The BMW X5 boasts some degree of off-road prowess along with its good on-road handling, and it has a well-appointed interior, in addition to plenty of high-tech options such as Active Steering, but the bottom-line price, like the Cayenne's, can really add up.
The interior of the Audi Q7 is much more attractive and upscale-feeling than the 2009 Porsche Cayenne, and it has an available third row of seating, but it drives with more heft than the Cayenne and doesn't handle quite as quickly.
The Infiniti FX is priced significantly lower than the Cayenne, and it feels faster and lighter behind the wheel, with crisp handling and tight body control.
But the FX doesn't have a very comfortable ride at times, and it's rather small inside.
Finally, the most sensible vehicle on this list is the MDX, which has a very nicely appointed, comfortable interior, a smooth ride, and quite good handling, with a sporty feel that's eager and responsive but not trying to be like a sportscar.
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 2009 Porsche CayenneBrowse Used Listings |  2009 INFINITI FXBrowse Used Listings |  2008 Acura MDXBrowse Used Listings |  2008 Audi Q7Browse Used Listings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quick Specs | |||
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The 2009 Porsche Cayenne isn’t as practical as other SUVs its size, but it handles like a Porsche. |
The 2009 Infiniti FX offers a truly distinctive shape and sportscarlike acceleration. If you need to haul plywood or lots of kids, though, look elsewhere. |
The 2008 Acura MDX has a little more passion than most larger SUVs, with no less practicality. |
The 2008 Audi Q7 puts a sport-ute premium on its beautifully made interior, seven-passenger seating, and sedanlike acceleration. |
| MSRP From | |||
| $44,600 | $42,150 | $40,195 | $42,500 |
| Gas Mileage | |||
| 11 MPG City / 20 MPG Hwy | 14 MPG City / 23 MPG Hwy | 15 MPG City / 20 MPG Hwy | 12 MPG City / 19 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | |||
| Gas V6 | Gas V6 | Gas V6 | Gas V6 |
| EPA Class | |||
| Sport Utility Vehicle | 2WD Sport Utility | Sport Utility Vehicle | 4WD Sport Utility Vehicle |
| Style Name | |||
| AWD 4-Door Manual | RWD 4-Door | 4WD 4-Door | quattro 4-Door 3.6L |
| Drivetrain | |||
| All Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | 4 Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | |||
| 5 | 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | |||
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | |||
| 4 Door SUV | 4 Door SUV | 4 Door | 4 Door SUV |
| Transmission | |||
| Manual w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | |||
| 2009 Porsche Cayenne vs. 2009 INFINITI FX | 2009 Porsche Cayenne vs. 2008 Acura MDX | 2009 Porsche Cayenne vs. 2008 Audi Q7 | |
