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Edmunds Ultra-Lux Midsize SUV Comparo...GX won!
Conclusion: 2004 Lexus GX 470
Picking the top luxury vehicle in a particular category is always a tricky task. One man's favorite feature is another man's annoyance, but in this case we didn't have much trouble deciding which one of these vehicles most convincingly makes a case for itself as the best midsize ultra luxury SUV. With its buttery-smooth ride, refined drivetrain, impressive off-road capability and beautifully finished interior, the GX 470 has few faults. Sure, it's not the sportiest SUV on the block, but if that's what you want, maybe an SUV isn't for you.
The Land Rover did pretty much everything we expected of it. It barely broke a sweat off-road, handled itself admirably on the road and had all the character you would expect of a half-British/half-German luxury SUV. More than one of our editors said they would probably take the Range Rover if it was up to them. But in the end the Rover just didn't say "luxury" quite like the Lexus — something it should have been able to do given its $20,000 price premium.
The Porsche was the most polarizing of the four, as it was panned by some for its odd looks and limited ability in the dirt, while others loved its sumptuous interior and ability to rip a corner like a 911. The Cayenne is an SUV for a particular kind of buyer, and for that buyer it will probably satisfy. But to us, there was no way that was worth nearly twice as much as the Lexus, either in its performance or its comfort. It's definitely an acquired taste, just not ours.
The Touareg might have stretched a little to get into this category, but it certainly didn't embarrass itself. Its monster motor provided plenty of smoke-belching fun. But when it came right down to it, having more torque than a semi truck just wasn't enough to cut it. Like the Porsche, the V10 Touareg is an acquired taste that's sure to satisfy those who yearn for its particular brand of luxury. But when it comes to shelling out over $60,000 for an SUV, we would want, and expect, a little more.
Edmunds Ultra-Lux Midsize SUV Comparo...GX won!
Conclusion: 2004 Lexus GX 470
Picking the top luxury vehicle in a particular category is always a tricky task. One man's favorite feature is another man's annoyance, but in this case we didn't have much trouble deciding which one of these vehicles most convincingly makes a case for itself as the best midsize ultra luxury SUV. With its buttery-smooth ride, refined drivetrain, impressive off-road capability and beautifully finished interior, the GX 470 has few faults. Sure, it's not the sportiest SUV on the block, but if that's what you want, maybe an SUV isn't for you.
The Land Rover did pretty much everything we expected of it. It barely broke a sweat off-road, handled itself admirably on the road and had all the character you would expect of a half-British/half-German luxury SUV. More than one of our editors said they would probably take the Range Rover if it was up to them. But in the end the Rover just didn't say "luxury" quite like the Lexus — something it should have been able to do given its $20,000 price premium.
The Porsche was the most polarizing of the four, as it was panned by some for its odd looks and limited ability in the dirt, while others loved its sumptuous interior and ability to rip a corner like a 911. The Cayenne is an SUV for a particular kind of buyer, and for that buyer it will probably satisfy. But to us, there was no way that was worth nearly twice as much as the Lexus, either in its performance or its comfort. It's definitely an acquired taste, just not ours.
The Touareg might have stretched a little to get into this category, but it certainly didn't embarrass itself. Its monster motor provided plenty of smoke-belching fun. But when it came right down to it, having more torque than a semi truck just wasn't enough to cut it. Like the Porsche, the V10 Touareg is an acquired taste that's sure to satisfy those who yearn for its particular brand of luxury. But when it comes to shelling out over $60,000 for an SUV, we would want, and expect, a little more.
