SUV show -- 2008 Ford Explorer

The 2006 Ford Explorer is Ford’s midsize SUV which debuted in 1990 as a 1991 model and has become the best-selling SUV for the past 15 years with a total of nearly 5.5 million sold during that time. The Explorer is redesigned for 2006 with more power, cleaner emissions and advanced safety technologies. The Explorer Sport Trac was added for 2001 with a pickup-bed in place of the traditional SUV cargo area.


The 2008 Ford Explorer adds safety and convenience features, a new capless fuel filling system (late availability) and minor exterior updates. The new capless fuel system isn’t opened until the fuel pump nozzle is inserted. Once the fueling is completed, the system seals shut automatically after the nozzle is removed. Newly standard are a power driver’s window, side-curtain airbags and power adjustable pedals with memory on the Limited. New options include a voice-activated navigation system, the exclusive Ford Sync hands-free communications and entertainment system and 20-inch wheels (late availability).

SUV show -- 2007 Acura MDX

The MDX is Acura’s midsize luxury crossover SUV with seating for seven occupants. Acura was one of the first import luxury brands to offer a sport utility in 1996, with the the SLX, which was a rebadged Isuzu Trooper. Acura began work on the MDX design concept, which was created at Honda's R&D facilities in Torrance, Calif. The MDX concept vehicle was unveiled at the 2000 North American International Auto Show and the production version debuted a few months later at the 2000 New York Auto Show. For 2007 the MDX is all new with a more athletic appearance featuring a longer and wider body, a longer wheelbase and a lower ride height. Acura’s flagship SUV was tuned on the world famous Nurburgring racetrack in Germany and is the sixth Acura project to be designed and engineered in the U.S.

The 2007 Acura MDX gets an exterior makeover and an all-new chassis that is fitted with a MacPherson strut independent front suspension, a multi-link independent rear suspension, and Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive System. Featuring a longer and wider body, new grille, power moonroof, LEDs in the taillights and center high-mounted stoplight, exterior mirror-mounted turn signals, body-colored tailgate spoiler and 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, the interior receives a number of features including a 10-way power seat including power-adjustable lumbar support for the driver, heated front seats, electronic tilt and telescoping steering column, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob, beverage holders (10 locations), 12-volt power outlets and LED backlit gauges with progressive illumination. Under the hood is a new 300-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 VTEC engine that’s mated to a new 5-speed automatic transmission with Sequential SportShift. A number of packages is available including a Sport Package that features an Active Damper System for better control.

SUV show -- 2007 Jeep Wrangler

The icon of the Jeep brand, the Wrangler is Jeep’s traditional off-road vehicle which continues to offer exceptional off-road capability, and is a modern interpretation of the original Jeep CJ. When the 1997 Wrangler was unveiled at the Detroit and L.A. auto shows in January 1996, it was obvious that the new model had remained faithful to the distinctive styling of the original Jeep—a boxy, utilitarian shape that has been Jeep's signature for over 50 years. Jeep purists were also pleased by the Wrangler’s return to Jeep's traditional round headlights. The 2007 Jeep Wrangler made its debut at the 2006 NAIAS in Detroit featuring an all-new frame, exterior and interior design and an upgraded engine. With more ground clearance, 100 percent stiffer frame, 50 percent stiffer body and a five-link coil suspension, the Wrangler has new sound-deadening techniques to reduce cabin noise by more than 20 percent. A four-door Wrangler Unlimited is available for the first time with seating for five adults and cargo space behind the rear seat that’s almost three times the standard Wrangler’s.

The all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler is bigger, more powerful and offers a four-door version for the first time. Offered in two- and four-wheel drive and available in three trims: Wrangler X, Sahara and Rubicon, the Wrangler is powered by a new 3.8-liter overhead valve V6 engine that produces 202 horsepower and 237 lb-ft of torque. The exterior is styled with classic round headlights, signature seven-slot grille, trapezoid wheel flares, exposed forged hinges, a fold-down windshield, sports bar and removable tops and doors. An all-new three-piece modular hardtop system features three panels that are removable for open-air driving while a Sunrider soft-top that can be folded over the first- and second-row occupants. The interior features a larger front-seat area, more shoulder room and hip room, new instrument panel, center stack and high-back front bucket seats.

SUV show -- 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe

The Santa Fe is Hyundai’s midsize SUV that is redesigned for the 2007 model year. The Santa Fe was first SUV designed by the Korean automaker specifically for the North American market. The all-new Santa Fe is about seven inches longer than its predecessor, one inch wider and almost two inches taller with a 2.9-inch wider track. The Santa Fe joined the Hyundai lineup for the 2001 model year, the interior was updated during the 2002 model year, and front-seat airbags were added at the start of the 2003 model year.

About it
The all-new 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe is bigger and roomier than its predecessor with two new V6 engines that are both more powerful and more efficient and an optional third-row seat. You'll find one of the best CUV interiors inside it. A two-tone interior with color-coded wood and aluminum trim is standard; a black monochrome interior is optional on the top-of-the-line Limited. Instruments and controls are lit in a cool blue color.

The front driver's seat is the most comfortable place; the passenger seat felt a bit too close to the floor for my liking. Access to the second row is good, though the seat cushion is short and lacks thigh support, a common sin in CUVs this size. All three positions have headrests and shoulder belts, but only the outers get LATCH child seat anchors.

A flip and fold seat makes access to the optional 3rd row dead easy. The seat itself is unpleasant but no worse than its rivals. It folds down when not in use; the five-seat 'Fe get a nice big storage bin in its place.

Standard equipment in the base GLS model includes power windows/mirrors/locks, keyless entry, A/C, CD/MP3 player, alloy wheels, antlilock brakes, electronic stability control, and side curtain airbags. SE adds a bigger engine, bigger wheels, automatic headlights, and other toys; the Limited gets leather seats (heated in front, power adjustment for the driver), dual-zone automatic climate control, and more.

on the road
The 2.7-liter V6 produces 185 horsepower and 183 lb-ft of torque with EPA estimated fuel economy of 21 city / 26 highway, while the 3.3-liter V6 produces 242 horsepower and 226 lb-ft of torque with EPA estimated fuel economy of 19 city / 24 highway. The 2.7-liter V6 is mated with a standard five-speed manual transmission or an available four-speed automatic with SHIFTRONIC manual control. The 3.3-liter V6 features a five-speed SHIFTRONIC automatic gearbox. Electronically controlled all-wheel drive is optional, and a new driver-selectable AWD lock provides a fixed 50/50 torque split between front and rear wheels. Six airbags are standard, including side air curtains for all three available rows of seating.

SUV show -- 2007 Honda Pilot

The Honda Pilot has been around since 2003 and has changed very little since then. It shares its engine and drivetrain with the pricier and much glitzier Acura MDX. The two are similar in size and weight. Like the MDX, the Pilot features three rows of seating. Quality, fit and finish are nothing short of superb.

The 2007 Pilot features a bold exterior and interior. Outside, the Pilot displays a rugged grille with strong hood, fender and bumper styling. Advanced headlight and taillight designs further compliment the vehicle's rugged sophistication. Interior styling features upscale seat fabrics and a sporty instrument panel.Actually the Pilot's about six inches longer and wider than the Honda CR-V, which translates into greater passenger volume and cargo carrying capacity.

Available premium features include the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with voice recognition and a 7-inch screen, and a Honda DVD Entertainment System with a 9-inch screen. A rear-view camera is standard on vehicles with the navigation system to aid rear visibility.

The 2007 Honda Pilot is available in both two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive versions. The two-wheel-drive (2WD) Pilot features a 3.5-liter i-VTEC® V6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM). Equipped with advanced valvetrain technology that can deactivate three of the engine's six cylinders during cruising and deceleration, VCM enhances fuel efficiency and provides seamless operation between three- and six-cylinder operation modes.

Pilots equipped with 2WD and VCM achieve an EPA-rated city/highway fuel economy of 18/24 mpg, compared to 17/22 mpg for non-VCM 4WD models. Vehicles equipped with VCM include Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Honda's Active Control Engine Mount (ACM) system. The ANC and ACM systems work in cooperation to cancel both noise and vibration that could occur in relation to the cylinder deactivation process.

As part of Honda's "Safety for Everyone" initiative, all trim levels of the Pilot include three-row Side Curtain Airbags with a rollover sensor as standard equipment. These airbags further compliment the vehicle's existing standard driver's and front passenger's Airbags (SRS), front side air bags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System and Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control.

The Pilot LX, available in either 2WD or 4WD, comes equipped with a long list of standard convenience items including remote keyless entry, power windows, dual power mirrors, adjustable steering column, front and rear air conditioning with air-filtration system, AM/FM/CD 4-speaker audio system, cruise control, multi-function center console with cell phone cradle, painted alloy wheels, body colored side molding and Immobilizer Theft-Deterrent System.

Both the VTEC and i-VTEC engines produce 244 horsepower and 240 lb.-ft. of torque. The Pilot utilizes an independent front and rear suspension and a rigid unit body structure to help deliver top-of-class ride and handling performance that also helps to minimize cabin noise and road vibrations.

SUV show -- 2008 Ford Escape

The Escape is Ford’s compact 4-door SUV that was added to the Ford lineup for 2001. The Escape is built on a platform that was developed with Mazda and is shared with the Mazda Tribute. The Escape features unibody construction, 4-wheel independent suspension, and is available with either front-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive. For 2008 the Escape receives a total makeover inside and out featuring a more rugged design to bear a stronger family resemblance to the Ford Explorer and Ford Expedition. Inside, the seating surfaces are made from 100 percent post-industrial materials rather than virgin fibers, a process that helps conserve water and electricity. Also, the center console is large enough to hold a laptop computer and it can also be removed and hung from the front passenger side and rear of the console for additional storage.

The 2008 Ford Escape receives a makeover inside and out featuring a bolder, rugged design, higher beltline, raised hood and a new front fascia with headlights that sweep up toward the front corners of the vehicle to short side marker lights. The interior features seating surfaces comprised of 100 percent post-industrial materials, a revised dashboard with “a top of dash” display, Electric Power Assisted Steering system, improved center console, Ice Blue interior lighting. A number of updates have been made to reduce noise, vibration and harshness levels inside the SUV including changes to the roof panel for a better airflow, a new acoustic laminate sandwiched between two glass panels in the windshield and new carpeting. Under the hood is a 2.3-liter 16-valve Duratec 23 4-cylinder engine that produces 153 horsepower and 152 lb-ft of torque mated to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. Optional is a 200-horsepower 3.0-liter 24-valve V6.

SUV show -- Ford Edge

The Edge is Ford's all-new SUV that debuted at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in January and is aimed to compete in the hot crossover SUV market. The Edge design features a bold three-bar grille that is similar to the Ford Fusion sedan, a raked windshield, a fast-sloping back window, a high-mounted rear spoiler, a high beltline and wheels that are pushed to the far corners to deliver an aggressive stance. The interior features seating for five and cargo space can be maximized to carry objects up to 8 feet long when the rear seats and the front passenger seat are folded.

The 2007 Ford Edge is powered by a new 265-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Available with an intelligent all-wheel-drive system, the Edge is equipped with MacPherson struts in the front and a four-link independent rear suspension for improved ride and handling. The interior features a center console that can fit a laptop computer and a number of options including a panoramic Vista Roof, a segment-first MP3 audio jack and six-way power-heated adjustable front seats. Standard safety features include Advance Trac with Roll Stability Control, seat-mounted side airbags and Safety Canopy air curtain system with rollover detection and extended-duration side-curtain airbags.

SUV show -- GMC Acadia

The Acadia is GMC’s first crossover SUV that combines car-like handling with the capability of a sport-utility vehicle and offers three rows of seating for up to eight passengers. The Acadia’s profile is sleek and aerodynamic, with a sporty, tapered roof life. The design is showcased by polished aluminum roof rails, large prominent headlights that use projector beam technology, distinctive LED taillights and a rear spoiler enhance the vehicle’s sport appearance. Featuring a body-frame integral design that enables lower step-in height and interior space of larger SUVs, the Acadia has a host of safety features that include six standard airbags and a standard StabilitTrak electronic stability control system with rollover mitigation technology.

The 2007 GMC Acadia is powered by a 275-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 with variable valve timing producing 251 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a Hydra-Matic 6T75 six-speed automatic transmission, the Acadia gets an estimated fuel economy of 18 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway with FWD and 17 and 24 mpg with AWD. Towing capacity is up to 4,500 pounds when properly equipped. The interior features a “low and away” instrument panel that as high-quality, low-gloss materials and a Smart Slide second-row feature allows easier access to the third row. Standard safety features includes StabiliTrak stability control system with rollover mitigation technology, traction control (FWD only) and a tire-pressure-monitoring system. Also standard is power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering, 18-inch wheels and tires with optional 19-inchers, and four-wheel disc brakes with ABS.