Available As: Midsize Entry-Lux SUV

Base Price Range (MSRP): $40,195-$47,995

Pros: Ride, handling, refinement, acceleration, interior comfort, interior quality, safety ratings.

Cons: Instrument layout, third-row seat space.

Overall: A blend of sport, luxury, and practicality offered at a class-competitive price.

Rating: 9/10

Recommended: YES (IFCAR Top Pick)

The MDX, the larger and pricier of Acura's two entry-lux SUVs, was completely redesigned for the 2007 model year, and most of the flaws of the already-competitive previous version have been changed to strengths. Where the old model was a clumsy handler, the new model is one of the most agile SUVs, and still rides very comfortably and quietly. (The "Sport" version is even more agile, but at a penalty to comfort and cost.) Where the old model was losing the horsepower war, the new one comes near winning it, at least near enough to be more than sufficient for most consumers, without an appreciable loss in gas mileage. However, the third row seat, as in most but not all like-sized SUVs, is still not designed for adult comfort.

However, if you want the ultimate luxury experience in your SUV, the MDX is not for you. While it is excellent in both areas, you can do even better with the Lexus RX350, though that car lacks a third-row seat and isn't nearly as agile as the MDX. And if you want enough third-row seat space for adults to ride in comfort, consider the Buick Enclave, though it isn't as powerful, agile, or refined, and doesn't have as nice of an interior. And the Cadillac SRX is a very similar car to the MDX in intent and in price, and deserves to be cross-shopped as well. And if a $40,000+ price tag seems too steep, remember that there are comparably-sized highly-competitive vehicles without a premium badge that cost many thousands less. Look at the GMC Acadia/Saturn Outlook twins, the Honda Pilot, the Mazda CX-9, and the Toyota Highlander to see how they measure up for your use.

See all Entry-Lux SUVs

Available As: Compact Entry-Lux SUV

Base Price Range (MSRP): $33,195-$36,695

Pros: Handling, interior quality, price, fuel economy, interior comfort, safety ratings.

Cons: Ride, refinement, cargo space, instrument layout.

Overall: With a premium badge and a premium price, one would expect the RDX to feel more like a premium car.

Rating: 5/10

Recommended: NO

To slot under Acura's own MDX (see above) in the same basic market class, the RDX could not be competitive, lest it steal sales from the pricier member of the Acura family. Acura tried to carve out a special niche for it as a premium sporty SUV, but the MDX manages to outshine it in both ways. While the MDX has a smooth, powerful V6, the RDX makes do with a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, which hurts its power and refinement compared to the competition. And while the MDX has an excellent ride/handling compromise, the RDX offers similar agility (despite its smaller size) along with a stiff, unsettled ride and excessive road noise. The RDX does at least have a comfortable and high-quality interior, and costs quite a bit less than the MDX, but it doesn't feel as expensive as it is.

The Mazda CX-7 is very similar to the RDX, yet costs thousands less. Both have turbocharged 4-cylinders and agile handling, and suffer from turbo lag and excess noise. The RDX has a more comfortable back seat and a nicer interior, but is otherwise not worth the extra money. The V6-powered Nissan Murano slots between the CX-7 and RDX in price, and is a much better all-around car than either. The BMW X3 and Infiniti FX are credible premium sporty SUVs, though they are more expensive than the RDX. And consumers considering the RDX for its relatively low price for a premium-badged SUV should consider either paying more or choosing a more competitive less-expensive vehicle from a mainstream brand.

See all Entry-Lux SUVs

Available As: Luxury Sedan

Base Price Range (MSRP): $46,280-$53,700

Pros: Price, interior quality, acceleration, AWD.

Cons: Trunk space, no V8 option.

Overall: The RL offers only adequacy by the high standards of its class, which equates to excellence by other standards, and costs less than the competition.

Rating: 7/10

Recommended: YES

Calling the RL a mediocre car would not be inaccurate. For while it is comfortable, quiet, agile, and powerful, it does not stand out among its peers in the luxury sedan class. But to dismiss it because of its relative mediocrity would be wrong. For it is still comfortable, quiet, agile, and powerful, and costs quite a bit less than competitors that are even more so. (The sticker prices are already competitive, and the car is often sold deeply discounted from that price.) Acura bills it as a sports sedan, but it's really just a very pleasant car stuffed with features at relatively reasonable prices.

If you want a true luxury sports sedan, you will do best selecting something from the BMW 5-Series lineup, but be prepared to pay quite a bit more than for the RL. For all-around excellence, consider paying even more for a Mercedes-Benz E-Class. For all-around near-excellence at prices not far above the RLs', look at the Infiniti M. Also consider cars from the lower entry-lux class to see if they meet your needs for less. Acura's own TL (see below) is very similar to the RL in size and offers sharper handling, but lacks AWD traction and doesn't have quite the same interior quality. And the Lexus ES350 offers exceptional comfort, refinement, and luxury, and is worth a long look if you aren't interested in sporty handling.

See all Luxury Cars

Available As: Entry-Lux Sedan

Base Price Range (MSRP): $33,725-$38,425

Pros: Acceleration, ride, handling, refinement, interior quality, fuel economy.

Cons: Interior and trunk space, torque steer (manual transmission).

Overall: A well-rounded premium sedan.

Rating: 8/10

Recommended: YES

Most consumers shopping for an entry-lux sedan would be satisfied with the TL. It's comfortable, it's powerful, it's loaded with features, it's reasonably-priced, it gets good gas mileage for its class, and it rides and handles well. A Type-S version offers additional power and better handling, but still does not make it a credible sports sedan, and it adds to the price and hurts the ride; the base version is recommended over it. But there are numerous competitors in their own more specific niches that may be better for different people than the jack-of-all-trades TL.

If you're looking for a sport sedan, look at the BMW 3-Series line. The 3-Series is pricier than the TL and not as roomy, but has much sharper handling and a superior manual transmission. The Infiniti G35 Sport offers a lot of power at a lower price than the BMW, but its handling precision and manual transmission aren't quite at the same level. If you want a fun to drive car but aren't as concerned with power as much as handling, consider Acura's own value-priced TSX (below). If you have no interest in owning a sports sedan, consider the Lexus ES350 and the related Toyota Avalon, which are luxurious, comfortable, and quiet, but not designed for taking fast curves. The Avalon is the roomier and the less expensive of the two, but the Lexus has a nicer interior and the all-important premium badge. And non-Sport versions of the Infiniti G35 offer similar all-around excellence to the TL.

See all Entry-Lux Cars