The sport utility vehicle (SUV) is the compromise of choice for the would-be station wagon driver who cannot reconcile to the need for a minivan. Built on a light-truck chassis, SUVs have been vilified as gas guzzlers and rollover risks. With mechanical improvements over the past decade, these vehicles have become safer and more luxurious. So what does it cost to own a 2012 model year luxury SUV?
2012 Cadillac SRX Crossover: $35,485 to $54,525
The exterior of the 2012 Cadillac SRX sets it apart from other similar luxury SUVs. Whereas flowing curves are currently considered the in-crowd look, Cadillac opts for what it terms a “chiseled silhouette” instead. Jeweled headlamps, a rear spoiler and vertical LED tail lamps are just some of the exterior features that set apart this luxury vehicle from similar models. Touch screen navigation, a sapele wood steering wheel and black roof rails are standard features. Fuel consumption is between 16 and 17 city miles to the gallon.
2012 Buick Enclave: Starts at $36,600
Touting its fuel efficiency, Buick wants you to know that the 2012 Buick Enclave is a steal at a manufacturer-suggested retail price (MSRP) of $36,600. Seating eight, this luxury SUV features a mahogany-inlaid steering wheel, tri-zone climate controls, but only gets about 17 city miles to the gallon for the front-wheel drive base model. Upgrade to all-wheel drive, and fuel economy decreases to 16 miles per gallon.
2012 BMW X3: $37,100 – $44,345
Edmunds outlines that the 2012 BMW X3 offers a sporty exterior with a turbo-charged engine. If gets 19 city miles to the gallon, which is quite adequate. The MSRP starts at $37,100. This figure can go significantly higher, depending on the options you pick. For example, the premium package — it offers Nevada leather upholstery, ambience lighting, front seat lumbar support and auto-dimming capabilities for various components — adds $3,450, while a navigation system adds another $2,150. Add on the park distance control for $750. Before long, you are looking at approximately $44,345.
2012 Porsche Cayenne: $49,175 to $108,075
MSRPs vary, depending on your need for speed and creature comforts. While all 2012 models feature all wheel drive and four doors, a six-speed manual transmission only translates into a NADA valuation of $48,200 base price plus $975 destination charge, for a total cost of $49,175. For the turbo model with a six-speed automatic transmission and other extras, be prepared to add a $107,100 base MSRP to the destination fee, for a total of $108,075.
Sources
Cadillac; 2012 Cadillac SRX
Buick; 2012 Buick Enclave
Edmunds; 2012 BMW X3 SUV
NADA; 2012 Porsche Cayenne