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2008 Vehicle Model Guide

2008 CHEVROLET NEW SUV MODEL GUIDE

ChevroletChevrolet offers truck-based sport utility vehicles in three sizes — mid-size, full-size and super-size — with the TrailBlazer, Tahoe and Suburban. Chevy wagons also include three different car-based models including the compact-class Equinox, the big crossover sport van Uplander and the HHR, a panel wagon with retro styling. New for 2008 is the Tahoe Hybrid SUV toting a hybrid propulsion system to improve fuel economy.

2008 Chevrolet TahoeTahoe
Chevrolet's full-size SUV comes in three versions, the entry-level LS, well-equipped LT and top-tier LTZ with rear-wheel, two-wheel-drive (2WD) or four-wheel-drive (4WD) traction. The 4WD traction mechanism uses GM's automatic Autotrac system with an electronic transfer case bringing on-demand, all-wheel traction. Two powerful V8 engines motivate the Tahoe. The top plant is a 5.3-liter V8 with Active Fuel Management (AFM) technology to pare the cylinder load and conserve fuel. It achieves 320 horsepower. Tahoe's Z71 off-road package is new for 2008 with an off-road suspension, automatic-locking rear differential, protective skid plates and chrome tubular assist steps.

2008 Chevrolet Tahoe HybridTahoe Hybrid
This variation of Chevy's full-size SUV gets a two-mode hybrid propulsion system, which integrates an automatic transmission with a hybrid-electric drive system. At low speeds, the Tahoe Hybrid can move using the electric motor or the gas-fired V8, or a combination of both. At highway speeds, the Tahoe's second mode works with all eight cylinders of the engine pumping when commanded, or with only four cylinders through AFM technology to save on fuel. Tahoe Hybrid's prow dips by 10 mm for aerodynamic efficiency, with a hood and liftgate made of aluminum to trim weight.

2008 Chevrolet SuburbanSuburban
Chevy's super-size SUV stretches 18 feet long, with a vast cabin that has seats for up to nine passengers. The series includes the 1500 (half-ton) and 2500 (three-quarter-ton) versions with big engines up to a 6.0-liter V8, which creates 366 horsepower. Both the 1500 and 2500 versions host 2WD and 4WD editions, but the latter has a dash-mounted switch to jockey between all-wheel-drive (AWD) traction, rear-wheel or four-wheel high and low settings. The Suburban's 5.3-liter V8 offers a flex-fuel version that drinks gasoline or E85 ethanol. StabiliTrak skid controls are standard now on the Suburban 2500, along with a six-speed automatic transmission.

2008 Chevrolet TrailblazerTrailblazer
In 2008, the mid-size SUV from Chevrolet shows up in a regular length edition with two rows of seats in the cabin for a capacity of five. The TrailBlazer LT stocks a 4.2-liter, in-line-six engine with 285 horsepower. Also available is a 5.3-liter V8 delivering 300 horsepower with AFM to conserve fuel. However, the sport-tuned TrailBlazer SS gets a modified Corvette 6.0-liter V8 to push 390 horsepower through a 2WD or 4WD system. New standard equipment ranges from curtain-style air bags to XM satellite radio service.

2008 Chevrolet UplanderUplander
Called a crossover sport van (CSV), the 2008 Uplander is available with a regular length or extended length body. The passenger compartment — arranged with three rows of seats for up to seven riders — has the flat floor of a minivan extending from forward bulkhead to aft cargo compartment. Power comes from a 3.9-liter V6 with variable valve timing (VVT) to generate 240 horsepower. The plant also has a flex-fuel, E85-compatible version. GM's StabiliTrak skid control system is standard on the Uplander this year, as is XM satellite radio service and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

2008 Chevrolet EquinoxEquinox
Chevy's crossover utility vehicle (CUV) has a long platform that creates a spacious passenger compartment. The cabin has bucket seats followed by a three-place bench that slides fore and aft by eight inches to vary legroom. The bench's seatback, split 60/40 percent, reclines to two positions with each side folding to make cargo room. Three trims — the LS, LT and LTZ — draw from a 3.4-liter V6 producing 185 horsepower with front-wheel-drive (FWD) or all-wheel-drive (AWD) traction mode. The Equinox Sport, a new performance variant, packs a 3.6-liter VVT V6 that hits 263 horsepower through a six-speed automatic.

2008 Chevrolet HHRHHR
This CUV looks like a shrunk-down, retro-styled homage to the 1949 Suburban of the roly-poly fender and bulging roofline vintage. The HHR, which stands for Heritage High Roof, rides on Chevy's agile Cobalt sedan platform and brings a spacious cabin with two rows of seating and a big cargo bay. The two trims — LS and LT — use different four-cylinder Ecotec engines. A 2.2-liter is the base plant, while the upgrade to 2.4 liters for top-level 2LT climbs to 172 horsepower. Standard features for 2008 include StabiliTrak, OnStar telecommunications and a TPMS.

For more information on Chevrolet SUVs and wagons.