2009 Premium Large SUV Lineup
Audi Q7
Base Price Range: $43,500-$59,220
EPA MPG Range: 13-20; 17-24 diesel
Body Style: 4-door wagon
The 2009 Audi Q7 lineup gains a new turbodiesel model. Audi's first SUV is loosely based on the Touareg from parent-company Volkswagen. Recognizing that vehicles in this class are more about coddling style-conscious occupants than carrying cargo, the Q7 fits the premium-large-SUV bill nicely. However, its 3rd-row room, comfort, and access is hostile to adults, and the 4.2 V8's fuel economy is frightful. The 3.0 TDI makes up for it with class-leading fuel economy, though diesel fuel costs more than the premium gas conventional Q7s require. Overall, Q7 earns our Recommended nod for mechanical finesse, terrific all-weather road manners, and the addition of a fuel-frugal diesel option. Audi design and workmanship also appeal.
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Cadillac Escalade
Base Price Range: $61,130-$75,685
EPA MPG Range: 12-19; 20-21 Hybrid
Body Styles: 4-door wagon, 4-door crew cab
The 2009 Cadillac Escalade lineup gains a gas/electric hybrid model. Otherwise, this premium large SUV gains a few new features for 2009. Escalade's conventional engine can run on E85. The hybrid requires regular-grade gasoline. Escalade is available as a wagon in standard trim, a long-wheelbase ESV, or in crew-cab pickup EXT form. Escalade wagons are basically GMC Yukon Denalis with Cadillac looks, and add a pinch more power, extra standard features, and higher prices. All of GM's large SUVs are solid choices in their market segments, and although Escalade wagons may not be worth every penny of their extra cost over the Denali, they are Recommended picks in the premium large SUV class. The Hybrid model's price premium is steep, but so are the potential fuel economy savings. This premium large SUV delivers fuel economy comparable to many smaller crossover SUVs with no sacrifice in passenger or cargo capacity.
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Hummer H2
Base Price Range: $61,585-$63,090
EPA MPG Range: NA (H2 exceeds the weight limit for vehicles in EPA fuel-economy program)
Body Styles: 4-door wagon, 4-door crew cab
The 2009 Hummer H2 adds the ability to run on E85 ethanol-blended fuel. This premium large SUV is available as a 4-door wagon or 4-door crew cab pickup in SUT form. Hummer's biggest model is incredibly capable off-road and reasonably well-behaved on-road. Impressive towing capacity adds to the package. For shoppers uncomfortable with Hummer's aggressive styling and with few off-road aspirations, any number of large trucks match the H2's overall utility and trump it for passenger space and fuel economy. |
Infiniti QX56
Base Price Range: $55,050-$58,150
EPA MPG Range: 12-18
Body Style: 4-door wagon
The 2009 Infiniti QX56 is largely unchanged. QX56 is a luxury-trimmed version of the Nissan Armada SUV from Infiniti's parent company. Infiniti's reworking of the QX56 brings its interior decor in line with other premium-class competitors. Still, this big rig doesn't trounce its key competitors any more than does the less-expensive Nissan Armada upon which it's based. QX56 is a capable, albeit thirsty, SUV that also boasts the promise of kid-gloves customer service associated with a premium brand.
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Land Rover Range Rover
Base Price Range: $77,675-$93,325
EPA MPG Range: 12-18
Body Style: 4-door wagon
The 2009 Land Rover Range Rover is largely unchanged. Range Rover stands out among premium SUVs for its balance of on-road manners, off-road ability, and high-class accommodations. The Supercharged model adds more muscle--for a hefty price premium. There are less-expensive alternatives that offer similar performance and better fuel economy, but for Range Rover's well-heeled shoppers, little else will do. |
Lexus LX 570
Base Price: $75,855
EPA MPG Range: 12-18
Body Style: 4-door wagon
The 2009 Lexus LX 570 is largely unchanged following its model-year 2008 introduction. This premium large SUV shares its basic design with the Toyota Land Cruiser. The "Lexus Land Cruiser" still doesn't have quite the cachet of the Audi Q7, which offers thrifty diesel power. Nor does it have the in-your-face style of the Cadillac Escalade, which offers a fuel-saving gas/electric hybrid version. In spite of this, LX 570 offers plenty of room, refinement, and luxury; laudable safety and performance features; and is highly capable off-road. The only reason to pay more for LX 570 over the Land Cruiser is Lexus' reputation for kid gloves customer treatment. |
Lincoln Navigator
Base Price Range: $52,440-$58,340
EPA MPG Range: 12-18
Body Style: 4-door wagon
The 2009 Lincoln Navigator adds some new standard features including the ability to run on E85 ethanol-blended fuel. This premium large SUV is a dressed up version of Ford's Expedition and comes in standard-length models and the 15-inch-longer Navigator L. Navigator is overshadowed by the more glamorous Cadillac Escalade, which has more power and more luxurious interior appointments. The Lincoln holds an edge over the 'Slade in some important measures. It costs less comparably equipped, has arguably better steering and handling, friendlier cargo management, and vastly superior 3rd-row seating. Navigator's real rival is the Ford Expedition upon which it's based. Except for nameplate status, Expedition delivers everything this Lincoln does, all at a lower price.
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Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
Base Price Range: $58,200-$81,300
EPA MPG Range: 13-18; 17-23 diesel
Body Style: 4-door wagon
The 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class gets a new diesel engine. This premium large SUV is a stretched version of the Mercedes-Benz M-Class premium midsize SUV. The GL-Class doesn't have the sheer interior volume of some premium large SUVs, but accommodations are more than adequate for the majority of buyers. Relatively trim exterior dimensions ease parking and maneuverability, too. Any GL is a Best Buy that offers impressive power and high levels of refinement. Don't overlook the diesel GL320 BlueTEC--it's the least expensive model, yet is plenty powerful and remarkably frugal.
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Toyota Land Cruiser
Base Price: $64,755
EPA MPG Range: 13-18
Body Style: 4-door wagon
The 2009 Toyota Land Cruiser sees no major changes following its 2008 redesign. Land Cruiser blends legendary off-road capability with impressive on-road manners and luxurious accommodations. Inconvenient passenger-to-cargo conversion and steep pricing make it a good value only to high-rolling off-roaders and Land Cruiser loyalists. |
