In years past, words like racy and agile were nowhere to be found in describing the handling of the Acura MDX, the Mazda CX9 and the Lexus RX 350. But it’s a new day and they’re feeling good!

2014 Acura MDX SH-AWD with Advance and Entertainment Packages

MSRP as Tested: $56,505
Passenger Seating: 7
Rows: 3
Fuel Economy: 21 mpg combined (18 city / 27 highway)

At this trim level, the MDX is fully loaded with everything available. But even at the $42,290 base level, MDX has a hot new look that is unmistakably Acura and handling that is far superior to any other MDX we’ve seen.

They’re called Jewel Eye lights—a set of five lights on each side of the front fascia. By day, all ten illuminate as daytime running lights. As the sun sets, the outer three on each side become strategically positioned headlight beams, with the remaining two illuminating as high beams when called upon. In fact Acura boasts that its high beams offer the driver advantage of being able to identify distant objects 200 milliseconds sooner than one would see with conventional high beams. Jewel Eye’s appear whiter, brighter and use far less energy in comparison halogen and HID headlights.

Aside from aesthetics, model year 2014 MDX gets an all-new platform and rear suspension, yet still retaining Acura’s signature SH-AWD (Super Handling All Wheel Drive). The changes amount to less width with the same interior space, a 275-pound reduction in weight, a 20% lower rolling resistance from both the 18 and 19-inch tires, a 19% reduction in load force from reduced friction brakes and bearings, and a 16% increase in aerodynamic efficiency. With all of that and the advantage of driving in “Sport” mode, MDX is the master of fun in the three-row category.

All of the above in combination with a 3.5 liter 290 horsepower engine producing 267 pound-feet of torque via a six-speed transmission and a few other accoutrements such as Agile Handling Assist and the result is an MDX greater and more exciting than ever to drive that ever before. But to get the Adaptive Cruise Control that can stop the car due to approaching traffic, then resume without you having to touch the pedals, as well as the Lane Keeping Assist System, the top of the line Advance and Entertainment Packages trim level is a must. Besides, both the kids and back seat adults will thank you for the entertainment!

2014 Lexus RX 350 F Sport

MSRP as Tested: $52,465
Passenger Seating: 5
Rows: 2
Fuel Economy: 21 miles per gallon combined (18 city / 26 highway)

Not sure if you know this, but the RX 350 is the pioneering trailblazer in the luxury crossover segment. And with the F Sport package, it too has completely overcome the stigma of subtlety and complacency in terms of past driving experiences. The RX 350 F Sport is a fierce force with which to be beckoned for drivers in search of fun and the utility advantage.

When the snow hit Atlanta, I was fortunate to be spending time in the RX 350 F Sport. The 270 horses under the hood of the 3.5 cubic foot engine producing 248 pound-feet of torque coupled with ability to opt for all wheel drive made it a cinch to maneuver through a couple of inches of first fluffy the slushy snow. Even at the $39,760 base model RX, the engine remains the same until you reach the hybrid level, where the horsepower output reaches 295. However, the F Sport is the only to include an eight-speed transmission with paddle shifters. The hybrid has a continuously variable tranny, with a six-speed in all other gasoline engines.

The F Sport package includes racy visuals on the exterior such as honeycomb grill inserts and special F Sport insignia. The interior enhancements include attractive stitching along the seat and armrest seams, metal signature sill plates in the doorways, metal pedals and foot rest, leather wrapped steering wheel and shifter.

The combination of metal and leather interior accents has a far more racy, masculine feel than the standard wood grain trim or available leather in the other trim levels, which is the intent of the F Sport package. Add to that the thrill of the $999 Mark Levinson 15-speaker premium sound system and it’ on!

2014 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring FWD

MSRP as Tested: $38,515
Passenger Seating: 7
Rows: 3
Fuel Economy: 19 miles per gallon combined (17 city / 24 highway)

With a set of 20-inch rims, a 3.7 liter engine with a 273 horsepower engine at tt270 pound-feet of torque and a six-speed sport transmission, don’t overlook the CX-9!

Agility is definitely something drivers of the CX-9 will tout in consideration of its size and curb weight of 4323 pounds. Longer rear doors make access to the spacious third row a lot easier for adults. So if you’re considering a whip for your multi-generation family, this is a huge factor.

Standards at the top of the line Grand Touring trim level include bi-xenon headlights, back up sensors and camera, blind spot monitoring and more comforting features. Along with the features above, the addition of the GT Tech package’s 10-speaker Bose sound system, touch screen navigation, moon roof, and an interior design incorporating leather, wood and metal with less electronic controls and more knobs allows the CX-9 to enter the playing field under the premise that less money can sometimes mean more.