Luxury lineup: these models scored highly, but they're on a par with comparable SUVs that cost $10,000 less.(Product/Service Evaluation)

All five of the sport-utilities we tested for this report performed better overall than the best SUV of five years ago. That illustrates how high the class standard has risen in performance, comfort, fuel economy, and safety. Yet few SUVs at that time carried the hefty $40,000 to $50,000 sticker price of these models.

Do you need to spend that much to get a highly rated SUV? No. The Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander, recommended models that we tested previously, scored similar to or higher overall than the five vehicles here (see the Ratings chart on the opposite page). But they cost about $33,000 and $34,000, respectively

The higher price typically gets you more features and newer technology. For example, the Lexus RX330 and the Acura MDX have rear-mounted video cameras that display the area behind the vehicle when you are backing up. The Lexus also has a knee-level air bag and optional power-operated rear gate. The Volvo XC90 has a roll-stability-control system designed to help prevent a rollover. In addition, according to our annual subscriber survey, the buying experience tends to be better for luxury brands.

All the vehicles tested for this report are car-based, with all-wheel drive and a six-cylinder engine. The Lexus RX330, Infiniti FX35, and BMW X5 hold five people; the Acura MDX and Volvo XC90 seat seven. Three of the five--the Lexus, Acura, and Infiniti--are recommended, meaning they performed well in our tests, have average or better predicted reliability and performed adequately if they were crash-tested.

The Lexus RX330 scored highest of the group and is now the top-rated SUV we recommend. The RX330 is a redesign of the excellent RX300; the new designation reflects its larger, 3.3-liter V6 engine.

We first tested the Acura MDX for the July 2001 issue; it scored well overall, but we complained of sloppy emergency handling. Electronic stability control is now standard for the MDX, but emergency handling has improved only marginally in our tests.

The Infiniti FX is a sporty new model from Nissan's luxury division. It is available in two versions: the V6-powered FX35, which we tested, and the V8-equipped FX45.