2011 AutoPacific Ideal Vehicle Awards: Luxury 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 SUV segment is made up of traditional large, premium name plate SUVs, such as Range Rover and Cadillac Escalade.  These vehicles have strong off-road or towing capability and powerful engines.

This year's AutoPacific IVA Luxury SUV winner is the 2011 Cadillac Escalade.

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 SUV: 2011 Cadillac Escalade

Rank: #1

Score: 1227

The 2011 Cadillac Escalade is the top ranked Premium SUV in AutoPacific’s 2011 Ideal Vehicle Research.  As the class winner, Escalade owners identify few things they would want changed.  Even the most technology-laden vehicles still have their owners wanting more.  About 30% of Escalade owners want more infotainment technology.  They also want better interior storage and, believe it or not, more cargo space and passenger room.  They most like its size, seat comfort and wheels.  Escalade wins its class over second place Land Rover LR4.

#2 Luxury SUV: 2011 Land Rover LR4

Rank: #2

Score: 1214

The 2011 Land Rover LR4 is a 4-door, 5-seat Sport Utility, available in 1 , the Base. Upon introduction, the $47,650 Base is equipped with a standard 5.0L, 8-cylinder, engine that achieves 12-mpg in the city and 17-mpg on the highway. an Automatic transmission is standard. The $47,650 Base is equipped with a standard 5.0L, 8-cylinder, engine that achieves 12-mpg in the city and 17-mpg on the highway. an Automatic transmission is standard.

#3 Luxury SUV: 2011 Infiniti QX56

Rank: #3

Score: 1185

The 2011 Infiniti QX56 is a 4-door, 7-seat Sport Utility, available in 4 trims, ranging from the 4x2 w/o Split Bench Seat Package (A7) to the 4x4 w/Split Bench Seat Package. Upon introduction, the $58,700 4x2 w/o Split Bench Seat Package (A7) is equipped with a standard 5.6L, 8-cylinder, engine that achieves 14-mpg in the city and 20-mpg on the highway. an Automatic transmission is standard. The $61,800 4x4 w/Split Bench Seat Package is equipped with a standard 5.6L, 8-cylinder, engine that achieves 14-mpg in the city and 20-mpg on the highway. an Automatic transmission is standard.

#4 Luxury SUV: 2011 Lexus GX

Rank: #4

Score: 1171

The 2011 Lexus GX 460 is a 4-door, 7-seat Sport Utility, available in 2 trims, ranging from the Base to the Premium. Upon introduction, the $53,045 Base is equipped with a standard 4.6L, 8-cylinder, engine that achieves 15-mpg in the city and 20-mpg on the highway. an Automatic transmission is standard. The $57,840 Premium is equipped with a standard 4.6L, 8-cylinder, engine that achieves 15-mpg in the city and 20-mpg on the highway. an Automatic transmission is standard.

#5 Luxury SUV: 2011 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

Rank: #5

Score: 1166

The 2011 Land Rover Range Rover Sport is a 4-door, 5-seat Sport Utility, available in 2 trims, ranging from the HSE to the Supercharged. Upon introduction, the $59,645 HSE is equipped with a standard 5.0L, 8-cylinder, engine that achieves 13-mpg in the city and 18-mpg on the highway. an Automatic transmission is standard. The $74,545 Supercharged is equipped with a standard 5.0L, 8-cylinder, engine that achieves 12-mpg in the city and 17-mpg on the highway. an Automatic transmission is standard.

#6 Luxury SUV: 2011 Lincoln Navigator

Rank: #6

Score: 1157

The 2011 Lincoln Navigator is a 4-door, 7-seat Sport Utility, available in 2 trims, ranging from the 4x2 to the 4x4. Upon introduction, the $57,630 4x2 is equipped with a standard 5.4L, 8-cylinder, engine that achieves 14-mpg in the city and 20-mpg on the highway. an Automatic transmission is standard. The $60,530 4x4 is equipped with a standard 5.4L, 8-cylinder, engine that achieves 13-mpg in the city and 18-mpg on the highway. an Automatic transmission is standard.

#7 Luxury SUV: 2011 Range Rover

Rank: #7

Score: 1137

The 2011 Land Rover Range Rover is a 4-door, 5-seat Sport Utility, available in 2 trims, ranging from the HSE to the Supercharged. Upon introduction, the $79,685 HSE is equipped with a standard 5.0L, 8-cylinder, engine that achieves 12-mpg in the city and 18-mpg on the highway. an Automatic transmission is standard. The $95,465 Supercharged is equipped with a standard 5.0L, 8-cylinder, engine that achieves 12-mpg in the city and 18-mpg on the highway. an Automatic transmission is standard.