2013 Lexus RX vs. Its Competition

Bengt Halvorson Senior Editor

The 2013 Lexus RX models have been huge successes for the Lexus brand, ever since they pretty much established the mid-size crossover luxury segment in the late 1990s.

Currently, its competition includes the Lincoln MKX, a five-seater with great interior room, a strong V-6 powertrain (though no hybrid option), and MyLincoln Touch, which uses voice and touch commands to run audio, phone and navigation.

The Cadillac SRX has excellent styling inside and out, along with a new 3.6-liter V-6, and is closely aligned with the RX's mission.

Another alternative is the Volvo XC60, which manages to wrap a lot if interior space into an elegant, somewhat compact shape; we especially like its Scandinavian-design interior.

And as a somewhat more affordable, mass-market alternative, the Nissan Murano is a good pick; it has good performance from its V-6, although interior space is a little tighter and not everyone will love its continuously variable (CVT) automatic transmission.