SUVs: Lexus RX350, Acura MDX Rated as Best Luxury SUVs

The Lexus RX350 and the Acura MDX, both redesigned, bested among its competitors from Cadillac, BMW, and Lincoln in Consumer Reports (CR) tests of five midsize luxury SUVs for the July issue. Among the 18 SUVs recently tested by Consumer Reports, the RX350 and MDX now rank in third and fourth places, respectively.

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is Consumer Reports top-rated vehicle in the category, and a Top Pick vehicle in the Annual April Auto Issue. Ranking overall second is the Lexus RX400h, another hybrid. This car and the RX350 are built on the same platform and their power trains make the difference.

For the July issue, a total of five luxury SUVs (the RX350, MDX, Cadillac SRX, BMW X5, and the Lincoln MKX) were assessed by CR.

A �Very Good overall score was attained by the SRX but it till finished just midpack in such competitive segment. For this class, the X5 and MKX finished at the bottom of CR s rankings though still with �Very Good overall scores.

Each having 80 points overall, the RX350 and MDX finished in a virtual tie. However, the vehicles have very diversified driving characteristics. Delivering the quickest acceleration, the five-passenger RX is elegant and cozy, plus, it delivers the best fuel economy (at 19 mpg overall) among the cars in the group. Meanwhile, the three-row, seven-passenger MDX has better handling and a powertrain that feels sportier than the Lexus.

An Auto Test Extra report on a large SUV (the Lincoln Navigator, which posted a �Very Good overall score) was also included in the July issue.

The RX350 and the MDX are the only midsize SUVs that Consumer Reports recommends. The SRX was not recommended because of its not-so-good reliability record. And as regards the X5 and MKX, CR does not yet have reliability data on them. CR only recommends: the vehicles that have performed well in the test; those with at least average predicted reliability based on the magazine s Annual Car Reliability Survey of its own subscribers; and those that performed at least fair if crash-tested or included in a government rollover test.

Its new engine makes the Lexus five-passenger luxury SUV an active performer. The car is rich because of its well-designed interior details. But it is also practical because of its fuel efficiency offer. Though third-row seat is not available, this SUV assures good handling.

At $45,706 Manufacturer s Suggested Retail Price as tested, the RX350 is equipped with a 270-hp, 3.5-liter V6 engine. This gives the quickest acceleration and the best fuel economy among the five in this group, yielding 19 mpg overall in CR s fuel economy tests. The transmission is smooth and responsive at five-speed automatic. Braking, as well, is very good overall.

Equipped with Acura OEM parts, the improved MDX is a well-rounded, seven-seat SUV that bested among vehicles costing thousands more. Its refined powertrain, responsive handling, and controlled ride are the characteristics that CR definitely likes. With third-row seat that is tight for children, the MDX ($46,365 MSRP as tested) is propelled by a 300-hp, 3.7-liter V6 that delivers quick acceleration. Just like the RX350, the MDX also has a five-speed automatic transmission that is smooth and responsive. Braking is also very good.

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SUVs: Lexus RX350, Acura MDX Rated as Best Luxury SUVs

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