I would vote for the loaded Highlander--but that's based on my own needs--the Acura and Infiinti would be too small. The Lexus would probably be $5K more than the Toyota.

But--if you need a smaller SUV, I'd go with the Acura (I don't care for the EX styling).

 

Based on some of the research I've been doing (ie:internet pricing, forums, etc) it looks like the price difference between a loaded Highlander AWD with nav and an RX AWD with nav may actually be a lot closer than 5k. Looks like Lexus dealers are willing to give very good discounts on the RX while Toyota dealers are not as willing to discount since the Highlander is a new model. Of course the only way I'm going to know for sure is when I go in and talk price.
Overall, I will let my wife pick what she wants and I'll just have to work out the best deal. Before this thread even started, the RDX and RX were her top suv's to look at. Between those two models, I believe I can get a great deal.

 

Have you considered the RX 400h. Itried to get my wife to get one but she is old fashioned.

 

When we go to the Lexus dealer, the 400h will be on the list to look at but the invoice on those are almost 4k more over gas version for same equipment level and there's no tax credit anymore. It would depend on amount of dealer discount and what's in stock for delivery or in the pipeline within the next couple of weeks. Having our 300es totaled could not have come at a worse time

 

The RX400H is LOTS of $$$$$$. For what it costs, you could get a regular RX350 and put a LOT of gas in the tank to feed it.

 

Have you looked Hendricks. I don't know if you want a new or used car but CPO RX 400h would be a lot cheaper plus you get the warranty up to 100k.

 

But do you think it would be worth the extra $$$$ over a CPO RX330?
Still a big price difference.....if less so than with new vehicles.

 

The search has ended and after driving:
08 RDX - ride too harsh but would be my choice if I had to drive an SUV
08 MDX - wife like it but dealer was too greedy and lost the sale
08 Highlander -nice but dealer greedy
08 EX35 - Too small in back...she did not even want to drive it
08 RX350 AWD - THE WINNER! Rides great, the price was right, and I got my GS430 washed there

 

Congratulations! One of the main complaints about the RDX (that I don't share) is the harsh ride. Of course that translates into sportier performance, but the RX350 is a great SUV and I'm sure you and your wife will be happy.

 

I agree...I would describe the ride as an suv with sport's car handling performance. My choice hands down if I were going to be the primary driver.
I loved the sport shift mode using the paddle shifter. When the salesman tried to explain this feature to my wife, she just said "too much trouble...I'll leave it in Drive"