Best Selling SUVs: December 2009

December 2009 Sales: 6,612
Change vs. December 2008: Up 23.7%
MSRP: $29,280 - $38,600

Fuel Economy: 20 mpg Hwy/14 mpg City

The Explorer is available in rear-wheel, four-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations, with a choice of three trim levels: XLT, Eddie Bauer or Limited (XLT and Limited only on all-wheel drive models). Two powertrain combinations are available: a 210-hp 4.0-liter V6 engine mated to a five-speed automatic transmission is standard on all trims, while a 292-hp 4.6-liter V8 engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission is optional on the Eddie Bauer and Limited. Explorer XLT trims are well-equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, cruise control and MP3 capability; Eddie Bauer trims add unique two-tone exterior accents, 17-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, leather upholstery and a third row of seating, along with satellite radio and the SYNC communication system with Bluetooth wireless connectivity. Limited trims are further outfitted with 18-inch chrome-clad wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, upgraded audio with 6CD changer, power-folding third-row seat and a reverse sensing system. Standard safety features on every Explorer include AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control, traction control, anti-lock disc brakes and a tire pressure monitor, as well as dual front, front side-impact and side-curtain airbags.

December 2009 Sales: 6,798
Change vs. December 2008: Down 3.5%
MSRP: $21,165 - $28,775

Fuel Economy: 19 mpg Hwy/15 mpg City

The two-door Wrangler is configurable in either Sport, Sahara and Rubicon trim with standard four-wheel drive. The standard 3.8-liter V-6 engine produces 202 horsepower, and the standard transmission is a six-speed manual with overdrive. An optional four-speed automatic with overdrive is available. Electronic stability control with roll control, traction control, brake assist and hill hold control are standard on all Wranglers. The Sahara offers body colour flares, Infinity speakers, remote keyless entry, power window, security alarm and 18-inch wheels. The Rubicon features equipment that off-road enthusiasts usually add anyway, including heavy duty axles, front and rear electronic locking differentials, 32-inch BF Goodrich mud tires, sway bar disconnect system, rock rails and a heavy-duty transfer case with 4:1 low-gear ratio. The available Freedom Top three-piece modular hardtop allows panels to be removed above the driver or passenger. Other options include Dual Top Group, half doors, remote start system, front seat-mounted side air bags, and a multimedia infotainment system with 30-gigabyte hard drive and navigation system.

December 2009 Sales: 6,872
Change vs. December 2008: Up 60.7%
MSRP: $20,490 - $28,545

Fuel Economy: 25 mpg Hwy/19 mpg City

The Dodge Journey is a midsize crossover that is based on a car-like structure. It's also capable and versatile enough to compete with large truck based sport utility vehicles.

The Journey is available in many variations ranging from the entry front-wheel drive SE trim, all the way up to the sporty all-wheel drive R/T trim. A 173-hp 2.4-liter engine mated to a four-speed automatic transmission is standard with the SE trim. SXT and R/T models are powered by a 235-hp 3.5-liter V6 mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Standard safety features include six airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, brake assist, traction control, and stability control.

December 2009 Sales: 7,223
Change vs. December 2008: Up 11.1%
MSRP: $20,295 - $28,495

Fuel Economy: 27 mpg Hwy/20 mpg City

The Forester is available in five trim levels: 2.5 X, 2.5 X Premium, 2.5 X Limited, 2.5 XT Premium and 2.5 XT Limited. All trim levels are equipped with a 2.5-liter horizontally-opposed four-cylinder engine; in "X" variants, the engine is naturally-aspirated and produces 170 horsepower, while both "XT" variants generate 224 horsepower, compliments of an intercooled turbocharger. The 2.5 X and 2.5 X Premium get a 5-speed manual transmission with Incline Start Assist, while all other trims are mated to a 4-speed automatic with manual shift mode (available on the 2.5 X and 2.5 X Premium). Notable (trim-dependent) features include a panoramic glass sunroof, 17-inch alloy wheels, 6-disc CD changer, automatic climate control, heated front seats and leather upholstery. An optional touch-screen GPS navigation system is offered on XT variants. Standard safety equipment includes electronic stability and traction control systems, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with brake assist, active front head restraints, front side-impact airbags and front and rear side curtain airbags with a rollover sensor.

December 2009 Sales: 8,413
Change vs. December 2008: Up 21.9%
MSRP: $25,855 - $34,670

Fuel Economy: 27 mpg Hwy/20 mpg City

The Highlander is offered in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations, with a choice of four trim levels: Base (FWD only), Base V6, Limited and SE. The front-wheel drive Base trim is powered by a 187-hp 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission; all other trims get a 270-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine and five-speed automatic with sequential manual shift mode. The 5-passenger FWD Base trim is equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, cruise control and a CD player with MP3 capability, while the Base V6 and all other trims add a flat-fold third row seat, increasing capacity to seven. Limited and SE trims also add leather upholstery, automatic climate control, a six-disc CD changer and a rearview camera monitor, along with a flip-up rear liftgate window for quick access to the cargo area. Additionally, Limited trims get exclusive 19-inch alloy wheels, while SE trims are further outfitted with a power moonroof and heated front seats. Standard safety features include anti-lock disc brakes with brake assist, electronic vehicle stability and traction control systems, active anti-whiplash front head restraints, front side-impact airbags and overhead curtain airbags for all rows.

December 2009 Sales: 8,864
Change vs. December 2008: Up 79.6%
MSRP: $29,224 - $39,985

Fuel Economy: 24 mpg Hwy/17 mpg City

The Chevrolet Traverse crossover utility vehicle combines the smooth ride and responsive handling of a car with the cargo capability and high seating position of a traditional truck-based sport utility vehicle.

The well-equipped interior features two front bucket seats and two different seating configurations for the second and third row seats, accommodating a maximum of eight passengers. An efficient, direct injection 3.6-liter V6 engine is mated with a six-speed automatic transmission. The Traverse comes in three trim levels: the LS, the LT and the LTZ. Each trim is available in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. An extensive list of safety features come standard; these include: side curtain overhead airbags, seat-mounted side-impact airbags for driver and front-seat passenger, anti-lock brakes, and electronic traction and stability control.

December 2009 Sales: 8,964
Change vs. December 2008: Up 64.9%
MSRP: $37,280 - $53,615

Fuel Economy: 21 mpg Hwy/15 mpg City

Available in 2WD or 4WD and in three trims, the Tahoe seats up to nine passengers and is rated to tow up to 8500 pounds when properly equipped. The 2WD LS and LT1 trims have a choice of two 320-hp 5.3-liter V8 engines which are both E85 fuel compatible. One has an iron block and the other has an aluminum block. The LTZ trims and the 4WD LS and LT1 trims offer the iron block version only. Each engine is coupled to an efficient six-speed automatic transmission. Safety features standard on all models include dual-stage front airbags, side curtain airbags, seat-mounted side airbags, four-wheel anti-lock brakes with dynamic rear proportioning, Stabilitrak stability control system with rollover mitigation, tire pressure monitoring system, and OnStar.

December 2009 Sales: 9,184
Change vs. December 2008: Up 36.4%
MSRP: $27,895 - $38,645

Fuel Economy: 23 mpg Hwy/17 mpg City

The 8-passenger Pilot is available in both front- and four-wheel drive configurations and four trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L and Touring. All trim levels feature an advanced 250-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. The Pilot delivers impressive fuel economy through Honda?s Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) technology, an engine cylinder-deactivation system that is capable of operating in either 6-cylinder mode for power or 4- and 3-cylinder modes for efficiency. Standard equipment on the LX includes a lift-up glass hatch, CD player, front and rear air conditioning, cruise control and three rows of seating; EX trims add 17-inch alloy wheels, tri-zone automatic climate control, a 6-disc CD changer and satellite radio, while EX-L trims are further outfitted with a power moonroof, heated front seats, leather upholstery and a rearview camera parking aid. The Touring trim gets exclusive premium features that include a power liftgate, an upgraded sound system with USB audio interface, Bluetooth wireless connectivity and a voice-activated navigation system. A rear DVD entertainment system is optional on EX-L and Touring trims. Safety features found on every Pilot include four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with traction control, front side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags for all three rows and active anti-whiplash front head restraints.

December 2009 Sales: 9,264
Change vs. December 2008: Up 47.3%
MSRP: $21,695 - $30,545

Fuel Economy: 24 mpg Hwy/17 mpg City

The Santa Fe crossover is a stylish family vehicle that has the ability to transport up to seven passengers when properly equipped.

The Santa Fe is available in front- or all-wheel drive, both with three trim levels: GLS, SE, and Limited. Power for the GLS trim comes from a 185-hp 2.7-liter V6 engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission on the front-wheel drive, and a four-speed automatic with the all-wheel drive. The SE and Limited trims receive a 242-hp 3.3-liter V6 engine mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. Standard safety features include six airbags, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control with traction control, active front head restraints, and tire pressure monitoring system.

December 2009 Sales: 9,463
Change vs. December 2008: Up 59.4%
MSRP: $26,920 - $35,770

Fuel Economy: 25 mpg Hwy, 18 mpg City

The Ford Edge is a five-passenger crossover sport utility that answers the call for a roomy vehicle with utility and style. It isn't a truck. Nor is it a minivan. Yet it's more than a car.

All Ford Edge models are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 265 horsepower, and a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is available. Standard safety features on all models include front impact, front seat-mounted side-impact, and front/rear curtain airbags, four wheel anti-lock brakes, AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control, auto-locking power locks, an occupant classification system and a tire-pressure monitoring system.

December 2009 Sales: 10,217
Change vs. December 2008: Up 20.6%
MSRP: $37,625 - $39,025

Fuel Economy: 25 mpg Hwy/18 mpg City

The Lexus RX was one of the first sedan-based, luxury utility vehicles, and it remains one of the best. This crossover is impressively smooth, comfortable, responsive in all driving situations and flexible when it comes to hauling people or cargo.

The RX 350 is powered by a 275-hp 3.5-liter V6 with a six-speed automatic transmission delivering performance, and fuel efficiency. It is available with a choice of front- or all-wheel drive. Standard features include automatic climate control, push-button start with smart keyless entry, automatic headlamps, 18-inch aluminum wheels, ten airbags, active front head restraints and leather trim on the steering wheel and shift knob.

December 2009 Sales: 12,711
Change vs. December 2008: Up 121.2%
MSRP: $22,440 - $29,795

Fuel Economy: 32 mpg Hwy/22 mpg City

The Chevrolet Equinox is a competitively priced mid-sized SUV that offers exceptional versatility, distinctive design and high efficiency.

The Equinox is available in four trim levels, LS, 1LT, 2LT and LTZ, and can be had in front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The standard drivetrain is a 2.4-liter direct injection four-cylinder and six-speed automatic transmission. A 3.0-liter direct injection V6 is optional on the LT and LTZ trims. Standard safety features include: four-wheel-disc brakes with ABS, electronic stability system, six airbags, tire pressure monitor, OnStar, security system and daytime running lights. Available high-tech features include Bluetooth, a USB audio port, twin-screen rear entertainment system, rearview camera and a power liftgate.

December 2009 Sales: 16,742
Change vs. December 2008: Up 90.4%
MSRP: $21,675 - $27,985

Fuel Economy: 28 mpg Hwy/22 mpg City

The RAV4 seats five and has an available third-row seat (that folds flat into the cargo floor) that increases its capacity to seven. The RAV4 is a four-door, compact sport utility vehicle, available in three trim levels: Base, Sport and Limited. All trims are available with either a new, more powerful 2.5-liter, 179-hp inline-4 and four-speed automatic transmission or a 3.5-liter, 269-hp V6 and five-speed automatic transmission. All V6 RAV4's come with Downhill Assist Control and Hill-start Assist Control. All models are available with front-wheel or full-time all-wheel drive. Standard this year on all trims is an anti-theft system and front active headrests.

December 2009 Sales: 18,120
Change vs. December 2008: Up 82.6%
MSRP: $20,550 - $27,055

Fuel Economy: 28 mpg Hwy/22 mpg City

The Ford Escape is a mid-size sport-utility vehicle with credentials that make it equally suited to urban commutes or weekend off-road outings.

The Escape is available in XLS, XLT or Limited trims with either front or four-wheel drive. The XLS features a 171-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and five-speed manual transmission. The XLT and Limited trims feature the same 2.5-liter engine with a six-speed automatic transmission. A 240-hp 3.0-liter V6 is an available upgrade on Limited models. Standard safety features include front airbags, front seat mounted side airbags and side-curtain airbags for front and rear passengers. AdvanceTrac stability control with anti-rollover technology, four-wheel ABS and tire pressure monitoring round-out the impressive list.

December 2009 Sales: 18,686
Change vs. December 2008: Up 34.1%
MSRP: $21,545 - $27,745

Fuel Economy: 28 mpg Hwy/21 mpg City

The five-passenger CR-V is available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations, each with a choice of three trim levels: LX, EX and EX-L. All trim levels are powered by a 180-hp 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. The LX is equipped with 17-inch styled steel wheels, a CD player with MP3 capability and air conditioning. The EX adds alloy wheels, a power moonroof and a six-disc CD changer, while the EX-L is further outfitted with heated front seats, leather upholstery, automatic climate control and satellite radio. Standard safety features on every CR-V include anti-lock disc brakes with brake assist, Vehicle Stability Assist with traction control, front seat-mounted side airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags, active front head restraints and a tire pressure monitor.