Consumer Reports Picks Acura, Lexus Over European, American Luxury Brands

Anthony Fontanelle
June 6, 2007

The American magazine Consumer Reports recently reported that the Acura MDX and the Lexus RX350 were given more points compared to Cadillac, BMW, or Lincoln SUVs. The report came after tests have been conducted on the SUVs which will be part of the Consumer Reports July issue.

The tests conducted by Consumer Reports include 18 midsize SUVs according to the publication. Of these 18 vehicles, the Lexus RX350 ranked third while the Acura MDX ranked fourth.

Ranking first is the Toyota Highlander Hybrid while the Lexus RX400h ranked second. The RX400h and the Lexus RX350 shares a common platform. The only difference between them is the powertrain since the hybrid RX400h uses an electric motor so as to provide additional power to its engine.

Of the eighteen midsized SUVs tested by Consumer Reports, five of them are luxury SUVs. Aside from the RX350 and the MDX, the three other luxury SUVs tested by Consumer Reports are the Cadillac SRX, the BMW X5 and the Lincoln MKX. The SRX, X5 and the MKX all received an overall “Very Good” rating but failed to outrank the RX350 and the MDX. The SRX finished somewhere in the middle of the list while the X5 and the MKX were at the bottom of the list.

The RX350 and the MDX both finished with 80 points each but due to other characteristic differences like the handling ability and fuel economy, the Lexus SUV was ranked higher than the Acura. The RX carries five passengers and is known for its luxurious interior. Its engine is the most fuel efficient of the five luxury SUVs even without the help of aftermarket parts like the Exedy clutch or the Exedy flywheel. The RX also has the quickest acceleration among the tested luxury SUVs.

The RX’s new engine is a 3.5-liter V6 engine which is capable of producing 270 horsepower. The fuel efficiency of the said engine resulted to a gas mileage rating of 19 mpg as according to Consumer Reports after the RX underwent their own fuel economy tests.

The MDX on the other hand can seat up to seven passengers - two more than the RX’s capacity. It also has a luxurious interior. Another characteristic which puts the MDX near the top spot is its better handling as compared to the RX and the other luxury SUVs. Its engine is also reported to be sportier than that of the Lexus. Its suspension setting complements the powertrain giving the MDX good riding comfort.

The SRX, while able to attain a “Very Good” overall rating, is not being recommended by Consumer Reports due to the questionable reliability of past models of the SRX. The X5 and the MKX, on the other hand, are relatively new to the market so Consumer Reports have limited data so as to their reliability. The publication only recommends vehicles which have performed well on their tests and those which have been proven to be reliable. Reliability is based on the company’s Annual Car Reliability Survey of CR’s subscribers. The recommended vehicles should also receive good safety ratings.

Source:  Amazines.com