space and fuel economy, but below the segment average in audio/entertainment/navigation.
According to consumers, the top three attributes of the Cayenne compared to the midsize premium MAV segment are: the rating of fuel economy and range between fuel stops; front-end styling; and the sound of the engine/exhaust during rapid acceleration. The bottom three attributes of the Cayenne are: the usefulness of front and rear cupholders; the audio system’s ability to play the desired format; and the ease of using the navigation system.
2008 Porsche Cayenne Prices
2008 Porsche Cayenne Photos
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Ranked No. 2: 2008 BMW X5
Ranked No. 3: 2008 Audi Q7
Large Premium MAV Segment
Highest Ranked: 2008 Land Rover Range Rover
The Range Rover is Land Rover’s largest vehicle—a 4-door, 5-passenger, 4-wheel drive SUV. Last redesigned in 2003, the 2008 model is mostly carryover from 2007. This year, 
however, the Range Rover adds infrared-deflecting glass to reduce heat transmission, more storage space, additional leather interior trim, and seven available interior wood trims. Additionally, the 2008 Range Rover offers a choice of two V-8 engines and updated technology.
Among the six models in the large premium MAV segment, the 2008 Land Rover Range Rover achieves the highest ratings in eight of the 10 categories that comprise the study, including:
- vehicle exterior
- vehicle interior
- audio/entertainment/navigation
- seats
- climate control
- driving dynamics
- engine/transmission
- visibility/driving safety
Additionally, the Range Rover scores above the segment average in each of the other two categories.
According to consumers, the top three attributes of the Range Rover compared to the large premium MAV segment are: the rating of fuel economy and range between fuel stops; smoothness of the gearshift operation; and front-end styling. The bottom three attributes of the Range Rover are: the climate control system’s ability to maintain the desired temperature; the sound of the doors when closing; and the ease of loading and unloading the trunk/cargo area.
2008 Land Rover Range Rover Prices
2008 Land Rover Range Rover Photos
Get a price quote on a 2008 Land Rover Range Rover
Ranked No. 2: 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
Ranked No. 3: 2008 Lincoln Navigator
More Research
2008 APEAL Study Results
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Subcompact and Compact Cars
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Multi-activity Vehicles (MAV)
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