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In pure sales numbers, this is one of the smallest classes but it's a fast-growing sector of the market. Buyers in this category have high demands.

Luxury 4WD vehicles have all the creature comforts and fittings of a traditional luxury car but come with the functionality to allow you to get off the bitumen.

Although the category is mainly filled with European manufacturers, it is the Japanese-built Lexus RX330 Sport that gets the nod.

It had to beat the BMW X5, which has won the class over the past couple of years and a new entrant, the V8 Volkswagen Touareg.

All of the strengths in the individual vehicles keep their scores very close. As you¹d expect, all contenders are well-appointed and finished, and even on the road there is little to separate them.

But it is Lexus's overall package and pricing that makes it the best value for the money. The judges were very impressed with the superbly smooth diesel engine of the X5, especially given that it was pitched against petrol engines in the Lexus and Volkswagen.

In outright performance, the V8 Touareg does well but it is just off the pace in ride and general smoothness and quietness. Its security levels are well ahead of the rest.

Top 5

Lexus RX 330 Sport, BMW X5 3.0i, BMW X5 3.0d, VW Touareg, R/Rover HSE

Previous Results
2007 - BMW X5 Diesel
2006 - Lexus RX350 Sports Luxury
2005 - Lexus RX330 Sport
2004 - Lexus RX330 Sport
2003 - Lexus RX330 Sport
2002 - BMW X5 3.0i
2001 - BMW X5 3.0i*
(*Best Recreational Vehicle Over $45,000)
2000 - Subaru Forester Limited*
(*Best Recreational Vehicle)