YONKERS, NY — The new Ford Flex and the upgraded Mazda CX-9 now rank among the best three-row SUVs tested by Consumer Reports. The Flex and CX-9 trail behind only the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, the conventional Highlander, and the Acura MDX in CR's Ratings of 17 midsized models.

But the redesigned Honda Pilot has slipped from being one of Consumer Reports' top-rated three-row SUVs to midpack. The Pilot, although still a very competitive SUV, now ranks eleventh out of seventeen midsized, three-row SUVs that have been tested by CR.

The Pilot’s overall score of 74 was just three points lower than the Flex (77) and two points lower than the CX-9 (76). That was enough to place it behind five other competitors—all of which have a 75-point overall score. Those vehicles are the: GMC Acadia, Saturn Outlook, Hyundai Veracruz, Buick Enclave, and Ford Taurus X. Corporate cousins, the Acadia, Outlook and Enclave are all built on the same GM platform and share many components.

In addition to testing the three midsized SUVs, Consumer Reports also tested two large SUVs, the Toyota Sequoia and Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid. The Sequoia posted a “Very Good” overall score; it ranks second in the category, just behind the considerably more expensive Mercedes-Benz GL450. The large Tahoe Hybrid returned an impressive 19 MPG overall in CR's fuel economy tests, but still ranks just midpack among the 14 large SUVs that CR has tested.

Prices of the midsized SUVs range from $35,830 for the Pilot to $38,615 for the CX-9. The large SUVs are priced at $54,005 for the Sequoia and $55,585 for the Tahoe Hybrid.

Ford’s new Flex wraps a versatile, cavernous interior in a distinctly boxy styling. It is also lower and more wagon-like than others in this class. The CX-9 has improved considerably since the last one tested by CR last year, helped by a larger engine and improved braking. It is one of the sportiest SUVs that CR's engineers have ever driven, and it has a roomy, quiet, well-crafted interior.

The Pilot remains a very practical vehicle with seating for up to eight, slightly improved fuel economy, and a reasonable price. But pronounced road noise, so-so acceleration and braking, and interior controls and quality that’s not as good as the previous generation Pilot cost it points in CR's testing.

Full tests and ratings of the SUV group appear in the November issue of Consumer Reports, which goes on sale October 7. The reports are also available to subscribers of www.ConsumerReports.org.

The issue also contains an “Auto Test Extra” report on the SmartForTwo, which finished at the bottom  of CR's subcompact car ratings.

The CX-9, Pilot, and Sequoia are the only vehicles in this test group that are Recommended by Consumer Reports. CR only Recommends vehicles that have performed well in its tests, have at least average predicted reliability based on CR's Annual Car Reliability Survey of its more than seven million print and  web subscribers, and performed at least adequately if crash-tested or included in a government rollover test.

CR doesn’t have reliability data yet on the Flex and Tahoe Hybrid.

Ford’s seven-passenger Flex blurs the lines between a wagon, SUV, and minivan, combining utility with car-like driving dynamics. It makes road trips relaxing, with vast rear-seat room; a quiet, well-finished interior; and a plush ride. But the driving position is compromised, the turning circle is wide and the engine is not as smooth as others. The Flex SEL ($38,460 Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price as tested) is powered by a 262-hp, 3.5-liter V6 that is smooth around town but sounds strained under load. The six-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly. The Flex returned a respectable 17 mpg overall in CR's own fuel economy tests. The second- and third-row seats fold easily. Braking distances were somewhat long.

The seven-passenger CX-9 combines sportiness and practicality. It is one of the most agile three-row SUVs available, yet it’s also comfortable, quiet, and user-friendly. For 2008, Mazda improved the CX-9 by adding an engine with more power without sacrificing fuel economy. The CX-9 Grand Touring ($38,615 MSRP as tested) is powered by a 273-hp, 3.7-liter V6 engine that feels responsive but delivers a somewhat disappointing 16 mpg overall in CR’s fuel economy tests. The six-speed transmission is very smooth. The brakes on the CX-9 are very good. Two adults can fit in the third row, but only by sliding the second row seats forward. The swoopy styling sacrifices cargo space compared with some boxier competitors.

Although the previous Honda Pilot was a Top Pick in this category at one time, CR's engineers were disappointed with the redesign. The new one loses ground on interior fit and finish, and braking. Road noise remains omnipresent, and the center console is crowded. That said, the Pilot is still a very functional vehicle. It still seats eight, and it drives pretty well. The Pilot EX-L ($35,830 MSRP as tested) is powered by a 250-hp, 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers adequate performance and delivers a good 18 mpg overall on regular fuel. The five-speed automatic transmission shifts very smoothly. Braking distances on the Pilot were disappointing. Three adults can fit comfortably in the rear seat, and the flat floor helps. The third row can also seat three small individuals, but there’s not much leg room. The second row can slide forward for a little more space.

Based on Toyota’s Tundra pickup, the redesigned Sequoia is a big brute of a truck-based SUV, but a good one. Its main attributes are an impressively smooth, punchy powertrain; a vast, comfortable interior; and impressive towing and off-road capability. It rides better than the old Sequoia but still feels truckish, and handling is clumsy. The Sequoia Limited ($54,005 MSRP as tested) is powered by a 381-hp, 5.7-liter V8 that accelerates to 60 mph quicker than many cars. Fuel economy of 15 mpg overall in CR's tests is respectable for its size and acceleration. The six-speed automatic transmission delivers quick, smooth shifts. CR liked the power-folding third-row seats and the power-retractable rear window. The Sequoia’s brakes are adequate.

The hybrid system in this Tahoe improves fuel economy by 35 percent and can save about $900 a year in gas over the conventional Tahoe. The vehicle’s faults stem mainly from the Tahoe’s basic package, rather than the hybrid system. Handling is clumsy, braking distances are very long, and the third-row seat is small. But for those who need a large SUV, it’s hard to beat the Hybrid’s mileage. The Tahoe Hybrid ($55,585 MSRP as tested) is powered by a 332-hp, 6.0-liter V8 combined with the hybrid electric motor that delivers good performance at low revs, but then runs out of steam. Using a combination of an automatic transmission and continuously variable transmission, the Tahoe returned a respectable 19 mpg overall on regular fuel. The second-row seats are very roomy even for three adults, but the cramped third-row seat feels like an afterthought even though it seats three. You almost sit on the floor, and leg room is minimal, making it uncomfortable even for short trips. Stopping distances are disturbingly long in the Tahoe.

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