Big SUVs, Crossovers Share Spotlight

Some of the largest sport utility vehicles, including the Chevrolet Suburban, have been redesigned for the 2007 model year.

As gas prices worry drivers everywhere, automakers are rolling out new versions of some of the thirstiest vehicles on the planet. General Motors has new versions of the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, the GMC Yukon and Yukon XL, and the Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV. Ford and Lincoln have revamped the Expedition and Navigator and now offer extended-length versions to compete against GM's big sport utility vehicles.

Chrysler is entering the big-SUV arena with the Dodge Durango-based Aspen. Unlike its deciduous namesake, Chrysler's Aspen has room for up to eight people, can be powered by an available 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 and can tow up to 8,950 pounds.

For shoppers who don't need all the brute strength afforded by truck-based SUVs, a number of crossovers hit the market for 2007. New class members include the five-seat Ford Edge — a V-6-powered vehicle that hardly resembles the boxy SUVs of yore — and the Jeep Compass, which, along with the Patriot, is one of two new car-based SUVs from Jeep.