The family car: Crossover appeal

When speaking about SUVs, the words "excellent performance" are usually followed by "for an SUV." No such qualifiers needed here. Despite its tall stance, the RDX crossover delivers all the thrills of a sporty luxury sedan.

Part of the secret is what Acura's parent company, Honda, calls Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive. SH-AWD, as it's spelled on the RDX's rear hatch, varies the power it sends to each of the rear wheels, moment by moment, based on handling needs.

It doesn't wait until wheels lose traction. If you're accelerating hard, almost half the power is delivered to the rear axle, where the vehicle's weight has shifted. And when you speed around a corner, it will send more of that power to the outside rear wheel. The result is amazingly secure and nimble handing. (The RDX was named a top safety pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, by the way.)

While other crossovers offer more horsepower and speed, the RDX trumps them with its combination of intuitive feel, quick responses and turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It will get you excited about running the most menial errands.

NEXT: The luxury ride: Mercedes-Benz R Class