They’re big, thirsty and difficult to manoeuvre around town, but the sports utility vehicle (SUV) remains as popular as ever. Buyers of these behemoths might not need their four-wheel-drive systems, but they definitely appreciate an SUV’s sheer size, a trait that makes them practical and gives them the ability to “part” traffic.
One of the most popular SUVs in Singapore is the Lexus RX350. Despite being the oldest in this contest, the RX350 continues to appeal to SUV fans (especially those who have no plans of going off-road) with its reputation for space and refinement.
Arguably the least famous contender in this contest is the Infiniti QX70 (previously known as the FX37, until Infiniti executed a rebadging exercise). Apart from its otherworldly styling, the QX70 also aims to make a statement in the segment with its array of standard amenities.
The newest SUV here is the Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit. Recently updated, this brash-looking American is equipped with plenty of off-roading technology and a newly improved drivetrain to improve running efficiency.
Which of these “suburban cowboys” would “lasso” concrete-jungle dwellers the most convincingly? Keep reading to discover the results of this SUV shootout.
The Lexus RX350 has all the traits a suburbanite would want in a suburban SUV. Designed as a “soft-roader”, the RX has the quietest cabin, creamiest ride and offers tons of space for passengers and their baggage. Its only real drawback is that it has fewer standard goodies compared to its rivals in this story. But when it comes to outright on-road comfort, the Lexus is still the undisputed king.
SUV buyers who put a premium on performance should definitely consider Infiniti’s QX70, for it is a total hoot to drive, striking an awesome balance between on-road power and off-road prowess. But the Infiniti is too finite in terms of practicality, which is important even to performance-loving SUV drivers.
Outshining its competitors in this contest is the Grand Cherokee Summit. Although it lacks the interior space of the RX350 and the scintillating pace of the QX70, the big Jeep boasts generous amenities, a commanding presence and serious off-roading credentials. In this story, it’s the “suburban cowboy” that would “lasso” concrete-jungle dwellers the most convincingly.
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SPECIFICATIONS
Infiniti QX70 3.7 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
TYPE V6, 24-valves
CAPACITY 3696cc
BORE X STROKE 95.5mm x 86mm
COMPRESSION RATIO 11.1:1
MAX POWER 320bhp at 7000rpm
MAX TORQUE 360Nm at 5200rpm
POWER TO WEIGHT 159bhp per tonne
GEARBOX 7-speed automatic
with manual select
DRIVEN WHEELS All
PERFORMANCE
0-100KM/H 6.8 seconds
TOP SPEED 233km/h
CONSUMPTION 8.3km/L (combined)
CO2 EMISSION 286g/km
SUSPENSION
FRONT Double wishbones, coil springs, anti-roll bar
REAR Multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
FRONT / REAR Ventilated discs
TYRES
TYPE Bridgestone Dueler H/P
SIZE 265/50 R20
SAFETY
AIRBAGS 6
TRACTION CONTROL ABS with VDC
MEASUREMENTS
LENGTH 4865mm
WIDTH 1925mm
HEIGHT 1680mm
WHEELBASE 2885mm
KERB WEIGHT 2012kg
TURNING CIRCLE 11.2m
BUYING IT
PRICE INCL. COE $309,999
(after $20k CEVS surcharge)
WARRANTY 3 years/100,000km
WE SAY
+ Most powerful engine, nimblest handling, best steering feel
– Least ergonomic controls, least spacious cabin, smallest boot
* BEST OF THE THREE IN SPORTINESS
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SPECIFICATIONS
Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit 3.6 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
TYPE V6, 24-valves
CAPACITY 3604cc
BORE X STROKE 96mm x 83mm
COMPRESSION RATIO 10.2:1
MAX POWER 286bhp at 6350rpm
MAX TORQUE 347Nm at 4300rpm
POWER TO WEIGHT 130.6bhp per tonne
GEARBOX 8-speed automatic
with manual select
DRIVEN WHEELS All
PERFORMANCE
0-100KM/H 9.1 seconds
TOP SPEED 206km/h
CONSUMPTION 11.4km/L (combined)
CO2 EMISSION 256g/km
SUSPENSION
FRONT Double wishbones, coil springs
REAR Multi-link, coil springs
BRAKES
FRONT / REAR Ventilated discs
TYRES
TYPE Kumho Solus KL21
SIZE 265/50 R20
SAFETY
AIRBAGS 7
TRACTION CONTROL ABS with ESC
MEASUREMENTS
LENGTH 4875mm
WIDTH 1943mm
HEIGHT 1792mm
WHEELBASE 2915mm
KERB WEIGHT 2190kg
TURNING CIRCLE 11.6m
BUYING IT
PRICE INCL. COE $298,000
(after $15k CEVS surcharge)
WARRANTY 3 years/100,000km
WE SAY
+ Best infotainment, sportiest engine note, intimidating presence
– Poorest rear headroom, trickiest entry/egress, slowest century sprint
* BEST OF THE THREE IN OFF-ROAD POTENTIAL
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SPECIFICATIONS
Lexus RX350 3.5 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
TYPE V6, 24-valves
CAPACITY 3456cc
BORE X STROKE 94mm x 83mm
COMPRESSION RATIO 10.8:1
MAX POWER 277bhp at 6200rpm
MAX TORQUE 346Nm at 4700rpm
POWER TO WEIGHT 140.3bhp per tonne
GEARBOX 6-speed automatic
with manual select
DRIVEN WHEELS All
PERFORMANCE
0-100KM/H 8 seconds
TOP SPEED 200km/h
CONSUMPTION 9.3km/L (combined)
CO2 EMISSION 250g/km
SUSPENSION
FRONT MacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
REAR Double wishbones, coil springs, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
FRONT / REAR Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
TYPE Bridgestone Dueler H/L
SIZE 235/60 R18
SAFETY
AIRBAGS 10
TRACTION CONTROL ABS with ESC
MEASUREMENTS
LENGTH 4770mm
WIDTH 1885mm
HEIGHT 1685mm
WHEELBASE 2740mm
KERB WEIGHT 1975kg
TURNING CIRCLE 11.4m
BUYING IT
PRICE INCL. COE $303,000
(after $10k CEVS surcharge)
WARRANTY 3 years/100,000km
WE SAY
+ Roomiest and most luxurious cabin, biggest boot, smoothest powertrain
– Lowest fuel efficiency, clumsiest infotainment controls, fewest amenities
* BEST OF THE THREE IN ON-ROAD CRUISING
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