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Luxury SUVs package the versatility and all-wheel-drive capability of a mainstream SUV with the creature comforts and well-appointed cabin of a luxury car. Sure, buying one is often based as much on emotion as on finances, but there are some exceptional models here that more than justify the rationale. These SUVs typically come loaded with plenty of comfort and convenience features, and offer the latest electronic safety and infotainment systems. They are generally quieter and ride more comfortably than non-luxury SUVs. Some even deliver greater performance. More manufacturers are now offering luxury compact SUVs to meet consumer demand for greater amentieis in a more fuel-efficient and easier-to-maneuver size.
Drawbacks: Fuel economy is a low point with the largest models, reliability is spotty with some, and ownership costs are often very high.
Our top-rated compact luxury model delivers it all. The interior is well-appointed and features comfortable seats. We enjoyed the spirited driving experience, with its agile and secure handling and lively powertrains that deliver good fuel economy. The base four-cylinder engine returned a very good 23 mpg overall in our tests, but it's not as refined as the turbocharged six-cylinder. The ride is taut and composed, but not quite on the level of some BMW sedans. Our main gripe is that some controls are needlessly complicated.
Price as tested: $44,595
Overall mpg: 23
The upscale RDX, which has its roots in the thrifty Honda CR-V, is well-equipped for the price and easy to live with. Though the cabin is not overly luxurious, it is roomy and nicely finished, with comfortable seats and simpler controls than some competing models. A flat floor helps with rear-seat leg room. The V6 engine is quick and silky smooth, and it returns fuel economy that's comparable to some four-cylinder models. Handling is sound but not particularly agile, and the ride is a little stiff.
Price as tested: $36,605
Overall mpg: 22
A comfortable ride and a luxurious, very quiet interior help vault the RX 450h hybrid to the top of the class. Its super-frugal 26 mpg overall is among the best we've recorded with any SUV. The conventional RX 350 impresses with its smooth and refined six-cylinder engine. Either way, expect excellent reliability and sound, if not sporty, handling. Overall, the RX is about comfort and refinement rather than driving excitement.
Price as tested: $53,576 (450h), $47,381 (350)
Overall mpg: 26 (450h), 21 (350)
The stylish MDX is a functional and luxurious family hauler. We found it to be a roomy, comfortable SUV and appreciate the second-row seat's clever folding mechanism, which makes it a snap to access the third row. Cabin noise is hushed, and the ride is supple. The engine is very refined and has plenty of zip, and it returns decent mileage for a midsized all-wheel-drive SUV. But we're not fans of the multiscreen infotainment system, which has some complicated controls. A front-wheel-drive version of the MDX is new and should provide better fuel economy at a slightly lower price.
Price as tested: $49,460
Overall mpg: 20
With a luxurious and well-finished cabin and room for up to eight people, the Enclave is a very comfortable luxury SUV with a better ride than most of its competitors. It has agile and secure handling, excellent fit and finish, and a third-row seat that's roomy enough for adults. A recent freshening included updates to the controls and the addition of the Buick IntelliLink infotainment system. Forward-collision and lane departure warning systems are also new. It's worth noting that the Enclave's siblings, the Chevrolet Traverse and the GMC Acadia, offer many of the same attributes for less money.
Price as tested: $43,260
Overall mpg: 15
The XC90 is an old design that wasn't that competitive when new. It's underpowered, its fuel economy of 17 mpg overall isn't impressive, handling lacks agility, and the ride is stiff. Fortunately, a redesigned model is expected to debut this fall.
The Lincoln MKX has a luxurious interior but handling is clumsy, the MyLincoln Touch control system is frustrating, and it has been unreliable.
It's long on style but short on interior room. Acceleration and fuel economy are commendable in the Evoque. But with a choppy ride, a noisy cabin, and disconcerting emergency handling, it scored at the bottom of our Ratings.
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From 2014: Top Picks, Who makes the best cars, and Extended warranties.
This article also appeared in the April 2014 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.
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