BMW X5 
In 2000, the BMW X5 was among the first intermediate SUVs available. Now well-established, it stays the course with no major changes for 2012. The most interesting trim, the xDrive35d, uses a diesel engine, while the xDrive35i and xDrive50i call on gas engines that produce 300 and 400 hp, respectively. For performance fans, there’s the X5 M and its 555-hp V8.
Pros
- Pleasant and safe to drive
- Excellent engines
- Exceptional performance
- Luxury and comfort
- Interesting diesel version
Cons
- Very heavy
- High fuel consumption (V8s)
- Cramped third row
- Tires not up to snuff for off-roading
- Disappointing X5 M
