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Styling on the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe is a high point, with a rounded body that brings the look of this mid-sized SUV up to date. Base prices start just under $21,000 for the two-wheel-drive GLS. This model has a five-speed manual transmission and a 2.7L V6, as well as XM satellite radio. The SE trim changes the drivetrain to a 3.3L motor paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. The SE also..... |
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A 3.6L, 24-valve V6, making 252 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque, is standard on the XL7, along with a five-speed automatic. The engine is built by Suzuki in Japan and is designed for long maintenance intervals. It's also especially smooth, due to a double-isolated cradle system.
The XL7 comes in four different trim levels: base, Premium, Luxury, and Limited. All but the base model are offe..... |
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Toyota's 2008 Highlander is available in base, Sport, and Limited models, each with either two-wheel or four-wheel drive. A 3.5L V6 engine making 270 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque is offered on all three, but there's also a Highlander Hybrid model, offered in base or Limited trims, that pairs a 3.3L V6 engine with an electric motor-generator system to make 270 horsepower together. The Hybrid ..... |
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The Toyota 4Runner is offered in variants powered by V6 or V8 engines, and with rear- or four-wheel drive. V6 models are powered by a 4.0L DOHC engine making 236 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, while V8 models have a 4.7L "i-Force" V8 making 260 horsepower and 306 lb-ft of torque. Both engines have an intelligent variable valve timing system, to improve response at low and mid revs, and b..... |
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The Yukon and Yukon XL (a longer version for carrying more passengers or cargo) come in a rather wide range of models in regular 1500 (half-ton) or heavy duty 2500 (3/4-ton) spec, with several different trim levels, engines, and equipment packages, to suit a wide range of purposes from soccer-mom tasks to cross-country towing. The Yukon XL is about 20 inches longer than the Yukon overall.
A 291-ho..... |
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All 2008 Honda Pilots are available with either front-wheel drive or a VTM-4 four-wheel drive system that provides front-wheel drive on dry pavement but sends power to the rear wheels in low-traction situations. It also includes a lock mode to consistently send power to the rear wheels for low-speed, low-traction situations such as snow or sand. Power for all Pilots is provided by a 3.5L, all-alum..... |
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The Mazda Tribute has the boxy appearance of a trucklike SUV for 2008, yet it's oriented for on-road use and has a comfortable and very carlike interior. It's now available in three different trim levels-Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring. Front-wheel-drive is standard, but there's also an active torque coupling (ATC) four-wheel drive system (available only with automatic transmission) that can rea..... |
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The Ford Escape comes with three different powertrains for 2008: a 153-horsepower, 2.3L four-cylinder, a 200-horsepower, 3.0L V6, or a hybrid powertrain, which pairs a 133- horsepower Atkinson-cycle version of the 2.3L four with an electric motor system, battery pack, regenerative braking, and a sophisticated management system. Four-cylinder and V6 models are offered in XLS, XLT, and Limited trims..... |
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Redesigned in 2006, the 2008 Ford Explorer is well positioned to compete against other truck- or car-based mid-sized SUVs. The body-on-frame construction will please those in need of towing capacity, while the independent rear suspension and stiffer frame enhance handling on paved surfaces. Optional third-row seating on all trim levels expands utility for larger families. For those with the occasi..... |
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