The 2017 Land Rover Discovery Sport ranks 13 out of 14 Luxury Compact SUVs. The 2017 Land Rover Discovery Sport is the most capable off-road vehicle in its class. It also has plenty of cargo space, and it's the only luxury compact SUV to offer a third row of seats. However, the engine feels a little weak, and it gets worse fuel economy than many competitors.
Pros Excellent off-road ability Ample cargo room Only SUV in the class available with a third row
Cons Underpowered engine Low fuel economy Low predicted reliability rating
Although it's not a working implement like the classic Land Rover Discovery, the quirky Discovery Sport has plenty of merits up against rivals in the entry-level luxury class. Anchoring the Land Rover lineup should be a cakewalk of a job, especially given that there is routinely a waiting list to order the brand's Range Rover models. But it hasn't always been that easy, which is why Land Rover started from scratch with its Discovery Sport.
Pros Comfortable, quiet ride Roomy interior for five Decently off-road capable Land Rover style inside and out
Cons Too softly styled for a Land Rover? Third-row seat is a tease Active safety features are optional Gets expensive fast
There are some new, noteworthy options for the 2017 Discovery Sport. A new interface known as InControl Touch Pro boasts a larger screen, better graphics and faster responses. The new Intelligent Dynamics pack includes an adaptive suspension and an active all-wheel-drive system that can power only two wheels for improved fuel economy. The new Dynamic Design package includes a variety of special interior and exterior design elements. A new low-speed, off-road cruise control system is also now standard.
Pros More passenger and cargo space than most competitors offer Above-average capabilities off-road and in bad weather conditions Available third-row seating is unique to the segment.
Cons Mediocre acceleration and fuel economy for the segment Only one engine choice Transmission is slow to downshift Cabin is well-made but less luxurious in appearance than rival
The 2017 Lexus RX 350 ranks 4 out of 21 Luxury Midsize SUVs. The 2017 Lexus RX 350 ranks in the top quarter among luxury midsize SUVs because it offers an attractive and spacious interior, good power, and impressive standard features, but some competitors can say the same thing.
Pros Generous list of standard features Comfortable and spacious rear seats Lower base price than many competitors
Cons Difficult-to-use infotainment system Limited cargo space
As a style-conscious statement of indulgence, the Lexus RX shines like never before. Its looks are polarizing and it's not all that fun to drive even in F Sport form, but the RX continues to excel in many ways. Almost ubiquitous with the term "luxury crossover," the Lexus RX was redesigned last year with a far more lavish look and feel inside and out. It's a daring breath of fresh air for the model that essentially pioneered this premium, upscale segment. We like the current Lexus RX, even though it's not quite as polished to drive as some rivals. With its solid feel and eye-catching looks, the RX rates a 7.3 out of 10 on our scale.
Pros Eye-catching design Refined interior Solid power Available hybrid Standard safety tech
Cons Polarizing looks Expensive with options F-Sport rides very firmly No third row
Don’t let the RX’s daring style fool you—it’s still the plush-riding crossover it’s always been, but a technological leap forward from its segment-defining predecessor. A 295-hp V-6, eight-speed automatic and front-drive are standard; all-wheel drive is optional. There is a hybrid, but with optional all-wheel drive, we managed 22 mpg; its combined EPA rating is 30. The cabin uses rich-looking interior materials throughout; the F Sport gets comfortable and supportive seats, among other upgrades. The Lexus RX, which has reigned as the best-selling Lexus model and the top seller among all luxury crossovers and SUVs for nearly two decades, went under the knife for some major work in 2016. It kept the passenger-car mechanicals, raised seating position, posh interior, and cargo-friendly five-passenger SUV body style but cranked the styling volume up to new heights with an outsize snout, a floating roof, and a riotous surface treatment. Voting with their wallets, the car-buying public seems to prefer this new RX, as sales have increased versus the more sedate-looking previous version.
