Best New Large SUV

For 2005, none of the large SUVs* on the market qualified as redesigned or substantially improved, and so we cannot issue an award in this category. However, several models in the class did see upgrades that you should note:

· Buick Rendezvous - The new 3.6-liter V6 engine that debuted last year on the Ultra model has been extended to CXL trim levels.

· Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT - A new 5.3-liter V8 engine with Displacement on Demand (DOD) technology is available. DOD shuts down half the engine's eight cylinders during cruising to conserve fuel.

· Dodge Durango - A new Adventurer trim level debuts for 2005, amounting to equipment that will appeal to those who actually do go off-road to commune with nature.

· Ford Expedition - New Limited and King Ranch trim levels debut, loaded chock-full of luxury doo-dads. All Expeditions come with a 5.4-liter V8 engine now that the old 4.6-liter V8 has been sacked.

· GMC Envoy XL - The Envoy XL receives the same DOD V8 engine as the Chevy TrailBlazer, plus a new ultra-luxe Denali trim level that's loaded with goodies.

· Honda Pilot - Power is bumped to 255 horses, stability control is now standard on the Pilot EX with leather, and a bigger fuel tank adds 40 miles of range.

· Isuzu Ascender 7-passenger - This rebadged GMC Envoy XL gets, you guessed it, the same 5.3-liter DOD V8 as the GMC Envoy and Chevy TrailBlazer.

· Toyota Sequoia - Toyota extracts more power from the standard 4.7-liter V8, repackages content, adds optional side-curtain airbags with rollover protection, and offers SR5 Sport and Limited Luxury packages on the 2005 Sequoia.

- Christian J. Wardlaw

* Autobytel considers any SUV with more than 95 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume to be a large SUV.