5 MOST RELIABLE SUVs (Midsized)

Lexus RX300, RX330, RX350 (1999 - Present)

The Lexus RX300 is built on the Camry platform and was released in the American market in 1998. Not long after that release, the RX300 became Lexus' number one selling model. This SUV is equipped with a 3.0-liter, 220 horsepower V6 engine. The all-wheel drive RX300 has no low range, limiting its four-wheeling mainly to pavement. The RX300 was redesigned in 2004, adding a 3.3-liter V6 engine and a fluid shifting five-speed automatic transmission.

9.8 out of 10

Lexus GX-470 (2003 - Present)

The GX 470 was released in 2003 and is sold only in North America. This 8-passenger SUV is built on the same platform as the Toyota 4Runner. In 2005, the GX 470 was set up with a 4.7-liter, 32-valve, 4-cam V8 engine that cranks out 270 horsepower. This is biggest engine ever placed in a Lexus vehicle.

9.8 out of 10

Toyota Highlander (2001- Present)

Toyota's midsized SUV, is assembled on a unibody platform and has 4-wheel independent suspension. This SUV has a smooth, quiet ride, making it seem like you are riding in a car, but with the storage space of an SUV. This SUV is not designed for rough and tumble off-roading, but it will take you through tough weather situations and some light off-road activity. This nice midsized SUV offers either front wheel drive or AWD powered by a V6 or 4-cylinder engine. The gas-saving hybrid Highlander, with its V6, 268 horsepower engine, started rolling off the production line in 2005.

9.6 out 10

Acura MDX (2001 - Present)

Released in 2001, the MDX was built on the Honda mid-size platform. This high end, mid-size SUV has all-wheel drive as a standard feature and is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine; it floats on independent suspension. In 2003, the MDX engine gained an additional 20 horsepower. Head-protection air bags became standard in 2004.

9.5 out of 10

Infiniti QX4 (1997- 2003), FX (2003 - Present)

Infiniti took a shot at the big bucks SUV market when it released the QX4 in 1997. The QX4 was designed solely for the North American market. This mid-size SUV has an advanced 4-wheel drive system with a low range and a ground clearance of 8.3 inches, making the QX4 ideal for off-road activities. In 2001, Infiniti replaced the rather anemic 168 horsepower engine with a 240 horsepower powerhouse. 2003 was the last production year for the QX4. The "bionic cheetah" (FX series) was unleashed on North America in 2003. The FX45 is powered by 4.5-liter, V8 engine that pumps out 315 horsepower. All-wheel drive is a standard feature with this super powered SUV crossover.

8.0 out of 10