Infiniti's FX gets redesigned for 2009.

If you live in an area where snow is a possibility for much of the year, opt for front-drive or AWD. If you intend to go off-roading, check out a vehicle with low-range gearing. If you're only going to drive your SUV on the street, rear-drive or front-drive will work just fine. You shouldn't pay for lots of built-in off-road capability if you're never going to use it.

The disadvantages of AWD vs. a two-wheel drive model include reduced fuel economy and higher insurance and maintenance costs. However, many of the vehicles in this class aren't offered any other way and the higher cost of AWD is somewhat offset by higher resale value.

Some owners use their SUVs for towing. This limits the choices considerably. If you plan to tow with your SUV, make sure your vehicle of choice is rated to tow the weight of your intended load. Premium midsize SUV towing capacities range from 3,500 to more than 7,500 pounds.

As the name implies, SUVs are utility vehicles. As such, your choice of premium midsize SUV should meet your cargo needs. Check the rear seating and cargo arrangement to make sure it will work for your needs. Also check the tailgate. Some tailgates have opening rear glass that makes it easier to load items like groceries. Some have power-opening tailgates. The Lexus GX 470 has a rear cargo door that opens towards the curb, which can be a hassle if you live in the city.

Car-type or Truck-type?

Most premium-midsize SUV models have car-type unit body designs. Three vehicles, the Chrysler Aspen, Lexus GX 470, and Saab 9-7X, use truck-type ladder frames. Most of the rest use the body shell as the main structural component instead of a frame. Two models, however, the Land Rover LR3 and Range Rover Sport, use a hybrid design that combines unit body and ladder frame elements.
Historically, truck-type SUVs have been heavier, more capable off-road, and able to tow more. Car-type SUVs, on the other hand, boasted car-like ride and handling characteristics, with less bounding and body lean in turns. In recent years, however, manufacturers have designed unibody SUVs to combine the best of both worlds. That is especially evident in this class where high prices can justify greater engineering expenditures. The Porsche Cayenne and Volkswagen Touareg are prime examples. These are among the most capable off-road vehicles in this class and they also have the highest towing capacities, yet they also benefit from car-like qualities. The Cayenne is especially sporty, rivaling some sport sedans for handling prowess.

For most buyers, car-type SUVs are the best choice. For those who intend to go off-road or tow heavy loads, truck-type SUVs are usually the better choice. As mentioned above, the Cayenne and Touareg are exceptions that offer a blend of both.

It's a Matter of Preference

Perhaps more than any other class, premium midsize SUVs offer a wide array of driving characteristics. They range from truck-like and dogged off-road to sports-car agile to luxury-car isolated. Many of them offer sedan-like ride and handling. Most, if not all, bring with them the cache associated with a luxury brand, and correspondingly steep prices. That's why we recommend you try before you buy.

You may think you want that tricked-out Infiniti FX45 with 21-inch wheels, but a quick spin will reveal that with the stylish large wheels comes an unappreciated, harsh ride. Perhaps you were planning to buy an SUV with a V8 engine, when a V6 offers ample power for your needs and may help you save on fuel.

Creature comforts also abound in premium midsize SUVs. Features such as rear-view cameras, navigation systems, radar or laser adaptive cruise control, heated and cooled seats, keyless entry and starting, separate rear climate control, power liftgates, emergency and concierge service, and rear DVD entertainment are available. Choose your options wisely, and only pick those that you'll really use.

Read our reviews, narrow down your choices to the SUVs you think you might like and that fit your budget, then go to a few dealerships and take your prospects for a thorough test drive. Most brands selling premium midsize SUVs have high scores on customer satisfaction surveys, so you can count on receiving the red-carpet treatment. You're spending a lot of money on this purchase, so it's very important that you make the right choice.
 
Consider Safety

Every premium midsize SUV comes with antilock four-wheel disc brakes. Front side airbags and curtain side airbags are standard on most and available on all. Most also have side curtain airbags that cover all seating rows, but the Cadillac SRX and Lexus GX 470 have side curtains that cover only the first two rows. If you're safety conscious and plan to carry seven or eight passengers regularly, you might want to make sure the side curtains protect all three rows.

All premium midsize SUVs have antiskid systems, which are designed to help the driver maintain the intended path on slippery roads. Some others, including the BMW X5, Lincoln MKX, and Volvo XC90, have an antiskid system with rollover sensors. When this system's sensors detect an impending tip, the antiskid system is manipulated in a manner to help prevent a rollover.

Another good safety innovation is park assist. When the vehicle is in reverse, sensors embedded in the rear bumper detect an object behind the vehicle and alert the driver through audible tones. The high ride height of premium midsize SUVs can prevent drivers from seeing behind them when backing up, so the added expense of rear park assist makes more sense for shoppers in this class.

Buy Smart

While many people prefer the image of an SUV to that of a minivan, SUVs are often poor substitutes for more practical minivans. Their tall ride height presents a jungle gym-like challenge for children, but it can make for painful falls and extra effort for parents who have to lift tired children into high-positioned seats. The rear doors also aren't as convenient as the sliding doors of a minivan.