If you remember the "Mary Tyler Moore Show" from back in the 1970s, the last line of the opening theme song is "You're gonna make it after all". The idea behind premium-brand automakers is that they make products for those who have indeed "made it." That philosophy is something automakers carry into making a large SUV.

Consumer Guide® classifies 11 different vehicles as premium large SUVs. American, European, and Japanese brands all vie for a piece of this very profitable pie. Selling one premium large SUV can add over $10,000 to the net income column on an automaker's balance sheet.

As such, manufacturers are constantly engaging in a war of one-upsmanship to woo demanding buyers with combinations of powerful engines, sophisticated driving dynamics, on- or off-road, and refined interiors brimming with luxury touches.

Cool Premium Large SUV Features

- Hummer H2 and 4-wheel drive Lincoln Navigator are too heavy to be rated in the EPA fuel economy program. - Though sporting import nameplates, the Infiniti QX56 and Mercedes-Benz GL-Class are built in the United States, in Mississippi and Alabama, respectively. - With its 403-hp V8 engine, the Cadillac Escalade is the most powerful vehicle in this class.

A League of Their Own
Many vehicles in the premium large SUV segment enjoy almost cult-like followings. The Land Rover Range Rover and Hummer H2 are known for their off-road prowess. Cadillac's Escalade and Lincoln's Navigator enjoy fame among Hollywood celebrities and professional athletes.

Regardless of brand, all players in this category have their own appeal for well-heeled shoppers who want and need more than what coupes, sedans, or midsize SUVs offer. Whether it's carrying friends and equipment to the country club, towing a horse trailer to the equestrian center, or tackling rough terrain to get to a vacation home in the mountains, a premium large SUV is certainly the way to go if you want to get noticed.

The muscular profiles cut by these vehicles tell anyone that you've arrived and will settle for nothing less than doing it with size and style.

Premium Form and Function
Premium large SUVs often borrow chassis and powertrains from their more mainstream cousins. The recently redesigned 2007 Cadillac Escalade shares General Motors' "900" platform with the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon. The Lincoln Navigator is based on parent-company Ford's Expedition.

Even import nameplates do this. The Infiniti QX56 is built on the same assembly line as parent company Nissan's Armada. The Toyota Land Cruiser and Lexus LX 470 are corporate cousins, as are the new-for-'07 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class and midsize ML-Class. The only premium large SUV with a unique platform is the Range Rover, even though Land Rover is owned by Ford.

No matter its roots, most premium large SUVs use a truck-type body-on-frame construction. This contributes to these vehicles' robust capabilities for carrying people, hauling cargo, or towing a boat. Thanks to sophisticated 4WD systems, many can also traverse terrain that doesn't include asphalt or concrete.

The only exception is the GL-Class, which uses car-type unibody construction. This, however, doesn't make it any less capable than its competitors. Optional is an off-road package that includes a low-range gear and driver-selectable shock absorber control.

No premium large SUV has an engine with less than eight cylinders and 275 horsepower. All use automatic transmissions with four, five, or six speeds. Minimum 5,000 lb curb weights mean these vehicles are far from speed demons, but they still have the ability to tow 6,500 lb or more.

Some premium large SUVs don't follow conventional styles. The Cadillac Escalade EXT, for example, is a premium large SUV that looks like an oversized 4-door crew cab pickup truck. Its 5.3-ft cargo box expands to 8.2 ft via a "midgate." Escalade is also available as an ESV model that has a 14-inch longer wheelbase than the standard length model. Hummer H2 is available as the SUT, which is also a four-door crew cab, but lacks an adjustable midgate.

For heavy cargo loaded into the vehicle itself, most premium large SUVs are available with a load-leveling suspension. As weight in the rear increases, the suspension automatically raises to level the vehicle. As a further convenience, most are available with a power liftgate.

Most premium large SUVs have standard all-wheel drive with low-range gearing. That makes these vehicles very capable off-road, even though many will never leave paved surfaces. A few, such as the Cadillac Escalade, don't include a low-range gear.

Best Buy

Toyota Land Cruiser

Recommended

Cadillac Escalade ('06)

Think Safety
Premium price tags mean advanced safety features come standard. Stability control, also known as an antiskid system, is a common feature. Antiskid systems are designed to keep a vehicle on the intended path on slippery roads. Some antiskid systems also incorporate sensors that can detect and try to prevent a rollover.

Airbags abound in most premium large SUVs. Front side and curtain side airbags are available, depending on model. Some side airbags also are designed to deploy in rollovers.

Safety features don't end there. There are features on premium large SUVs that can help if owners are feeling adventurous. Available on vehicles like the Range Rover is a hill descent control feature. When engaged, the system limits the vehicle's speed when going down a steep incline.

Pedestrians also benefit from safeguards like video screens that incorporate rearview cameras. They show images of what's behind the vehicle while backing up and can be helpful for seeing objects that might be obscured.

Rugged Outside, Opulent Inside
A premium large SUV conveys a rugged image with its exterior styling. But inside, they're designed to pamper drivers and passengers alike with luxury and convenience features.

In addition to navigation systems with touch screens, drivers and front passengers are often treated to heated seats. Some, like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator, have cooled front seats, a nice feature to have on hot summer days. Ears can be appeased by name brand, high-end audio systems. Most premium large SUVs offer a built-in wireless link for cell phones.

Those traveling in back can be treated to DVD entertainment systems with wireless headphones, and can get comfortable with separate climate controls. A few vehicles have heated 2nd-row bucket seats or power-folding seats.

A Pretty Penny
Premium large SUVs aren't cheap. Sticker prices start at or above $50,000 and can climb in excess of $70,000 depending on model and option selection. Then there are expenses related to fuel. These vehicles are not known for their fuel frugality, the cost of which is compounded by their need for premium-grade fuel.

But for these buyers, such things are of little consequence. They demand quality, attention to detail, rugged styling, and versatility. Some are better executed than others in this area, so thoroughly drive before you buy. In the premium large SUV arena, we recommend the Cadillac Escalade ('06) and Toyota Land Cruiser as the ones that deliver the best blend of features, comfort, and luxury.

2007 Cadillac Escalade Base Price Range: $53,850-$56,405 EPA MPG Range: 13-19 Body Styles: Four-door wagon, four-door crew cab Escalade wagons are basically GMC Yukon Denalis with Cadillac looks, a pinch more power, extra standard features, and higher prices. All GM's redesigned '07 large SUVs show marked improvement, especially in ride, handling, and interior execution. Is Escalade worth its extra cost over the Denali? Not really, but it is a good value against most other premium large SUVs.

Hummer H2 Base Price Range: $52,980-$53,035 EPA MPG Range: Not rated by the EPA Body Styles: Four-door wagon, four-door crew cab H2s are highly capable off-road and fairly civilized on-road. But the same money buys any number of less-exaggerated large SUVs with more interior room, comfort, practicality, refinement, and superior workmanship--and, often, better fuel economy.

Infiniti QX56 Base Price Range: $49,800-$52,800 EPA MPG Range: 13-19 Body Styles: Four-door wagon Though it doesn't trounce the competition any more than does the less-expensive Nissan Armada upon which it is based, QX56 is a capable big rig, and it costs little more than a loaded Armada. Both suffer the usual sumo-SUV woes, especially poor fuel economy. But the Infiniti boasts a more upscale air, a longer warranty, and the promise of superior customer service.

Land Rover Range Rover Base Price Range: $75,035-$90,035 EPA MPG Range: 13-18 Body Styles: 4-door wagon Range Rover stands out among premium SUVs for its balance of on-road manners, off-road ability, and high-class accommodations. The '06 updates its upper-crust credentials, while the Supercharged model adds real muscle--at a hefty price. There are less-expensive alternatives that offer similar performance, but for Range Rover's well-heeled buyers, little else will do.

Lexus LX 470 Base Price: $67,295 EPA MPG Range: 13-17 Body Styles: 4-door wagon Pricey but premium all the way, LX 470 and Toyota-sibling Land Cruiser are highly capable off-road, comfortable on-road, and beautifully built. Land Cruiser offers better dollar value, making it a Best Buy in this category, but the Lexus boasts a longer warranty and the brand's reputation for superior customer care.

Lincoln Navigator Base Price Range: $49,325-$55,285 EPA MPG Range: 13-18 (2WD) Body Styles: 4-door wagon The related Ford Expedition offers much of the same driving experience and utility for less money than Lincoln's version. Still, unique power features and good road manners make Navigator a credible player among high-end SUVs.

Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Base Price Range: N/A EPA MPG Range: N/A Body Styles: 4-door wagon Trim exterior dimensions may suit some shoppers, but as a full-size SUV GL450 comes up short in passenger accommodations and cargo space. GL is otherwise competitive, offering impressive power and high levels of refinement. GL is best considered as a roomy alternative to Mercedes' own midsize ML-Class, than as competition for true full-size SUVs like the Cadillac Escalade.

Toyota Land Cruiser  Base Price: $56,125 EPA MPG Range: 13-17 Body Styles: 4-door wagon Toyota or Lexus, these are premium SUVs all the way: capable off-road, comfortable on-road, beautifully built, lavishly equipped. The LX 470 offers Lexus's longer warranty and is renown for superior customer care, but Land Cruiser costs a bit less. That clinches a Best Buy ribbon.

Premium Large SUV Specification Comparison

Vehicle	Wheel-base, in.	Length, in.	Curb Weight, lb.	Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	Fuel Capacity, gal.	Front Head Room, in.	Front Leg Room, in.	Rear Head Room, in.	Rear Leg Room, in.
2007 Cadillac Escalade	116.0	198.9	5537	121.0	31.0	41.0	41.0	39.0	39.0
Hummer H2	122.8	190.0	6400	86.6	32.0	40.5	41.3	39.7	38.6
Infiniti QX56	123.2	206.9	5714	61.2	28.0	41.0	41.8	40.0	41.9
Land Rover Range Rover	113.3	195.7	5474	74.9	27.6	40.2	38.9	38.3	35.5
Lexus LX 470	112.2	192.5	5590	90.4	25.4	39.1	42.3	38.9	34.3
Lincoln Navigator	118.8	207.5	5842	104.8	28.0	39.6	41.2	39.7	38.7
'07 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class	121.1	200.3	5249	83.3	26.4	40.1	43.0	40.6	40.0
Toyota Land Cruiser	112.2	192.5	5425	90.8	25.4	39.2	42.3	39.1	34.3