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The 2009 Acura MDX ranks 1 out of 15 Luxury Midsize SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 72 published reviews and test drives of the Acura MDX, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
Acura MDX Photo Gallery:
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The MDX offers one of the best combinations of a high-tech interior, excellent safety and smooth handling in its class. It excels as a performance-minded family vehicle. However, several reviewers criticize its redesigned exterior and cramped third row. For a more spacious third row and cabin, consider the Land Rover LR3.

Introduced in 2001, the MDX received a redesign in 2007 and remains relatively unchanged for 2009. It’s priced at the high end of the midsize SUV spectrum, and its high level of features and performance positions it against upscale competition like the BMW X5 and the Porsche Cayenne. In a head-to-head test of seven luxury SUVS over $50,000, Car and Driver ranks the 2008 Acura MDX Sport first, saying it “was victorious almost everywhere it poked its gaudy grille.” 

The MDX comes in only one trim, but there are three option packages available — the Technology Package, the Sport Package, and the Entertainment Package (which requires one or both of the other packages).

• “This excellent SUV has contemporary styling and thoughtful features. MDX is a highly desirable blend of luxury, performance, and convenience. Highlights of this pick include a strong and surefooted powertrain, good 1st- and 2nd-row seat comfort, and urbane cabin appointments.” — Consumer Guide
• “While there were no major struggles, there were enough minor hiccups to push the MDX from ‘love’ to ‘like.’ There were also a few bugs in the voice control system, which made it less than helpful. However, in the end, I was still sad to see this Acura SUV go.”
• “The 2009 Acura MDX might not drive just like a sport sedan, but this seven-passenger luxury SUV comes very close.” — Edmunds
• “In our 2007 comparison, the MDX was by far the priciest and that has not changed. In fact, the MDX sticker has gone up by almost $1000 since its 2007 redesign. For 2009, the MDX runs $41,500 for the base model (all prices include $760 destination fee), $45,600 when equipped with the technology package, and $47,350 for the technology and entertainment packages.” — Truck Trend
• “The MDX is still a best buy, but no longer such an overwhelming deal.” — New York Times
• So while the MDX is by all accounts a solid luxury seven-seat sport/ute on multiple levels, there is just one catch: the price. In our 2007 comparison, the MDX was by far the priciest and that has not changed. In fact, the MDX sticker has gone up by almost $1000 since its 2007 redesign.” — Motor Trend

 

MDX Performance – 8.9 (Very Good)

The MDX receives heaps of praise for its sporty performance, V6 engine and Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive. “Even at 4600 pounds, the big Acura cloaks its heft with sharp steering and a punchy V-6,” says Car and Driver. “It’s also quiet, though the ride is tuned stiff.” The MDX also boasts impressive 0-to-60 mph times and surefooted handling. continue

MDX Exterior – 7.4 (Good)

The Acura MDX’s styling changed as part of its 2007 redesign, leaving many reviewers disappointed. While some think it’s innovative, several find it off-putting, especially with a new larger grille. “By unanimous agreement, the grille on the Acura MDX Sport is ugly and needs to be redone,” says the Washington Post.

MDX Interior – 8.3 (Very Good)

The 2009 Acura MDX’s interior boasts comfortable seating, a stylish appearance and lots of features. However, several reviewers find the control layout confusing. “MDX’s hi-tech interior design incorporates an attractive blend of rich-looking materials, with especially pleasing switchgear feel and movement,” says Consumer Guide. The 2009 MDX features seating for seven, but most find the three seats in back suitable only for children. Reviewers also find the dashboard somewhat overwhelming.

MDX Safety – 9.9 (Excellent)

The 2009 Acura MDX does very well in federal government crash tests. The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety names it a ”Top Safety Pick” for its good performance in front, side and rear tests and standard electronic stability control.

MDX Reliability – 8.0 (Very Good)

The 2009 Acura MDX reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power’s automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2009 Acura MDX comes with a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty.

 

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The Commander is the largest production Jeep as well as the first to seat seven. Despite its extra size, the Commander still provides the same rugged off-road capability and comfort expected of the Jeep name.

Power for the Commander comes from the choice of a V6 or two different V8 engines. The Sport trim starts with a 210-hp 3.7-liter V6, the Limited gets a 290-hp, flex-fuel 4.7-liter V8 (optional on Sport), and the top-of-the-line Overland has a new-for-2009 5.7-liter V8 Hemi (optional on Limited). A five-speed automatic transmission is standard on all Commanders, with two-wheel drive or one of a range of four-wheel drive systems. Standard safety features include all-row side-curtain air bags, front-impact air bags, anti-lock brakes with brake assist, electronic stability control w/roll mitigation and trailer sway control (on models with the tow package.) Standard technology features include Sirius satellite radio and rear parking sensors. Limited and Overland trims include MyGIG entertainment and navigation system with 20-gigabyte hard drive, Boston Accoustic sound system, rear view parking camera, UConnect wireless connectivity,SmartBeam auto-dimming headlights, and memory driver’s seat.

For 2009, the Commander’s available 5.7-liter V8 has been revised and adds variable valve timing. The Limited adds a navigation system and UConnect wireless connectivity. Overland receives Keyless Go passive entry and new high-intensity headlights. Limited and Overland trims add rear heated seats as standard equipment.

NHTSA Frontal Crash Test

NHTSA rates crash-tested vehicles by assigning them one to five stars, with five stars indicating the most injury protection and one star indicating the least protection.

• Driver Front:
• Passenger Front:

See Video Review Below:

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2009 Lexus LX570

2007 Lexus LX 470 4dr SUV Domestic manufacturers get much of the credit — and blame — for creating the large luxury SUV class. Yet Lexus was actually the first automaker to enter this market when it introduced the LX series for the 1996 model year. The Lexus LX 470 represented the second generation of this elite line of SUVs.

Like most full-size SUVs, the LX 470 used traditional body-on-frame construction, but it has been tuned to provide a serene and forgiving ride. Unlike many competitors, though, the LX retained substantial off-road capabilities and could take on seriously gnarly trails for those who cared to use it that way.

Most owners did not, of course, but the Lexus LX 470 was an easy vehicle to like, even in the confines of suburbia. There could be no denying the quality of the materials used to construct the interior, for example — the leather upholstery was almost inconceivably supple, and the wood inlays were some of the richest to be found at any price point. A standard third-row seat allowed the LX 470 to accommodate up to eight passengers, and indeed it has been a common sight in carpool circles at exclusive private academies.

Our only real complaint about the Lexus LX 470 was always its high price. Unless buyers were planning to make use of its all-terrain talents, there was simply no reason to spend this much money — even on a luxury SUV. As a used vehicle choice, however, the LX makes a lot more sense. Depreciation puts pricing more in line with reality, while reliability is nothing short of exceptional.

This is the Youtube video of the Kelly BlueBook Review for the 2009 LX 570

Most Recent Lexus LX 470

Sold from 1998-2007, the LX 470 was one of the longest-running vehicles in the Lexus fleet. The LX 470 was mechanically identical to the Toyota Land Cruiser, and differences between the two came down to luxury accoutrements – namely, the Lexus had more of them. In standard spec, the LX came fully loaded, including amenities like DVD navigation, a rear back-up camera and a premium-grade Mark Levinson sound system. Among the options were a Night View infrared imaging system and a rear-seat DVD player.

Motivation for the Lexus LX 470 came from a refined 4.7-liter V8. A four- or five-speed automatic transmission sent power to all four wheels through a permanent four-wheel-drive system. A lever on the center console allowed the driver to switch to low-range gearing for maximum traction in heavy snow or dirt, while a separate button locked the center differential into a 50/50 power split between the front and rear axles. An adaptive suspension provided both driver-selectable height control and variable shock absorber damping.

The LX 470 was not especially quick for an SUV in this price range, though the engine’s supremely smooth delivery somewhat offset this lack of vigor. The LX had an easygoing demeanor on pavement; however, it felt floppy around corners, even with the adaptive suspension in its “Sport” setting.

Inside, seating was plush and comfortable in the first and second rows, but the third-row seats were smaller than the rearmost accommodations in other large luxury SUVs. To make matters worse, the 50/50 sections didn’t fold flat when extra cargo space was needed. Cargo capacity in general was also on the low side at 90 cubic feet, though the clamshell-style tailgate provided good access to stowed items.

The Lexus LX 470 received a handful of equipment changes after its 1998 debut. If you’re shopping for a used one, the best years to look at are 2003 and up. During the ‘03 model year, the LX switched from a four-speed automatic transmission to the five-speed, while picking up front-seat side airbags and first- and second-row side curtain airbags. The Night Vision system was added to the options list that year.

The other major update came in 2006 when Lexus equipped the 4.7-liter V8 with variable valve timing, increasing output to 275 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque. Previously, the V8 generated 235 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque (230 hp from 1998-2002). Revised SAE certification standards saw the V8’s peak horsepower drop back to 268 for the ‘07 model year.

The excellent Mark Levinson sound system also became standard equipment in 2006; it was offered as an option from 2001-’05. Prior to ‘01, Lexus offered a well-regarded Nakamichi sound system as the premium-grade audio option. If you want a factory-installed navigation system, you’ll need to look at 2001 and later models. The nav system was optional in 2001 and standard thereafter. The rear camera system and Bluetooth compatibility became standard fare in 2004.

Past Lexus LX 470 Models

If you’re looking at higher-mileage vehicles, you may come across the first-generation LX, known as the LX 450. It was basically the same size and shape as the LX 470, but drew power from a tepid 4.5-liter inline-6 rather than a V8 and was based on the previous-generation Toyota Land Cruiser. High mileage should not necessarily be a deterrent.

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Despite its aging design, the GX continues to boast elegant styling and luxury in a unique off-road-ready package. For better fuel economy, consider the Acura MDX or Infiniti FX.

The 2009 GX remains relatively unchanged for this year. In fact, it has been several years since it’s been redesigned — a sore point for many reviewers. The GX’s body-on-frame construction also puts it at a disadvantage compared to other luxury crossover SUVs. However, a redesign expected for the 2010 model may remedy that issue.

“Although its rugged truck-based underpinnings provide advantages in terms of towing or going off-road, the resulting higher weight, lower fuel economy and decreased space efficiency means this Lexus may not be the best choice for the type of on-road driving that most luxury SUV owners spend the majority of their time doing,” says Edmunds. “In addition, the GX 470 falls a bit short in terms of the latest luxury features when compared to newer competition.” Still, the GX is loved for its combination of class and ability to venture off the beaten path.

The 2009 Lexus GX comes in only one trim, the GX 470, which has standard all-wheel drive.

• “GX 470 is bolstered by the resale-value record and red-carpet dealer service associated with the Lexus brand. But a trucky nature makes it less appealing than crossover rivals such as Acura’s MDX and Lexus’ own RX.” — Consumer Guide
• “Crude architecture hampers the ride and interior space and never lets you forget it’s a truck.” — Car and Driver
• “Despite the current trend for manufacturers to build SUVs based on car chassis, Lexus has decided it can hold true to its original truck-based sport-utility roots with the GX 470, keeping its first-rate off-road abilities but refined to offer capable on-road dynamics at a price around $45,000.” — Road and Track
• “In the GX 470, rugged clearly does not mean outdated, and that goes beyond the entertainment choices.” — New Car Test Drive

GX Performance – 8.0 (Very Good)

For a truck-based SUV, the 2009 Lexus GX offers an especially smooth ride. On top of that, it’s a very capable off-roader and boasts a powerful V8 engine. In a comparison test with several other luxury SUVs, Car and Driver reports that the GX “never feels truckish. In fact, it delivered a ride almost as plush as the Acura’s and BMW’s, with plenty of suspension travel for even the worst two-tracks.” The GX placed fifth out of the eight SUVs tested.

GX Exterior – 7.6 (Good)

Reviewers have little to say about the 2009 GX’s exterior, though several complain that it hasn’t received an update in quite a while. “Beauty, of course, is in the eye of the beholder, and these eyes see both the Bimmer and the Benz as better-looking than the Lexus, which has that Toyota truck boxiness,” says the Los Angeles Times.

GX Interior – 7.7 (Good)

The GX’s upscale cabin is one of its strengths. An optional third row makes it extremely versatile for families looking for luxury. “Luxury is what Lexus is known for, and the interior of the GX 470 offers fine leather on the seats and lustrous wood on the dash and steering wheel,” says Edmunds. But there are a few features earn the GX doesn’t offer that competitors do.

GX Safety – NA

Neither the federal government nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has released crash test ratings for the Lexus GX, but reviewers generally approve of the safety systems on board.

GX Reliability – 10.0 (Excellent)

The 2009 Lexus GX reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power’s automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2009 GX has a basic warranty for the first four years or 50,000 miles.

The Source for information on this page is: http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/Lexus_GX/

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Kelly Blue Book Review of the Land Rover LR3:

This is a video which show off some of the LR3 capabilities:

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