Large SUVs: Reviews

Updated November 2008

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Top-rated luxury SUV.

2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class

*Est. $54,275 to $80,375 Compare Prices

According to most reviewers, the seven-passenger Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is the best large SUV for the 2008 model year, balancing features, performance and price. The GL is available with three different engine choices and… a class-leading seven-speed automatic transmission. Additionally, its sophisticated all-wheel drive system and adjustable-height air suspension make this SUV capable of serious challenges off-road. The GL-Class won Motor Trend's SUV of the Year award when it was introduced in 2007, and this year it made Car and Driver's 5Best list. Mercedes' big SUV is also a recommended pick at Edmunds.com and Consumer Guide. A turbodiesel engine is optional.

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Expert & User Review Sources:

Edmunds.com: Editors like the Mercedes-Benz's classy interior, overall refinement, and engine range, but they aren't thrilled with what they ...

ConsumerReports.org: Consumer Reports tests the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, focusing mainly on reliability, ride quality, handling and safety. Consumer ...

Car and Driver: The Mercedes-Benz GL-class is the large SUV choice in Car and Driver's annual list. Editors praise the Benz's luxury, refinement ...

Motor Trend: The 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL450, mostly unchanged for 2008, wins Motor Trend's 2007 SUV of the Year competition. Editors claim that ...

Automotive.com: Automotive.com lauds the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class's performance in off-road conditions. Editors also report that it drives more ...

ConsumerGuide.com: Consumer Guide gives the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class a "Recommended" rating, praising its overall refinement, powerful engine lineup ...

Car and Driver: Car and Driver praises the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class for its smooth ride, quiet interior, power-fold third-row seats, and small ...

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Best blend of ride comfort and practicality.

2008 Toyota Sequoia

*Est. $34,150 to $52,375 Compare Prices

No reviewer discusses the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class SUVs in the same breath as the Toyota Sequoia, but if pragmatism and value matter more to you than luxury image, reviewers say the less expensive Sequoia is refined and… easy to drive. Perfect for long trips, the Sequoia may be the most useful large SUV, say critics. Strong acceleration accompanies the optional 5.7-liter V-8, and the engine has plenty of power for towing heavy loads. The large Sequoia seats eight.

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Expert & User Review Sources:

Edmunds.com: Edmunds.com praises the Toyota Sequoia's large interior, as well as the way this large SUV rides, handles and accelerates when ...

ConsumerReports.org: Consumer Reports tests the Toyota Sequoia, focusing mainly on reliability, ride quality, handling and safety. Consumer Reports is ...

Motor Trend: The Sequoia wins this comparison test of large four-wheel-drive SUVs. Editors praise the Sequoia's six-speed automatic ...

Automotive.com: Automotive.com praises the Toyota Sequoia's powerful 5.7-liter engine option and the thoughtful touches found in the Sequoia's ...

ConsumerGuide.com: Consumer Guide praises the Toyota Sequoia's overall refinement, optional 5.7-liter V-8 and ample interior space, but it complains ...

Car and Driver: Car and Driver finds the four-wheel-drive platinum edition Sequoia tested to accelerate and stop well. They praise the ample ...

Kiplinger.com: The Kiplinger's annual auto issue factors service costs, fuel efficiency, resale value and insurance costs into its ultimate ...

Car and Driver: Car and Driver praises the Toyota Sequoia for its ample interior space, and editors feel the engine has plenty of power. Editors ...

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Best value, large SUV.

2008 Chevrolet Tahoe

*Est. $35,530 to $46,540 Compare Prices

The Tahoe is a reviewer favorite despite competitive pressure from import brands. It earns Best Buy awards at Consumer Guide and Consumers Digest as well as Best Large Utility Vehicle at MotorWeek for 2008. Reviewers… claim the Tahoe is quiet and comfortable at speed, with a contemporary interior. Its nine-passenger seating capacity makes it one of the most spacious SUVs on paper, but in reality, critics say the third row is really only an option for kids. Overall, the Toyota Sequoia has better cargo capacity and better comfort for third-row passengers, but the Tahoe gets slightly better gas mileage.

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Expert & User Review Sources:

Edmunds.com: Edmunds.com praises the Chevrolet Tahoe's comfortable high-quality cabin, comfortable ride and smooth powertrain. Editors are not ...

ConsumerReports.org: Consumer Reports tests the Chevrolet Tahoe, focusing mainly on reliability, ride quality, handling and safety. Consumer Reports ...

Automotive.com: Automotive.com praises the Chevy Tahoe's smooth ride, pleasant interior and comfortable accommodations. The Tahoe has plenty of ...

ConsumerGuide.com: Consumer Guide editors praise the Chevrolet Tahoe's overall utility, smooth power and refinement, but they note that its ...

Car and Driver: In its 2008 buying guide, Car and Driver says the Chevy Tahoe is elegant, well-built, refined, and quiet at highway speeds. The ...

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