Optional SUV

The Bottom Line: The Rogue just barely manages to meet our performance expectations for a crossover SUV in its price range, and falls short when it comes to cabin tech.

Specs: SUV, Gas

The Bottom Line: The presence of the old iDrive interface makes it hard to recommend this generation of the BMW X5 xDrive35d, and the diesel engine makes it more suitable for open-road conditions than congested city traffic.

Specs: SUV, X5, Diesel

The Bottom Line: There's a lot to like about the Mazda CX-7 Grand Touring's performance and cabin accommodations, but the cabin tech, while adequate, is sorely in need of an update.

Specs: SUV, CX-7, Gas

The Bottom Line: The Mazda CX-9 is a sporty SUV that packs a lot of space inside but it both looks and performs like a much smaller vehicle. However, the cabin tech lacks polish and needs to be better integrated.

Specs: SUV, Grand Touring, Gas

The Bottom Line: The 2008 Volkswagen Touareg 2 V8 costs a lot to buy and a lot to run, but, while its cabin tech sucks, it drives extraordinarily well.

Specs: SUV, V8 FSI, Gas

The Bottom Line: The cabin electronics and interface for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL320 CDI's infotainment system are old and have fallen far behind today's standards, but the diesel engine makes the car drive well and get incredible fuel economy for a full-size SUV.

Specs: SUV, GL320 CDI, Diesel

The Bottom Line: Fully equipped, the 2007 Mazda CX-9 gets close to $40,000, but it is a comfortable car with almost sporty handling. Most of its faults can be mitigated through its options, such as replacing the poor stereo interface with an LCD when you get navigation.

Specs: SUV, Touring, Gas

The Bottom Line: Although it's an SUV, the 2007 BMW X5 is for people who appreciate performance. Everything about the car is rock solid, from its cabin tech to its handling, and we would feel as comfortable driving it on windy mountain roads as we would over icy terrain.

Specs: SUV, 4.8i, Gas

The Bottom Line: The 2007 GL450 is true to the Mercedes-Benz mission of performance and luxury; however, its plentiful cabin tech features are not as useful or usable as we would like.

Specs: SUV, GL450, Gas

The Bottom Line: The 2007 Volkswagen Touareg offers a solid driving experience, although it's too sluggish for fast maneuvers in traffic. The cabin tech needs an upgrade, something we hope to see in future models.

Specs: SUV, V6, Gas