Available As: 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

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, and the Toyota Highlander to see how they measure up for your use.

Available As: Entry-Lux SUV, Luxury SUV

Base Price Range (MSRP): $42,500-$58,600

Pros: Interior quality, agility, towing capacity.

Cons: Ride comfort, fuel economy, visibility, instrument layout, acceleration (V6).

Overall: While the Q7 has its strong points, it has too many flaws for the price.

Rating: 5/10

Recommended: NO

The Q7 tries to combine sport with luxury, but achieves only moderate success. It handles well for its size, but that size is too big for it to truly feel fun to drive, and the handling comes at the expense of an overly firm rides. The interior is impeccably finished, but the instrument layout uses Audi's MMI system, which is overcomplicated. The styling cuts into visibility and head room, particularly for the tiny third row. And the weight hurts both acceleration and fuel economy.

Good blends of practicality, luxury, and driving enjoyment are the Acura MDX and Cadillac SRX, which are less expensive than either the V6 or the V8 version of the Q7. A near-ideal blend of those attributes can be found in the Mercedes-Benz GL and R-Class, though they are more expensive. Consumers with a primary interest in space and comfort over sporty handling should consider the Buick Enclave and its less-expensive versions, the GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook. Note that the Q7 has a nicer interior than any of the others mentioned, and that it is far nicer than the latter triplets.

Available As: Entry-Lux SUV

Base Price Range (MSRP): $37,800-$49,850

Pros: Handling, acceleration.

Cons: Ride, refinement, cargo space, visibility.

Overall: The FX makes many comfort sacrifices in the name of sport, and practicality sacrifices in the name of style. Consider it only if your priorities fall the same way.

Rating: 6/10

Recommended: YES

The FX is a luxury-priced SUV that isn't very luxurious. It has the expected high-end options and some nice interior details, but it isn't comfortable or quiet. Unlike most competitors, the FX is focused primarily on sport, with powerful V6 and V8 engines and sharp handling. This leads to a stiff, uncomfortable ride and excessive road and exhaust noise. Also, the car's styling limits its interior space (particularly for cargo) and rear visibility. It's worth considering if you want much more sport than utility, and don't mind spending from the high $30,000s and not getting much luxury.

For a sporty SUV that includes comfort, refinement, and luxury, consider the BMW X3. It costs a bit more than the FX, and because it offers no V8, isn't as quick. But it's even more fun to drive without sacrificing a premium feel. If sport is important but a premium feel is not, consider the Nissan Murano, which is also a stylized 5-passenger SUV and shares the FX's V6, though it is based on front-wheel-drive Nissan sedans rather than rear-wheel-drive Infinitis. It isn't quite as agile as the FX, but it is more spacious and comfortable, and much less expensive. For a blend of comfort and sport with more interior space, consider the Cadillac SRX and Acura MDX, though neither handles as nimbly as the FX. And if sport is not a factor at all in your decision, consider the Lexus RX350.