luxury full-size SUV's:how they measure up

[sikuya]

motor trend's comparison test of 4 fullsize SUVs from july 2004 issue:how 4 leather-lined luxo-'utes really measure up-not in suburbia,but in realm they were built for:Death Valley
(the cadillac escalade was not invited because its 4WD transfer case doesn't offer low range-a big advantage for serious off-roading)


4 INFINITI QX56 AWD (5.6L V8 305hp)
hot:brawny powertrain,capacious cabin,lowest price
not:structural shimmies,squeaks and rattles,unrefined materials
verdict:potent and feature-packed,but way too unbuttoned for its premium sticker price


3 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR Ultimate 4x4 (5.4L Vb 300hp)
hot:pushbutton everything,rippling V8,effective AWD system
not:enormous mass,cowl shake,minimal ground clearance
verdict:surprisingly capable for such a hedonistic giant


2 LEXUS LX470
hot:gorgeous cabin,conspicuous refinement,off-road dexterity
not:low tow rating,tight 3rd row,wants more horsepower
verdict:a superbly built,extremely competent SUV that impresses despite its old age


1 LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER HSE
hot:lusty BMW V8,sport-sedan handling,standard-setting offroad performance
not:awful navigation system,no 3rd row,lofty sticker
verdict:a peerless combo of luxury,on-road refinement and off-road mastery

[sikuya]

the lexus has a 4.7L V8 engine (235hp) and land rover 4.4L V8(282hp)

[rebel]

I think the Navigator has the 5.4L 32Valves DOHC