All the vehicles posted (including the later post of the BMW X5) are EXACTLY what I was comparing the MO to. I also compared to the new X3. I know, not fair, but in the end, no surprises for listers, which won out. The reason I compared the Mo to the X3, X5, RX330 (and 300), and MDX was due to size and features (I didn't put the FX in the running because being the same manufacturer, I considered the FX a different type of vehicle - more sports car, less roominess inside, etc.). If you look at general size and configuration, interior amenities, and styling, they all fit in the luxury end of the small/mid-size SUV category. I knocked out the others because of the following:
RX300/330 - boring ride. Kind of like riding in a cushy sedan or small minivan. My family has (and I love) our minivan. I wasn't looking for another.
X3/X5 - very utilitarian (i.e., not many features for the price), quality did not seem up to snuff for what BMW's are charging.
MDX - very nice, but like the Lexus, boring ride. In addition, cramped rear quarters trying to squeeze in that third row of seats.
I also looked at the domestics (Trailblazer, Vue, Explorer) and lower priced imports (Pilot, Highlander, Isuzu Ascender, Discovery) and even the Hyundai/Kia nameplates. The Ford/Chrysler offerings had too many reputation issues. The lower priced imports simply didn't have the features (except the Ascender - but the roofline on that was really low - and I'm under 6'!!). The Hyundai/Kia's were just too cheap (interior, features, etc. - not pricewise!). The only real contender was the Trailblazer, but that's because I'm historically a GM guy. So in the end, it had to be the Mo. Simply no contest. I'm glad others (i.e., JD Powers survey) agree!