Here are more staff perspectives on the luxury SUVs test group:

Mike Quincy: I can't get too excited over $40,000 SUVs that can't comfortably sit at least six people. The bling factor doesn't do it for me, either. I appreciate the comfort of the Lexus RX350 and the driving pleasure of the Acura MDX, but neither are as compelling to drive as a Nissan Murano. If I simply had to have a luxury SUV, I might look at the Lexus GX470--whose roots are the very capable Toyota 4Runner. But it's convertible weather right now, and I'd rather be in a Miata.

Eric Evarts: The Acura MDX has been one of my favorite vehicles on the market since it debuted in 2001. In fact, until its junior sister, the Honda Pilot came along, I told several friends there was no better vehicle you could buy at any price. The original MDX combined carlike handling, a silky V6 engine, a flexible seating arrangement for seven, and all the creature comforts one could ask for. The new one does little to change that assessment, but as time has moved forward, other capable competitors have come along to undercut it.

The new one strikes me as gilding the lily at best, and at worst makes driving it more complicated. The new grille looks like was found on the set of a "Mad Max" movie. Like CR's engineers, I miss the touch screen navigation system. And since I don't drive on a racetrack every day, or off pavement, I would welcome a version without Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive. As these features have driven up the price of the MDX, other simpler competitors such as the Mazda CX-9 have come along that offer the good handling and excellent packaging at a much lower price. So with the redesigned model, the MDX is no longer on my list of favorite cars, just my favorite in the August test group. Among crossover SUVs, I consider the Mazda CX-9 or Honda Pilot as better choices.