How do I Compare Luxury SUVs?

If you're ready to ride in style and have plenty of cash on hand, you might trade in your modest car or truck for a luxury sport utility vehicle (SUV). These vehicles tend to be larger than more affordable SUV models and offer upgraded features. In addition to comparing each vehicle's "bells and whistles," there are other factors to make luxury SUV comparisons.

Instructions

1

Think about model choices. If you're looking for a newer, traditional SUV, you'll have to rule out Volvo, Acura and BMW, which only offered crossover sport-utility models in their 2010 and 2011 lineups. Check out the Cadillac Escalade or Infiniti QX for full-size, traditional options.

2

Examine warranties. Volvo offers its customers a five-year or 60,000-mile basic warranty. Buy a new SUV from Infiniti, and you'll get a four-year, 60,000-mile basic warranty. The basic coverage from Cadillac, BMW and Acura is also four years, but only 50,000 miles.

3

Check out roadside assistance. Volvo owners receive five years of roadside assistance with no mileage restrictions. Cadillac owners also get five years, but only up to 100,000 miles. BMW and Infiniti owners get four years of roadside assistance with no mileage limitation. Acura's four years come with a 50,000-mile cap.

4

Note other benefits. Volvo's "Wear & Tear" coverage replaces your brake pads, brake rotors and wiper inserts at no charge for five years or 60,000 miles. All new 2010 and 2011 Volvo SUVs also come with routine maintenance for five years or 60,000 miles. BMW offers similar maintenance for four years or 50,000 miles. If your car breaks down more than 100 miles from home during the first four years of ownership, Infiniti will cover your costs for meals, transportation and lodging while it is being repaired.

5

Consider costs. While you need a big budget to purchase a luxury SUV, you might have some limitations on just how much you can spend. Use manufacturers' websites to examine the makes, models and features you want so you can compare costs. Crossover SUVs on the low end of the price range include Volvo's 2010 XC70, with a suggested retail starting price of $37,950, and Acura's 2011 MDX, which started at $42,580. Prices climb sharply for full-size, traditional SUV models, with a 2011 Infiniti QX offering a base price of $56,700, and a 2010 Cadillac Escalade starting at $62,495.

6

Factor in fuel mileage. The cost of owning a luxury SUV doesn't stop with the purchase price, so it's important to consider the fuel efficiency for various models if you want to control your gas costs. A 2011 Infiniti QX56 with four-wheel drive gets 16 combined miles per gallon (14 city/20 highway). A hybrid Cadillac Escalade with four-wheel drive offers 21 combined (20 city/23 highway). A 2011 BMW X6 xDriveM nets just 14 combined miles per gallon (12 city/17 highway). Visit Fueleconomy.gov to compare other makes and models.