2008 Premium Compact SUV Lineup

premium compact SUV
Acura RDX
Base Price Range: $33,195-$36,695
EPA MPG Range: 19-23
Body Style: 4-door wagon
RDX aims to be as sporty and upscale as Acura's TSX compact sedan, which it is. But the choice of a turbo 4-cylinder engine is debatable for a small SUV, especially one that starts at more than $33,000. Acura's record for reliability and resale strength help offset premium pricing, but RDX comes across as more a marketing tactic than a strong value, even among premium compact SUVs.

premium compact SUV
BMW X3
Base Price Range: $38,000
EPA MPG Range: 18-26
Body Style: 4-door wagon
Like BMW's 3-Series cars, X3 gives up outright size to most like-priced competitors but delivers sporty handling and a quiet ride. Good engine power is offset by poor throttle response and jerky transmission behavior. Add in steep pricing, and X3 is overshadowed by others in this class for value.

premium compact SUV
Infiniti EX35
Base Price Range: $31,300-$36,250
EPA MPG Range: 16-24
Body Style: 4-door wagon
With its smooth, powerful engine and well-appointed cabin, EX35 is a sportier, more luxurious alternative to Acura's RDX. Like G35's comfortable, posh interior, sporty performance, and available AWD but need more cargo utility? This Recommended pick has you covered.

premium compact SUV
Land Rover LR2
Base Price Range: $33,985-$35,375
EPA MPG Range: 16-23
Body Style: 4-door wagon
The LR2 mainly targets the Acura RDX and Infiniti EX35 in price and market position. It's somewhat slower and a bit less agile than those rivals, but trumps them and most others in ride quality and off-road ability. Basically, Land Rover shrinks what's best about its larger, costlier LR3 model into a more sensibly sized and remarkably refined new package