Proving that utility and luxury aren’t mutually exclusive, premium multi-activity vehicles (commonly referred to as luxury sport-utility vehicles) typically offer all of the passenger- and cargo-carrying ability and off-road prowess of their non-premium counterparts, while also offering creature comforts and the latest in vehicle safety technology. In the premium MAV segments, the Lexus RX and Lincoln Navigator are the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Initial Quality Study (IQS)SM award recipients.
Midsize Premium MAV Segment
Highest Ranked: 2008 Lexus RX
Receiving the award for highest initial quality in the midsize premium MAV segment in the 2008 IQS is the Lexus RX—the model’s second consecutive award. The 2008 Lexus RX 350 and RX 400h Hybrid remain virtually unchanged from 2007. Both are available in front- or all-wheel drive (FWD or AWD). RX 350 models are classified by the EPA as Ultra-Low-Emission Vehicle (ULEVII), while the 400h (introduced in 2006) is a Super Ultra-Low-Emission Vehicle (SULEV). The 5-passenger crossover SUV can be optioned up with five different packages, including towing capability.
Consumers can choose a 2008 Lexus RX 350 or RX 400h Hybrid in either FWD or AWD, and five available trim packages. Standard features include 17-inch alloy wheels; integrated rear spoiler; wood and leather trim interior; stability and traction control; and 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes with ABS and brake assist. Options include a rear-seat entertainment system; heated front seats; 5- or 7-spoke 18-inch aluminum wheels; dynamic laser cruise control; roof rails/roof rack; moonroof; navigation system; premium audio system; and a car cover. The RX 400h Hybrid has virtually the same packages and available options.
The 2008 Lexus RX 350 in FWD or AWD is powered by a 270-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 engine with dual variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i). Power is transferred through a 5-speed automatic transmission. Stability control, traction control, 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes with ABS and brake assist, along with viscous limited-slip differential, are all standard. Available in FWD or AWD, the RX 400h Hybrid is powered by a 3.3-liter V-6 engine with variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i) and electric drive motors that combine to produce 268 hp.
2008 Lexus RX prices
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Ranked No. 2: 2008 Lexus GX
Moving up one rank position from last year’s No. 3 segment ranking, the Lexus GX is the No. 2-ranked model in the midsize premium MAV segment in the 2008 IQS. The GX includes typical Lexus luxury: heated leather seats, premium audio, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a power moonroof, and much more. For 2008, the GX features a host of minor improvements, but is otherwise carryover from 2007. The midsize Lexus SUV seats 8 with optional third-row seating, and features full-time 4-wheel drive. For 2008, the GX 470 is powered by a 263-hp, 4.7-liter V-8 engine with variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i), mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission.
Ranked No. 3: 2008 Porsche Cayenne
Although it is not an entirely new design, the Porsche Cayenne has been heavily reworked for 2008. Porsche’s best-selling model in North America also features high levels of initial quality, as it captures the No. 3 ranking in the midsize premium MAV segment in the 2008 IQS. For 2008, the Porsche Cayenne lineup contains four different models: Cayenne, Cayenne S, Cayenne GTS (new for 2008), and Cayenne Turbo. Each of the four Cayenne models for 2008 is equipped with a unique engine, ranging from a 290-hp, 3.6-liter V-6 in the base Cayenne to a 500-hp, 4.8-liter V-8 in the Cayenne Turbo.
Large Premium MAV Segment
Highest Ranked: 2008 Lincoln Navigator
Improving one rank position from last year’s No. 2 segment ranking, the Lincoln Navigator receives the award for highest initial quality in the large premium MAV segment in the 2008 IQS. The Navigator continues into 2008 with added standard features. Since the model had an extensive refreshing in 2007, including the addition of a longer-wheelbase model, no major changes have been made for 2008. The Navigator was one of the first luxury SUVs on the market, and shares its platform with the Ford Expedition. With its full-size truck frame, the Navigator is capable of towing a maximum of 8950 pounds.
The 2008 Lincoln Navigator comes in regular- and extended-wheelbase (L) models. Both are available in rear-wheel-drive or 4-wheel-drive (2WD or 4WD) models. Standard items on this upscale SUV include genuine wood trim, high-intensity-discharge headlamps, dual-zone climate control, 10-way power seats for driver and front-seat passenger, power-adjustable pedals, keyless entry keypad, power liftgate, and 18-inch machined aluminum wheels. The extended-wheelbase “L” version adds 25 more cubic feet of cargo space over the short-wheelbase model, a cargo management system, and power running boards that fold in when the doors are closed.
The 2008 Lincoln Navigator features six air bags, including side curtain air bags, and Ford’s AdvanceTrac stability control system with Roll Stability Control is optionally available. Both features are designed to help the vehicle stay on the driver’s intended path and prevent it from rolling over during sudden maneuvers. A 300-hp, 5.4-liter V-8 is the only engine for both the regular- and long-wheelbase models. It is mated to a standard 6-speed automatic transmission.
2008 Lincoln Navigator prices
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Ranked No. 2: 2008 Infiniti QX
The Infinti QX ranks No. 2 in the large premium MAV segment in the 2008 IQS. The largest offering in the Infiniti lineup, the QX56 is a full-size SUV with up to 8-passenger seating accommodations. Consumers are offered a choice of 2WD or 4WD. Launched in 2004, the QX56 shares body-on-frame platforms and engines with the Nissan Titan pickup and Nissan Armada SUV. For 2008, Infiniti significantly refreshed the QX56. The interior was enhanced and updated with additional features and technology, and the exterior was upgraded with new front and rear fascias, new wheels and a new roof rack. The sole powerplant in the 2008 Infiniti QX56 is a 320-hp, 5.6-liter V-8 engine.
Ranked No. 3: 2008 Cadillac Escalade
Achieving the No. 3 ranking in the large premium MAV segment in the 2008 IQS is the Cadillac Escalade SUV. All new for 2007, the Escalade lineup gets a boost in 2008 with the addition of the Platinum limited-edition model, equipped with Magnetic Ride Control technology, LED headlamps, and new exterior and interior styling. For 2008, the Escalade and new Escalade Platinum are available in 2-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive configurations. Powering the 2008 Cadillac Escalade models is a 403-hp, 6.2-liter V-8 engine. A heavy-duty, 6-speed automatic transmission with two overdrive gears and tap up/tap down manual shift mode transfers the power to the wheels.
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