PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

Audi Q7?

Just in case you want to stay German, without being a Bimmer or Porsche...

RXSF

lol nobody mentioned or even suggested the RX lol. maybe im biased, but i would definately wait for the new RX, or get the X5.

sigh, do i really drive such an undesirable car?

kit cat

iTrader: (6)

If that is the case, the new Volvo XC70, Audi All road (so rare, so pretty), or even a Subaru Outback.

Edit: scratch off the Subaru if she's trend sazzy.

ninous26

MDX is nice except for the grill.. the Audi Q7 is nice... X5 way overplayed, same with the escalade.. ML is just "blah".. LX looks very promising, but the exterior is a bit too boxy...... and now the RX.... Excuse my language/ opinion on this one... but when I see one I say to myself "there's another ugly old **** lady that thinks her lexus is the greatest thing ever made".. if a guy is driving it i think hes a flaming ******. I hate the RX, its the worst lexus ever made to me, and I wish it was the size of a cat so I could punt it off the ****ing planet.

RXSF

i know! that stupid rx series, what did it do? only make lexus the number 1 selling automaker in america. geez, what was lexus thinking?

i think the SC is my "what was lexus thinking" car.

MGS4

trend-savvy ?

Hummer H2, Range Rover Sport

lexusrott

If she needs to make a sharp corner , I would recommend the Porsche.
If she needs safety, comfort and a very sweet ride get the LX570
both my wife and I we are in our 60's, the Lexus LX is the way to go.

mmarshall

For her general driving needs, an RX350 or an MDX would probably be the best choices. The European competitors are all either too expensive, too unreliable, or have screwy controls/electronics. The awkward shifter in the BMW X5 is a good example.

However, if maximum safety is paramount over all else, check out the Volvo XC-90. It is hands-down the class leader when it comes to protecting its occupants.

mmarshall

The last LX was quite impressive but cost a lot. The new one still costs a lot but IMO has been cheapened somewhat in its build quality....primarily sheet metal and interior hardware.

PVlexus

Acura MDX or the Volvo XC90. Both are great cars

werewolf

2001-06 MDX. Good looking, reliable and almost purpose built for moms.

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

I don't find the RX interior as luxurious as the ML. I know some on here will disagree but that is how I feel having been in both.

The RX is certainly a GREAT vehicle though, functional, smooth, without being huge.

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

I guess you didn't test drive the NEW LX though - which is a complete re-design. If she's used to the ML size though, the new LX will be a LOT bigger.

As Phil mentioned, I think you should look at the Audi Q7 too which is going quite well in the market.

I also think you should look at the Buick Enclave which is very smooth, quiet, and luxurious. You might also look at the Ford Edge, which is really nice.

97-SC300

iTrader: (17)

+1 for Audi Q7 and Acura MDX.

mvray

+1 for the XC90. Our family has outgrown our RX300 and all indications are the upcoming RX redesign will not meet our needs. We don't want a truck basin SUV, which eliminates the LX and GX. The MDX was a very close second, that grill takes some getting used to. My wife preferred the XC90 and since she's the primary driver that tipped it to the XC90. We saved a lot of $ by doing the European delivery at the Volvo factory and there were additional incentives for factory delivery. Volvo also includes two roundtrip tickets to Sweden. Sweden was not someplace that was on our European destination list, but we did enjoy it. I have a nice 1999 RX300 I'll be selling soon. We will miss it.