Full-Size Luxury SUVs

Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is highest rated large luxury SUV

Among large luxury SUVs, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (*Est. $58,200 to $81,300) wins over the most reviewers, including Car and Driver, Edmunds.com and ConsumerGuide.com. Kiplinger's gives the GL-Class its Best in Class and Best Resale Value awards. The sophisticated GL-Class SUV is available in three variations, depending on the powertrain. The GL450 has a 335-horsepower, 4.6-liter V-8 and the higher performance GL550 is powered by a 5.5-liter V-8 with an output of 382 horsepower. New for 2009 is the GL320 Bluetec, with a low-emissions 3.0-liter turbodiesel V-6 rated at 210 horsepower. Mercedes SUVs with the largest engine option can accelerate to 60 miles per hour in less than six seconds, while the diesel-powered GL Bluetec has more torque and gets substantially better fuel economy than its gasoline-powered counterparts.

With three rows of seats and seven-passenger capacity, the GL-Class is Mercedes-Benz' biggest SUV. It's also equipped with a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system that includes an "off-road" button that reprograms the electronic traction control and other systems for better performance in low-traction conditions. A seven-speed automatic transmission is standard on all models.

Reviewers say that driving the Mercedes GL-Class is unlike driving the typical full-size sport utility vehicle; in fact, it's much more car-like. Test drivers praise the GL's quiet and luxurious interior, particularly its comfortable seating. Car and Driver says the Mercedes GL-Class "feels smaller than it is, with controlled body motions and smooth ride." Edmunds.com says the "classy and refined" GL-Class "rises above the competition with its confident road manners and exquisite build quality."

Luxury SUVs for off-road recreation

Another full-size Mercedes-Benz SUV is the venerable boxy and hand-built 2009 Mercedes-Benz G-Class (*Est. $100,250 to $119,450) or Gelandewagen, an even higher-priced, limited-production SUV long renowned for its off-road superiority.

Reviews point out that most luxury SUV owners don't often go off road, but another large SUV highly rated for its off-road capability is the 2009 Toyota Land Cruiser (*Est. $64,755). An electronic "Crawl Control" helps prevent wheelspin during off-road adventures, but reviews warn that the side-folding third-row seats are cramped and awkward to stow. For those who want an even higher level of luxury equipment, the 2009 Lexus LX 570 (*Est. $75,855) shares the Land Cruiser's architecture, but costs over $10,000 more, adding a longer warranty and more standard features such as a power-folding third row.

The 2009 Land Rover Range Rover (*Est. $77,675 to $93,325) has built a well-deserved reputation for its off-road prowess, thanks in part to its nearly 11 inches of ground clearance and standard all-wheel-drive system with low-range gearing.

Large SUVs with an emphasis on opulence

The 2009 Cadillac Escalade (*Est. $62,205 to $87,435) is the winner of an Editors' Choice award in a Cars.com comparison of large SUVs, with praise for its power and attractive appearance. Available in either rear- or all-wheel drive, the Escalade is built on the same rigid full-size SUV platform as the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon, and gets similar comments for its smooth, quiet ride. While most Escalades are powered by a 403-horsepower, aluminum, 6.2-liter V-8, the new 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid (*Est. $73,135 to $87,435) offers the same 332-horsepower, gas-electric powertrain used in the Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon hybrids. Unlike those two, however, the hybrid Escalade eschews aerodynamic tweaks and weight-saving measures -- it's an otherwise standard Escalade in every way but the hybrid system.

Reviewers consistently prefer the glitzy Cadillac Escalade to the less powerful 2009 Lincoln Navigator (*Est. $53,120 to $59,020), although the Lincoln's price is significantly lower, and it earns praise for its smooth ride and equipment like a power flat-folding third row. The Nissan Armada-based 2010 Infiniti QX56 (*Est. $55,050 to $58,150) is another contender, although Edmunds.com calls it "competent but frankly rather uninspiring" compared to the "iconic" Cadillac Escalade.