2013 Lincoln MKX

Combining the long-haul-comfortable upright seating of a crossover with relatively snappy handling and strong V6 power works well in the MKX. Lexus may have invented the luxury crossover the same way Dodge invented the minivan, but Lincoln—with a boost from Ford’s excellent Edge platform—may be close to perfecting it.

Rivals include the Cadillac SRX, which starts cheaper than the MKX, but can rack up a $50k bill of sale fully loaded; the Acura MDX, a luxury crossover stalwart with nearly the same power and torque from a big V6, but less in the way of fuel efficiency; the Lexus RX350, a power player in the luxury crossover segment; and the BMW X3, which offers better driving dynamics and the choice of a turbo four or silky-smooth turbo straight six, but at the cost of interior volume.