Top 10 Best-selling SUVs

There is a host of reasons why sport utility vehicles are still popular with consumers. Sport utility vehicles tend to have more cargo room and towing capacity and usually are more capable than cars off the road and in inclement weather.

The top 10 sellers of 2007 are back, in some cases redesigned and in others only slightly refined. Some automakers are helping to address some SUV downsides by using technology such as cylinder deactivation to aid fuel economy and air-bag safety canopies, like the one on the Ford Escape, that activate during rollover incidents. Almost all of last year's top 10 have improved fuel economy, though new Environmental Protection Agency estimates designed to simulate real-world driving will lower numbers in some cases.

Listed in order of highest to lowest sales for 2007:

1. Honda CR-V: 219,160 sold

The Honda CR-V is available in LX, EX and EX-L models. For 2008 the engine gains 10 hp., in a 166-hp., 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 161 pound-feet of torque and has a six-speed automatic transmission. EPA fuel economy estimates are 20 miles per gallon on local roads and 27 mpg on highways. ABS brakes with electronic brake distribution are standard, as are a 160-watt sound system and noise absorption materials inside to reduce engine and road noise. Options include heated leather seats, a six-disc CD changer and speed-sensitive volume control that automatically adjusts the volume based on vehicle speed. The CR-V seats five, has 40.9 inches of headroom, 41.3 inches of legroom, 72.9 cubic feet of cargo room and can tow 1,500 pounds. Prices range from $20,700 for the LX two-wheel drive to $28,400 for the EX-L four-wheel drive with satellite-linked navigation.

2. Toyota RAV4: 172,752
Available in Base, Sport and Limited models, the RAV4, No. 2 in sales, is available in two engine configurations for 2008. The standard engine is a 2.4-liter, 16-valve four-cylinder engine that creates 166 hp. and 165 pound-feet of torque with a four-speed automatic transmission. The base model gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg local and 27 mpg highway. A new 3.5-liter V-6 engine available for 2008 has 269 hp. and produces 246 pound-feet of torque mated to a five-speed transmission. EPA estimates for the optional V-6 engine are 19 mpg local and 26 on the highway. Some standard features include traction control, vehicle stability control and a six-way adjustable driver's seat. Also standard is a six-speaker CD player with MP3 and Windows Media Audio playback capabilities.

The right-hinged cargo door has yet to be redesigned and is inconvenient, some say, for either tailgating with vehicles next to you or unloading cargo curbside in an urban environment. Optional third-row seating is practical only for smaller individuals. The RAV4 has 40.8 inches of headroom, 41.8 inches of legroom and 73 cubic feet of cargo space. Standard towing capacity is 1,500 pounds with the four-cylinder and 2,000 pounds with the V-6. An optional tow package is available to tow up to 3,500 pounds on the V-6 model only. According to Toyota, prices range from $21,250 to $26,820, fully loaded.

3. Ford Escape: 165,596
Ford's compact SUV has been a top seller for Ford since its inception seven years ago. The Escape comes in three models: XLS, XLT and Limited. For 2008 the body has a raised look in the front and back, which makes it look more like a large SUV. The engine is available in the base 153-hp., 2.3- liter, four-cylinder engine, with 152 pound-feet of torque with EPA estimates of 20 mpg local and 26 mpg highway with front-wheel drive. The other engine is a 200-hp., 3.0-liter V-6 that turns out 193 pound-feet of torque. EPA estimates are 18 mpg local and 24 mpg highway. Transmissions are available as four-speed automatic or five-speed manual. The Escape uses four-wheel antilock brakes with discs in the front, but for some reason uses drum brakes in the rear.

The cabin uses recycled materials for the upholstery, has blue-lit gauges and uses a flow-through console with convenient removable inserts, storage trays and enough room to hold a laptop. The multimedia display (with digital readouts for temperature, compass) is repositioned on top of the dash, so drivers don't need to glance down. Unfortunately, your back might be aching because the standard front seats are adjustable only two ways. The Escape seats five, has 40.4 inches of headroom and 41.6 inches of legroom up front and 66.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the first row. It tows 1,500 pounds with the base engine, while the V-6-equipped XLT and Limited can tow 3,500 pounds with the class II towing package. The Escape XLS starts at $19,005 to $24,005 for the Limited.

4. Chevy Tahoe: 146,256
(GMC Yukon: 63,428)
The Tahoe and Yukon have always been popular because of their trucklike looks and serious towing capabilities. The Tahoe comes in LS, LT and LTZ models, while the Yukon comes in XL, Denali and XL Denali. Either the Tahoe or the Yukon base models come with a two-wheel- drive, 295-hp., 4.8-liter V-8 engine with 305 pound-feet of torque. EPA estimates are 14 mpg local and 19 mpg highway running in two-wheel-drive mode. Also available on the Yukon XL and Tahoe LT is a 320-hp., 5.3- liter V-8 with 340 pound-feet of torque that gets 14/20 mpg thanks to active fuel management that switches from eight to four cylinders to conserve fuel. A four-speed automatic transmission is standard with a tow/haul mode that reprograms the shift schedule to compensate for heavy loads. A six-speed, heavy-duty automatic transmission is optional with the XL and LT. The Tahoe or Yukon comes standard with a CD/MP3 player that uses eight speakers. Seating capacity is six; headroom is 41.1 inches, legroom is 41.3 inches and there's 108.9 cubic feet of cargo space. Either base model tows 4,500 pounds in two-wheel drive and about 8,000 pounds with either the four-wheel drive XL or LT models. Tahoe prices range from $35,530 to $46,540 for the LTZ model. The standard Yukon costs $36,245, while an XL Denali costs $53,075. Both are available as hybrids.

5. Chevy Trailblazer: 134,368
The Chevy Trailblazer comes in LT and SS models and three different engines. The standard LT engine is a 285-hp., 4.2-liter V-6, with 276 pound-feet of torque. A 300-hp., 5.3-liter V-8 generates 321 pound-feet of torque. The all-wheel-drive SS model comes with a 390-hp., 6.0-liter V-8 turning out 400 pound-feet of torque and propelling the SS from 0-60 mph in less than six seconds, according to Chevy. The LT engines are tuned to the same four-speed Hydramatic transmission, while the SS engine is tuned to a heavy-duty version of the same four-speed automatic. EPA estimates are 14 mpg local and 20 mpg highway for the base engine, dropping to 12/16 for the SS. Suspension on the LT is front independent and rear five-link with coil springs; the SS has 20-inch wheels, uses a larger front stabilizer bar and a rear air-leveling system. Four-wheel drive is standard, as are fog lamps, sound insulation, eight-way power driver's seat, curtain air bags and programmable door locks. The 2008 Trailblazer has 40.2 inches of headroom, 46.9 inches of legroom and 80.1 cubic feet of cargo room with the rear seats folded down. It can tow 4,000 pounds with the base engine and 6,600 pounds with the two larger engines. Prices range from $28,150 for the base two-wheel-drive model to $35,995 for a fully loaded SS.

6. Ford Edge: 130,125
The Edge took the crossover market by storm in its first year and returns with SE, SEL and Limited models. The Edge holds five passengers and uses a 265 hp., 3.5-liter V-6 engine with 250 pound-feet of torque tuned to a six-speed automatic transmission. EPA estimates are 15 mpg local and 24 mpg highway. Power windows, power locks and steering-wheel-mounted cruise control come standard. Available this year are options such as 20-inch wheels, voice-activated navigation system and a panoramic sunroof with a rear fixed skylight. It has 40 inches of headroom and 40.7 inches of legroom with 69 cubic feet of cargo room behind the first row. According to Ford, the Edge can tow 3,500 pounds with a class II trailer tow package. Front-wheel drive is standard. Prices start at $25,565 for the SE and run up to $30,555 for the Limited trim.

7. Toyota Highlander: 127,878
The 2008 Toyota Highlander comes in the base, Sport and Limited models. The seven-seat Highlander gains about 300 pounds this year due to an increase in size, and it's powered by a 209-hp., 24-valve, 3.3-liter V-6 engine with 212 pound-feet of torque. The transmission is a five-speed automatic and has full-time four-wheel-drive standard. EPA estimates 18 mpg local and 24 mpg highway in two-wheel-drive mode. Power windows, locks and cruise control are standard. Convenience options include a power rear door and a rear center seat that can be folded down to create a console -- no longer will disputes over space come down to the invisible line of separation between two passengers. (The center seat can be removed and stored under the front console for easy third-row accessibility.) Headroom is 40.6 inches, legroom 43.2 inches, and cargo space 95.4 cubic feet. The Highlander can tow 2,000 to 5,000 pounds, according to Toyota, the latter with an available towing prep package. Prices start at $27,300 and rise to $32,700 for the Limited.

8. Jeep Grand Cherokee: 120,937
The Jeep Grand Cherokee comes in five configurations including an available diesel engine. The base-model two-wheel-drive Laredo uses a 210-hp., 3.7-liter V-6 with 235 pound-feet of torque. The transmission is a five-speed automatic. EPA fuel economy estimates are 15 mpg locally and 20 mpg highway. One of the other available engines uses either gas or E85 (85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gas); it's a 305-hp., 4.7-liter V-8 that cranks out 334 pound-feet of torque at 3,950 rpm, with EPA estimates of 14 mpg local and 19 mpg highway. An eight-way power seat, electronic stability control, brake assist and one year of Sirius Satellite Radio come standard. New for 2008 are a satellite TV option and a rear backup camera. The Grand Cherokee has 39.7 inches of headroom, 41.7 inches of legroom and 68.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the first row of seating. Towing capacity is 3,500 pounds standard and up to 6,500 pounds equipped with a heavy-duty tow package. Prices start at $29,215 and run to $41,420 for the fully loaded SRT8 model.

9. Jeep Wrangler: 119,243
The two-door Jeep Wrangler and four-door Wrangler Unlimited use a 202-hp., 3.8-liter V-6 with 237 pound-feet of torque. EPA fuel estimates for the base model are 15 mpg local and 19 mpg highway. For the base Unlimited, EPA estimates rise to 16 mpg local and 21 mpg highway. A six-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission is available on both the Wrangler and the Unlimited. Standard features include hydraulic brake assist, traction and electronic stability control. New for 2008 is a three-piece top designed for easier installation than previous tops. Ground clearance on the base model XB is 8.8 inches, while the Sahara model has 10.1 inches. The Wrangler is capable of towing 2,000 pounds, the Unlimited 3,500 pounds. Both have 41.3 inches of headroom and 41 inches of legroom, but the Unlimited seats five, has a heavy-duty rear axel and 82 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the Wrangler's 56.5 cubic feet. The Wrangler starts at $19,320 and can add up to $27,880 for a Rubicon. The Unlimited starts at about $21,240 and costs up to $30,890 for the Unlimited Rubicon.

10. Honda Pilot 117,146
Rounding out the list of 2007 top sellers, the Pilot has eight different trim packages for 2008, seats eight and uses a 244-hp., 3.5-liter, V-6 engine -- with 240 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed automatic is standard on all models. EPA estimates are 16 mpg local and 22 mpg highway. Some standard features on the Value Package include vehicle stability, power windows and locks, cruise control, electronic brake force distribution and beverage holders galore, in all three rows. Headroom is 41.9 inches, legroom 41.4 inches and cargo volume 87.6 cubic feet behind the first row of seating. The Pilot can tow 3,500 pounds, 4,500 pounds with the four-wheel-drive model. If you have time to wait, rumors are swirling that the 2009 Pilot will be redesigned and should be available by spring. The two-wheel-drive Value package starts at $27,595, with the fully loaded EX-L at $33,445.