The Consumer Guide to Premium Compact SUVs
by Jennifer Geiger
2009 Premium Compact SUV Lineup
Acura RDX
Base Price Range: $33,895-$37,195
EPA MPG Range: 17-22
Body Style: 4-door wagon
The 2009 Acura RDX is largely unchanged. 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.Audi Q5
Base Price Range: $37,200
EPA MPG Range: 18-23
Body Style: 4-door wagon
The 2009 Audi Q5 is this German automaker's first compact SUV. Q5 offers a level of refinement and cargo/passenger versatility unmatched by most compact SUVs. Those strengths, coupled with first-rate cabin appointments, put it at the head of the class. Prices can inflate quickly when options are added and Audi's MMI system still takes some getting used to, but overall, Q5 is a leading competitor in this quickly mushrooming class. BMW X3
Base Price: $39,400
EPA MPG Range: 16-24
Body Style: 4-door wagon
The 2009 BMW X3 is largely unchanged for what is likely its final model year in its current design. 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 the best in this class for value.Infiniti EX
Base Price Range: $33,800-$37,400
EPA MPG Range: 16-24
Body Style: 4-door wagon
The 2009 Infiniti EX35 receives some new standard equipment. With its smooth, powerful engine and well-appointed cabin, EX35 is a sportier, more luxurious alternative to Acura's RDX. Like G37's comfortable, posh interior, sporty performance, and available AWD but need more cargo utility? This Best Buy pick has you covered. Land Rover LR2
Base Price: $35,375
EPA MPG Range: 16-23
Body Style: 4-door wagon
The 2009 Land Rover LR2 loses a trim level, but is otherwise unchanged following its introduction for the 2008 model year. The base SE trim level has been discontinued, leaving the HSE as the only version offered. 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 package. Volvo XC60
Base Price Range: NA
EPA MPG Range: NA
Body Style: 4-door wagon
What was originally the 2009 Volvo XC60 debuts in the first quarter of 2009 as a 2010 model. Check out the 2010 Volvo XC60 for more information and our full review.
Inside This Article
