With strong engines, heavy towing capabilities, and the ability to move up to 9 passengers in comfort, these award-winning large sport utility vehicles (SUVs) represent the epitome of utility. All of this year’s top-ranked models are based on proven full-size pickup truck platforms, which are designed for durability and longevity.
This 2009 Large SUVs Buyer’s Guide is a compiled list of the top-performing large SUVs from J.D. Power and Associates three key automotive studies. The studies include the 2008 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), the 2008 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, and the 2008 Initial Quality Study (IQS). In addition, we have also noted any models in the guide that have earned “5-star” crash test scores from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), or have been chosen as “Top Safety Picks” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). All models are listed alphabetically by manufacturer.
2009 Chevrolet Suburban
Long a favorite of consumers, the Chevrolet Suburban was introduced in 1935 (it is the longest-lived automobile nameplate still in production). Last redesigned for 2007, the Suburban shares mechanicals with the GMC Yukon XL. 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. In standard configuration, the Suburban earned EPA fuel economy estimates of 14 mpg city, and 20 mpg highway (1500 2WD). Our 2008 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) surveyed owners of 3-year-old vehicles and found a low number of reported problems, earning the previous-generation Suburban a top-three ranking within its segment. When crash tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Chevrolet Suburban earned 5-star frontal safety ratings. For 2009, Chevrolet has made several changes to the Suburban. These include a new 6-speed automatic transmission as standard equipment, a revised OnStar system, Bluetooth wireless phone connectivity, and an available reversing camera system.
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2009 Chevrolet Tahoe
A near-twin to the award-winning GMC Yukon, the Chevrolet Tahoe was all-new for 2007. The traditional body-on-frame truck-based SUV is capable of towing a large trailer and seating up to 9 passengers within its cabin. With a long list of options, several engine choices (including a hybrid model), and available 2- or 4-wheel drive, the Tahoe has proven itself very popular with consumers. In our 2008 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, measuring owner satisfaction with the design, content, layout and performance of their new vehicles, the Chevrolet Tahoe ranked among the top three models in its class. In addition, the Tahoe fared very well in our 2008 Initial Quality Study (IQS), which measures new-vehicle quality at 90 days. In that study, the GMC Yukon also ranked among the Top three models in its segment. Like its platform siblings, the Chevrolet Tahoe earned 5-star frontal crash ratings when tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The standard Tahoe 1500 2WD model earned EPA fuel economy estimates of 14 mpg city, and 20 mpg highway (the hybrid model earned estimates of 21 mpg city, and 22 mpg highway). Among several changes for 2009, Chevrolet added a new 6-speed automatic transmission, offers an available 6.2-liter V-8, updated the OnStar system, and added Bluetooth capabilities among other changes.
Get more information on the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe
2009 GMC Yukon
The GMC Yukon is a full-size traditional body-on-frame SUV that was last redesigned for 2007. As is common with GM’s line of trucks, the Yukon is offered in many different configurations with the capability to seat up to 9 passengers. With an extensive accessory list, 2- or 4-wheel-drive versions, long- or short-wheelbase options, and a variety of powerful engine choices, there’s a Yukon for almost every need. A hybrid model is also available. The standard 1500 2WD model earned EPA fuel economy estimates of 14 mpg city, and 20 mpg highway (the hybrid model earned EPA estimates of 21 mpg city, and 22 mpg highway). The Yukon demonstrated its high level of initial quality in our 2008 Initial Quality Study (IQS), which measures new-vehicle quality at 90 days, as it ranked among the top three models in its segment. Like the Suburban and Tahoe, with which it shares platforms, the Yukon earned 5-star frontal crash ratings when tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For 2009, the Yukon gets a new 6-speed automatic transmission, upgraded electronics (OnStar and Bluetooth), and more.
Get more information on the 2009 GMC Yukon
2009 Nissan Armada
Launched in 2004, the first full-size SUV from Nissan is built on the same rugged platform as the Nissan Titan pickup truck. The chassis is also shared with the Infiniti QX56. A standard V-8 engine powers the 8-passenger Armada SUV which is available in 2- or 4-wheel drive configurations. To battle the tough competition, including the Chevrolet Suburban and Ford Expedition, Nissan offers a long list of standard features for comfort and convenience. Additionally, the full-size SUV may be outfitted with several technology packages including DVD entertainment, satellite radio, and an audio system with an integrated hard-drive. The EPA fuel economy estimates for the Armada are 12 mpg city, and 18 mpg highway (in standard 2WD trim). In the 2008 J.D. Power and Associates Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, consumers expressed their happiness with the design, content, layout and performance of the Armada, ranking it among the top three models in its segment. Restyled for 2008, Nissan consolidated option packages and added enhancements to the Armada for the 2009 model year.
Get more information on the 2009 Nissan Armada
2009 Toyota Sequoia
Making its debut in the 2001 model year, the Toyota Sequoia is a full-size 7-passenger SUV based on the Toyota Tundra pickup. Like the pickup, the Sequoia is available with a choice of V-8 engines and 2- or 4-wheel-drive drivelines. Completely redesigned for 2008, the largest SUV sold under the Toyota name earned EPA fuel economy estimates of 14 mpg city and 17 mpg highway with the standard 4.7-liter engine (the 5.7-liter engine earned 14 mpg city and 19 mph highway). The Sequoia did very well in our 2008 studies. It topped all models in its segment in our 2008 Initial Quality Study, 2008 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) study, and our 2008 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS). These surveys measure quality at 90 days; consumer-reported happiness with the design, content, layout and performance of their new vehicles; and problems reported after 3 years of ownership, respectively. For 2009, the Sequoia’s 5.7-liter V-8 engine has been adapted to run on E85 fuel. In addition, a new Sport Appearance package adds 20-inch wheels and other cosmetic enhancements.
