SPECIFIC VEHICLE RECOMMENDATIONS - Midsize Luxury SUVs:
These vehicles are the same size as the previous category (Midsize SUVs), but emphasize more luxury than utility. Luxury SUVs are designed for on road use mainly. Do not expect snow tread tires or skid plates. Most of the recommended vehicles are better handling (less tippy) than most SUVs, but should still be driven like SUVs (slower). 4 wheel drive versions are great for snow covered states.
Acura MDX - Based on the Honda Odyssey minivan, the MDX is cleanly styled and very easy to live with. High quality, clean styling, and great handling on and off road. Same basic vehicle as the Honda Pilot, but more luxurious. Standard 3rd row seat. Excellent reliability. V6, 4 wheel drive. Premium gas.
3 - Adequate for most situations 3 - Takes 120 to 125 ft to stop. Good for non sports car. 3 - 20 to 24 mpg on regular or 22 to 26 on premium fuel 5 - Comfortable for 5 or 6 on trips, more around town 5 - Best there is. More reliable as a used car than many new cars 5 - Cavernous 3 - Can tow up to 3500 lb - outboard boat or loaded 5X8 UHaul 4 - Has space and weight capacity for heavier items 3 - Has a decent chance of avoidance
Lexus RX350 - Sister to the Toyota Highlander. Vehicle and engine are larger than the older RX300. Like the Highlander, the RX350 is based on the Toyota Camry. Very nice handling. Excellent reliability. V6, front or 4 wheel drive. Premium gas. Available in an electric hybrid version called the RX400h. Stick with the gas version.
3 - Adequate for most situations 3 - Takes 120 to 125 ft to stop. Good for non sports car. 3 - 20 to 24 mpg on regular or 22 to 26 on premium fuel 4 - Comfortable for 4 on trips 5 - Best there is. More reliable as a used car than many new cars 5 - Cavernous 3 - Can tow up to 3500 lb - outboard boat or loaded 5X8 UHaul 3 - Easy to load and handles TVs and lawnmowers easily 3 - Has a decent chance of avoidance
Infiniti FX35 - Not the same vehicle as a Nissan Murano. Has a normal 5 speed automatic transmission rather than CVT. Shorter than most in this category, this vehicle is designed more for stylish around town capacity than for off-roading or work. Lots of power. Great handling and brakes. Suspension is stiff due to sport orientation. Excellent reliability. V6 (in FX35) or V8 (in FX45), rear or four wheel drive. Premium gas.
4 - Quite spritely 3 - Takes 120 to 125 ft to stop. Good for non sports car. 3 - 20 to 24 mpg on regular or 22 to 26 on premium fuel 4 - Comfortable for 4 on trips 5 - Best there is. More reliable as a used car than many new cars 4 - Swallows large household items 3 - Can tow up to 3500 lb - outboard boat or loaded 5X8 UHaul 3 - Easy to load and handles TVs and lawnmowers easily 4 - Performs well in emergency maneuvers
Infiniti EX35 - Based on the Nissan Murano, a car based SUV, and has the same engine and CVT transmission. Smaller than most in this category, this vehicle is designed more as a taller, more useful sports car than for off-roading or work. Lots of power. Great handling and brakes. Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) allows better power use and better gas mileage than most in this class. Suspension (ride) is stiff due to sport orientation. Excellent reliability. 6 cyl, front or four wheel drive. Premium gas.
4 - Quite spritely 2 - Takes 125 to 130 ft to stop. Average for today's cars. 3 - 20 to 24 mpg on regular or 22 to 26 on premium fuel 4 - Comfortable for 4 on trips 5 - Best there is. More reliable as a used car than many new cars 4 - Swallows large household items 3 - Can tow up to 3500 lb - outboard boat or loaded 5X8 UHaul 3 - Easy to load and handles TVs and lawnmowers easily 4 - Performs well in emergency maneuvers
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