Luxury SUVs vary in size and type, including former members of both the Full-size and Midsize SUV classes, along with a few all-new models. All offer higher standards of workmanship, comfort, refinement, and pricing than other SUVs.

Our Best Buys are Acura MDX and Toyota Land Cruiser. Both are extremely capable on-road and offer roomy interiors that feature quality workmanship and materials. MDX gets slightly better fuel economy and is more reasonably priced. Land Cruiser offers a V8 engine, rugged body-on-frame chassis, and true off-road ability.

Though rugged and trucky, the Recommended Mercedes-Benz M-Class is spacious, offers a variety of model and engine choices, and numerous safety features. If you don't venture too far off-road, take a look at the car-based Lexus RX 300. Recommended based on price, refinement, and luxury appointments.

Discovery is being redesigned for a U.S. launch in 2004, likely for the '05 campaign. British sources say it's related to a new version of the Defender, the Jeep Wrangler-style Land Rover last sold here in 1997. The new Defender may come to the U.S., but it's not yet locked-in.

The next Discovery retains body-on-frame construction, but solid axles give way to all-independent suspension for a smoother on-road ride; air springs are a likely option for top-trim models. The standard dual-range 4WD reportedly adds a locking center differential. Powertrains are unknown, but we'd expect a 4.2-liter V8, from sister division Jaguar, pulling a 5- or 6-speed automatic transmission.

Size and styling change dramatically. A bi-level roofline and other Discovery cues continue, but a crisper, cleaner look is achieved with a lower waistline, much larger windows, and a spare tire carried beneath the cargo floor instead of outside. The swing-out rear door is replaced by a tall lift-up window above a separate tailgate that drops down or swings open. Seating for five or seven continues, but with more room for all thanks to larger dimensions. Wheelbase, for example, is said to stretch a whopping 13 inches to about 113.4, overall length nearly 5 inches to near 190. Overall height falls some 1.6 inches, which should combine with wider axles for improved cornering stability.

Further details aren't available, but the '05 should retain existing Discovery features like the anti-lean ACE suspension and off-road Hill Descent Control. The redesign was begun under BMW, Land Rover's former owner, so torso and head-protecting side airbags will likely be standard.

Discovery sales eased fractionally in 2001, but slipped 13.4 percent in 2002.