Luxury SUVs

Top luxury SUVs

The 2007 Cadillac Escalade (*est. $53,850 to $56,400) has been redesigned. It is built on a new full-size SUV platform shared with the Chevrolet Tahoe. Both have a very rigid frame. The design of the suspension is also new and includes front coil-over shocks. Steering is now rack and pinion system. At Inside Line.com, editors praise the Escalade's ride and handling, claiming it rivals that of a luxury sedan.

Power is provided by a new 403-horsepower aluminum V8 displacing 6.2 liters. It is one of the most powerful engines available in a luxury SUV. The transmission is also new -- a six-speed automatic that Car and Driver claims is a "vast improvement over the previous four-speeds." At Inside Line they praise the transmission's special tow-haul mode, a selection that optimizes shift points for pulling trailers. The transmission also has a manual-shift mode. The new Escalade is fast, capable of accelerating from zero-to-60-miles per hour in less than eight seconds, while towing capacity is a respectable 7,400 pounds.

The exterior of the new Escalade looks a bit sharper than the earlier version. The interior for the new model has also been improved, with higher quality materials and better fit and finish. Reviewers generally like the interior changes. Safety features include standard depowered front airbags and head airbags. Traction control and electronic stability control are also standard. Crash-test results in government safety tests are excellent. In EPA fuel economy tests the Escalade scores 13 mpg/city and 19 mpg/highway.

The Cadillac SRX (*est. $36,270 to $44,270) is based on Cadillac's CTS sports sedan, and the relationship is clear -- the SRX handles and brakes very well for its size. Plus, when equipped with its optional V8, the SRX can accelerate to 60 miles per hour in a quick 6.7 seconds. Experts say that is remarkable for a seven-passenger SUV with all-wheel drive.

Critics from Car and Driver and Kiplinger's magazines are impressed by the Cadillac SUV's blend of style, speed and comfort, including its innovative "UltraView" sunroof, which opens up the first and second row of seats to the open air (Motor Trend says this feature gives the SRX a convertible-like quality). When equipped with all-wheel drive (rear-wheel drive is standard) the Cadillac SUV has excellent traction on slick or snow-covered roads, but it is not meant for serious off-roading. Writers at Automotive.com say the SRX is an appealing package, now imitated by other manufacturers.

Towing capacity for the Cadillac SRX is low (4,250 pounds), so the SRX is better for city driving than off road or towing. The Land Rover LR3, which is in the same price range, is better at off-road driving and can tow 45% more, and Cadillac's own Escalade has a 7,400-pound tow capacity. Suspension ride-height for the SRX has been lowered slightly for 2006. Cadillac now claims the SRX has the lowest step-in height of any SUV in its class. Other changes include a standard rear powered liftgate. Safety features include standard dual-stage front airbags, side-impact airbags for the front passengers and curtain-type head airbags for the front and middle seats. Traction control and electronic stability control systems are standard.

Crash-test results for the Cadillac SRX are very good in government tests. Fuel economy ranges from a low of 15 mpg/city and 20 mpg/highway for V8 models with all-wheel-drive, to a high of 16 mpg/city and 23 mpg/highway for V6 models with two-wheel drive.

The Land Rover Range Rover Sport (*est. $56,535 to $69,085) is priced between the Land Rover LR3 and the Land Rover Range Rover. This new five-passenger SUV is built on a modified version of the LR3 chassis, with a different body and a modified suspension. Land Rover wanted to create an entry into the "fun-to-drive" segment of the SUV market that includes vehicles such as the BMW X5, Cadillac SRX, Infiniti FX and Porsche Cayenne.

Editors at Automotive.com describe the Range Rover Sport as "spirited, sporty and agile." The Sport impresses critics at AutoBytel, where it's the "Best New Luxury SUV." At Forbes Autos.com, the Range Rover Sport is the "Best Midsize On-Road/Off-Road Compromise."

There are two versions of the Land Rover Range Rover Sport, the HSE (*est. $56,525) and the Supercharged (*est. $69,085). The less expensive HSE has a standard 4.4-liter V8 with 300 horsepower, and the Supercharged SUV is equipped with a smaller 4.2-liter V8 with 390 horsepower. A six-speed automatic transmission is used. Four-wheel drive is full time and includes a two-speed electronic transfer case and an electronically controlled locking center differential. A locking rear differential is an available option.

The Land Rover Range Rover Sport uses Land Rover's sophisticated load-leveling, height-adjustable air suspension for a superior ride off-road. Standard equipment includes Stability Control, Active Roll Mitigation and Hill Descent Control. Also standard is Terrain Response, which is a set of selectable pre-programmed suspension and engine management settings. Safety features for the Range Rover Sport include standard dual-stage front airbags, seat-mounted side-impact airbags for the front passengers and side-curtain airbags. Crash tests have not yet been performed on the Range Rover Sport, and fuel economy isn't remarkable -- about 14 mpg/city and 19 mpg/highway.

Edmunds.com describes the 2006 Toyota Land Cruiser (*est. $56,215) as "a luxury SUV that does everything well." The Land Cruiser is in the same class as the Range Rover Sport, and is adept both on road and off. This year the Land Cruiser gets a power upgrade; the engine now has 275 horsepower, up 40 horsepower from last year. Key options new for this year include automatic height-control and a suspension system with adjustable dampening. The Land Cruiser is an excellent on-road performer, with a supple ride and good acceleration. Four-wheel drive with low-range gearing is standard. The Land Cruiser can tow up to 6,500 pounds with seating for eight.

At Edmunds.com, the Land Cruiser won "Most Wanted SUV Over $45,000," and at Consumer Guide, it earned a "Best Buy" designation. It also won "Best Full-Size Sport Utility" at Intellichoice in the class of SUVs priced over $36,000. Standard safety features include depowered airbags, passenger's airbag, and optional side and head airbags. Traction control and electronic stability control are also standard equipment. Crash tests have not yet been performed on the Land Cruiser. In EPA fuel economy tests the Land Cruiser scores 13 mpg/city and 17 mpg/highway -- on par with the Range Rover Sport.

Runners-up in the luxury SUV class

The Mercedes-Benz M-Class (*est. $39,750 to $48,500) is a complete redesign for 2006. The ML350 and ML500 are both more powerful and handle better than earlier versions. The new models no longer have an optional third-row seat, as the new R-Class SUVs (discussed below) fill that need for Mercedes.

The Mercedes-Benz ML350 is powered by a 268-horsepower 3.5-liter V6, while the ML500 uses a 302- horsepower 5.0-liter V8. An automatic transmission with seven speeds and a full-time all-wheel-drive system are standard. The standard all-wheel drive setup is an all-weather, on-road system. An optional off-road package includes low-range gearing.

Edmunds.com likes the M-Class, claiming that on-road performance and luxury features allow it to be rated among the best in its class. At Motor Trend, the Mercedes-Benz ML500 won first place when it was compared to the Ranger Rover Sport, although the margin was small. Safety features for the ML include depowered airbags, passenger airbags, head airbags, side airbags, traction control and stability control. Crash-test results in government safety tests are excellent. The ML scores excellent five-star marks in all tests. Fuel economy is average for the class.

The Mercedes-Benz R-Class ( *est. $48,000 to $55,500 , depending on model and options) is a new design for 2006. Edmunds.com does not place the R-Class in the SUV category, instead calling it a wagon. However some magazine comparisons place it in competition with luxury SUVs. It is similar in concept to the Chrysler Pacifica and Mercedes calls it a premium sports tourer. It has three rows of seats. The crossover R350 is powered by a 263-horsepower 3.5-liter V6, while the R500 has a 302-horsepower V8. Both models use a seven-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is standard.

Safety features for the Mercedes-Benz R-class include depowered airbag, passenger airbag, head airbag, side airbag, traction control and stability control. Crash tests have not yet been performed on the R-class. The EPA estimates fuel economy for the R350 at about 16 mpg/city and 21 mpg/highway. The R500 gets about 13 mpg/city, 18 mpg/highway.

The Lexus LX470 (*est. $67,395) is a mid-sized SUV that shares a platform with the award winning Toyota Land Cruiser. It is described as considerably more luxurious than the Toyota, and for 2006, the Land Cruiser and the Lexus LX470 share a 'Most Wanted' award at Edmunds.com. The 2006 Lexus LX470 gets a 40 horsepower boost to a total of 275 horsepower. However it can only tow up to 5,000 pounds, far short of competition from Cadillac, Nissan and Infinity. Ride and handling for the LX470 are praised in reviews. Standard safety features for the LX470 include depowered airbag, passenger airbag, head airbag and side airbag. Traction control, stability control and a tire-pressure monitoring systems are also standard. Crash tests have not yet been performed on the LX470. The EPA estimates fuel economy at about 13 mpg/city and 17 mpg/highway.

The Lexus GX470 (*est. $46,635) was built to deliver all the comfort and performance of the higher-end LX470 in a slightly more affordable package. Critics say it is in the same price range as the Land Rover LR3, and does not get as many top reviews as the LR3, it won accolades from Motor Trend and Inside Line.com in 2005.

The Lexus GX470 is lauded for refined highway manners, exceptional off-road capability and seating for seven. Inside Line's Ed Hellwig writes, "The GX is a top-tier luxury SUV in every sense of the term. Not only does it offer all the latest features and amenities, this Lexus also comes through with refined highway manners, exceptional off-road capability and seating for seven."

Engineers at Lexus were tasked with designing a sophisticated suspension system that delivers better than average off-road ability. The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) sharpens on-road handling and also allows for increased wheel articulation off-road, while providing the kind of supple, refined ride quality for which Lexus is known. Inside Line.com's off-road tests found the surefooted GX470 to be every bit as capable as the Land Rover LR3 and Volkswagen Touareg. Towing capacity for the GX470 is 6,500 pounds. At the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) the GX470 scores a rating of 'Good' in frontal offset testing. The EPA estimates fuel economy at about 15 mpg/city and 19 mpg/highway.

The Land Rover Range Rover (*est. $75,035 to $90,035) is a mid-sized SUV that seats five. It has won past awards at ConsumerSearch and at Edmunds.com. This year at Money Magazine, it wins the best-value ranking for large luxury SUVs, where editors say it is in a class by itself.

Critics say the Range Rover is one of the most broadly capable vehicles on Earth, with a luxurious interior, comfortable ride, decent performance and excellent off-road ability. In an off-road comparison test at Motor Trend in 2005, it wins convincingly, with praise that includes the following comment from veteran writer and 4-wheeler Mark Williams: "Amazing on gravel and dirt roads, and when pushed on pavement, it feels smooth and locked down. Getting such outstanding ride and handling performance from a hulking SUV is a stunning feat of engineering."

Though Ford now owns Land Rover, the Range Rover was developed when BMW still owned the company. Earlier models of the Range Rover featured a BMW V8, but the 2006 model uses two new V8 engines made by Jaguar that are also available in other Land Rover SUVs. One engine is a 4.2-liter Supercharged V8 and the other is a 4.4-liter naturally aspirated V8. These engines are more powerful and lighter than the BMW engine. A new six-speed automatic transmission is part of the new powertrain. Towing capacity is a respectable 7,716 pounds. Standard safety features include depowered airbag, passenger airbag, head airbag and side airbag. Traction control, stability control and tire-pressure monitoring systems are also standard.

The Land Rover LR3 (*est. $38,285 to $52,985) has impressed critics for on-road refinement and off-road ability, as well as being a particularly good value. It did not win awards in 2006 due to competition from new entries, which include sister vehicle Range Rover Sport, but in 2005 the LR3 was SUV of the year at both Motor Trend and CarSmart.com, and Truck of the Year at Money Magazine. The LR3 doesn't have the more expensive Range Rover's dramatic interior, but it mimics the Range Rover's elegant proportions, graceful handling and epic off-road ability for around $30,000 less.

When it was released, reviewers claimed the LR3 set a new benchmark in terms of design, packaging, technology and functionality. CarSmart.com's Christian J. Wardlaw describes it as "a quantum leap in performance, quality, and design. Angus MacKenzie, editor-in-chief of Motor Trend states, "there isn't a sport/utility in the world that will cover the terrain as quietly, confidently or comfortably." Features include a fully independent air suspension that can be lowered for easy loading or raised for extra clearance.

The LR3 is credited with having more useful space than most similar-sized SUVs, with adult-size third-row seats and 90.3 cubic feet of cargo space. The entire second-row seat folds into the foot well and the third-row seats also fold flat, creating a large cargo area. Seats fold independently of each other as well, creating numerous seating and cargo carrying possibilities. Motor Trend claims that the LR3's innovative new chassis design enables the vehicle to work better on-and-off-road, and that the computer-controlled air suspension makes any road or trail feel paved.

Available engines for the LR3 are a 300-horsepower 4.4-liter naturally aspirated V8 and a 216-horsepower 4.0-liter V6. The transmission is a six-speed automatic. Towing capacity is a respectable 7,716 pounds. The LR3 has not been subjected to government crash-tests or tests at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Other luxury-class SUVs

Keep in mind that many SUVs cross the line between standard and luxury SUVS, and many of these models are included in our main report on SUVs. Examples include the mid-sized Acura MDX (*est. $37,125 to $44,200) , Jeep Grand Cherokee (*est. $27,415 to $42,680) , Lexus RX 330 (*est. $36,370 to $37,770) and full-sized Nissan Armada (*est. $34,700 to $42,800) .

The Audi Q7 (*est. $49,900 to $59,900) is a brand-new seven-passenger SUV that shares roots with the Volkswagen Touareg and Porsche Cayenne. Either a 280-horsepwer 3.6-liter V6 or a 350-horsepower 4.2-liter V8 engine powers it. All models are all-wheel drive. The Audi SUV can be equipped with either an electronically controlled air suspension system or a traditional suspension. Reviewers are impressed with the Q7 SUV's luxurious, high-quality interior and overall excellent fit and finish. Edmunds.com recommends the Q7 overall. Automotive.com claims it is nicer to drive than either of its siblings. Standard safety equipment includes depowered airbag, passenger airbag, head airbag, side airbag and stability and traction control systems. Fuel mileage is average for this class. Crash test data isn't yet available.

BMW's X3 (*est. $36,800) is a compact all-wheel-drive SUV. It has virtually the same passenger space as the larger BMW X5 and has more cargo volume. The X3 is available with either a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder or a 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine. Both team with a 6-speed manual transmission or optional 5-speed automatic with manual shift gate. The X3 seats five and is intended for only light-duty off-road work.

Crash-test results for the X3 are not available for either 2005 or 2006 models from either the government or from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Fuel economy estimates are better for the BMW X3 than for many SUVs: About 17 mpg/city and 24 mpg/highway.

The BMW X5 (*est. $42,500 to $71,100) is a mid-sized luxury SUV that seats five. This year Edmunds.com awards the X5 with its "Most Wanted SUV Under $45,000" title. BMW created the X5 as a fun-to-drive on-road vehicle, not meant for off-road driving. The X5 is fast, compact and maneuverable. It features a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system and lots of luxury features. It is powered by either a 225-horsepower, 3.0-liter inline six or more powerful 4.4-liter or 4.8-liter V8 engines. Tow limit is 6,000 pounds for all models. Limited ground clearance and the lack of low-range gearing and transfer case makes this SUV not suitable for off-road use.

The X5 comes with lots of standard safety equipment, including front-head airbags, side-impact airbags for front passengers, traction control, stability control, and dynamic braking control. Crash test results are not available. Fuel economy varies depending on the engine, averaging about 16 mpg/city and 22 mpg/highway.

The Infiniti FX series (*est. $34,950 to $45,450) , which debuted for the 2003 model year, definitely emphasizes 'sport' as opposed to 'utility'. The Infiniti features smooth V6 and V8 engines generating 280 and 315 horsepower, respectively. These SUVs are stunning performers, but critics note that they are not as roomy as some competitors nor are they meant for regular off-road conditions. Edmunds.com notes the lack of an available third-row seat but describes the FX as handling like a sports sedan. Crash-test results in government safety tests are very good, with the FX scoring top five-star marks for front impacts and side impacts. Fuel economy is average for this class.

The Infiniti QX56 (*est. $49,800 to $52,800) was introduced in 2004 and is based on the Nissan Armada. It can seat up to eight and is a serious attempt by Infinity to achieve market share in the full-size luxury SUV segment. The QX56 is powered by a powerful 315-horsepower 5.6-liter V8 engine. It is available in rear-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive and can tow up to 9,000 pounds, more than most vehicles in this segment. Its list of safety features includes a rear-vision video camera. Traction control, stability control and a tire-pressure monitoring system are also standard. Crash test results are very good, and fuel economy is average (that is to say poor) for a large SUV.

The Lexus RX 400h (*est. $44,660 to $46,060) is a luxury performance hybrid SUV. It is covered in more detail in our separate report on hybrid cars. It is based on the conventional Lexus RX 330, and built on a Toyota Camry platform. The list of standard luxury items includes leather upholstery, reclining second-row seats, alloy wheels, stability and traction control, moonroof, navigation system and more. There are only three available options: Heated front seats, a DVD entertainment system, and an upgraded audio system. The Lexus RX 400h is equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The RX 400h is fast, capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 7.2 seconds. Fuel economy is much improved over other SUVs, with EPA estimates of about 31 mpg/city and 27 mpg/highway for the hybrid Lexus SUV.

The Lincoln Navigator ( *est. $49,325 to $55,285 , depending on options) was last updated in 2003 and remains one of the best-selling luxury SUVs. It has ample interior room and can comfortably seat six or seven adults, something other SUVs may not be able to boast. The Navigator's 300-horsepower 5.4-liter V8 engine was revised in 2005 and at the same time it got a six-speed automatic transmission. Edmunds.com notes that offerings from competitors are more powerful and refined. However, the Navigator can tow up to 8600 pounds.

Crash-test results for the Navigator in government safety tests are good; the Navigator scores excellent five-star marks for the driver and passengers in front impacts. Side impact tests results are not available. Fuel economy is about average for a large SUV, about 13 mpg/city and18 mpg on the highway.

The Porsche Cayenne (*est. $42,200 to $111,600) is a mid-sized SUV that shares a platform with the Volkswagen Touareg and the Audi Q7. The standard Cayenne comes with a 250-horsepower V6; the Cayenne S has a 340-horspower 4.5-liter V8, and the Cayenne Turbo sports a 450-horsepower V8. The Cayenne Turbo S has a 520-horsepower turbo V8. Acceleration is brisk, with the Cayenne Turbo capable of accelerating from zero to 60 miles per hour in 5.2 seconds. The Cayenne Turbo S can scoot from zero to 60 miles per hour in 4.8 seconds.

The Porsche Cayenne comes with plenty of standard features. There is seating for five, and the rear seat folds flat. All Cayenne SUVs come with a sophisticated all-wheel drive system. Low-range gearing for off-road is available, and both Turbo models come with a height-adjustable air suspension. Traction control and a full complement of airbags are standard features. Fuel economy is average, and depends on the engine type.

The Saab 9-7X (*est. $38,520 to $40,520) is a mid-sized SUV that attempts to retain customers for Saab as well as attract new customers. Research showed that many current Saab owners were interested in an SUV. The 9-7X was introduced in 2005. It shares its roots with other General Motors mid-sized SUVs, such as the Buick Rainier, Chevrolet TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy and Isuzu Ascender. While styling cues abound, Saab tried hard to ensure the 9-7X had a European flavor. Changes to steering and suspension produced a more responsive SUV than other variants, but the engine is the same 290 horsepower, 4.2-liter inline six or 5.3-liter V8 found in others from GM.

Crash-test results for the 2006 9-7X in government safety tests are not available. However, test scores for the 2005 model were unimpressive. In front impacts the 9-7X scores low three-star marks for the driver's position and good four-star marks for the passenger's position. Side impacts results are not available.

The Toyota Sequoia (*est. $32,820 to $45,310) is a large SUV introduced in 2001. It is about the same size as a Ford Expedition. It seats eight and is available with either rear-wheel-drive or four-wheel drive. A V8 engine with 273 horsepower is standard. Towing capacity at 6,200 pounds is low compared to some competitors. Reviewers rave about Toyota quality and reliability when considering the merits of the Sequoia. At About.com, reviewer Philip Powell claims that the Sequoia handles better than you might expect. Crash tests results for the Sequoia are not available, and gas mileage is about average for its large-SUV class.

The Volkswagen Touareg (*est. $37,410 to $44,750) is a mid-sized, five-passenger SUV that was developed in conjunction with the Porsche Cayenne. The Touareg has impressed critics with its beautifully appointed, if smallish, interior.

With an electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system featuring both high and low ranges, a center-locking differential, and an optional air suspension that can raise the truck almost a foot off the ground, the Touareg's off-road abilities are impressive. It can tackle severe off-road conditions, ford up to 23-inches of water without stalling, and tackle steep inclines.

For 2006, the base engine has been upgraded to displace 3.6 liters and produce 280 horsepower, answering earlier comments from reviewers at Car and Driver noting that the base engine was sluggish. A V8 engine with 310 horsepower is an option. A V10 direct-injected turbo-diesel (TDI) is also available in some states. This powerful engine offers the best zero-to-60 mile per hour acceleration and fuel economy among Touareg models.

Crash-test results in government safety tests are good, with the Touareg scoring good four-star marks for front impacts and excellent five-star marks for side impacts. Fuel economy is about average, and depends on the engine. The V8 models get to poorest gas mileage, as you might expect; about 14 mpg/city and 18 mpg/highway.

The Volvo XC90 (*est. $36,075 to $49,860) has gotten some positive reviews. This year it won "Best for Families" at Forbes Autos.com and a "recommended" designation at Consumer Guide. It also placed second in a three-SUV test at Motor Trend, when compared to the Cadillac SRX and the Mercedes-Benz R500. Edmunds.com claims that it is hard not to like the XC90. These positive remarks and awards are notable but not quite enough for the XC90 to place in ConsumerSearch Fast Answers.

The Volvo XC90 seats up to seven passengers. It has excellent all-weather capability, a car-like ride and handling, and impressive off-road ability. Engine options include a 208-horsepower turbo-charged inline 5-cylinder engine and a 4.4-liter V8. The V8 has 311 horsepower and is manufactured in Japan by Yamaha. Reviewers are not surprised that the six-cylinder engine option available last year has been dropped for 2006.

Safety features include depowered airbag, passenger airbag, head airbag, side airbag, and traction control and stability control systems. An advanced system called Roll Stability Control (RSC) controls the stability and traction-control systems to help prevent rollovers. The roof is made of ultra-strong Boron steel, five times stronger than regular steel, to help minimize rollover injuries.

Even with all this effort toward safety, the Volvo still does not score perfect marks in crash tests (though they are still very good). In government safety tests the XC90 scores top five-star marks for the driver in front impacts, but the passenger scores are good four-star marks. XC90 scores top five-star marks for side impacts.

Important Features: Luxury SUVs

The following is what the experts say to look for in a luxury SUV.

• An SUV should be roomy, with lots of cargo space. All vehicles in this class can carry at least five people and have at least 19 cubic-feet of cargo space (about the size of a large car's trunk). A third row of seats (which allows the vehicle to accommodate seven to nine passengers) is standard or optional on some models, including the Cadillac SRX, Toyota Land Cruiser, Lincoln Navigator and Land Rover LR3.

• SUVs have a deserved reputation as gas-guzzlers. Most get about 15 to 20 mpg in mixed (city and highway) driving. To be environmentally responsible, and to keep costs down in the face of rising gas prices, you might look for one of the more efficient (or, rather, less inefficient) vehicles in this class, like the BMW X3, or consider one of the smaller SUVs featured in our main report on SUVs.

• Acceleration, braking and handling have come a long way, but still trail similarly priced cars due to their weight and high centers of gravity. The best luxury SUVs reach 60 mph in less than eight seconds, corner at better than 0.75g and stop from 60 mph in 125 feet or less.

• Experts say less than five percent of SUV owners regularly take their vehicles off-road. If you're one of the other ninety-five percent, pay attention to the vehicle's on-road comfort and performance. The more nimble and car-like the better.

• If you're considering an SUV to transport your camper or boat, make sure it's up to the task. Truck-based SUVs are better than car-based versions in this regard. The Cadillac Escalade can tow 7,400 pounds, better than most.

Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our
All The Reviews Reviewed chart.

# of Picks	Model (With Retailer Links)	details from Edmunds.com
4	Toyota Land Cruiser (*est. $56,215)	details
3	Cadillac Escalade (*est. $53,850 to $56,400)	details
3	Land Rover Range Rover Sport (*est. $56,535 to $69,085)	details
2	Cadillac SRX (*est. $36,270 to $44,270)	details
2	Mercedes-Benz M-Class (*est. $39,750 to $48,500)	details
2	Mercedes-Benz R-Class *est. $48,000 to $55,500	details
2	Lexus RX330 (*est. $36,370 to $37,770)	details
1 each	Acura MDX , BMW X5 , Jeep Grand Cherokee AWD Overland, Land Rover Range Rover , Lexus LX470 , Lexus GX470 , Volvo XC90

Cadillac and Land Rover clearly dominate the luxury class. The Cadillac Escalade and the Land Rover Range Rover Sport both win three awards, and the Cadillac SRX wins two awards, including the coveted top award in the annual Car and Driver "5 Best" issue. This year is the third year in a row that the SRX wins this award. Toyota wins a surprise Fast Answer spot this year with an improved Land Cruiser model, and new models from Mercedes look promising, with a wide variety of options and features.

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