This guide is a compiled list of the top-performing 2008-model year large 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.
Chevrolet Suburban: The Chevrolet Suburban has been a perennial favorite for consumers since its introduction in 1935, and is the longest-lived automobile nameplate still in production. All new for 2007, the Suburban shares mechanicals with the GMC Yukon and the Chevrolet Tahoe. Like its twins, the full-size Chevrolet can be fitted with a long list of equipment, engine choices, and available 2- or 4-wheel drive (2WD or 4WD). In standard configuration, the Suburban 1500 2WD earned EPA fuel-economy estimates of 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway. The Suburban confirmed its popularity, and customer satisfaction with the vehicle’s design, layout, content, and performance, by ranking among the top three models in its segment in the 2007 APEAL study. Owners also reported a low number of problems during the first 90 days of ownership in the 2007 IQS, where the Suburban also ranked among the top three models in its segment. Reliability over a three-year period is also a trait of the Suburban, as the big SUV ranked among the top three models in its segment in the 2007 VDS. For 2008, Chevrolet added standard side curtain air bags, electronic stability control, and a tire-pressure-monitoring system.
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Chevrolet Tahoe: A near-twin to the award-winning GMC Yukon, the Chevrolet Tahoe was completely redesigned for 2007. It offers a traditional body-on-frame, truck-based SUV capable of towing a trailer and seating up to 8 passengers. With a long list of options, several engine choices (including a hybrid model), and available 2WD or 4WD, the Tahoe ranked among the top three models in its class in the 2007 APEAL study. EPA fuel-efficiency ratings are 14 mpg city/22 mpg highway (the hybrid model earned estimates of 21 mpg city/22 mpg highway). In addition to the new hybrid model, Chevrolet added two new exterior colors, side curtain air bags, a new split-bench seat option, new woodgrain trim, and revised the instrument panel illumination for 2008.
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GMC Yukon: All-new for 2007, the GMC Yukon is offered in many different configurations with the capability to seat up to 9 passengers. With an extensive accessory list, 2WD or 4WD versions, long- or short-wheelbase options, and a variety of engine choices (including a hybrid powerplant), consumers may outfit their Yukon to suit nearly any need. The standard 1500 2WD model earned EPA fuel-economy estimates of 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway (the hybrid model, under the same testing, earned estimates of 21 mpg city/22 mpg highway). In the 2007 IQS, which measures new-vehicle quality at 90 days, the GMC Yukon ranked among the top three models in its segment. The Yukon also achieved a top-three segment ranking in the 2007 VDS, which focuses on owner-reported problems after three years. For 2008, GMC added standard head curtain side-impact air bags to all models, and added several safety features to the heavy-duty 2500 models.
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Nissan Armada: The first full-size SUV from Nissan, the Armada is built on the same rugged platform as the Nissan Titan and the Infiniti QX56. A standard V-8 engine powers the 8-passenger SUV which is available in 2WD or 4WD. To compete with the stiff competition, including the Chevrolet Suburban and Ford Expedition, Nissan offers a long list of options for comfort and convenience. Additionally, the SUV can be outfitted with several technology packages including DVD entertainment, satellite radio, and an audio system with an integrated hard-drive. In standard 2WD trim, the EPA fuel-economy estimates for the Armada are 12 mpg city/18 mpg highway. In the 2007 APEAL study, the Armada ranked at the top of its segment. For 2008, Nissan gave the Armada an interior and exterior facelift, and added several new technology options.
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Toyota Sequoia: Fully redesigned for 2008, the Toyota Sequoia gained a second engine choice and added a few inches in dimensions. The prior-generation (2001-07) Sequoia ranked highest in its segment in the 2007 IQS, which considers design quality, along with the number of defects and malfunctions during the first 90 days of ownership. Toyota’s largest SUV also ranked highest in its segment in the 2007 VDS, which reflects the low number of problems original owners reported after three years. Seating for 8 is standard in the 2008 Sequoia, which is again based on Toyota’s Tundra pickup truck. Powertrains include a 4.7-liter V-8 with 5-speed automatic transmission and—standard on the Limited model and new Platinum edition—a 5.7-liter V-8 with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
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