The 2017 BMW X5 remains one of the top picks in the very competitive midsize luxury SUV class. Strong performance, a luxurious cabin and an efficient diesel engine option help distinguish it from its accomplished rivals.
Pros Strong performance from every model Luxurious and comfortable cabin that lives up to its price tag Optional diesel engine is as potent as it is efficient A long list of optional features allows for a wide range of customization.
Cons Less legroom in the second row compared to some of its competitors Optional third-row seats are tight even for children.
The 2017 BMW X5 boasts a solid set of powertrains and features that move the sedan toward the top of any list of luxury SUVs. BMW's charge into every SUV segment hasn't watered down the one that started it all. The 2017 BMW X5 is a benchmark for luxury SUVs and the bar by which many are compared. Its off-road ability is eclipsed only by its on-road manners, and its interior style and comfort make this SUV a must-see for shoppers.
Pros Bright and stunning interior cabin Very advanced safety features available Strong powertrains, top to bottom Comfortable and quick
Cons Exterior is languishing, a bit Very small third row Price can balloon up to six figures (!) now Hybrid isn't very fuel efficient either.
Visually, this hybrid X5 is differentiated only by minor details, such as the door on the front fender that houses the charge port and the model-specific badging inside and out. In this way, this X5 mostly hides the fact that it's electrified; you can even opt for 19- or 20-inch wheels or an M Sport package, further obscuring the fact that it’s designed to save energy, not waste it M-style. One of the hybrid’s disadvantages is its smaller cargo hold, which shrinks significantly in order to make room for the lithium-ion batteries. And in a prototype that we drove last year, the switch between electric and gasoline-fueled travel was discernible, although we expect that issue to be ironed out by the time of launch. Taking into consideration the considerable extra heft and the expected higher cost, drivers of all stripes—eco-minded, performance-minded, and everyone in between—might conclude that they’re better off with a nonhybrid gasoline or diesel X5. But as we know, it’s government regulations that are providing the impetus behind automakers’ rush to plug-ins, not consumer demand—at least not yet.
Need a vehicle that can do it all? The 2017 Lexus LX 570 can seat up to eight and has the ability to tow a trailer. You can tackle a backcountry trail with it, too. But read more to learn how some rival SUVs can achieve similar feats without as much compromise.The 2017 Lexus LX 570 carries over unchanged.
Pros A smooth ride over rough roads Advanced off-road capabilities Plenty of standard features.
Cons Impractical third-row seat lacks passenger space and doesn't fold flat V8 engine's poor fuel economy and sluggish acceleration Infotainment interface can be distracting to use.
Amazingly refined, the Lexus LX 570 hides its utilitarian roots exceptionally well. Think of the 2017 Lexus LX 570 as a UN Peacekeeper in a tuxedo. Underneath its glitzy, eye-catching exterior and behind its soft leather and glossy wood sits a Toyota Land Cruiser, one of the most capable and over-engineered vehicles to ever hit the road.
Pros Brawny powertrain Softer, warmer cabin materials Real towing capability As spacious inside as the exterior suggests
Cons Clunky third-row seating can't be removed Dismal fuel economy Clumsy handling Pitching-and-heaving ride
The 2017 Lexus LX ranks 6 out of 8 Luxury Large SUVs. The 2017 Lexus LX is as rugged as it is luxurious, offering exceptional capability when the pavement ends and an opulent cabin. It also has an excellent predicted reliability rating. However, many of its competitors have more cargo space and better fuel economy estimates.
Pros Exceptional off-road ability Top-notch interior Great predicted reliability rating
Cons Poor fuel economy estimates Less cargo room than rivals
