Editors' Most Wanted Vehicles for 2005

Most Wanted SUV Under $45,000

Winner: Volkswagen Touareg

Volkswagen waited awhile before hopping on the SUV bandwagon, but when it finally got onboard it did it in a very big way. The highly refined and well-engineered Touareg offers a near perfect blend of nimble handling, supple ride quality, luxury-carlike amenities, stellar towing capacity and off-road ability that far exceeds anything most suburbanites will ever require. A 240-horse V6 is standard, while a 310-horse V8 and ultrahigh-tech V10 TDI turbodiesel are both optional. Unfortunately, the gasoline motors aren't exactly the most fuel-efficient in their class, and the miserly yet powerful TDI isn't available in certain states due to emissions standards. However, the five-passenger Touareg is one of the safest SUVs on the road today and it offers a superior driving experience that is truly a credit to the breed.

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Honorable Mention: Cadillac SRX

Cadillac is the hottest brand at GM these days, and for good reason. Aggressive styling, powerful engines and rear-wheel drive are giving the marque an all-new image, and the SRX is a shining example of this new philosophy. The crossover SUV rides on a version of the CTS platform, meaning balanced handling comes standard. Power plants include a 260-horse V6 or 320-horse Northstar V8, and options like all-wheel drive and magnetic ride control ensure proper traction in any situation. The comfortable interior is loaded with leather and wood trim, and goodies like a panoramic sunroof, DVD-entertainment system and satellite radio are available for those who enjoy the finer things in life. Overall, Cadillac's first shot at a crossover SUV is a real winner.

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