The general consensus is that the Range Rover is the best in its class in terms of performance, both on and off the road, and luxury. Praises abound in several car review websites for this SUV. It would have been perfect except that there are some concerns on its fuel-economy and Land Rover’s reliability.

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It’s hard to believe that a vehicle designed for dirt roads and uneven terrain can be so luxurious. But the Range Rover is that, it has the interior of a luxury car. It fact, some have claimed that you can drive the Rover everywhere as long as its wheels touch the ground. Back on the city, you can maneuver the Rover on expensive neighborhoods without it being out of place. How’s that for an SUV?

The appeal of the Range Rover to road drivers and car owners is largely because of its opulent interior. There’s plenty of space inside that legroom and headroom is not a problem. The materials used in the design of the cabin are topnotch. It features terrific handling, braking, and engine performance.

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Not to be outdone by its interior, the exterior is quite sporty and very fashionable that it deserves credit too. After all, a car has to have something on the outside to draw potential buyers to take a peek inside. Needless to say, there’s a lot to be desired with the Range Rover exterior design.

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Engine power is enough to please regular drivers. There’s an option for a better one, a more powerful V8, for those who want more power. You have to pay extra though. But for people who can afford to buy a Range Rover at its base price, there’s a very small probability that they can’t shoulder the added cost. In fact, most reviews suggest taking the engine upgrade; it should make the Land Rover’s Range Rover even more remarkable and outstanding.

The 2008 Porsche Cayenne offers one of the most comfortable and luxurious interior found in an SUV. The 2008 model also boasts a redesigned exterior, making it a lot sexier and sportier than previous models. Although the base engine is a wee bit underpowered, there’s an option for a bigger and better engine which should take care of the need for more speed and power. It has an attractive handling mechanics and its off-road capabilities are something any off-roader can be proud off.

The sticker price could be a possible turn-off, especially if you’re planning on having the more powerful V8 engine and all the extra options available. But this is a Porsche, and that should give it the right merit to command its current price. With its exterior redesign, we are treated with an SUV that looks as great as any of its competitors. The base engine is not as powerful as some expected, but it should do for normal driving circumstances. The V8 engine upgrade costs about $50,000, a steep price to some, while others may find it a good investment to make.

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Photo by: Michi1308

Inside, the driver and passengers will be treated to a very comfortable interior. Leathers abound, and the entertainment system can please maybe everyone, from kids to adults alike. The Cayenne is a family SUV and a good one at that if you have no qualms at paying its slightly higher-than-the-usual-SUV price tag. There’s plenty of comfort to go around, plenty of high-tech gadgets to play with. Its safety features are outstanding. It hasn’t been crash tested yet, but with six airbags and hi-tech features like Porsche Stability Management, it’s obvious that the well-being of everyone inside were well-thought of.

The first major reason why this SUV from world-renowned automakers Mercedes Benz is rated quite low is its price tag. Most car buyers say, including several car reviewers, that this vehicle is too expensive.

The G-Class SUV looks unique. To some, it’s a good look. To others, it’s too distinct, too boxy. Off the road, this vehicle excels. It can venture virtually anywhere that an SUV can. It’s good on back roads, dirt roads, rocky roads, or even on places where there are no roads. On the road, however, its performance dips, or plunges, depending on your expectations for an $85,000 – $110,000 SUV.

Many test drivers indicate that the Mercedes Benz G is too bouncy for comfort. Acceleration is poor too. It moves heavily, and it is difficult to maneuver on tight spots. Furthermore, it doesn’t offer side airbags, something that’s being offered by other SUV’s in the market.

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If we overlook its price and on-road performance though, this SUV might score highly with its lavish interior. It’s great inside, even if you remove the many electronic gadgets that are present in the base model. Everything but the kitchen sink are added. Some features being offered as options on other SUV’s are already in the Mercedes Benz G-Class, without extra cost.

This is the SUV of choice for nature trips, camping on the woods, going fishing somewhere remote, or just about anywhere that involves considerable rough driving. The suspension is tuned for bumpy roads, and it does its job magnificently. It’s roomy, comfy, and it has adequate power. Sadly, the G-Class just doesn’t perform well on the road.

Lexus has a proven track record of rolling our automobiles that combines comfort and luxury with astounding overall performance. It looks like that reputation is proven again this time with the RX 400h, the hybrid version of their equally impressive RX 350 SUV. The best thing about the Lexus RX 400h is the fact the quality and performance are not traded off in Lexus’ pursuit of a vehicle that is environment-friendly.

The Lexus RX 400h offers performance never before seen in any hybrid of its class. The acceleration is fast and smooth, and its power is comparable to non-hybrids, more powerful even. Two particular features that impressed seasoned reviewers are its transmission system and handling. Of course, as is characteristic of most hybrids, eco-friendliness is a given. One difference though is that the RX 400h went a step ahead in terms of clean emissions.

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Its interior deserves mention too for being comfortable and very well equipped. The cabin offers adequate space for legroom both in the front and back row. Another highlight is the number of hi-tech gadgets included in the base model. There are so many that Lexus is offering only a few items as options because almost everything is included already. Truly, Lexus has yet again proven that quality and performance comes first in their vehicles.

The Subaru Tribeca is a good midsized SUV. The problem there though is that it’s in a very large and competitive market. Despite its excellent features, the Tribeca sits near the middle of the pack. It’s better than most SUV’s out there but other vehicles are also better than it.

Buyers will appreciate the Subaru Tribeca’s responsive handling an its upgrade engine. It is a 5-seater, 2-row SUV with an option to turn it into a 7-seater with 3 rows. People interested with a good SUV that can handle a family of 5-7 individuals and can offer comfort and a bit of luxury without sacrificing its highway performance can very well be happy with the Subaru Tribeca. Excellent scores on crash tests adds to its appeals on big families.

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The Subaru Tribeca is lacking in the off-road department though. It has decent off-road capabilities but it’s not enough to impress most reviewers. If only the class it belongs to is not so highly competitive, this SUV could’ve been sitting near the top. Unfortunately, that is not to be. The market for midsized SUV’s is packed and competition is fierce.

This is a luxury SUV that actually lives up to its “Sport Utility Vehicle” part. The good things about the Volkswagen Toureg2 are enough to satisfy a buyer looking for an SUV with good highway maneuverability while still maintaining its poise on off-roads. Actually, only a few luxury SUV’s can match the Touareg2’s excellent performance on dirt roads and back-country paths. Most of its competitors opt to develop their highway and road capabilities. Sadly, this is where the Volkswagen Touareg2 is lacking a bit.

Its base V6 engine delivers good performance but it is not up to par with the SUV’s at the top of the rankings. The interior though is as good as any. Featuring walnut trims, luxuriously soft leathers, and innovative design, the Volkswagen Touareg2 also has a spacious cabin. This 5-seater SUV delivers comfort as well as hi-tech electronics and expensive-looking gauges.

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As long as you don’t expect too much speed in a straight road from it, this SUV can deliver every luxury SUV’s promise. Expect more from the engine and you will be disappointed. However, since the Volkswagen Touareg2 is an SUV and not a sports car, that shortcoming can be easily overlooked by some.

Here’s a quick rundown on the new Infiniti EX35: it handles like a sports car and it has stylish and technologically advance interior. The downsides: fuel economy is bad and cargo space is very limited. The bold grill on the exterior face of this SUV is a very smart addition to the already excellent design. It looks very stylish and rugged at the same time hinting of power and luxury. Luxury it has, but power, well, some reviewers doubt if it has enough. It can perform very well but the lack of cargo space and the poor towing capability can maybe hamper its performance in the market.

Excellent materials and top of the line amenities are the usual in the Infiniti EX35’s interior. Boasting great design and even greater in luxuriousness, this SUV however could’ve benefited more from a bigger cabin. Why so? The front seats are just right, and the rear seats are cramped. Being an SUV, it’s sometimes a sin not to make the cabin spacious and comforting. The comfort is clearly there with the excellent seating and setting, but there’s a lot to be desired in the limited cabin space.

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Photo by: ???

Handling the Infiniti EX35 is like handling a sports car with its rear-wheel drive configuration. Its V6 engine is more than enough to give this SUV power in any situation, except when towing. This makes the Infiniti EX35 a very fun SUV to drive. It fact, it is one of the best when it comes to SUV handling. This is best for small families, large ones are better off with other SUV’s in the market. Some more details about the Infiniti EX35 here.

This macho crossover is the Dodge Nitro, a dependable and purpose-oriented SUV. Most SUV’s offers plenty of cargo space, but this one offers more. It has an excellent towing capability thanks to its powerful engine. However, this SUV’s performance is rated as sub-par, with its truck-like maneuverability. All the same, it’s an excellent buy if you’re in the market for an SUV that functions like an SUV should, without the extra fanfare associated with other vehicles in the same class.

The Dodge Nitro is a typical Dodge, big and muscular with its masculine design. Its appeal lies in the fact that it looks strong and able to do any SUV task that you can think of. In some SUV’s, looking like one isn’t actually being like one, but the Nitro is one of those that performs the way its exterior design suggests. Inside, it is comfortable and classy, and its wide interior space gives enough legroom to even a tall individual. Rides inside the Dodge Nitro are filled with plenty of comfort and relaxation.

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One thing that can be said against it is that it just doesn’t perform on the road well enough to challenge those on top. It has enough to be good, but it’s not the best out there. For one thing, it drives like a truck. If that turns you on, then this SUV is made for you. Even when the road becomes twisty, the Nitro can still be fun to drive. Just don’t expect perfect stability and maneuvering and all is well. More about the Dodge Nitro here.

There was a time when buyers choose a Hyundai only for its cheap price. That was years ago. Now, by slowly but surely improving their models, Hyundai is not only known for its competitive price, but also for the quality of their vehicles. The Veracruz is a testament to that.

The Hyundai Veracruz is longer than its cousin, the Santa Fe. With interesting alternations of curved surfaces and angular edges, the Veracruz comes up looking clean and upscale. It’s designed not to look like a typical 90’s SUV with its futuristic, but practical, shape and design.

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Inside, the Veracruz is a model of comfort and luxury. The seats are well-proportioned, offering maximum comfort even to tall individuals. The front seats are luxurious while the second row seats are first class with a nearly flat-floor, adjustable legroom and seatback angle. The cargo space is decent, but the third-row is collapsible, and so is the second row, to allow maximum storage capacity.

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Rides are quiet, refined, and very smooth thanks to the terrific handling and excellent suspension system. Parking this big SUV won’t be much of a problem with it’s quick steering and tight turning circle. If you’re interested and wish to know more, this website offers all the info you need about the Hyundai Veracruz.

The Santa Fe is the first ever crossover utility vehicle for Hyundai. Introduced in 2001, the Santa Fe was the cheaper alternative to other more expensive SUV’s. Its latest reincarnation, the 2007 Santa Fe, is bigger and taller than previous versions. But the affordable price is still there, so are the decent fuel economy and long warranty, all are expected from its manufacturer, Hyundai.

The interior of the new Santa Fe is simple yet glamorous. For the standard package, a two-tone interior is offered with aluminum and wood trim. For the Limited edition, it’s a black monochrome interior with top notch materials. The seats are okay, with the driver’s seat as comfortable as the best there is. The passenger seat cushions are short though, lacking thigh support. Storage space is decent. The back seat is foldable to allow more space for storage.

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Photo by: Deep Frozen Shutterbug

Although not really powerful, the Santa Fe can hold its own against others in its class. For the standard package, the Fe has a 2.7liter V6 engine capable of producing 185hp, while the Limited edition ups the ante to 242hp produced by a 3.3liter V6 engine. Both editions can be fitted with either front-wheel drive or a 4-wheel drive. Overall, the Hyundai Santa Fe is an excellent deal considering its low price tag. Check pricing on the Hyundai Santa Fe here.