2005 Lexus LX 470 470

The LX 470 is Lexus's full-size luxury SUV, the one you cross-shop with the Range Rover and the Mercedes G-Class if you want serious off-road ability without giving up comfort. It drives like a big, heavy truck, but the ride is remarkably smooth and the cabin stays hushed at highway speeds, which is exactly what you want from a luxury SUV. Inside, you get a spacious cabin with three rows of seating and plenty of room for people and gear, plus a solid list of standard features like leather, wood trim, and a premium sound system. Lexus's reputation for bulletproof reliability carries over here, and many LX 470s have gone well past 200,000 miles with just routine maintenance. The LX 470 is the single trim for 2005, so you get the full luxury treatment and the 4.7L V8 with four-wheel drive without having to choose between options packages. Its 4.7L V8 makes 227 horsepower and pairs with a automatic transmission and four-wheel drive, which means it'll tow a boat or climb a trail without breaking a sweat, but expect 13 mpg combined around town. The optional adaptive variable suspension lets you soften the ride for pavement or firm it up for off-road, which is a rare feature for a 2005 SUV.