Cadillac Escalade
Highlights: The ’07 Escalade line gets a new 6.2-liter, 403-hp V8 connected to a six-speed automatic, a stiffer frame, larger brake rotors and improved Bosch ABS.
Base price: $54,725
What’s next: Facelift slated for 2010.
AutoWeek‘s opinion: For those who wish to make a big, bad and bold statement, this is clearly your ride.
Chevrolet Suburban
Highlights: Behemoth people-hauler given a complete redesign. New Gen IV V8 engines provide power and fuel economy. Interior is quieter and provides increased seating comfort. Aerodynamic characteristics improved.
Base price: $37,190
What’s next: A hybrid is expected to arrive next year.
AutoWeek‘s opinion: A large and powerful hauler with a new interior that puts the last model to shame.
Chrysler Aspen
Highlights: The first SUV to wear the Chrysler badge borrows from its Dodge Durango counterpart. Standard power comes from a 4.7-liter, 235-hp V8 or an available 5.7-liter, 335-hp Hemi V8 with MDS in two-wheel or AWD form.
Base price: $31,490
What’s next: Makeover arrives in 2009.
AutoWeek‘s opinion: A lower-priced option in the large-ish luxury SUV segment.
Ford Expedition
Highlights: The new Expedition comes in regular or a 14.8-inch-longer sport/ute. Exterior design elements are from the F-150. The interior benefits from new seat designs, climate system and increased quietness and ride comfort, thanks to a new independent rear suspension.
Base price: $29,995
What’s next: Diesel and hybrid power are among possible future powerplants.
AutoWeek‘s opinion: A big, comfortable full-size SUV that boasts even more refinement. For those still mourning the loss of the Excursion, the EL should ease the pain.
GMC Yukon/Yukon XL
Highlights: Redesigned exterior, updated interior improve quality and quietness. Stronger, new fully boxed chassis improves on responsiveness and ride quality and carries new, more fuel-efficient V8 engines. Denali trims offer 6.2-liter, 400-hp V8 with six-speed auto. Yukon XL enjoys the new equipment.
Base price: $34,895
What’s next: Minor changes, as it is new.
AutoWeek‘s opinion: Finally, an acceptable and worthy interior.
Lincoln Navigator
Highlights: Like Ford Expedition, Navigator boasts a long version. Improved interior with real wood trim, chrome accents and quiet ride quality, thanks to a new independent rear suspension and frame. Available power folding third-row seats provide 54.5 cubic feet of cargo area with the touch of a button.
Base price: $46,505
What’s next: More power may come next year in the form of a 6.2-liter V8.
AutoWeek‘s opinion: The new model reaffirms the Navigator as an elite luxury SUV, but the front grille needs work.
Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
Highlights: First full-size SUV from Mercedes-Benz with 335-hp V8 and power folding third-row seats.
Base price: $55,675
What’s next: Nothing for a couple of years.
AutoWeek‘s opinion: A luxury full-size SUV with comfortable road manners lacking in the G.
Also to consider
Chevrolet Avalanche; Dodge Durango; Hummer H1, H2; Infiniti QX56; Jeep Commander; Lexus LX 470, GX 470; Lincoln Mark LT; Nissan Armada; Toyota Sequoia
