The top five midsize SUVs

Japanese car-makers lord it over when it comes to making quality SUVs. This article reviews the top five midsize SUVs.

Top SUVs from Lexus and Toyota

Lexus RX300 RX330, RX350 (1999 – Present) The Lexus RX300 utilises the Camry platform and was first sold in the US in 1998. This midsized luxury SUV comes equipped with a 3.0-litre V6 engine that can produce up to 220 horsepower. Even though it is an all-wheel drive model, it has no low range and thus its four-wheel feature can only be used for paved roads.
The RX300 underwent a transformation in 2004, and added a powerful 3.3-litre V6 engine and a five speed automatic transmission. Lexus GX 470 (2003 – Present) The GX 470 was first released to the market in 2003 and is only available in North America.
This SUV was designed using the Toyota 4Runner platform and can comfortably seat up to 8 passengers .
In 2005, GX 470 was fitted with a powerful 4.7-litre, 32-valve, 4-cam V8 engine, that is able to generate 270 horsepower. Toyota Highlander (2001 – Present) This midsized SUV was designed using a uni-body platform and boasts of a 4-wheel independent suspension.
The riding quality of the Toyota Highlander is supple and smooth, similar to that of a car.
This SUV is not made for tough off-roading conditions, but it can handle inclement weather and light off-road activities.
The Toyota Highlander is available in all wheel and front wheel drive. You can also choose between two engine variants, V6 and four-cylinder. The economical hybrid Highlander was launched in 2005 and comes equipped with a V6 engine capable of producing up to 260 horsepower.

Top SUVs from Acura and Infiniti

Acura MDX (2001-present) First released to the market in 2001, the MDX was assembled using the Honda mid-size platform.
This all-wheel drive SUV comes with a 3.5-litre V6 engine and has independent suspension.
In 2003, the engine underwent some modifications which resulted in increased horsepower. Infiniti QX4 (1997- 2003), FX (2003 – Present) The QX4 was the first SUV model ever released by Infiniti.
Launched in the market in 1997, this SUV features an all-wheel drive system with a low range and a ground clearance of 8.3 inches. In 2001, Infiniti upgraded the SUV’s engine from 168 horsepower to 240 horsepower. The QX4 line was discontinued after 2003 and was replaced by the FX series. The FX45 features an impressive 4.5 litre, 315 horsepower, V8 engine.