Top 10 Luxury SUVs For 2014

 Acura MDX: The Acura MDX uses its value to establish its spot in the SUV market. The MDX, unlike its competitors, remains reasonably priced throughout its variants, which include front-wheel and all-wheel drive systems. Starting at $42,290 MSRP, the MDX is powered by a 3.5L V6 engine producing 290 horsepower. While this figure may be lower than some, the Acura brand carries assurances like reliability and practicality. It might not be the most exciting vehicle in the segment, but handling is sharp and 18/27 MPG stands out. In a class known for brash flaunting without necessarily guaranteeing substance, the Acura MDX promises sensibility without compromise.

 BMW X5: One of the best selling vehicles in this segment for years, the BMW X5 is redesigned and much improved for the 2014 model year. Three engine choices and – for the first time – optional rear-wheel drive mean that customers will have plenty of ways to make their X5 perfectly suited to their tastes. The rear-drive 2014 X5 sDrive35i will start from $52,800 MSRP with an inline-six engine with 300 horsepower. It also powers the xDrive35i, while a turbodiesel engine makes 255 hp in the xDrive35d and a twin-turbo 4.4L V8 makes 445 hp in the xDrive50i. Interior quality is simply exquisite, and the X5 is one of the only Luxury SUV models that is genuinely thrilling to drive. Base models are pretty strong at 27 MPG, too, while the xDrive35d runs as high as 31 MPG. Not bad considering the X5 may be the most versatile SUV in its class, and an easy choice for our Top 10 list.

 Cadillac Escalade: While the 2015 Cadillac Escalade won’t be out until later this year, it appears the daunting tank has cleared some impressive hurdles in its new iteration. Expect both handling and ride quality to be much improved, thanks to technology like lightweight high-strength steel and the addition of electric power steering. On some models, the fantastic Magnetic Ride Control is standard, which is music to the ears of anyone who plans to take their Escalade onto roads with any twists at all. So the 2015 Escalade should be slimmer and trimmer, but it won’t lose any of its core appeal. A 6.2L V8 engine delivers pounding 420 horsepower and 460 lb.-ft of torque, while the new styling reflects brash character that made the Escalade famous. New, but not different, expect to see the new Escalade everywhere before long.

 Infiniti QX80: Though it may not have the biggest name in the game, the 2014 Infiniti QX80 is definitely a force to be reckoned with when it comes to the best Luxury SUV choices. It has all the good stuff like a decadent interior, 5.6L V8 engine with 400 horsepower and seven-speed transmission. But what sets the QX80 apart is its standard technology. Control interior features from your smartphone app and rely on Infiniti Connection if you’re ever in a jam. Intelligent Cruise Control and Around View bird’s-eye monitors make for a carefree driving experience, which is nice, because you can fully enjoy the 13-speaker Bose sound system all the better. Rear-wheel drive models start from $61,350 and all-wheel drive is available from $64,450 MSRP. You may have trouble remembering the name, but you won’t forget driving the 2014 Infiniti QX80.

 Land Rover Range Rover Sport: In an exceptionally comfortable and capable package truly worthy of the esteemed Land Rover name, the new 2014 Range Rover Sport brings more to the table than ever before. Combining the requisite opulent interior that comes from a European luxury car with deft handling and legendary off-road prowess, it may be the face of the modern day luxury crossover that offers impeccable quality at an affordable price. It’s all thanks to the smaller package, which is well suited by the base 3.0L supercharged V6 with 340 horsepower and 17/23 MPG, or the 5.0L supercharged V8 with 510 hp. Of course, that doesn't come cheap. The 3.0L SE starts from $62,600 and the 5.0L models kick off around $79,000 MSRP. No small cookies, but until further notice, this is the class of the segment.

 Lexus LX 570: No one should be surprised at the Lexus LX 570 by now. However, the new 2014 LX 570 still blindsides some people who aren’t expecting such rugged capability from the tall Toyota. Looks deceived this luxury ute for a long time, but the 2014 LX 570 wears a new aggressive face that presents its performance nature from a mile away. At $81,780 MSRP, the price is steep, but Lexus has brought a technology-laden ox to the table like never before. The 5.7L V8 engine makes 383 horsepower but a whopping 403 lb.-ft of torque, perfect for the off-road crawling and descending that the LX 570 has made its calling card. Look elsewhere for fuel economy, as the massive eight-seater delivers just 12/17 MPG. Still, standard features abound to make the LX 570 a very competitive package in a class with only the highest standards.

 Lincoln Navigator: There is a new 2015 Navigator on the way in the coming months, and interested buyers may want to hold out for that one. Once the standard for large luxury SUVs, the Lincoln Navigator has fallen on hard times and the competition quickly caught up and shot past it in recent years. Still, the 2014 Navigator available now may appeal to buyers looking for a comfortable ride at an affordable price. Interior space and luxurious leather abound, combining with a smooth driving experience to deliver a premium feel. At a $57,875 MSRP, however, the 2014 Navigator could use an engine upgrade. The 5.4L V8 engine makes just 310 horsepower, which is low considering the fuel economy is also poor at 14/20 MPG for rear-wheel drive and 13/18 MPG for all-wheel drive. It’s hard being a large SUV these days, but the 2014 Lincoln Navigator offers unique style and comfort until its update arrives next year.

 Mercedes-Benz GL: Fresh off a full redesign last year, the 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL Class established itself as the premium of the premium Luxury SUV models in its class. That doesn't change this year. Four different engine options leave the door open to any taste, from a 3.0L turbodiesel V6 with 240 horsepower and 26 MPG to a monster 5.5L biturbo V8 with 550 hp and a bad attitude. Starting at $62,400 MSRP, the GL Class is perhaps the most well put-together vehicle on this entire list, with flawless execution and finish at every angle. Its ride is smooth and its cabin is flush with technology, so this is one SUV that you simply won’t have much to complain about. It seats seven instead of eight, and the third row is a bit tight. If you don’t mind that, the 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL simply must be on your wish list this holiday.

 Porsche Cayenne: Like all other Porsches, every feature on the Cayenne can be customized or upgraded – for a fee, of course. While many critics berated the Cayenne, saying a Porsche SUV would never work out, the past few years have shown the exact opposite. The Porsche Cayenne has become the staple of the company, and now boasts a wide range of available models ranging from the standard 300 horsepower V6 and 240 horsepower diesel options, all the way up to the 550 horsepower Turbo S. Prices for the Cayenne start at $49,600 and end up north of $140,000 for the performance models. Tack on some optional extras – of which there are plenty – and watch the price balloon sky high. However, for those who have the money to spend, there are few other vehicles in the segment that can boast the speed or luxury of the mighty Cayenne.

 Volkswagen Touareg: It feels strange to suggest a “sensible” alternative on this list, but the 2014 Volkswagen Touareg brings a distinctly different twist to the segment. Based on the same platform as the Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne, the Touareg is extremely robust and capable whether on-road or off. Two engine choices are available in the 3.6L V6 with 280 horsepower and 17/23 MPG, or the 3.0L turbodiesel V6 with 240 horsepower, 406 lb.-ft of torque and 20/29 MPG. A very attractive package that starts at $43,995 MSRP, the 2014 Touareg is swift on its feet and sumptuous inside. The TDI starts around $51k and a new R-Line trim became available last year with a more aggressive look. Give it a serious look if you want a Luxury SUV without the pricetag of a yacht.