2009 Car of the Year: SUV/CUV Over $60,000

Is the luxury SUV/CUV with a price tag more than $60,000 headed for the bone yard?

While ecological and economic cards may be stacked against this group, there will always be a market for large people/cargo haulers with all the trimmings.

Four manufacturers brought their heavy-metal offerings to this faceoff. It's a varied bunch. Two SUVs make a nod to the green side: one is a hybrid and another embraces clean diesel technology. A third proudly waves the conspicuous opulence flag. The field is rounded out by a thinly disguised sports car.

Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid

This full-sized body-on-frame SUV benefits from a clever and complex dual mode hybrid system developed in conjunction with Chrysler, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. It will run for short periods powered by twin 60-kilowatt electric motors before the 6.0 L Vortec V8 kicks in. Transitions are seamless, and with 332 hp and 367 lb.-ft. on tap, this comfortable seven-seater moves out with authority. Judicious use of the throttle will return surprisingly good fuel economy. While its $69,765 base price is thousands more than a similarly equipped gasoline-powered Tahoe, its 2,722 kg tow rating makes it one of the few green vehicles that will haul your yacht.

Price as tested: $69,765

Infiniti FX50

This is the on-road athlete of the group. With its 21-inch low-profile tires and swoopy bodywork that compromises load space, the $58,900 FX50 is all about sport and not so much utility. Inside the well-crafted, artful cabin, heated and cooled sport seats grip the driver. Falling readily to hand are paddle shifters for the seven-speed automatic and a small chunky steering wheel. The 390 hp 5.0 L DOHC V8 is strong and makes all the correct noises. Lovely blips on downshifts, too. Handling is impressive, although the firm suspension tuning reminds one there is rarely a free lunch with the ride/handling compromise. Probably the most on-road fun you can have in this class of vehicle.

Price as tested: $68,150

Lexus LX570

Based on the tough body-on-frame Toyota Land Cruiser, the 383 hp 5.7 L V8-powered LX570 could be considered the dinosaur in this bunch. But no dino was ever appointed like this. This eight-seat living room on wheels has one of the finest interiors extant. The materials and workmanship are exquisite, and everything from the drive train to the turn signal works with silken precision. It is hardly agile on the road, but oh-so regal and cosseting. On the flip side, with the air suspension jacked up and the transmission in low range, the LX570 bobbed, bucked and hammered its way through the muck-bowl of an off-road course without breaking a sweat. Of course, no owner in his or her right mind would do such a thing. A $79,800 rolling dichotomy.

Price as tested: $85,400

WINNER: Mercedes-Benz ML320 BlueTEC

Among these somewhat extreme machines, the five-seat $61,400 diesel-powered Mercedes lands in middle ground. The interior is not as fine as the Japanese entrants, it's not as overtly sporty as the Infiniti nor as large as the body-on-frame behemoths, but it strikes a fine balance of comfort, utility, on-road dynamics and off-road ability. The 3.0 L diesel V6 is its ace in the hole, generating 210 hp and a stump-pulling 400 lb.-ft. of torque from 1,600 to 2,400 rpm while attaining Tier II—5 emissions certification. It is quiet and smooth with not a whiff of diesel smell. Combined fuel economy is 10.2 L/100 km. This was my pick.

Price as tested: $68,450

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