The multi-activity vehicle (commonly referred to as a sport-utility vehicle) segment is in a state of flux, as the market shifts from fuel-thirsty, truck-based, full-size vehicles toward more fuel-efficient, car-based crossovers.
In the compact, midsize and large MAV segments, the Honda CR-V, Dodge Durango and Toyota Sequoia are the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Initial Quality Study (IQS)SM award recipients.
Compact MAV Segment
Highest Ranked: 2008 Honda CR-V
For the second consecutive year, the Honda CR-V receives the award for highest initial quality in the compact MAV segment in the 2008 IQS. One of the original crossover utility vehicles (CUVs), the CR-V combines car-like handling dexterity and fuel economy with very practical and versatile cargo-carrying functionality. The 2007 model year saw the introduction of the third-generation CR-V, which added new safety features, a more powerful engine, and a more sophisticated and substantial feel, according to the manufacturer. While the 2008 model is mostly carryover, the EX-L receives new dual-zone climate control, a new 8-way power driver’s seat, and a new premium audio system.
Honda offers the 2008 CR-V in LX, EX and EX-L models. The LX comes with a CD player with auxiliary input jack, air conditioning, a tilt and telescoping steering column, power windows/locks/mirrors, a retractable center console tray, two glove compartments, an under-seat storage bin, split-folding and tumble-away rear seats, and remote (keyless) entry. The EX version adds a power moonroof, rear privacy glass, audio controls on the steering wheel, 2-level rear cargo shelf, 6-CD changer, and more. The top-of-the-line EX-L includes leather seats (heated in front and power-adjustable for the driver), dual-zone climate control and XM satellite radio with an available navigation system.
Power for the 2008 CR-V comes from Honda’s 166-hp, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine. A 5-speed automatic transmission is standard. All three versions of the CR-V are available with either front- or 4-wheel-drive (FWD or 4WD). EPA fuel-economy estimates are 20 mpg city/27 mpg highway for FWD models, 20 mpg city/26 mpg highway for 4WD models.
2008 Honda CR-V prices
2008 Honda CR-V photos
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Ranked No. 2: 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser
Ranked No. 2 in the compact MAV segment in the 2008 IQS is the Chrysler PT Cruiser. In addition to the standard pillared-roof wagon, a PT Cruiser convertible is available. The 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser wagon is available in three trim levels: LX, Touring and Limited. The convertible is offered as a single model. The 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser LX and Touring models, as well as the convertible, come with a 150-hp, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine. It comes standard with a 5-speed manual transmission; a 4-speed automatic transmission is optional. Standard on the Limited model and optional on others is a turbocharged version of the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 180 hp.
Ranked No. 3: 2008 Ford Escape
The Ford Escape ranks No. 3 in the compact MAV segment in the 2008 IQS. For 2008, the Escape has received a new exterior and a new interior that adds innovative storage, improved overall quietness, and an industry first: seating fabrics made from 100-percent recycled materials. The Hybrid model carries on for 2008 and receives the same exterior/interior upgrades as gasoline-powered Escapes. Two engine choices are offered on the non-hybrid 2008 Ford Escape, including a 153-hp, 2.3-liter 4-cylinder and a 200-hp, 3.0-liter V-6. Either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission is offered. The Hybrid combines a small, 4-cylinder gas engine with an electric traction motor, for a combined output of 155 hp.
Midsize MAV Segment
Highest Ranked: 2008 Dodge Durango
Receiving the award for highest initial quality in the midsize MAV segment in the 2008 IQS is the Dodge Durango. The Durango offers seating for up to 8 passengers with an available third-row seat. With both rows of rear seats folded, it has 102.4 cubic feet of cargo volume. Both rear- or all-wheel drive (RWD or AWD) are offered.
The 2008 Dodge Durango comes in SXT, SLT, Adventurer and Limited trim levels, with seating configurations for 5, 7 or 8 passengers. 
Standard features of note on the SXT include air conditioning; tilt steering wheel; cruise control; 40/20/40 folding second-row seat; heated power-folding mirrors; power windows and door locks; remote keyless entry; 4-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo; cargo cover; and a theft-deterrent system. The SLT model adds YES Essentials seat fabric; rear air conditioning and heater; 8-way power driver’s seat; 2-passenger third-row folding bench seat; 6-disc CD changer; Sirius satellite radio; and fog lights. The off-road oriented Adventurer adds tubular side steps; reversible slush mats; a rubberized washable cargo liner with built-in cargo organizer; and exclusive machine-finish wheels. Limited models have dual-zone automatic climate control; leather upholstery; heated front seats; 4-way power passenger’s seat; power-adjustable pedals; memory for the driver’s seat, mirrors, radio, air conditioning and pedals; 3-passenger third-row 60/40 split folding seat; leather-wrapped steering wheel with radio controls; Alpine 8-speaker, AM/FM/CD stereo; MyGIG Entertainment System; rear park assist; rearview camera; auto-dimming rearview and driver-side outside mirror; universal garage door opener; power liftgate; and automatic headlights.
Three engines are offered on the 2008 Dodge Durango: a 210-hp, 3.7-liter V-6 (offered in the SXT and SLT models with RWD); a 303-hp, 4.7-liter V-8; and the 330-hp, 5.7-liter Hemi V-8. The V-6 engine is paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission, while the others get a 5-speed automatic transmission.
2008 Dodge Durango prices
2008 Dodge Durango photos
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Ranked No. 2: 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
Ranked No. 2 in the midsize MAV segment in the 2008 IQS is the Hyundai Santa Fe. Changes to the top-of-the-line Limited model for 2008 include a new 605-watt Infinity stereo, power glass sunroof and an optional LG navigation system. Also, the SE trim gets upgraded seat cloth. The 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe is available in GLS, SE and Limited models. The GLS is powered by a 185-hp, 2.7-liter V-6 engine. It is available with a 5-speed manual transmission and front-wheel-drive (FWD) or a 4-speed automatic transmission and either front- or all-wheel drive (AWD). SE and Limited models get a 242-hp, 3.3-liter V-6 engine.
Ranked No. 3: 2008 Toyota Highlander
Following its No. 2 segment ranking in the 2007 IQS, the redesigned Toyota Highlander ranks No. 3 in the midsize MAV segment in the 2008 IQS. For 2008, the Highlander features more interior room, a long list of technological and powertrain upgrades, increased safety, and a revised hybrid model. The gas-powered Highlander comes in base, Sport, and Limited models and in 2- or 4-wheel drive (2WD or 4WD), while the Hybrid model comes in base or Hybrid Limited trim levels and only with electronic on-demand 4WD. All non-hybrid Highlander models for 2008 come with a 270-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 engine and a 5-speed automatic transmission. The Hybrid uses a 209-hp, 3.3-liter V-6 engine, but incorporates a high-torque electric drive motor-generator. Combined output is 270 hp. The Hybrid uses a continuously variable transmission.
Large MAV Segment
Highest Ranked: 2008 Toyota Sequoia
The all-new, second-generation Toyota Sequoia receives the award for highest initial quality in the large MAV segment in the 2008 IQS—the third consecutive award for Toyota’s full-size SUV. Changes for the new 2008 model include a new and enlarged “rugged and advanced” body design, wider and taller interior with sliding second-row seating, steering wheel-mounted interior climate controls, a third-row seat that powers into a flat floor, a new chassis, a powerful new 5.7-liter V-8 engine linked to a fuel-efficient 6-speed transmission, and a towing hitch integrated into the frame.
The 2008 Toyota Sequoia is available with rear-wheel or 4-wheel drive (RWD or 4WD) and in SR5, Limited and Platinum trim levels. Each version shares in the new body, interior and chassis architecture. SR5 highlights include tri-zone climate controls; power rear window; cruise control; tilt and telescoping steering column; eight cupholders and eight additional bottle holders; dual glove box; and a 12-volt power outlet in the cargo area. Limited models get leather seating surfaces with heated front seats with 10-way power adjustment on the driver’s side, Bluetooth connectivity; audio and climate controls on the steering wheel; an auto-dimming inside rearview mirror; heated exterior mirrors; front and rear parking sonar; fog lamps; running boards; and a roof rack. The Platinum version adds a power rear hatch door; headlamp cleaners; heated second-row bucket seats; heated and air conditioned ventilated front seats; a navigation system with backup camera; power sunroof; and power tilt-and-telescoping steering column.
The Toyota Sequoia employs a 276-hp, 4.7-liter V-8 engine as its base powertrain. The engine links to a 5-speed automatic transmission. New for 2008, however, is a 381-hp, 5.7-liter V-8 engine. The larger and more powerful engine is linked to a 6-speed automatic transmission.
2008 Toyota Sequoia prices
2008 Toyota Sequoia photos
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Ranked No. 2: 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe
The Chevrolet Tahoe ranks No. 2 in the large MAV segment in the 2008 IQS. The biggest news for 2008 is the addition of a hybrid model, which is claimed to have a 25-percent overall improvement in fuel economy. The 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe comes in three models: 2-wheel drive (2WD), 4-wheel drive (4WD), and the new Hybrid version. There are three trim levels—LS, LT and LTZ—but the Hybrid is offered in only one trim. Four engines make up the 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe lineup: a 295-hp, 4.8-liter V-8; two different 320-hp, 5.3-liter V-8s (with either an iron or aluminum block); and the Hybrid’s 332-hp, 6.0-liter V-8 engine.
Ranked No. 3: 2008 GMC Yukon
For the second consecutive year, the GMC Yukon ranks No. 3 in the large MAV segment in initial quality. GMC adds a hybrid model to the Yukon lineup for 2008, which now includes Yukon, Yukon XL, Yukon Denali, or XL Denali. Drivetrain choices include 2- or 4-wheel drive (2WD or 4WD) for Yukon and Yukon XL models, while the Denali models are available only in all-wheel drive for now, with 2WD models coming later in the year. Both Yukon and Yukon XL models come in SLE or SLT trim levels. The Yukon Hybrid is only offered as a short-wheelbase model, so it has no XL designation, and is available in only one trim level.
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