Why these 5 new luxury SUVs keep on topping consumer surveys

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New-car buyers today have plenty of choice when shopping for a luxury SUV. But how do you find the best premium sport-ute? We’d heartily recommend comparing which models come out on top across various organizations’ top-10 lists, and that’s why Driving recently cross-compared two of the more important ones.

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Based on data compiled from J.D. Power and Consumers Reports’ recent best-luxury-SUV lists, Driving found five high-dollar high-riding sport utility vehicles that nabbed top ratings in both surveys. Think of the BMW X5 and X6; Lexus RX and GX; and the Porsche Cayenne as “repeat offenders” in the best way possible.

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Why these 5 new luxury SUVs keep on topping consumer surveys Back to video

Consumers and owners supply a lot of the information J.D. Power uses in its surveys. Its 2021 APEAL survey , for example, measures which vehicles were most well-regarded by owners based on their Automotive Performance, Execution, and Layout (hence the acronym). Its 2020 top-rated SUVs list is similarly based on surveys, sampling what has gone right or wrong with vehicles during the first 90 days of ownership. (It scores them on a “PP100” scale, which refers to the number of “problems per 100 vehicles.”)

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The Consumer Report ranking of “The 10 Best Luxury SUVs You Can Buy Right Now” takes in CR road tests, reliability ratings, and owner satisfaction surveys done by CR.

Put ’em together, and you’ll find out why these luxury SUVs pop up like dandelions on top 10 lists everywhere.

BMW X5

Consumer Reports calls the BMW X5 one of the best vehicles it’s ever tested. The 3.0-litre turbo six-cylinder is responsive and quick, the ride is smooth and unfazed by poor pavement, and the well-appointed cabin is quiet with comfortable seats for even the longest trip. While controls require some studying, their logic shines through after an initial learning curve. Consumer Reports gave it an overall score of 84 in its “10 Best Luxury SUVs.”

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In J.D. Power’s APEAL ratings based on customer feedback, the X5 came in at number nine, with owners largely loving the sporty driving dynamics. Among top quality winners designated by J.D. Power, the X5 rates eleven, based on 2020 results, with a PP100 score of 164.

BMW X6

The BMW X6 touches all the bases with consumers, winning two top ratings in the J.D. Power surveys.

The sloped-back BMW X6 gets the number-one spot in J.D. Power’s APEAL ratings. Owners responded to racy styling coupled with SUV capabilities. It ranked number one, too, in the J.D. Power Quality survey of 2020, with a  PP100 score of 117. The 2020 redesign added sportier styling at the expense of space, but owners still love it for the super-smooth gearbox; and suspension that hits the right spot between firm and float-y. The interior is confidently BMW.

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Lexus RX

Lexus knows what its customers want: A vehicle that looks edgy, but is as comfortable as floating in a tropical lagoon.

America’s most popular SUV comes in number six in J.D. Power’s quality rankings, with consumers reacting to the carefully retuned driving dynamics, abundant plush touches, and premium finishes. The PP100 score was 150.

Consumer Reports ranked the Lexus RX L high for its reliable performance, as well as its cushion-y ride and super-quiet cabin. All versions of the RX are well-equipped, offering consumers good choices across the lineup. The CR score was 82.

Lexus GX

Though its styling looks a little retro now, consumers still love their Lexus GX, a luxury SUV that doesn’t shy away from a dust-up with a rugged road.

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While the Lexus GX gives up some of the traditional comfort expected in the brand, Consumer Reports says the terrific off-road capability is the payoff. The well-engineered ride remains composed under most conditions. In giving the GX a rating of 79, CR makes note of excellent reliability and above-average owner satisfaction

Ranked number two by J.D. Power in quality based on consumer surveys, the quiet Lexus GX, based on the same platform as the ready-to-rumble Toyota 4Runner, gets a PP100 score of 135.

Porsche Cayenne

Consumer Reports gives full marks to the Cayenne’s excellent handling and agility, and an interior fit and finish it calls “impeccable.” The ride can be stiff, but buyers likely know that before purchasing. The CR score of 81 points puts it in the middle of the pack.

Ranked number seven in the 2021 J.D. Power APEAL study, the Porsche Cayenne wins customers over with an alluring combo of power and handling. The restrained styling is another hallmark of the brand that attracts customers who want cache and excellence without bling.