large SUV buying guide
For 2008, Chevrolet's Tahoe is available as a gasoline-electric hybrid.

From supersize fries to jumbo jets, lots of folks in the United States like things "big." For hundreds of thousands of new vehicle buyers, small or midsize simply doesn't cut it. They need maximum everything--from space to haul up to eight people and all their gear to towing a party boat--the only choice is a large SUV.

Around the turn of the century, large SUVs enjoyed large amounts of success in the marketplace, selling more than 1 million units annually. A rise in gas prices and an overall market shift to smaller vehicles, including subcompact cars and crossover SUVs, has brought a steady decline in sales of large SUVs. Industry analysts predict the large SUV market will hold steady at less than 700,000 units per year. That's not the kind of news that makes the automakers' bean counters happy, as these particular vehicles tend to be the most profitable.

Ironically, while large SUVs are just that, the number of competitors in this segment is not. The Auto Editors of Consumer Guide classify six vehicles as large SUVs. Those players are: the Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe, Ford Expedition, GMC Yukon, Nissan Armada, and Toyota Sequoia. Domestic brands continue to dominate sales in this class.

Even though the class is small compared to others, that doesn't mean there isn't some big news for model-year 2008. Toyota redesigned the Sequoia, moving it to the Tundra large pickup truck platform and giving it new styling and more available power in the process. The 2008 Sequoia grew about one inch in overall length and about 4 inches in wheelbase, so it's no longer the smallest vehicle in the class. It is the most powerful, though, with an available 381-horsepower 5.7-liter V8 engine.

Nissan's Armada gets a mild exterior styling update and is now capable of running on both gasoline and E85 ethanol fuel. The company also revised Armada's interior to address issues related to design and interior materials.

Large SUV Fun Facts
  • The 2008 Toyota Sequoia is the most powerful large SUV with a 381-horsepower 5.7-liter V8 engine.

Arguably the biggest news for 2008 is the introduction of the first gas/electric hybrid large SUVs. The Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid and GMC Yukon Hybrid make use of General Motors' new "Two-Mode" technology that's designed to maintain the vehicle's rugged demeanor while increasing fuel economy by up to 25 percent in the city and on the highway.

Under the Skin

Besides brawny styling, large SUVs derive much of their engineering from workhorse large pickup trucks. This means plenty of available power, even if the vehicle is loaded with passengers, cargo, and a trailer. They can also tackle tough terrain when asked (and properly equipped).

All the vehicles Consumer Guide classifies as large SUVs are available with rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. The 4WD systems on each vehicle are "full time," which means that drivers can set a switch on the dashboard to allow power to go to all four wheels in any condition. This is different than "part time" systems, where the 4WD mode should only be engaged on wet or snowy pavement.

For folks living in drier climates, a rear-drive large SUV will do just fine. It's not worth the added penalties in weight, fuel economy, and sticker price versus a 4WD model. For those living where rain reigns, snow is supreme, or off-road adventure is on-tap, 4WD becomes a needed asset.

While a traditional truck-based SUV has clear benefits for towing and off-roading, very distinct drawbacks also arise, regardless of whether a vehicle is rear drive or 4WD. Generally sloppy handling, high fuel consumption, and lofty sticker prices are common criticisms. Automakers, though, are working hard to mitigate those negatives without sacrificing any of the functionality large SUV buyers need.

With no end in sight to high fuel costs, one technology designed to help increase mileage is cylinder deactivation. Under cruising and light throttle conditions, an engine with this feature will shut off half of its cylinders. General Motors employs cylinder deactivation on certain versions of its large SUVs. Company officials say this feature can increase gas mileage by about 7 percent, depending on driving conditions.

The 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid and GMC Yukon Hybrid represent the latest step towards increasing fuel efficiency for large SUVs. These models employ GM's new "Two Mode" hybrid technology. These models operate in a similar manner to other hybrid cars and SUVs such as the Ford Escape Hybrid and Toyota Prius. Tahoe and Yukon hybrid team a 6.0-liter gasoline engine with an electric motor to produce a total of 332 horsepower. The hybrid can run exclusively on the electric motor at low speeds and switch to the gas engine at higher speeds or under heavy throttle.

EPA estimated fuel economy ratings for the hybrid are 20 mpg city/20 mpg highway for 4WD versions and 21 mpg city/22 mpg highway for the rear-drive models. A non-hybrid version with the standard 5.3-liter V8 engine is rated for 14 mpg city/19 mpg highway with 4WD and 14/20 w/2WD. One drawback to the hybrids, though, is decreased towing capacity. A gas-only Tahoe can tow up to 8200 pounds, but hybrids are only rated up to 6200 pounds.

You Can Take It With You

Whatever model you choose, any large SUV is designed for maximum versatility. For hauling people, three-row, eight-passenger seating arrangements are common. The domestic manufacturers offer seating for up to nine in certain models.

Should cargo hauling be a top priority, a large SUV can be a good choice. Depending on model, the third-row seat can be folded flat atop or into the cargo floor or removed entirely. The same goes for the second row. Many offer second-row seats that can tumble forward to increase cargo room or provide easier access to the third row. With all seats folded and/or removed, all vehicles in this class offer at least 95 cubic feet of cargo space.

For towing, most any large SUV can handle whatever job you may throw at it. Be it a party boat, horse trailer, or custom hot rod; a large SUV is geared for heavy hauling. The highest-rated models in this class can tow in excess of 9000 lb. In order to better accommodate heavy trailers, most manufacturers offer a special "tow/haul" mode for the automatic transmission. When activated, the transmission adjusts its shift points to compensate for a trailer being attached. In addition, all vehicles in this class offer as either standard or optional a load-leveling suspension. When a trailer weighs down the SUV's rear end, the suspension will automatically rise to even things out.

Safety Features

Large SUVs also pack in a lot of safety features. Antilock brakes are standard across the board, as are curtain side airbags that are designed to protect passengers in all seating rows.

So that those airbags need never be used, large SUVs incorporate several other "active" safety features. Most notable is stability control, also known as an antiskid system. Antiskid systems are designed to keep a vehicle on an intended path on slippery roads. Some antiskid systems, such as the one found on the Ford Expedition, incorporate sensors that can mitigate a rollover crash. Since large SUVs are heavier and have higher centers of gravity than midsize SUVs or cars, this technology is something well worth having.

As always, these safety features are designed to be used in conjunction with safe, prudent driving practices. Just because a vehicle is equipped with 4WD and/or stability control doesn't make it invincible.

Small Things in Big Packages

With robust capabilities, large SUVs can also pamper drivers and passengers alike with a variety of luxury and convenience features. Things such as leather upholstery and individual climate controls for front and rear passengers are common. Other available features on large SUVs include navigation systems, DVD entertainment, and power-adjustable pedals. Most offer power tailgates and rearview cameras, the latter of which can be very handy when backing out of tight parking spaces.

Costs of Ownership

Large SUVs aren't cheap, from any standpoint. Their sticker prices tend to be much higher than comparable minivans or midsize SUVs. Further, repair costs can be high, especially on 4WD models. Since demand for these vehicles has suffered in recent years, resale values will suffer. And last, but certainly not least, this class has a hefty appetite for fuel.

In spite of all this, if the idea of owning a large SUV appeals to you, the choices in this class are excellent overall. The key players have done admirable jobs creating vehicles that live up to what buyers expect.

Ford has innovative features, such as its power-folding third-row seat. GM's Tahoe and Yukon have smooth engines, inviting interiors, and are available as hybrids. The Nissan Armada is near the head of the class for towing capability at a stout 9100 lb. The new Toyota Sequoia is available with the most powerful engine in the class and is arguably the easiest to maneuver in tight spaces.

Check out Consumer Guide's full reviews for more details, and be sure to test drive all of them to see which one most suits your needs and budget.