<p>Just picked up my 2012 volvo xc 90, great deal, great vehicle</p>
<p>Love my Acura MDX and so happy I didn’t get the RDX. While I didn’t need a third row of seat like I did when carpooling children, the extra storage in the back has been great. We have also used the third row a couple of times; while not comfy for a long trip for an adult, it works in a pinch. Because the last row stows flat to the floor, I forget I even have the third row.</p>
<p>Anyone have thoughts on the best luxury (yes, I am spoiled) SUV for long distance driving. We have three 20 lb dogs that travel with us and need lots of room for luggage (for extended trips). I like to have a third row of seats that stow away just in case the extended family comes to visit us. I currently have a 6 year old Lexus GX which I really like but they changed the design last year to one that gives you much less for much more money! I will look at the Acura MDX, the Mercedes 450, the Toyota Sequouia?, the GMC Yukon, Ford Expedition etc… I want a really smooth ride that handles well, seats 7-8, plus has all the luxury items that I have gotten accustomed to (Nav system w back up camera, DVD player, good sound system, leather seats/woodgrain interior).</p>
<p>What about Escalade? I love the mecedes 450, but not certain it would fitmyour needs…the MDX definitely won’t … I spent much time comparing MDX to Volvo XC90, and the volvo has a bit more room,more so when 3rd row seating is in use.i have 2 dogs, 3 kids and chose the XC90… that said, i would say both MDX and XC90 are midsized suvs, as opposed to Escalade which would be much larger…forget the yukon or expedition if you want luxury</p>
<p>While we haven’t taken a trip longer than 6 hours in our MDX, and the dogs were not with us, I think the MDX is worth looking into. While it is not as large as those similar the the Expedition or the Escalade, it really is a good size. </p>
<p>Our dogs are 40 and 53lbs and love the middle seat; I even spent too much money for a fitted seat cover so they wouldn’t ruin the leather seats :)</p>
<p>Have you thought about the Audi Q7?</p>
<p>You can probably load up something like a Honda Pilot (which has a lot of interior room due to its boxy shape - comfortable for 8) to have all of the options you list, and it will still be cheaper than some of the other SUV’s when similarly equipped. Not to mention, better gas mileage.</p>
<p>I’ve sat in a new model year Toyota Sequoia, and that car is certainly big and luxurious to sit in. Excellent interior quality and good plush leather, with soft damped cubbies and DVD player and wood trim, etc. It’s also cheaper than Lexus GX or Escalade.</p>
<p>I will check out the Sequoia and the MDX. How the car drives/handles is also very important. Since the car will make bi-annual drives across a few states (with dogs in the back and lots of luggage). I will also look at the Lexus LX I guess. I could look at the newer model (2012 when it comes out) of the GX to see if they changed some of my biggest complaints. Does anyone have the big Mercedes SUV (the three row one)? Was wondering how that was to own. Honda Pilot is ok…but IDK if I am ready to “downsize the luxury” (since I have had a lexus for 6 years). I also like a good service center (full service) since I am usually sitting there alone.</p>
<p>If you’re considering the category of the MDX, Lexus, etc., you might want to consider the upcoming Infiniti JX model (model name may change) that’s due out in spring of 2012. It looks like it’ll be somewhat similar in size and luxo and maybe price. You can see what it looks like on the Infiniti website.</p>
<p>I think the MDX will out-handle most of the SUVs its size from what I’ve read but when it comes to how a car ‘drives’ it’s subjective since some people like good handling and don’t mind a firmer ride but others want to drive a sofa and don’t mind the poorer handling. I don’t own an MDX though.</p>
<p>We’re also starting to look for a new SUV. It’s almost time to put the LandCruiser down as it’s over 300,000 miles and starting to rust. We did recently drive a GMC Yukon cross country and it was a surprisingly nice ride. Sitting in the driveway it had a very similar profile width, height, wheelbase and off the ground as the LandCruiser. We need a winter SUV that does “truck-like” blast through deep snow and gravel roads in winter type driving not sit-up tall work commute on freeway driving. My neighbor has the Mercedes and it’s sweet but maybe too pricey for us with kids in college…</p>
<p>Wow, the Infiniti JX is nice! I will definitely compare that one to the Mercedes and the Lexus when it comes out. I want the car before next summer, when we drive from Florida to New Jersey. </p>
<p>I definitely do need a car that “sits high” though. I am only 5’1" and feel much more comfortable/safe in the higher SUV’s.</p>
<p>Also, since the kids are “grown”, the third row needs to be able to sit adults not little people.</p>
<p>seiclan, have you looked at the Q7? I rode in a friend’s a couple of weeks ago and it was beautiful. Very luxurious, comfortable seating, excellent handling from what my friend told me, which isn’t surprising given how great Audis handle, in general. I liked it a lot but it’s too big for me! I’m replacing my RX in the next few months and will probably go with the Cayenne hybrid. I, too, want to keep the luxury but I also have a couple of other requirements, funnily enough, also dog-related. It has a suspension that allows you to lower the car which is helpful when you’re loading 4 dogs, two of which are 65 lbs. and getting old.</p>
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<p>You might want to check out the cost of repair before make up your mind on this feature. My neighbor has one on her Mercedes, it went in two or three times already on a flat bed tow truck, and he did not want to talk about the cost.</p>
<p>artlovers, we had that feature on our Range Rover Sport and never had an issue with it. It’s like anything else when you buy a car, you should be ready and able to pay for the servicing and repairs that are necessary. Unless your neighbor’s car had passed the warranty expiration date, she wouldn’t have had to pay for the repairs.</p>
<p>seiclan, I have the Mercedes GL450 and I love it. We have a vacation home 11 hours from our NJ house and the 450 is great for the long trip, I have a 70lb dog and haul a ton of stuff when we go to the other house, cargo room is great, it is very comfortable and drives great. It has all the features you are looking for. It isn’t fabulous on gas but it’s better then my Land Cruiser was. H just got a Porsche Cayenne, smaller but fun to drive and very comfortable.</p>
<p>alwaysmom,</p>
<p>^^ yes, it was out of warrenty… that is why I urge you check the price.</p>