Bigger models offer alternatives

If you have a large family, your work requires extra room or if you are a big dude, these vehicles may be for you. While all sizable, the following models represent several alternatives for easing the fuel cost.

The list, which includes sport utilities, crossovers and a minivan, offers utility, versatility, a bit of performance and environmental friendliness. Each of the models might be a good alternative to the ordinary efficient econo-box. They are:

--2008 Hyundai Veracruz. The Veracruz crossover has impressed me with its long list of luxury features and its overall feel of qual-ity. If I had to choose between the Hyundai Veracruz and the Lexus RX350, I would choose the Hyundai. However, I also would pick the Lincoln MKX crossover over the Lexus RX350. If you are in the market for a crossover sport utility, check out the impressive Hyundai Veracruz. More information at www.hyundaiusa.com.

--2008 Dodge Caravan. I will lose cool points, but I do prefer minivans over SUVs. Minivans steer, corner, brake, accelerate and ride better than most sport utilities. In addition, you don't have to worry about roll-over accidents as much as you do with sport utilities. The all-new Dodge Caravan is no different, and now it has a host of improvements and innovations. First off, the Caravan is more spacious than ever, which allowed me to place a 2008 Honda Shadow 750 motorcycle inside. Stow 'n Go seats folded neatly away along with a folding table. More information at www.dodge.com.

--2008 Acura RDX. The interior materials and overall feel of the RDX was good, and its driving nature was more fun and much more upbeat than the typical SUV. It has good performance levels, decent room and nice fuel economy. More information at www.acura.com.

--2008 Mazda CX7. As mentioned before, coupes, sedans and even station wagons gain my favor over sport utilities. However, the CX7, with its expressive lines and turbocharged engine, has me thinking twice. If you are looking for something other than the typical sport utility, one with style, comfort and performance, the CX7 might be what you are looking for. More information at www.mazdausa.com.

--2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid. The gasoline-powered GMC Yukon averages 12 mpg in the city and 18 mpg on the highway. On the surface, the hybrid's 20 mpg city and highway is not a huge gain. But if you have to drive a full-size SUV, now you have an alternative. In addition, this is a much greener version than the standard Yukon. More information at www.gm.com.

--2009 Dodge Journey. The Journey is Dodge's first crossover vehicle. It has good room, holding five passengers and a maximum 68 cubic feet of cargo. Although the Journey's sloping dash gives the illusion of a long vehicle, its overall size is quite tidy. As it turned out, Dodge introduced the Journey just as gas prices began to skyrocket. More information at www.dodge.com.

--2008 Lexus RX 400h. Since its start in 1990, Lexus has built a reputation for designing and producing vehicles that are smooth, quiet and refined. The 2008 Lexus RX 400h luxury hybrid sport utility follows this same pattern. Unlike the typical vehicle, the RX 400h is more efficient in stop-and-go traffic than on the highways. More information at www.lexus.com.

--2008 Scion xB. The Scion brand has a case of the sophomore blues. When it first hit, is was so unusual and so cool that you just had to have one. While still cool, it has lost a bit of its edge, but only because we are used to it. The xB is tough to explain other than to say it is basic, very economical transportation with youthful style. In addition, Scion makes it easy to customize an xB. So it is a one-stop shop at the local Toyota dealer. I would much rather pick a Scion xB over a Toyota Prius. More information at www.scion.com.

Gas sippers

(New model sport utilities, crossovers, minivan)

2008 Acura RDX

Price: $45,000-$50,000.

Engine: 2.3 liter, 240-horsepower turbocharged four cylinder.

Fuel Economy: 19 mpg city, 23 mpg highway.

2008 Dodge Caravan

Price: $17,000-$36,000.

Engines: 3.3 liter, 175-hp V6; 3.8 liter, 197-hp V6; 4 liter, 251- hp V6.

Fuel Economy: 17 mpg city, 24 mpg highway; (3.8 and 4 liter) 16 mpg city, 23 mpg highway.

2009 Dodge Journey

Price: $17,000-$36,000.

Engine: 2.4 liter, 173-hp four cylinder.

Fuel Economy: 19 mpg city, 25 mpg highway.

2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid

Price: $48,000-$55,000.

Engine: 6 liter, 332-hp V8.

Fuel Economy: 20 mpg city, 20 mpg highway (four-wheel drive).

2008 Hyundai Veracruz

Price: $28,000-$37,000.

Engine: 3.8 liter, 260-hp V6.

Fuel Economy: 15 mpg city, 22 mpg highway (all-wheel drive).

2008 Lexus RX 400h

Price: $42,000-$48,000.

Engine: 3.3 liter, 208-hp V6.

Fuel Economy: 32 mpg city, 27 mpg highway.

2008 Mazda CX7

Price: $25,000-$29,000.

Engine: 2.3 liter, 244-hp turbocharged four cylinder.

Fuel Economy: 18 mpg city, 19 mpg highway.

2008 Scion xB

Price: $16,000-$19,000.

Engine: 2.4 liter, 158-hp four cylinder.

Fuel Economy: 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway.

Larry Cornwell is a freelance automotive journalist from Charlotte.