This guide is a compiled list of the top-performing 2008-model year large premium SUVs in J.D. Power and Associates’ key automotive research studies. The studies include the 2007 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), the 2007 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, and the 2007 Initial Quality Study (IQS). All models are listed alphabetically by manufacturer.
Cadillac Escalade EXT: A thinly disguised full-size pickup with a crew cab, the Cadillac Escalade EXT offers a combination of luxury and utility. With four full doors, the cabin and its interior appointments mirror the luxury of its sibling, the Escalade SUV. However, the rear of the EXT is equipped with a versatile pickup bed to keep cargo secure, and at more than an arm’s length. In effect, it is a premium SUV with a pickup bed. With a V-8 powerplant and full-time all-wheel-drive (AWD) standard on all models, EPA fuel-economy estimates are 12 mpg city/19 mpg highway. Consumers have shown their satisfaction with the performance, layout, content, and design of the Escalade EXT by ranking the Cadillac SUV tops in its segment in the 2007 APEAL study. Long-term quality is also a strongpoint, witnessed by its top-three-in-segment ranking in the 2007 VDS. Cadillac added the V-8 Ultra Luxury Collection package, optional power-adjustable running boards, optional power sunroof, and new optional wheels to the Escalade EXT for 2008.
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Hummer H2: A smaller and much more civilized version of the Hummer, the H2 is a rugged SUV that stands apart in the crowded segment. Built on a proven truck chassis shared by the Chevrolet Suburban, the H2 can take 5 occupants into the deepest woods, and return them comfortably back home on the highway. Available in SUV or pickup body styles, the H2 enjoys standard 8-cylinder power, a 6-speed automatic transmission, and full-time 4-wheel drive (4WD). In the 2007 IQS, the industry benchmark for new-vehicle quality measured at 90 days, the Hummer H2 ranked among the top three models in its segment. The EPA has not released fuel economy data on the 2008 Hummer H2. For 2008, the H2 received a more powerful V-8 engine with a new transmission, all-new interior, standard head curtain air bags for all rows of seating, and the spare tire was moved from the cargo floor to the outside to increase interior space.
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Lincoln Mark LT: The Mark LT is a full-size pickup truck with a crew cab. However, with four doors, a luxurious interior, and with a full menu of conveniences and technology, it is more appropriate to think of it as a premium SUV with the added utility of a truck bed. The standard powerplant is a V-8 connected to a rear-wheel drive (RWD) powertrain (electronic shift-on-the fly 4WD is optional). Customers looking for more utility have the choice between the standard bed, and a lengthened cargo bed with an extra foot of capacity. In RWD configuration, the Lincoln Mark LT is rated with EPA fuel-economy estimates of 12 mpg city/16 mpg highway. In the 2007 IQS, which provides a snapshot of new-vehicle quality at 90 days, the Lincoln Mark LT was the highest-ranked model in its segment. For the 2008 model year, the Mark LT received an optional rearview camera system and standard satellite radio.
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Lincoln Navigator: The luxurious Lincoln Navigator combines the truck-like utility of a traditional 7-passenger SUV with the comfort and conveniences of a luxury sedan. With independent suspension, a choice of 2WD or 4WD, and an 8-cylinder powerplant (EPA fuel-economy estimates of 12 mpg city/18 mpg highway in 2WD trim), the only domestic competition the Navigator faces is the Cadillac Escalade. In the 2007 IQS, the Navigator ranked among the top three models in its segment. In the 2007 APEAL study, measuring owner delight with the performance and design of their vehicles, the Navigator also earned a top-three ranking in segment. After an extensive refresh in 2007, the big Lincoln SUV has added an available rearview camera, standard power liftgate, standard heated and cooled seats, and a host of other standard comforts for 2008.
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Mercedes-Benz GL-Class: The largest SUV offered by Mercedes-Benz, the GL-Class features 3 rows of seating for up to 7 passengers. With standard AWD, a choice of three different engines (a 6-cylinder diesel, and two different 8-cylinder powerplants) the GL-Class also features a well-appointed cabin, and a long list of standard and optional amenities. In the 2007 APEAL study, the GL-Class ranked among the top three models in its segment. With the standard gasoline engine, the Mercedes-Benz GL450 earns EPA fuel-economy estimates of 13 mpg city/18 mpg highway. The 2008 model remains mostly unchanged. However, Mercedes did add a more powerful GL550 to the lineup.
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