The X5 was just restyle and is considerably bigger and better looking now.

You can't get too much more different vehicles!

And for one child, you do NOT need an Escalade!

With the '08 about to come out, the GS is nearing mid-cycle, but yes, if you only want 2-3 yr lease, then it will still be current when you're done probably. While a nice car, I don't see it as baby friendly at all with sharply angled back window making the rear door opening not to large, and with a tiny opening for the trunk - good luck taking strollers in and out frequently.

Glad it's on the list. Like the X5, the new Cayenne is significantly improved in looks and style.

 

I'm with bit on this one. Minivans have indeed taken an unfair rap. They are a Godsend to many families.

I'm also with bit on this one. An Escalade, particularly the long-wheelbase model, is gross overkill for a small family with one child, unless you have unusual hauling or towing requirements, or just want to imitate rap singers.

 

Well, no SUV will ever ride like a proper luxury sedan, but some of todays SUV's can be quite sporty, such as Infiniti FX35/45, BMW X3/5, but they aren't much more practical than sedans, and ride even harsher than sports sedans to compensate for weight and higher center of gravity.

If you must really get an SUV, I think you should look at the practical side the most. You want a smooth ride, plenty of space, and obviously luxury. But you also don't want it to be a floaty pig either.

If I was in your shoes I would seriously consider Acura MDX. It has a lot of cargo space, much more than RX, X5, and at the same time it's not a pig with solid axle like the Escalade. It rides very smoothly, without any of X5's or FX's harshness, and at the same time it is not floaty like the RX. It has an excellent interior, much like the RL. And with 300hp and SH-AWD it will give even a V8 X5 a run for the money, both on straigh and curvy roads.

 

Excellent suggestion! Forgot about the MDX!

 

I would suggest the RX/Highlander, Pilot/MDX, or an X5/X3. You don't need an Escalade like bit and mmarshall have said. Big, clumsy handling, subpar braking, and has a fuel diet of a 747.

 

Wife was thinking MDX and found the Honda Pilot a better overall package and more room..

Honda Pilot does not have the "wow" appeal of some listed vehicles but it is a great family suv with tons of interior space.

 

The MDX is indeed a good suggestion, but you get both better handling and better acceleration.....and may save money to boot......in the lower-priced RDX. The main drawback to the RDX is that the turbo engine (a Honda/Acura first in the U.S.) needs premium gas and special oil. The new MDX, when I reviewed it, had some design quirks that I wasn't impressed with.....but maybe they won't bother you.

The current-generation Pilot is on the same platform as the last-generation MDX, but, as silverspruce pointed out, with a larger, boxier, more space-efficient interior. You will also, in most cases, save money with a Pilot. A new Pilot, based on the new MDX, will probably debut soon. I will review it if I get any requests to do so.

 

I would take an X5, or GS.