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car review

2008 Acura MDX.Honda

Maybe you're about to have a baby. Maybe you just got a raise at work. Maybe you just think, "I deserve it". Whatever the reason, your crappy little runabout isn't going to cut it any more. You need room inside and maybe even some style, so you're looking at a mid-sized SUV. But not just any SUV; you want luxury to go with your higher driving position and all-wheel drive.

You're in luck. There are plenty of mid-sized crossovers out there that combine reliability, comfort and that extra level of caché not found in a plain-Jane Toyota or Ford. After selling your beater, you can afford something around $20,000, so let's look at a few choices.

Sensible

In 2010, Cadillac revised its SRX mid-sized crossover with a better ride, more luxurious interior and a smooth-running 308-horsepower V-6; the model is the same one you can buy new today, and you can find one up to around 2011 for a third of the price of a 2015. It's a well-appointed ride and available in either front- or all-wheel drive, though it doesn't have a third row of seating. But while its CUE multimedia system looks stylish, it can be frustrating to use. Also, reliability is middling and it comes with recalls that involve a possible failure of the rear suspension, faulty air bags, a shift cable malfunction, wonky climate control and seat belt buckles.

Mercedes-Benz offers its ML crossover, but because of that three-pointed star on the hood, you'll only find these up to around 2009 or so. You can find a wide range of power options for this, too, from a 3.5-litre V-6 up to a monster 5.5-litre, 518-horsepower turbo V-8 in the AMG model; there's even a fuel-sipping diesel engine. Again, no third row of seats, but it's roomy, quiet and comfortable inside. This model appeared in 2006 and reliability improved with time, so find one as new as possible. Recalls include a possible electrical fire, defective power steering and a possible problem with the trailer hitch coming off the frame.

Generally speaking, you can't go wrong with Lexus. The RX crossover continues the brand's reputation for dependability and quality in a package that is meant to coddle passengers in a silent cocoon of luxury. You'll find these up to around 2009, a year before a redesign, and you'll find either a 3.5-litre V-6 in the RX350 or a hybrid gas/electric powertrain with the RX400H, which can operate on battery alone at low speeds. That hybrid system is also the topic for a recall, however, along with a few others that deal with a crankshaft pulley and a sticking accelerator pedal, but overall the RX has aged well enough to earn a "good bet" by Consumer Reports.

Indispensable

If you can get past its gaudy snout, the Acura MDX, up to around 2009, should be high on your list. With a 3.7-litre V-6 pushing out 300 horsepower and sports car-like handling, this would easily be the most exciting of the lot for driving. But you can also add to that a plush ride, an upscale cabin and room for seven inside – albeit, two of those can only be small children in the third row. With no recalls and a stellar dependability record, it's earned a "good bet" with Consumer Reports.

Questionable

A BMW should be found on any luxury list, but this time the X5 crossover makes it for the wrong reasons. It's an upscale, attractive beast loaded with options, but both Consumer Reports and J.D. Power have noted that it's also beset with problems: the powertrain, the body, and many of those electronic gadgets have failed in some way or another. And, when you do eventually bring it to a garage, the fact that it's a German luxury vehicle will make those repairs even costlier. Just because you want to look like money doesn't mean you want to spend it all on a mechanic.

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