2008 Chevrolet Tahoe LT vs. 2008 Ford Expedition King Ranch vs

With the price of crude oil hovering around $100 per barrel, auto analysts are once again questioning the continued existence of the large sport/utility. And why not? These big rigs, some of which can haul nine passengers and tow 10,000 pounds, tout large-displacement V-8s and three-ton curb weights. While that can equate to a full load of family, friends, and gear, as well as a fishing boat in the rearview, it also means fuel economy in the low-teens and fill-ups that exceed $80. No wonder minivans are alive and crossovers are kicking.

But while some of these so-called experts are ready to bury the full-size sport/ute six feet under, we're not ready to grab shovels-at least not until the Smiths and Joneses of America stop saturating parking lots with theses huge/utes. Sales of the Ford Expedition, for xample, actually increased least year, swelling from 87,203 in 2006 to 90,287 in 2007. Several other large SUVs, including the Cadillac Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Mercedes GL, and Infiniti QX56, also exprienced year-to-year sales hikes.

If bigger is better, which big is best? To find out, we sent invitations to the major players, Chevy, Ford, Nissan, and Toyota. Caveats? Fourwheel drive and price tags around $50,000. Chevy, hampered by a thin selection, answered with a $40,460 Tahoe LT fitted with a $2160 LT2 equipment group (leather, tri-zone automatic air-conditioning, remote start, power-adjustable pedals, rear park assist), $1830 Z71 suspension package (monotube dampers, off-road tires, locking rear differential), and $860 third-row seat. At $45,310, the Tahoe was the cheapest of the group, although a more fitting, well-equipped LTZ would've easily crested 50 large. Ford sent us the new $44,265 Expedition King Ranch edition, replete with a leather-adorned cabin, wood trim, and power-folding third row. A slew of options, including $995 power runningboards and $1995 nav system, bumped the bottom line to $52,840. From Canton, Mississippi, rolled up a $45,375 Nissan Armada LE, a topline example that comes standard with 20-inch wheels, leather, and power liftgate. With nearly $7000 worth of add-ons, notably a $2400 Technology Package (nav, 9.5GB hard drive, XM NavTraffic), the Nissan demanded $52,350. Last but certainly not least, Toyota shipped us a mid-level $49,135 Sequoia Limited, which boasts standard leather, power-folding third row, and 14-speaker JBL audio system. Our tester tacked on another $5000 worth of extras, including a $1650 nav system, raising the tally to $54,140.

With the fleet complete, we headed for snowy Mammoth Lakes, an outdoor Mecca for skiing, hiking, fishing, and, best of all, off-roading. Along the way, we would chase cars up and down congested city freeways, empty desert highways, twisty back roads, and, in order to reach our 8000-foot destination, severe elevation climbs.