Lexus GX 470 2008 $36,995

This well-seasoned design (it debuted for 2003) strikes a nearly perfect balance between tough four-wheel-drive capability and well-dressed road-going manners. The GX 470 is built using a traditional body-on-frame design, and much of the underlying hardware is similar to that used for Toyota's rugged 4Runner and FJ Cruiser. The GX also benefits from the optional Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), which enhances both on- and off-road ride and handling by automatically adjusting sway bar resistance by up to 50 percent. In regular driving, KDSS can minimize body roll, while off-road it allows the wheels to independently articulate more fully. Inside, passengers are treated to all the luxury, convenience and technology they'd expect to find in one of Lexus' passenger cars. Standard equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels, adaptive suspension dampers, heated outside mirrors, illuminated running boards, leather seating, heated power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a moonroof, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and 11-speaker premium audio with a six-disc in-dash CD changer and auxiliary audio jack.The Lexus GX 470 is equipped with a 4.7-liter V8 that produces 263 horsepower and 323 pound-feet of torque. It's coupled with a five-speed automatic transmission that transfers power through a standard dual-range transfer case and full-time four-wheel-drive system. Properly equipped, a GX 470 can tow up to 6,500 pounds -- more than its car-based crossover rivals. Standard safety equipment on the 2008 Lexus GX 470 includes antilock brakes, front seat-mounted side airbags and roll-sensing first- and second-row head curtain side airbags. Stability control and traction control help keep you on the road, while the full-time four-wheel-drive system is supplemented with Downhill Assist Control and Hill-start Assist Control to more effectively handle off-road adventures.

• Auto-Dimming Mirrors
• Airbag Deactivation
• Rain Sensing Wipers
• Memory Mirrors
• Air Conditioning
• Vanity Mirrors
• Side Impact Door Beams
• With Hill Descent Control
• Vehicle Stability Assist
• Tire Pressure Monitor
• EBD Electronic Brake Dist
• EBA Emergency Brake Asst
• Moon Roof
• Power Steering
• Power Door Locks
• Power Windows
• Tachometer
• Cruise Control
• Reclining Seats
• Power Lumbar Seat(s)
• Compass
• Running Boards
• Adjustable Head Rests
• Bucket Seats
• Child Safety Locks
• Fog Lamps
• Traction Control System
• Memory Seating
• Cargo Cover
• Daytime Running Lights
• Anti-Theft Device(s)
• Folding Rear Seats
• Door Pocket(s)
• Center Console
• Automatic Leveling System
• Heated Outside Mirror(s)
• Rear Center Armrest
• Power Lumbar Driver Seat
• Body-Color Bumpers
• Privacy Glass
• Cargo Net
• Power Mirrors
• Steering Wheel Audio Controls
• Illuminated Entry System
• Heated Passenger Seat
• Color Coded Mirrors
• Power Moon Roof
• Rear Window Defroster
• Reading Light(s)
• Power Outlet(s)
• Anti Theft/Security System
• Outside Temperature Gauge
• Dual Air Bags
• 3 Point Rear Seatbelts
• Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
• Auto Headlight On/Off
• Tinted or Privacy Glass
• Side Air Bag System
• Beverage Holder (s)