The Consumer Guide to 2009 Premium Midsize SUVs
by the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide
2009 Premium Midsize SUV Lineup
 Base Price Range: $40,990-$48,890 EPA MPG Range: 15-20 The 2009 Acura MDX is largely unchanged. This Best Buy SUV has contemporary styling and thoughtful features. MDX is a highly desirable blend of luxury, performance, and convenience. Among its highlights are a strong and surefooted powertrain, good 1st- and 2nd-row seat comfort, and urbane cabin appointments. |
 Base Price Range: $47,500-$56,200 EPA MPG Range: 14-25 The 2009 BMW X5 lineup gains a new diesel model, as well as new trim-level designations. X5 excels for its sporty handling and doesn't suffer as much as some BMWs from its iDrive control system. However, the navigation system is confounding, the available 3rd-row seat is a token gesture, and X5 is pricey, particularly in V8 form. Want an SUV with an emphasis on "Sport"? X5 might be the one for you. For its balance of power and frugality, the X5 diesel deserves the closest look. |
 Base Price Range: $55,900-$66,650 EPA MPG Range: 13-20 The 2009 BMW X6 is largely unchanged following its introduction for the 2008 model year. X6 is a study in compromises. It accelerates and handles like a sporty coupe, but it will never be as agile due to its sheer size and heft. Its hatchback design makes it slightly more versatile than a sedan, but X6 is neither as roomy nor as comfortable as a sedan or SUV. With prices that can easily exceed $70,000 with options, X6 is not a strong value, especially when BMW's own X5 is more practical, not much slower, and costs much less when comparably equipped. |
 Base Price Range: $35,070-$39,380 EPA MPG Range: 16-22 The 2009 Buick Enclave gets more available power and a few new features. Enclave is a Best Buy that builds on the strengths of its more mainstream cousins by offering tangible upgrades in luxury and style. Its car-like driving dynamics and ample passenger and cargo versatility make it a must see for shoppers considering a premium SUV. |
 Base Price Range: $40,460-$47,460 EPA MPG Range: 13-22 The 2009 Cadillac SRX gets no major changes pending a redesign due in calendar 2009 as a 2010 model. SRX is a good choice for performance, features, and accommodations versus similarly priced premium SUVs. Unless you go off-road or tow heavy loads, the SRX's road manners and efficient packaging make it preferable to most traditional SUV rivals. If you shop this crossover, be sure to test one with the available Magnetic Ride Control suspension for best ride comfort. |
 Base Price Range: $34,730-$45,270 EPA MPG Range: 13-20 The 2009 Chrysler Aspen gets a new gas/electric Hybrid model and more available power for what will be its final model year. Aspen may appear little more than a dressed-up Dodge Durango, but reduced noise levels and markedly upscale cabin trim make it a more enjoyable vehicle. Aspen's reasonable pricing means it doesn't cost much more than a comparably equipped Durango. The Hybrid gives up little towing capacity and no passenger space to its conventional sibling. However, it lacks smooth throttle response and suspension sophistication that one would expect in a premium-class vehicle. Shoppers who can use the towing and hauling utility of a traditional SUV, but don't covet the mass of a Cadillac Escalade or Lincoln Navigator would be best served by looking at a conventional Aspen. |
 Base Price Range: $42,150-$58,400 EPA MPG Range: 14-21 The 2009 Infiniti FX is redesigned, gaining freshened styling, more power, and additional safety systems. FX stands out from the pack for its combination of unique styling, sporty handling, and relative utility. It does, however, make some sacrifices in the ride and rear visibility departments. Competitors such as Acura MDX and Lexus RX exhibit a more comfortable, conventional blend of luxury and convenience, with less edgy styling and a more composed ride. |
 Base Price Range: $45,975 EPA MPG Range: 12-17 The 2009 Land Rover LR3 has a revised model lineup but is otherwise largely unchanged. In a class trending toward luxury crossover SUVs, the tall, off-road-oriented LR3 seems anachronistic. In reality, it's used exactly the way its car-like competition is, and in that capacity, delivers good passenger and cargo room and unexpected comfort. Ultimately, it's compromised by old-school-SUV handling and ergonomics as well as a hefty thirst for premium-grade gas. |
 Base Price Range: $58,375-$71,825 EPA MPG Range: 12-18 The 2009 Land Rover Range Rover Sport is largely unchanged. In its base HSE form, Range Rover Sport is not as outright fast as most like-priced high-performance SUVs, and discriminating shoppers will find the grade of interior materials lacking. Supercharged versions can hang with rivals for overall performance but at a stiff price premium over the HSE. Credit Range Rover Sport, though, with adroitly balanced dynamics and a mature personality that create a vehicle with distinct character. |
 Base Price: $47,615 EPA MPG Range: 14-18 The 2009 Lexus GX 470 is largely unchanged. GX 470 is bolstered by the resale-value record and red-carpet dealer service associated with the Lexus brand. But a trucky nature makes it less appealing than crossover rivals such as Acura's MDX and Lexus' own RX. |
 Base Price Range: $37,700-$42,980 EPA MPG Range: 17-27 The 2009 Lexus RX is largely unchanged. This premium midsize SUV has many imitators, but few offer this Best Buy's blend of comfort, refinement, and build quality. Adding to its appeal are Lexus's strong resale values and kid-glove customer care. RX 350's prices soar with options, some of which can be easily omitted. The gas/electric-hybrid RX 400h is costlier still, but it blends V8-like acceleration with fuel economy that bests even some V6-powered rivals. |
 Base Price Range: $37,845-$39,695 EPA MPG Range: 15-24 The 2009 Lincoln MKX sees no major changes. It's not as posh or refined as some premium crossovers, but MKX is competitive in power, size, and equipment levels. The question is whether the Lincoln brand has enough cache to draw buyers over from the prestige imports, or up from the Ford Edge, which shares the MKX's basic design. |
 Base Price Range: $44,600-$90,100 EPA MPG Range: 11-24 The 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class gets slightly freshened styling, a new diesel powerplant, and a new rear-drive model. Aside from around-town ride comfort that could be better, M-Class is highly refined, rock solid, and engaging-to-drive. The diesel ML320 BlueTEC promises smooth, quiet operation with excellent-for-the-class fuel economy. Despite stiff base and option prices, the M-Class is an easy Recommended pick. |
 Base Price Range: $47,650-$49,150 EPA MPG Range: 15-24 The 2009 Mercedes-Benz R-Class gains a new diesel powerplant. R-Class combines Mercedes-Benz luxury and driving dynamics with minivan-like utility. This SUV's ability to transport six adults in executive-jet comfort is unparalleled in this class. It's not cheap, but slow sales should mean big discounts. |
 Base Price Range: $44,600-$123,600 EPA MPG Range: 11-20 The 2009 Porsche Cayenne receives a new performance-oriented model, the Turbo S. Cayenne is a different take on the SUV formula, emphasizing sport way more than utility. What else from Porsche? But, the price for Porsche virtues--thoroughbred handling, blazing acceleration, and nameplate prestige--will be too high for all but an appreciative few. The cost becomes higher still when costly options are added. |
 Base Price Range: $42,615-$49,105 EPA MPG Range: 12-20 The 2009 Saab 9-7X is largely unchanged for what will be its final model year. The 9-7X delivers better driving dynamics and interior design than the General Motors SUVs on which it's based. Compared with the class-leading Acura MDX, Lexus RX, and Mercedes-Benz M-Class, the Saab falls short in drivetrain refinement and cabin materials. The Aero model represents an interesting choice for those who crave a high-performance SUV. |
 Base Price Range: $39,300-$48,900 EPA MPG Range: 13-25 The 2009 Volkswagen Touareg 2 makes news by offering a new diesel engine as well as a new high-end trim package. Touareg 2 is pricey for a Volkswagen but on par with Lexus and Mercedes-Benz rivals offering superior brand prestige, resale values, and customer care. But any Touareg 2 rewards with first-class cabin decor, competent SUV road manners, and terrific off-road prowess. |
 Base Price Range: $37,000-$50,800 EPA MPG Range: 13-20 The 2009 Volvo XC90 shuffles its model lineup. Earning XC90 kudos are car-like road manners, rock-solid feel, and numerous safety features. While none of these Volvos tops the class for agility or outright utility, prices are competitive, provided you keep a lid on option selection. The best value here is a 3.2 with its impressively refined 6-cylinder engine. |
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