Traditional sport utility vehicles (SUVs) are becoming rare as more companies use car platforms for their larger vehicles. Still, a few SUVs have been updated for 2012 despite the move for many of them to car platforms. New SUVs are aiming to continue their off-road abilities, but hope to become more fuel friendly.

Ford is bringing a new model of its Explorer (technically now a crossover) called the 2013 Ford Explorer Sport, which brings the company’s EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 to the popular SUV. The street-performance oriented vehicle features better fuel economy than the Hemi powered R/T and SRT vehicles from Dodge and Jeep, though isn’t as powerful. Additionally the Sport receives larger brakes and new terrain management for tackling sandy, snowy and muddy conditions.

The Dodge Durango, resurrected in 2011, receives a few minor updates for 2012 including a six speed automatic transmission for the V8 and available second-row captains seats. Similarly, the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee gets minor updates, including better fuel economy and new trim levels. New for the 2012 model is the Overland Summit trim which adds unique 20-inch wheels, and exclusive black-olive wood trim. Additionally the Overland Summit includes an upgraded leather interior, and heated steering wheel. You can also expect a few more gadgets in the overland summit like adaptive cruise control, collision warning system and blind-spot detection system.

The most significant Jeep update for 2012, however, is the 2012 Wrangler, which gains a new 3.6-liter V6 engine with a significant spike in power and fuel economy. Power is up from 202 hp to 285 with 260 lb-ft of torque, while fuel economy rises from 15/19 mpg to 17/21 for the manual or 16/20 for the automatic.

Toyota brings us the updated 2013 Toyota Land Cruiser and the 2013 Lexus LX. The rugged Toyota and its luxury equipped counterpart have a significantly changed exterior and interior. The Lexus LX specifically has the brand’s new shaped grille. The Land Cruiser now comes with all features as standard equipment. This includes the company’s Premuim Hard Drive Disk Navigation with the Entune infotainment system. This is also true for the Lexus LX. Additionally the twin SUVs are available with 5.7 liter V8s that crank out 383 horsepower and 403 lb-ft of torque.

With many SUVs transitioning over to crossovers, some are being axed altogether. Among them is the Chevy Avalanche, which will end its decade-long run.

What’s New?

An all-new 2013 Nissan Pathfinder is expected to be released this year, with a greater emphasis on being the ultimate family adventure vehicle. That emphasis has resulted in the Pathfinder now having a platform shared with the Murano Crossover. The Pathfinder will also feature a 50/50 folding third row, offering some flexibility with cargo space, plus a third row that reclines for greater passenger comfort. Nissan boasts the vehicle will get a 5,000-pound towing capability and off-roading ability, even though the Pathfinder will be equipped with a CVT. Nissan also mentioned that the Pathfinder will be arriving with a much more fuel efficient V6.

While truck-based SUVs are thought to generally be the domain of American automakers, the Germans are also keeping true when it comes to their premium offerings. Mercedes-Benz has updated its G-Class and ML-Class. You can spot some minor changes on the exterior of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz G-class, like the LED daytime lights. The 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML-class, however is all new. The car follows the new design language of Mercedes, and comes standard with a seven-speed automatic and four-wheel drive. Lastly, the ML-classes is available with a powerful, yet easy at the gas pump, diesel engine.

For 2012 Porsche is offering a Cayenne S Hybrid with 21 mpg combined, while for 2013 the German sports car maker will add a Cayenne Diesel with a 3.0-liter V6, making 240 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. With a tow rating of at 7,716 lbs and a 20 mpg city and 28 mpg highway (23 mpg combined) fuel economy rating it will be priced from $55,750.