Luxury SUVs Reviews

The reviews below are assigned ratings by ConsumerSearch. These ratings are based on credibility in testing, evaluating and identifying the best Luxury SUVs. See our ratings criteria

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Luxury SUVs Reviews Reviewed
Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	Luxury SUVs Ratings Comments on Reviews
1. Car and Driver >> Details/Subscribe	5 Best Trucks Csaba Csere Mar. 2006		Car and Driver's staff perform this comparison test annually. It is a list of their favorite trucks in a variety of categories. Small, large and luxury sport-utility vehicles are covered, as well as pickup trucks and vans. Results are basically the same for 2006 as they were in 2005. The Cadillac SRX wins the luxury SUV category for the third year in a row. Editor Csaba Csere praises GM's Sigma platform, which is used for the SRX, claiming that it results in great response and handling. He also likes the interior, noting that up to five passengers can ride in comfort, with plenty of space for luggage. Editors did not expect the SRX to win when facing newer models from competitors, and were surprised by this year's results.
2. Motor Trend >> Details/Subscribe	Road Test: 2006 Cadillac SRX V8 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz R500 vs. 2006 Volvo XC90 V8 Chris Walton Jan. 2006		This comparative review of luxury SUVs includes V8-powered models from Cadillac, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo. Thorough performance testing is detailed in a chart. More subjective factors put the Mercedes-Benz R500 over the edge in this test. The Volvo XC90 is rated in second place. The last place Cadillac SRX earns praise for its strong performance but falls short due to issues with third row seating comfort.
3. Consumer Reports >> Details/Subscribe	Top Picks 2006 Editors of Consumer Reports Apr. 2006		Consumer Reports tests dozens of cars and trucks each year for safety, reliability and performance, and picks a handful across various vehicle categories to recommend. Consumer Reports ranks highly with us because its editors are thorough, considering long-term reliability. This reviewer does not test performance and off-road ability as thoroughly as the dedicated auto magazines, however.

Luxury SUVs Reviews above this line are significantly better than reviews below.

Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	Luxury SUVs Ratings Comments on Reviews

4. Motor Trend >> Details/Subscribe	Road Test: 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML500 vs. 2006 Range Rover Sport Greg Brown Sept. 2005		In this comparative review of the Mercedes-Benz ML500 and the Range Rover Sport, writer Greg Brown declares the Mercedes-Benz ML500 the winner by "the thickness of your Platinum card." In this close contest, the Range Rover Sport wins praise for its sophisticated Terrain Response System, making it a superior off-roader. Brown praises Rover, claiming that it will drive through just about anything. However Brown prefers the Mercedes-Benz ML500 for motoring through the city, noting that it has better seats and superior acceleration compared to the Range Rover Sport.
5. Automobile.com >> Details/Subscribe	The Land Rover LR3 faces the Cadillac SRX Stuart Fowle Not Dated		In this comparison review of the Land Rover LR3 and the Cadillac SRX, the writer looks for the right mix of utility, handling and speed in a segment that he defines as "too-tall-to-be-a-wagon but too-fast-to-be-an-SUV." Fowle praises GM's Sigma chassis, which is used in the SRX. Fowle notes that the SRX is focused toward on-road performance and does not perform well on gravel. The LR3 is described as "refreshing change" from earlier Land Rover products. Fowle describes the interior as "pleasant," with adjustable suspension. Acknowledging that the two vehicles come from two completely different schools of thought, Fowle proclaims the SRX as his favorite.
6. Motor Trend >> Details/Subscribe	Bling Leaders – Swanky SUVs in search of the spotlight Ron Kiino May 2006		This review tests the 2007 Cadillac Escalade and 2007 Range Rover Supercharged, to determine the "King of Bling." Kiino claims that the Cadillac Escalade and Range Rover are popular among those who understand the concept of "bling." Their popularity with celebrities has propelled these two models to a symbolic status. In a test of "power and pizzazz," the Escalade came out the winner. This comparative review from a respected automotive magazine is helpful, as it is the first attempt to compare the Escalade to competitor and long-time rival Range Rover.
7. Car and Driver >> Details/Subscribe	Road Test Review: 2007 Cadillac Escalade Tony Swan May 2006		Car and Driver writer Tony Swan asserts that the Escalade will be remembered as an icon of "bling bling" someday in the future. Swan has some criticisms of the Escalade, including reduced towing capacity vs. the earlier model, but feels that there is no question that the new Escalade is better than the old model. One notable improvement is the lighter engine and new six-speed automatic transmission. Other contributors to this article praise the new interior, improved cargo space and power liftgate. This article is useful even though it does not include head-to-head comparisons.
8. InsideLine.com	Full Test: 2007 Cadillac Escalade – Big Box Caddy Erin Riches May 2006		Inside Line writer Erin Riches describes the new Escalade as a "big, brash Caddy that's powerful, refined and easy to drive." Ride and handling are impressive, with ride quality that is close to that of a luxury sedan. Riches describes the interior as tasteful. He notes some short-cutting in the use of low-grade plastics in the cargo area, describing them as not acceptable fumbles. He feels braking needs improvement as well. Riches likes the new Escalade but feels that Cadillac still has some catching up to do to match the quality of competitors such as the Mercedes GL450.
9. FamilyCar.com	2007 Cadillac Escalade Road Test Nick Yost Apr. 6, 2006		FamilyCar.com writer Nick Yost is a New York-area automotive writer. He writes that differences between the old and new Escalade are remarkable, and that the overall driving experience is much improved. He praises the fit and finish; both the exterior and interior are improved, and Yost claims that Cadillac has achieved a degree of opulence. He notes improved safety features including standard three-row side-curtain airbags.

Luxury SUVs Reviews above this line are significantly better than reviews below.

Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	Luxury SUVs Ratings Comments on Reviews

10. Edmunds.com	Editor's Most Wanted Vehicles for 2006 Editors of Edmunds.com Most Wanted SUV Over $45,000 Feb. 2006		Each year, the editorial staff at Edmunds.com looks at a large sampling of cars in a wide variety of categories and price ranges, voting for the best vehicles of the year. Back-to-back comparison tests, however, are not performed for this review. Among luxury SUVs, the BMW X5 wins the Most Wanted SUV Under $45,000 with Honorable Mention given to the Lexus RX 330. The Toyota Land Cruiser and Lexus LX 470 SUVs win the Most Wanted SUV Over $45,000 category with Honorable Mention given to the Lexus GX 470.
11. IntelliChoice.com	Best Car Values 2006 Editors of IntelliChoice Not Dated		IntelliChoice uses an analysis of relevant data to predict, recognize and award vehicles that will cost significantly less to own than those of competitor's. For 2006, the Toyota Land Cruiser wins an award as the Best Full-Size Sport Utility in a class priced over $36,000. We appreciate Intellichoice's careful analysis, which also allows the consumer to see how earlier models stack up for retained value and actual operating costs.
12. Consumer Guide.com >> Details/Subscribe	Premium Large SUVs Ed Piotrowski Mar. 28, 2006		Consumer Guide's editors rate vehicles on acceleration, fuel economy, ride quality, steering/handling/braking, quietness, controls, materials, room, comfort, cargo room and value within class. Crash test data and warranty information is also displayed. In the Consumer Guide to Premium Large SUVs, writer Ed Piotrowski discusses the Cadillac Escalade, Hummer H2, Infiniti QX56, Land Rover Range Rover, Lexus LX 470, Lincoln Navigator, Mercedes-Benz GL-Class and Toyota Land Cruiser. Two awards are presented. The Cadillac Escalade wins a "Recommended" rating, while the Toyota Land Cruiser wins a "Best Buy" designation among premium SUVs. We like this guide but it lacks head-to-head comparisons.
13. Consumer Guide.com >> Details/Subscribe	The Consumer Guide to Premium Midsize SUVs Kirk Bell Feb. 28, 2006		In the Consumer Guide to Premium Midsize SUVs, writer Kirk Bell discusses the mid-sized SUVs, some of which fall into the premium sub-category. The Acura MDX, Cadillac SRX and Lexus RX all earn a "Best Buy" rating, while the Mercedes-Benz R-Class and Volvo XC90 earn a "Recommended" rating. Testing isn't as thorough as that of other review sources like Car and Driver. Consumer Guide is an excellent source for pricing and options information, but no comparisons are included.
14. ForbesAutos.com	SUVs We Recommend Editors of Forbes Autos.com Apr. 2006		Editors choose SUVs in a variety of categories based on they will perform under real-world conditions that most owners will encounter. Among luxury SUVs, the Land Rover Range Rover Sport wins as the "Best Midsize and On-Road/Off-Road Compromise." The Cadillac Escalade is the "Best Full-Size SUV." The Mercedes-Benz R-Class is best for city driving, and the Volvo XC90 is top-rated for families. Reviews are thorough, but no comparison tests appear to have been conducted.
15. Kiplinger.com >> Details/Subscribe	2006 Car Buyer's Guide Mark Solheim Nov. 2005		Kiplinger's annual auto issue factors in issues such as service costs, fuel efficiency, resale value and insurance costs. We welcome this financial focus to evaluating cars, but since side-by-side tests are not performed, this review does not rank higher in our chart. The Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland AWD wins as the best truck-based SUV with praise for its four-wheel-drive ability, powerful Hemi engine and luxury touches.
16. Money Magazine >> Details/Subscribe	2006 Best Car Values Lawrence Ulrich Not Dated		Money Magazine's annual best-car-value awards are based on objective comparisons of price, power, features, safety and trunk space, as well as test drives. For 2006, the best value ranking for mid-size Luxury SUVs goes to the Mercedes ML-Class, with praise for its appearance, interior, and sophisticated powertrain. Money is especially impressed with its V6 engine, which delivers better power and fuel economy than earlier powerplants. The best-value rating for large luxury SUVs goes to the Land Rover Range Rover. They claim it is in a class by itself and that style, prestige and off-road ability justify the $75,000 price.
17. Autobytel.com	Best New Luxury SUV Christian J. Wardlaw Not Dated		Autobytel contributor Christian J. Wardlaw polled editorial staff at AutoBytel, where the new Range Rover Sport received a unanimous vote as the best new luxury SUV for 2006. He describes the Range Rover Sport as being as capable off-road as any previous Land Rover, while delivering sports sedan performance and luxury touches. The Range Rover Sport is not as pricey as the Land Rover Range Rover. Wardlaw notes that the price premium compared to the less expensive LR3 gets the purchaser a better class of interior materials. Cargo space rivals that of the larger Land Rover Range Rover.