The 2017 BMW X6 started the coupe-like SUV trend, and keeps above the fold with potent powertrains.We know what the BMW X6 is not: It's not a coupe. It's not an SUV. It's not even really much of a family car. We also know that it's not alone. Since it showed up nearly a decade ago, the X6 has been copied by Mercedes-Benz, Range Rover, and others. Even BMW sells an smaller version of the X6, the X4, and reportedly a smaller X2 is in the works.
Pros Stylish body V-8 is compelling in its performance Functional rear seat New touchscreen
Cons A $6,000 premium over the X5 Ride is a little harsh Not an off-roader and not a super sedan
For 2017, the BMW X6 gets an updated iDrive system with touchscreen technology. The Premium and Executive option packages also now include wireless cellphone charging and a Wi-Fi hot spot.
Pros Powerful engines Agile dynamics Comfortable and quiet ride Top-quality interior with comfortable front seats and ample storage.
Cons Small cargo area Poor rearward visibility Limited rear headroom Rear seats don't recline Priced higher than many other luxury SUVs.
The 2017 BMW X6 ranks 15 out of 21 Luxury Midsize SUVs. The 2017 BMW X6 sits around the middle of our luxury midsize SUV rankings. Its stellar performance credentials keep it from falling too close to the bottom, but it doesn't have enough positives to elevate it above middling.
Pros Powerful engine choices Sporty handling Upscale interior Intuitive infotainment
Cons Small back seat Minimal cargo room High price
The 2017 Lexus GX ranks 22 out of 22 Luxury Midsize SUVs. The 2017 Lexus GX ranks near the bottom of the luxury midsize SUV class. If you want a luxury SUV with off-road capabilities (and standard four-wheel drive), then the GX is one of the few midsize choices that will meet your criteria. It also comes standard with seating for seven. In most other respects, however, you’re better off looking at most other vehicles in the class.
Pros Excellent off-road abilities Intuitive technology features
Cons Low fuel economy estimates Timid acceleration Unremarkable cabin materials
For an old-school SUV, the Lexus GX acquits itself quite well.Underneath its sharply-styled body and high-end interior, the Lexus GX 460 hides a utilitarian frame and a suspension shared with the foreign-market Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. Why's that important? The Prado, which is unrelated to the Land Cruiser sold at Toyota dealers in the United States, is a serious work truck designed for farmers in Australia and peacekeepers in Somalia. That helps explain some of its compromises—but despite its high step-in and quirky tailgate, the Lexus GX 460 does a lot of things very well.
Pros Truck-based solidity Smooth and strong V-8 engine Plush ride quality Comfortable interior Off-road ability
Cons Side-opening hatch opens away from the curb Too-light steering Poor gas mileage Spongy brake pedal feel Compromised cargo area
Lexus has added the Sport Design package to the 2017 GX 460, which includes some different wheels, a different front grille and additional exterior chrome trim pieces. Second-row captain's chairs are a new feature for the GX 460.
Pros Capable off-road performance requires little effort from the driver Plenty of luxury features and cabin amenities.
Cons Poor acceleration and fuel economy from the V8 engine Uncomfortable standard second-row bench seats Inconvenient side-swinging rear cargo door Relatively ponderous handling around turns.
