Pro: Well-built and spacious cabin Comfortable seats in the front and second rows Strong acceleration, especially in the XC90 T8 Cons: Third-row seats are only good for small adults or kids One USB port in a luxury family crossover is unacceptable
Pros Sharp new look and style; spacious second- and third-row seating; many standard safety technology features; confident handling; available hybrid model.
Cons Overly busy and firm ride quality; base engine comes up short on performance and real-world fuel economy; some touchscreen controls are hard to use.
Endnote: The XC90's suspension tuning is another mixed bag. On smooth pavement, the XC90 feels calm and controlled on its available air suspension. But over ruts, bumps and broken pavement, the vehicle delivers too many impacts and jitters to the occupants for a luxury SUV. We've only driven the XC90 with the big 21-inch wheels, but based on that experience, we recommend going with smaller wheels if possible to help smooth out the ride. Around turns, there's better news, as the XC90 inspires confidence with its planted character, feeling smaller and lighter than it really is.
The 2016 XC90 is raising the design bar in the premium three-row large crossover segment. And with a long roster of standard equipment that includes leather seating, navigation, a panoramic sunroof, a smartphone-like infotainment system and state-of-the-art safety gear, the XC90 provides an intriguing alternative to the German-branded competition.
For 2017, every RX 450h comes standard with forward collision warning and mitigation, lane keeping assistance, automatic high beams and adaptive cruise control. You can also now get a front-wheel-drive F Sport model.
Pros Impeccably crafted and attractively designed cabin Excellent fuel economy for a luxury crossover Supremely quiet Appealing ride and handling balance with F Sport
Cons Gas savings unlikely to ever pay back the price premium Below-average cargo capacity Optional tech interface is distracting to use Relatively slow acceleration
The 2017 Lexus RX Hybrid ranks 4 out of 22 Luxury Midsize SUVs. The 2017 Lexus RX 450h is a midsize SUV that delivers the luxury you expect from Lexus while also providing solid performance and excellent fuel economy. However, its small cargo area detracts from its utility.
Pros Excellent fuel economy Comfortable, spacious seats
Cons Frustrating upgraded infotainment system Small cargo space
