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SUV Buyer's Guide
New Conventional SUVs
Car-based crossover utility vehicles, a subset of SUVs that incorporate characteristics of minivans and wagons, are on the rise in terms of sales and the sheer number of models becoming available.
Through the end of October they accounted for 49 percent of all SUV sales, up 7.5 percent over the same period a year earlier, according to CNW. “We are at the point where most SUVs are or will become crossovers, simply because they make more sense,” says David Wurster, president of market research firm Vincentric, based in Bloomfield Hills, Mich. “You’ve got vehicles like the Toyota FJ Cruiser that are SUVs on purpose, but not many people actually use SUVs for off-roading and such.”
Miller notes that the genre’s growing popularity goes beyond its quantifiable advantages over traditional truck-based SUVs. “In terms of styling and appeal to women drivers, car-based crossovers have the edge,” he says.
One sub-segment of the market that’s poised for rapid growth is among upscale, small sporty crossovers, like the new-for-2008 Infiniti EX35 and Land Rover LR2, as well as the coupe-like BMW X6 that will debut next spring. Sporty SUVs are gaining traction among those who want to drive something more expressive and exhilarating than the typical family-minded SUV, but can’t justify buying something less practical. “It’s a nice way for luxury brands to get younger buyers in the door,” R.L. Polk's Lonnie Miller says.
Below is a list of high-end SUVs that are either all-new or significantly updated for 2008.
view slideshow > |
2009 BMW X6
SUVs are looking and acting more like overgrown cars with each passing year. The X6 will be BMW's sleekest SUV to date. read moreview slideshow > |
Buick Enclave
This large, family-oriented model injects old Buick with vitality. It's worth considering as a minivan alternative. read moreview slideshow > |
GMC Acadia
The new Acadia brings on-road refinement to General Motors' "Professional Grade" division. read moreview slideshow > |
Hummer H3 Alpha
The baby Hummer gets a bigger engine to put some muscle behind its brutish looks. read moreview slideshow > |
Infiniti EX35
Leading a new trend toward racier SUVs, Infiniti's latest crossover utility vehicle showcases important new technology. read moreview slideshow > |
Land Rover LR2
The LR2 is Land Rover's smallest offering, which makes it the nimblest and least expensive. read moreview slideshow > |
Lexus LX 570
It may still look conservative, but Lexus' biggest SUV is all-new for 2008 and still ready to tackle any terrain. read moreview slideshow > |
Nissan Murano
This edgy crossover utility vehicle gets even edgier with its new makeover. read moreview slideshow > |
Porsche Cayenne
Porsche spices up the Cayenne with stronger engines and tweaked styling that makes a world of difference. read moreview slideshow > |
Saturn Outlook
The sportiest looking of GM's new CUVs could run rings around the competition. read moreview slideshow > |
Spyker Peking-to-Paris
The king of extremes in the SUV segment is this Dutch beast. Think of it has a jacked-up super car on steroids. read moreview slideshow > |
Subaru Tribeca
Front and rear styling were massaged to quell complaints about the previous version's unconventional look. read moreview slideshow > |
Toyota Land Cruiser
Like its Lexus LX 570 twin, this bruiser Cruiser gets a complete overhaul and loses none of its off-road prowess. read moreview slideshow > |
Toyota Sequoia
Still rugged, but with a set of slick new clothes, this burly gentleman also bulks up on muscle. read more
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