2008 Sport/Utility of the Year Contenders

The Criteria

Sport/Utility of the year isn't a comparison test. It's also open only to all-new or substantially upgraded vehicles that have gone on sale in the 12 months from November 1, 2006. We look for the pick of each year's crop of new SUVs, not to revisit vehicles that have been on sale for the past five years.

Each SUOTY contender is evaluated against three simple criteria:

1. Superiority. We look at engineering excellence, advancement in design, utilization of resources, and safety. Vehicle concept and execution are important, as are use of materials, packaging, dynamics, styling, and fuel consumption.

2. Significance. How well the vehicle does the job its maker intended. And how it impacts its particular market segment, influences consumer perceptions, and transforms product-development trends.

3. Value. How each vehicle compares against its direct rivals. A vehicle with a low sticker price might not be as good a value as a more expensive vehicle that delivers outstanding performance, quality, and functionality.

Need to Know

From smallest to biggest, fastest to slowest, cheapest to most expensive, here's a quick overview of the 2008 SUOTY contenders. (All figures related to vehicles as tested.)

Price range