What is an SUV buyer to do?
Chevrolet may have solved this problem with the introduction of the TrailBlazer EXT, an extended version of the successful TrailBlazer. Not only will this vehicle seat up to seven people, but the extended interior also gives the cargo area more space, even with all of the seats up. In addition, the SUV we tested came with the optional 5.3L V-8, a powerplant that dealt quite well with hauling full loads and taking on steep hills. It is also ready for the dirt, with Autotrac automatic four-wheel drive, a 3.42 rear axle, and a rear locking differential. This vehicle was so well suited to holding people and gear that many judges wanted to give this SUV the true test by taking it on an extended road trip. Also helping the road trip argument was the TrailBlazer EXT’s interior. Our tester came with an AM/FM/CD head unit, which included a six-disc CD changer. Bose speakers were installed throughout the interior, and rear-seat passengers got their own entertainment system, which included a DVD
There are two solutions. The first, buy a smaller, more efficient vehicle that won’t do everything you want or need. The more appealing choice, though, is to find a big SUV with the right power, size, and luxury that does it all on less fuel.Taking a cue (and the technology) from Europe, Volkswagen is bringing its turbodiesel Touareg to North America. In Europe, diesel-powered SUVs are the norm. With the high price of fuel, the excellent economy and range afforded by diesel power allows people to go longer between fill-ups. Plus, the high torque serves up plenty of might to move a large vehicle and whatever is lugged behind it. CLICK TO VIEW GALLERYThe Touareg itself, revised for 2008, remains the same; what’s new here is the 3.0L diesel option. This V-6 is smaller than the first diesel offered in a Touareg (the fantastic V-10 with 310 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque), but that engine was big, expensive (a V10 TDI cost nearly $70,000), heavy, and only 45-state legal. While the 50-state-lega
