Lexus GX

Like its Toyota 4Runner corporate cousin, the GX 460 is among the few remaining old-school SUVs that use a body-on-frame design. It is very quiet and quick for a hulking brute, yet the GX is highly capable off-road and has a 6,500-pound tow rating. The 4.6-liter V8 engine and six-speed automatic make for a slick powertrain but got a paltry 17 mpg overall. Handling is lumbering but ultimately secure. The ride is very comfortable, especially at low speeds, although the body tends to jostle when driving over uneven pavement. Inside, the cabin is plush and well-finished. Drivers of almost any height should find a good driving position. There's plenty of space all around and a commanding view out. The small third-row seat folds neatly into the floor when it's not in use, but the side-swinging rear door can be inconvenient at times.

The 2010 model uses a 4.6-liter V8. The ride is quiet and comfortable and off-road capability is commendable. All-wheel drive and three rows of seats are standard. Handling feels ponderous in corners, even at moderate speeds. Even though the GX has a standard third-row seat, it's way too cramped. Access is awkward, as is opening the side-swinging rear door in tight spaces. The subscription-based Lexus Enform Remote app performs unlock/lock, remote start and trace functions, along with a tracking service. You can get an alert sent to your smartphone if the vehicle exceeds a preset speed or mileage limit to help you keep an eye on a teenage driver. We'd get a GX 460 Premium with the optional blind spot monitoring system and heated wood-and-leather steering wheel. It's the best deal in the lineup.

While the GX shares its platform with the Toyota 4Runner, the model slots in size and price between the RX and the huge LX. It also shares its smooth and quiet V8 powertrain, as well as many of its luxury appointments with the LX. A body-on-frame design with a live rear axle, the GX has three rows of seats and can accommodate eight. However, the third-row seat is small and consumes cargo space when folded, while reducing visibility. Interior fit and finish are impressive. Ride quality is comfortable and quiet, but uneven pavement can cause side-to-side movement and cornering is less than agile. Full-time 4WD with low range gearing, a hill-descent feature and a system that prevents roll-back on steep ascents make it remarkably competent off-road. 2005 brought a horsepower boost.