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.

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Available As: Entry-lux coupe and sedan

Base Price Range (MSRP): $31,450-$34,250

Pros: Handling, acceleration, price, available AWD.

Cons: Interior space (coupe), ride (coupe), clutch feel.

Overall: A capable blend of comfort, luxury, and sport, at least as a sedan.

Rating: 9/10

Recommended: YES (IFCAR Top Pick)

The G35 sedan and G37 coupe are billed as primarily sporty cars, aimed directly at the BMW 3-Series. But by the virtue of its roomier interior, the G35 is able to beat the 3-Series sedan as an all-around car; it's a better blend of luxury and sport. Factor in the G35's much lower price and much more potent engine (than the most comparably-priced 3-Series), and it's an excellent bargain. Unlike many competitors, it is usable both as value-priced luxury transportation (epitomized by the Lexus ES350) or as a fun-to-drive sporty car (the direction favored by most competitors), making it an excellent all-around entry-lux choice. The coupe has a more powerful engine and a stiffer ride without obvious benefit, poorer visibility, and less interior space, and should be left to those who refuse to have anything to do with a car with two extra doors.

Another overall-competitive entry-lux sedan is the Acura TL, which is roomier than the G35 and has a nicer interior but is not as sporty. The BMW 3-Series is very agile and fun to drive, rides well, and has comfortable seating for two, but has limited rear seat space and is very expensive. And 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.

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Available As: Luxury sedan

Base Price Range (MSRP): $41,450-$49,100

Pros: Interior space, ride, handling, acceleration, interior quality, price.

Cons: Fuel economy.

Overall: It meets every type of high standard set in its class, while costing less than most competitors.

Rating: 9/10

Recommended: YES (IFCAR Top Pick)

The M does not come immediately to mind for any one superlative in its class. It doesn't have the BMW 5-Series's handling, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class's interior quality or refinement, or the Cadillac DTS's interior space. But it blends all the positive qualities in its class into a very competitively priced package to meet the high standards set in the luxury sedan class for interior comfort and quality, ride and handling, and acceleration. Avoid the Sport package, which adds little to the car's handling while making the ride much stiffer, and you'll have an excellent all-around luxury sedan.

Another good all-around well-priced luxury sedan is the Audi A6, though it isn't as smooth-riding or as powerful as the M. It has an especially nice interior, however. The V6-only Acura RL is another decent choice, though the M is roomier and more powerful. The BMW 5-Series is the driver's car to beat in this class, and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class offers the most luxury, but neither are as roomy as the M and both are much more expensive.

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Available As: Luxury SUV

Base Price Range (MSRP): $49,950-$53,050

Pros: Interior space, acceleration.

Cons: Refinement, interior quality.

Overall: Not worth the inflated price over the near-identical Nissan Armada.

Rating: 3/10

Recommended: NO

The QX56 isn't a terrible vehicle in its own right. While it isn't very luxurious, it's a decent large SUV, with a spacious interior and a powerful V8. But not only is it hurt by its lack of luxury, with excessive exhaust noise and too many cheap interior details, but it is also largely identical to the Nissan Armada, which costs many thousands less. Even if you like everything about the QX56, you can get the same thing in another car, so there is no reason to consider it.

For a combination of power and interior space with luxury and refinement that matches the QX56's and Armada's, consider the Dodge Durango, which costs less than either but isn't quite as quick and has a few cheap interior pieces. If power is less important, consider the Ford Expedition or, if you are willing to pay a substantial premium for a slight improvement in refinement and interior quality, its Lincoln Navigator twin. They are very roomy and comfortable, and drive well. If you don't need a truck's towing capacity, consider the Mercedes-Benz R350 and the related GL450, which get expensive when loaded with options but are spacious, comfortable, agile, and refined.

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