Editors' Most Wanted Vehicles for 2005

Most Wanted SUV Over $45,000

Winner: Land Rover Range Rover

The company's heritage lies in the rocky hills of Wales, but the Range Rover has a vein of German design excellence in its pedigree. Despite Land Rover's record of mediocre reliability, this stylish British wunderkind's remarkable capability and exceptional comfort is the result of extensive efforts by BMW's engineers. Their labor has produced one of the most desirable luxury sport-utes around. Though built for the bush, Rovers are bought for bragging rights and thus more likely to be found in Beverly Hills than Botswana. Regardless of its image, we love the fact that we can climb a boulder while enjoying a fat-free soy milk latte.

Honorable Mention: Toyota Land Cruiser/Lexus LX 470

For nearly 50 years, versions of the Land Cruiser have been sold in the U.S. The model has evolved from the hardy 1958 original to the luxury all-terrain family-hauling sport-ute we drive today. The adept Land Cruiser/LX 470 is able to tackle the most challenging terrain without breaking a sweat. What's more, this ability doesn't hamper the SUV's level of control and ease of operation on the asphalt. Just because they're ruggedly capable doesn't make them any less luxurious as each one comes loaded with creature comforts galore. Its extensive history of outstanding durability and reliability has created a quasi-cult of loyal customers, and we can see why.

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