USED CARS - Luxury SUVs

The Cadillac SRX ( (*est. $40,000 to $59,000) , depending on options) 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 mph in a quick 6.7 seconds. Experts say that is remarkable for a seven-passenger vehicle with all-wheel drive. The Cadillac averages about 19 mpg. An improvement for 2005 is increased towing capacity, which is now 4,250 pounds. The SRX is the best choice for those with mostly on-road, no-tow needs. The Land Rover LR3, which is in the same price range, is better at off-road driving and can tow 45% more.

Critics from Car and Driver and Kiplinger's magazines are impressed by the Cadillac'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 has excellent traction on slick or snow-covered roads, but it is not meant for serious off-roading.

The Land Rover LR3 ( (*est. $44,330 to $49,330) , depending on options) has impressed critics for on-road refinement and off-road ability, as well as being a particularly good value. Awards for the LR3 include 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. A major challenge for Ford, which owns Land Rover, is to overcome the reputation of the previous model, the Discovery, which had quality and reliability issues.

Reviewers claim the LR3 sets 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 any similar-size SUV, 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. Towing capacity is a respectable 7,716 pounds.

At the very top of the SUV pyramid is Land Rover's Range Rover (*est. $72,000 to $85,000) which wins an Editor's Most Wanted award at Edmunds.com. Critics say this is one of the most broadly capable vehicles on Earth, with a luxurious interior, comfortable ride, decent performance and excellent off-road ability. In Motor Trend's off-road comparison test, 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 five-passenger Range Rover was developed when BMW still owned the company. As such, the Range Rover featured a BMW V8 when it was released in 2003. This engine carries through today and wows critics with its quiet operation and refinement. Plus, it allows for 8.4-second runs to 60 mph—quite perky for a vehicle weighing 5,700 pounds. This may be the last year for the BMW V8. Plans are to replace it next year with the 4.4-liter V8 from the new Land Rover LR3. The new engine should have more horsepower but less torque than the current engine. The Range Rover's fuel economy with the current engine is a dismal 14 mpg in mixed driving.

Only a few luxury SUVs can rival the Land Rover in off-road ability. Lexus' GX470 and LX470, the Mercedes G-class and the Volkswagen Touareg are among them, and of these, the Lexus GX470 earns multiple top marks from critics.

The Lexus GX470 (*est. $46,225) is described as a result of careful attention to the wants and needs of luxury buyers. The GX470 was built to deliver all the comfort and performance of the higher-end LX470 in a slightly more affordable package. Critics say the GX is smooth and powerful on the road and can go nearly anywhere off road. Although the GX is the same price range as the Land Rover LR3, and does not get as many top reviews as the LR3, it still wins accolades from Motor Trend and Inside Line.com. These positive reviews, along with high resale values for Lexus vehicles and excellent Lexus customer service earn it a spot in Fast Answers.

Although praise for the GX is not quite as lavish as that for the LR3, Inside Line's Ed Hellwig says, "when it comes to delivering on all things you would want and expect from a high-end SUV the GX470 is in a league of its own." It is lauded for refined highway manners, exceptional off-road capability and seating for seven. Hellwig adds: "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 Toureg.

Other Choices

If your demands of a luxury SUV run more toward utility than prestige, experts say the Dodge Durango is the best heavy-duty, practical choice. The Dodge Durango (*est. $36,000 to $47,000) was completely redesigned for 2004 with a 15% increase in cargo room. Although adding high-end options boosts the price of the Durango into the luxury sphere, Dodge doesn't have the same cache as Land Rover or Lexus. Even so, it's a good choice for those who primarily want utility, with a wide range of nicer options, such as a rear-seat entertainment system ($1,200), leather trimmed bucket seats ($875), a sophisticated sound system ($720), trailer tow group ($525), traction control ($360), hands-free communications ($300) and heated front seats ($250).

The Durango’s towing ability is very impressive; the Hemi-powered Dodge Durango Limited can tow up to 8,950 pounds—twice that of the Cadillac SRX, and slightly more than the competing Ford Expedition. The Durango's wheelbase is 119.2 inches, longer than the Expedition, and the chassis is stiffer than previous versions of the Durango. Its optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8 generates 335 horsepower and 370 pound-feet of torque. The Durango can accelerate from zero to 60 miles per hour in 7.2 seconds.

Reviewers at Motor Trend are impressed with the Durango's fit and finish, and formal testing confirms that cabin noise levels are low. Editors at Automotive.com describe the Durango as "surprisingly refined;" it is quiet, rides smoothly, and its handling is stable and relatively agile. They praise its efficient packaging and flexible cabin space for people and cargo. Experts say the Durango's second and third rows of seats are notably easy to access, as the rear doors open an exceptionally wide 84 degrees. The second-row seat easily flips forward with one hand, and the seatback flops flat just as easily. This is no small virtue, say experts. Front impact crash ratings for the Durango are top notch.

Lexus' original RX300 was the maker's best selling model, and its introduction in 1998 helped expand the market for car-based luxury SUVs. Lexus redesigned the vehicle in 2004, and the RX330 (starting at (*est. $36,000) ) remains a top model at the lower end of the luxury spectrum. Critics say you get a lot for the money with the RX.

Experts say the RX is meticulously built, and it enjoys an excellent reputation for reliability. This, in turn, leads to a high resale value. The mid-sized RX seats five and has a smooth, quiet ride. Its standard V6 generates 230-horsepower, allowing it to reach 60 mph in a respectable 7.7 seconds. Fuel economy is impressive at 21 mpg for all-wheel drive models (front-wheel-drive variants are even better at 23 mpg).

Volkswagen developed the Touareg (*est. $37,000 to $59,000) in conjunction with Porsche (which calls its version the 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.

The Touareg weighs more than 5,000 pounds, and reviewers, including Car and Driver, have noted that the vehicle's base engine, a 220-horsepower V6, provides sluggish acceleration. They recommend the 310-horsepower V8 as a better option, though it gets only about 16 mpg in mixed driving. Volkswagen will offer the Touareg with a 10-cylinder turbo-diesel in 2005. Though massively powerful, this engine should also offer (relatively) good fuel efficiency, experts say.

In comparison to the Cadillac SRX, the Cadillac Escalade ( *est. $53,850 to $70,175 depending on model and options) seems far cruder, experts say. This bulky SUV is based on the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban. It shows its truck roots with a wallowy ride and some cheapish interior bits, according to critics. The eight-passenger Escalade is fast for its size (reaching 60 mph in 7.8 seconds) and has decent off-road capability, but it fails to earn top marks in any current tests.

Critics are fond of Acura's MDX (*est. $36,900 to $43,975) and Consumer Guide likes it enough to list it as a top scoring best buy. Experts like the Acura's sporty handling, build quality and sure-footedness over both pavement and light off-road situations. This seven-passenger SUV has a lot of interior room (perhaps not surprising, since it's based loosely on the Honda Odyssey minivan) and a 265-horsepower V6 that requires premium fuel. The MDX is a solid contender, but its below-average tow rating, interior flaws and limited off-road capability result in it not being the top choice in most of the reviews we found. Critics at Edmunds.com describe it as "somewhat bland."

The Infiniti FX series ( *est. $34,950 to $45,450 depending on model and options), 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 notes the lack of an available third-row seat but describes the FX as handling like a sports sedan.

The Lincoln Navigator (*est. $50,305 to $56,955) is one of the best-selling luxury SUVs. This massive vehicle can seat seven adults in comfort and can be had with luxury features such as an electronically operated tailgate and retracting running boards. Critics have not cozied up to the Navigator, however, and it has not scored well in reliability measures. Reviewers at Edmunds.com do not approve of its use of low-grade interior materials and note that competitors' offerings are more powerful and refined.

The vehicles making up the Mercedes-Benz M-Class ( *est. $37,950 to $46,400 , depending on model and options) have decent off-road ability and powerful V6 and V8 engines, but critics say they aren't as refined as similarly priced competitors. The M-Class can tow 5,000 pounds, and is available with a DVD-based, satellite-guided navigation system. The M-Class's reliability has been disappointing, however. The M-Class is being completely redesigned for 2006. Edmunds notes that the M-Class is expensive for what you get.

The Toyota Land Cruiser (*est. $55,325) is praised as a solid, high-quality luxury sport utility vehicle. The Land Cruiser is similar to the Lexus LX470. Both have excellent off-road capability and seating for up to eight. The Lexus/Toyota duo has remained largely unchanged since 1999, and reviewers seem to favor more modern machinery. They are rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds. Standard luxury features on the Lexus include high-tech items such as a video display that can help the driver spot objects behind the vehicle when backing up. Another option is hands-free Bluetooth cell phone operation.

The Volvo XC90 (*est. $35,290 to $45,395) has gotten some positive reviews, but not enough to land it in ConsumerSearch Fast Answers. Motor Trend liked it well enough to give it Sport/Utility of the Year honors in 2003 over similarly priced competitors like the Lincoln Aviator. The XC90 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, a twin turbo inline 6-cylinder engine with 268-horsepower and for 2005, a new 4.4-liter V8. Edmunds says the twin turbo inline 6-cylinder is not well suited to SUV duty. The V8 has 311 horsepower and is manufactured in Japan by Yamaha.

Important Features: USED CARS - Luxury SUVs

The following is what the experts say to look for in a luxury SUV. Most of our ConsumerSearch Fast Answers can be optioned to meet the majority of these criteria.

• An SUV should be roomy, with lots of cargo space. All vehicles in this class can carry at least five people in a pinch, 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, Dodge Durango Limited, 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 Acura MDX or Lexus RX330.

• 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 8 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 Dodge Durango Limited is tops in this regard, capable of towing up to 8,700 pounds.

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
5	Cadillac SRX (*est. $40,000 to $59,000)	details
3	Land Rover LR3 (*est. $44,330 to $49,330)	details
3	Land Rover Range Rover (*est. $72,000 to $85,000)	details
2	Lexus GX470 (*est. $46,225)	details
2	Lexus LX470 (*est. $65,225)	details
2	Lexus RX330 (*est. $36,000)	details
2	Dodge Durango (*est. $36,000 to $47,000)	details
2	Toyota Land Cruiser (*est. $55,325)	details
1 each	Acura MDX , Porsche Cayenne , Volvo XC70 , Lincoln Navigator , BMW X5 , Volkswagen Touareg

Cadillac, Land Rover and Lexus clearly dominate the luxury class, and all three are represented in ConsumerSearch Fast Answers. The Dodge Durango may not fit the luxury-class cache, but a wide variety of options allows buyers to outfit the more utilitarian Dodge with some touches of chrome and leather.

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