Price Range: $26,490 - $36,195

The Ford Explorer 2008 ’s five-door SUV styling is clean and uncluttered, while the interior is one of the finest Ford’s put in a truck yet.  Although engine performance is mediocre, the midsize 2008 Ford Explorer deserves consideration from anyone shopping for a traditional SUV with substantial towing and hauling capabilities. But for those who just need a family cruiser, newer seven-passenger crossovers provide more space, superior driving dynamics and slightly better gas mileage.

Performance

Two underhood options are available on the 2008 Ford Explorer: a “revised 4.0-liter V6 engine” that Kelley Blue Book says makes “210 horsepower” and “254 lb.-ft. of torque,” while those in need of more power can turn to a “4.6-liter V8 engine with 292 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque,” according to Edmunds. Reviews read by TheCarConnection.com show that neither engine is particularly impressive in terms of acceleration, with ForbesAutos describing the V-6 as “barely adequate.” Edmunds calls the engine performance on the Ford Explorer “mediocre” and says that the engines are “weak” when “compared to competing SUVs,” thanks in part to the fact that “a 4WD Explorer equipped with the V8 takes a mediocre 9 seconds to reach 60 mph.”

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Mazda has gone GREEN! The 2008 Mazda Tribute Hybrid has flipped the idea of “going green” on its backside. With a wealth of incredible features and superior exterior styling, the Tribute Hybrid blows all other comparables away. It’s gotten some styling tweaks, including a new grille and interior, plus a rear window that now looks more like the Escape’s. Not only is it one of the most agile Hybrid SUVs on the market, competing with hardliners like the Ford Escape, it is also available with a towing package. The Mazda Tribute Hybrid both saves on gas and can tow a boat or ATV. With three different trim levels available, buyers can find exactly what they want with ease. Not only that, this hybrid offers two engine sizes as well. Also, the Tribute Hybrid can be purchased as a 4WD SUV.

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Completely redesigned, the Scion’s iconic xB has grown in size, style, power, and features. Remaining a fully loaded high-value package with either a 5M or 4A trans as its sole factory option, the slightly softer-edged xB now boasts a 158-hp engine, enhanced driving dynamics. The current Scion xB was all-new for 2008. Although it maintains the previous generation’s boxy profile, it is a much different vehicle, with larger dimensions and more thrust. A 2.4-liter inline-4 shared with the Scion tC and Toyota Camry boosts output to 158 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. Fuel efficiency went down, but we think that’s an acceptable trade-off considering its substantial acceleration improvement.  xB was praised by critics for its defiantly unstylish appearance, its beefed up four-cylinder engine, its safety features, and its reasonable (but growing) price tag.

Price Range: $16,230 - $17,275

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A super sized luxury liner???

The 2008 Lexus LX 570 luxury sport utilty vehicle holds up to 8 occupants comfortably with three rows of seating.

 The soft ride is enhanced by the plush seats and luxury accomadations.

A power lift gate to the cargo section facilitates carrying and unloading items too big for a breadbox. Read more »