While steering could be sharper,...
While steering could be sharper, who can argue with 20-plus mpg, 660-mile range, and 7700-pound towing capacity?
The ML320 BlueTEC performance was just the opposite; reassuringly solid, but without any memorable moments, despite such trick features as adjustable shocks and air suspension. Kiino is most charitable, but still damns it with faint praise, calling it "a nice compromise" and "perhaps the safest bet here." Williams concurs, "Doesn't seem to be best in any category, but a player in all."
So the question ultimately boils down to: What do you intend to do with your SUV? If it's spending weekdays in stop-and-go traffic and weekends roaming the urban jungle, then the value-laden Lexus may be for you. "Sure, it can't compete in towing, off-road abilities, and cruise range, but it does everything else pretty well. Plenty fun, responsive, and capable for the soccer moms and baseball dads running around the suburbs," says Kiino. St. Antoine agrees, "Overall, there's a lot of tech for the money built into this rig, but it's almost completely lacking in "SUV" feel."
Our contention is that an SUV, whether standard or luxury grade, hybrid or diesel, should provide full measures of sport and utility. That's why we choose the Touareg TDI.
Says St. Antoine, "It's the only fully qualified 'SUV' of the four. Combine its many driving charms and beauteous appointments-it's a compelling rig in my book." Kiino agrees, "On-road, the Touareg continues to impress, thanks to a smooth, hushed ride and a refined diesel powerplant. For off-roaders, the VW is a real treat." With real-world fuel economy not too far off the best in class and capabilities the others can only dream about, the Touareg TDI delivers the most with the fewest compromises. It is, as Williams succinctly puts it, "Truly, a four-season vehicle."
1ST PLACE:
VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG TDI
Offers the most traditional SUV functionality of the bunch, with stellar looks and just the right combination of high-tech and off-road features.
2ND PLACE:
LEXUS RX 450H
Perfect for the iPhone-loving city-stomper, but if long/heavy hauls and more than light off-roading figure into the equation, you'll find it too compromised.
3RD PLACE:
MERCEDES-BENZ ML320 BLUETEC
Reassuringly solid on-road and off, but there's no spark or sizzle to the one that started this genre.
4TH PLACE:
BMW X5 XDRIVE 35D
Best diesel mileage and clearly the driver's choice but stratospheric cost and narrow bandwidth bar it from the podium.