Hottest SUVs for 2007




Toyota FJ Cruiser
The midsize FJ Cruiser’s retro-modern design is loosely inspired by the original FJ Land Cruisers that helped establish Toyota in the U.S. during the 1960s. It mates a flashy and fashionable exterior with rugged, proven off-road underpinnings from the Toyota 4Runner. The new FJ is powered by a 239-hp 4.0-liter V6 engine with a five-speed automatic transmission and comes in both rear- and four-wheel-drive versions. As the FJ is geared toward younger buyers, it’s only available in a two-door body style with smaller, rear-hinged half-doors that ease access to the backseat.




Saturn Vue Green Line
While the Saturn Vue’s basic compact-SUV design has been around for a while, the Vue Green Line’s high-tech gas/electric hybrid powertrain and low price relative to other SUVs make it attractive. The Vue Green Line pairs a frugal 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor/generator system, together making about 170 hp, with a four-speed automatic transmission. EPA estimates rank the Vue Green Line at an impressive 27 mpg city/32 mpg highway — the best highway mileage of any SUV. Starting at around $23,000, it promises to be quite a bargain, as well.




Mercedes-Benz R63 AMG
It’s hard to definitively label Mercedes-Benz’s R-Class — Mercedes-Benz calls it a “Grand Sports Tourer” — but the R63 AMG is certainly one of the quickest SUVs or wagons, or whatever it is. With a new 503-hp 6.3-liter V8 engine (shared with the M63 AMG), a seven-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive, the big R63 AMG can dash to 60 mph in about five seconds. And despite weighing around 5,000 pounds, the Airmatic suspension system and huge brakes allow the big R-Class to handle more like a sport sedan than other vehicles of its heft.




Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG
Highway patrol officers not attuned to what visually differentiates the ML63 AMG from the mild-mannered ML350 SUV — flared fenders, big polished wheels and twin chromed exhausts — might overlook the law-breaking potential of this SUV’s 503-hp 6.3-liter V8 engine. With a seven-speed automatic and a revised version of the ML-Class’ all-wheel-drive system (delivering 40 percent of the power to the front and 60 percent to the rear wheels) to aid high-speed maneuvering and stability, the ML63 accelerates to 60 mph faster than many sports cars (less than five seconds). And a specially tuned version of the Airmatic suspension provides better handling and more agility than other ML models. Shhh.




Mercedes-Benz GL450
Mercedes-Benz’s new full-size SUV seems poised to compete with large American SUVs that have dominated the SUV segment for years. Looking like a larger, slightly boxier version of the midsize M-Class, the new GL-Class has different, more passenger-friendly underpinnings than competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator (built with car-like unibody construction rather than on a truck frame). The new GL450 has a 335-hp 4.6-liter V8 engine with a seven-speed automatic transmission. Four-wheel drive and an adjustable air suspension are standard, and a power-folding third-row seat conceals beneath the cargo floor.




Lincoln Navigator
The Ford Expedition’s very luxurious sibling, the Lincoln Navigator, sees a complete redesign for 2007 and a new stretched L version like the Expedition EL. The interior is significantly quieter than before, and upscale appointments include Dark Ebony or Anigre wood trim with satin-nickel and chrome accents and cool white lighting. There’s also an available 600-watt premium audio system with 14 speakers. Power-folding running boards, a popular option on the former Navigator, return with an improved design. A power-folding third-row seat is optional and the front seats are 10-way adjustable with built-in heating and cooling. All Navigators have a 300-hp 5.4-liter engine and a six-speed automatic transmission.




Lincoln MKX
Replacing the truck-based Aviator, the new MKX is a luxurious, car-based SUV with a stunning interior. The exterior may be rather understated, but the inside is accented with real wood and satin-nickel trim, cool white lighting and two cushy rows of seating for five. Options include a big “Vista Roof” sunroof with power sunshades. A 250-hp 3.5-liter aluminum V6 and six-speed automatic transmission is mated to a road-oriented all-wheel-drive system. The MKX is based on the Ford Edge.




2008 Land Rover LR2
Set to replace the now-discontinued Freelander, the new LR2 follows the design direction used by the recently released LR3 and Range Rover Sport. It will likely provide a much more car-like driving experience, without giving up much or any off-road ability. A 230-hp 3.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine will be standard, along with a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Interior appointments will include high-end audio and navigation options.




GMC Yukon Denali
The full-size Yukon is completely redesigned for 2007, with a more comfortable interior and improved performance and refinement. It’s still based on a heavy-duty truck frame for serious towing and hauling capabilities. The new Yukon is nearly identical to the Chevrolet Tahoe, while the Yukon XL is equivalent to the Suburban. A 290-hp 4.8-liter V8 is standard on rear-wheel-drive models, while the 4WD and XL models get the 320-hp 5.3-liter V8. At the top is the luxurious Denali with an upgraded 380-hp 6.2-liter V8 and a six-speed automatic with tow mode and many extras.




Ford Expedition / Expedition EL
The redesigned Expedition takes some styling cues from the latest F-150 pickup on the outside. Inside, it’s completely reconfigured and more spacious, with fold-flat second- and third-row seats. There’s also an improved, five-link independent rear suspension for a smoother ride with more control. All Expedition models are powered by a 300-hp 5.4-liter V8 engine paired with a new six-speed automatic transmission. The maximum tow rating is 9,200 pounds. Top options include heated and cooled front seats and a new-generation navigation system. A new, stretched EL version replaces the discontinued jumbo-size Excursion.



Chrysler Aspen
Based on the Dodge Durango but with more-luxurious appointments and refined styling, the Aspen is a lower-priced, slightly smaller alternative to Cadillac’s Escalade and Lincoln’s Navigator. The Aspen is a bit more maneuverable than other full-size SUVs, yet it offers third-row seating and has a towing capacity that is in the same range as the other big trucks (up to 8,950 pounds). The Aspen gets either a 235-hp 4.7-liter V8 or a 335-hp 5.7-liter V8. Both engines are mated to a five-speed automatic transmission driving either two or all four wheels




Chevrolet Suburban
GM’s big Suburban, one of the oldest SUV model names and essentially a longer version of the Chevy Tahoe, keeps its familiar silhouette and similar dimensions but has become a little sleeker and aerodynamic. The interior has been completely redesigned and is more car-like, while the third-row seats now fold completely flat within the cargo floor. An optional power-folding feature for the second row allows it to stow away with the touch of a button. A 320-hp 5.3-liter V8 with Active Fuel Management is standard on the Suburban — and surprisingly economical for such a huge vehicle at 21 mpg highway — while a new 366-hp 6.0-liter V8 is optional.




Cadillac Escalade
Though based on the Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban and GMC Yukon, the luxurious new Escalade (and extended-length ESV) is in another class altogether, with unique styling and a completely different interior. The plush cabin includes a power-folding second-row seat and a power-assisted rear liftgate. The Escalade gains nearly 60 hp versus last year’s model, with a 403-hp 6.2-liter V8 delivering its power through a six-speed automatic transmission. For the first time, Cadillac is offering huge 22-inch wheels as a factory option.




2008 Buick Enclave
The first of a new generation of larger, car-like SUVs from General Motors, the Enclave is aimed at bringing more youthful buyers to the Buick, a company known for having one of the oldest buyer bases in the industry. The Enclave offers a classy, wood-trimmed interior with three rows of seating and will be powered by a 270-hp 3.6-liter V6 with all-wheel drive.




Acura RDX
The sleek RDX doesn’t stake any claims off-road, but it pitches to urbanites who want solid street performance, a roomy, high-style interior and ease of parking. Acura’s first-ever turbo engine, a 2.3-liter four-cylinder, makes 240 hp and 260 pound-feet of torque delivered through a paddle-shifted five-speed automatic and a performance-tuned, all-wheel-drive system. The high-tech interior includes a voice-activated navigation system and parking sensors, among other options.




Acura MDX
A new version of the popular MDX is larger and flashier than its more mundane-looking predecessor. Style-wise it takes after the smaller RDX. And like its sibling, the new MDX puts more of an emphasis on handling and performance than before. It’s 3.7-liter V6 puts out 300 hp and gets 17 mpg city/22 mpg highway.

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