Best 2010 SUV/CUV Over $60,000

JIL McINTOSH FOR THE TORONTO STAR

Lexus RX45OH

Jil McIntosh

SPECIAL TO THE STAR

The competitors in the SUV/CUV Over $60,000 class include every type of propulsion currently available. The Acura MDX uses a naturally-aspirated gasoline engine; Audi Q7 is a diesel; Cadillac SRX and Lincoln MKT contain turbocharged engines; and Lexus RX450h is a hybrid.

All are all-wheel-drive; the Acura and Lincoln contain three rows of seats. Only the Acura and Audi had a base price above $60,000; the others were optioned above it.

All include electronic stability control, and curtain airbags that protect all occupants, including those in the third row if applicable. The Lexus also includes knee airbags for the two front occupants.

All are V6-powered. Naturally, the Lexus hybrid takes the fuel consumption crown, at 6.6 L/100 km city and 7.2 highway (43/39 m.p.g.). Somewhat surprisingly, the diesel is the thirstiest, requiring 14.8 city and 10.3 highway (27/31); all the others rated in between.

Lexus RX450h

(630 points)

The Lexus RX lineup is redesigned into its third generation for 2010; the previous RX400h hybrid is now the RX450h, thanks to a more powerful, 3.5 L V6 engine, mated to a hybrid system that can drive the vehicle on battery power alone for as much as a kilometre at low speeds. Rather than a driveshaft, the all-wheel system uses electric motors on the rear wheels, reducing the number of moving parts and recharging the battery faster. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) can be manually toggled to feel more like a regular transmission if preferred. The handsome interior includes an intuitive controller for navigation, stereo and vehicle settings that works and feels similar to a computer mouse.

Price as tested: $62,300

Lincoln MKT

(618 points)

Based on the Ford Flex platform and built in Oakville, the Lincoln MKT uses Ford's new EcoBoost technology: twin turbochargers and direct injection on its 3.5 L V6 give it 355 horsepower, similar to a small V8 but with V6-style fuel consumption.

Steering feel is numb, but MKT handles hard corners far better than you'd expect for its size. The test vehicle contained a hefty $8,780 in options, including blind-spot information, panoramic sunroof, park assist, tow package, adaptive cruise control, and a cross-traffic alert that warns of oncoming vehicles when backing out of a parking space.

The butt-heavy styling was a sticking point for some voters, but the interior is stylish.

Price as tested: $62,883

Cadillac SRX

(618 points)

Buyers never really warmed to the previous, wagon-like SRX, so for 2010, it's more of an SUV. It shares some components with the Equinox, but is more than just a Cadillac badge slapped onto a Chevrolet; GM says its chassis and body structure are unique.

The turbocharged 2.8 L V6 as tested makes a stout 300 horsepower, and is far better than the anemic 3.0 L also offered. The tested price contains a $5,285 package of navigation, dual-screen rear-seat DVD system, music storage and premium sound system.

The angular styling is a bit nose-heavy, but the interior is among GM's best.

Price as tested: $61,687

Acura MDX

(613 points)

A revised engine, new six-speed automatic transmission and modified suspension improve the MDX's ride and performance; styling is smoothed out as well.

Built in Ontario, MDX uses a 3.7 L V6 engine that makes 300 horsepower. Fluid-filled dampers are electronically controlled for smoother ride and handling, and while some hard twists reminded that this is a top-heavy SUV, it still corners quite well.

The tested vehicle included such features as a blind-spot information system, adaptive cruise control, multi-view backup camera, DVD entertainment and navigation system, with a corresponding and sometimes confusing array of buttons and dials.

The new heated and cooled Milano leather seats were easily the most comfortable of the bunch, though.

Price as tested: $61,990

Audi Q7

(615 points)

The Germans know diesels, and the 3.0 L in the Q7 is a beauty, with effortless, creamy-smooth acceleration thanks to 405 lb.-ft. of torque that peaks at a mere 1750 r.p.m.

While work ability isn't necessarily a factor in this segment, the Q7 also has the highest tow rating, at 2,494 kg.

Steering response is sharp and handling is smooth, with a great ride. The as-tested price includes a $2,300 panoramic sunroof. The diesel adds a hefty premium: although the Q7 is the category's most expensive, it also offers the fewest number of features, and the sea of grey plastic on the dash and doors definitely doesn't look like a $65,000 interior.

Price as tested: $65,100

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