2011 AutoPacific Ideal Vehicle Awards: Luxury Crossover SUV

AutoPacific’s 2011 Ideal Vehicle Awards (IVA) are based on 73,000 surveys completed by owners of new cars and light trucks in the United States in the first half of 2011.

The Luxury XSUV segment is where one might start if they were looking for an accommodating, plush on-road ride but not willing to sell the farm.  Vehicles like the Audi Q5 and Lexus RX offer a lot of equipment in a smaller package.  For consumers willing to downsize, they can get into a very slick luxury vehicle for a decent price.

This year's AutoPacific IVA Premium Luxury Crossover SUV winner is the 2011 Volvo XC70.

Read on to see the entire list of category candidates and how they scored.

*NOTE: Results for 2010 Model Year Vehicles are Included in the 2011 Model Year Research Because of Availability. Scores Are Shown Where Sample Sizes Allow

#1 Luxury Crossover SUV: 2011 Volvo XC70

Rank: #1

Score: 1288

The 2011 Volvo XC70 is the top ranked Luxury XSUV in AutoPacific’s 2011 Ideal Vehicle Research.  As the class winner, its owners identify few things they would want changed, but there are a few exceptions.  The XC70 has a fast, laid-back windshield that makes it look good, but hard to get into and out of.  Over 25% of XC70 owners want it to be easier to get into and out of.  About 20% want more infotainment technology and more roominess.  About 15% of XC70 owners would give up power and acceleration for better fuel economy.  XC70 owners are less likely to want to change its exterior size or have larger wheels or firmer seats.  Volvo swept the Luxury XSUV class with the Volvo XC60 positioned in 2nd place in the IVA rankings for the class.

#2 Luxury Crossover SUV: 2011 Volvo XC60

Rank: #2

Score: 1255

Volvo has distanced itself from the station wagon image by introducing new, technology-filled crossovers like the 2011 Volvo XC60. The Volvo XC60 helped Volvo introduce its newest design language as well as being the launching vehicle for one of its most technologically advanced safety systems called City Safety.

#3 Luxury Crossover SUV: 2011 Acura MDX

Rank: #3

Score: 1224

As Acura’s first-ever crossover, the 2011 Acura MDX is positioned between the smaller RDX and the coupe-like ZDX. Like any Acura, the MDX comes with a generous amount of standard luxury and technology, and the MDX is also one of the few vehicles in its segment to be available with a third-row seat.

#4 Luxury Crossover SUV: 2011 Buick Enclave

Rank: #4

Score: 1222

Buick’s image took a turn for the better when it introduced the full-size Buick Enclave for 2008. Unlike previous attempts at a Buick crossover, the Enclave was recognized for its impressive luxury and refinement, and 2011 Buick Enclave continues to provide GM with one of the most luxurious three-row crossovers on the market.

#5 Luxury Crossover SUV: 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK

Rank: #5

Score: 1216

Introduced in 2009, Mercedes-Benz became one of the last automakers to join the luxury crossover segment with the GLK-Class. The 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class is based off the popular C-Class sedan, so it delivers a similarly sporty ride quality while also offering more passenger and cargo space than the sedan.

#6 Luxury Crossover SUV: 2011 Audi Q5

Rank: #6

Score: 1209

While some of the other luxury crossovers in this segment share components with family sedans or non-luxury crossovers, the 2011 Audi Q5 shares its chassis with the sporty A5 Coupe. This helps make the Q5 one of the most fun-to-drive vehicles in its class, but it still provides plenty of luxury and technology for passengers to enjoy.

#7 Luxury Crossover SUV: 2011 Volkswagen Touareg

Rank: #7

Score: 1209

The 2011 Volkswagen Touareg might be considered a luxury crossover, but it can get down and dirty when needed for off-road driving and now it cleans up nice when drivers are looking to go green. For improved fuel economy, buyers will be happy to find the 28-mpg Touareg TDI or the all-new 25-mpg Touareg Hybrid in Volkswagen showrooms.

#8 Luxury Crossover SUV: 2011 Lincoln MKX

Rank: #8

Score: 1206

Based off the sporty Ford Edge, the  2011 Lincoln MKX offers a powerful standard V-6 engine shared with the Ford Mustang and plenty of cabin technology including the advanced MyLincoln Touch system. The 2011 Lincoln MKX gets even better with a more luxurious interior and an all-new design that includes Lincoln’s new corporate “split-wing” waterfall grille.

#9 Luxury Crossover SUV: 2011 Acura RDX

Rank: #9

Score: 1203

Slotting in beneath the larger MDX, the 2011 Acura RDX is designed to give luxury shoppers a sportier, more nimble crossover. As Acura’s first-ever compact crossover, the RDX is derived from the same chassis as the Honda Civic, and it comes with the same amount of luxury and technology expected from the Acura brand.

#10 Luxury Crossover SUV: 2011 Volvo XC90

Rank: #10

Score: 1200

While the Luxury Crossover SUV category was won by the station wagon-based XC70, Volvo’s original dedicated crossover, the XC90 continues to impress buyers in this segment looking for luxury and safety. The 2011 Volvo XC90 The 2011 Volvo XC90 is even available with a sporty styling (thanks to the R-Design package) or sporty acceleration (thanks to a powerful V-8).