Off-road ability and luxury were the central theme of the Sport Utility Vehicles at the recently concluded

2012 Scotiabank/ADA Motor Show. Here’s a quick glance at the seven most expensive on show.

2012 Toyota Land Cruiser

There’s a reason why the United Nations use these by the batch — go anywhere capability with a level of refinement brought over from Toyota’s Lexus division.

At J$14 million, the 4.5-litre twin-turbo diesel Land Cruiser has 100 per cent legitimate off-road capacity built into its DNA and supported by a host of technology like Hill Assist and Crawl Control. Inside, all-that-money-buys-you,

every electronic safety system you can think of ABS, Brake Assist, Electronic Brake Distribution, Vehicle Stability Control along with a mass of airbags, so you can comfortably enjoy the full power accessories and leather interior while at the wheel. For an extra 400K a gasoline engine can be yours.

2012 Range Rover Sport

While the normal Range Rover is more expensive, it’s the Sport that’s having the problem staying on ATL Automotive’s showroom floor.

Starting at J$12.3 million, it’s also a diesel with a threelitre turbo motor pushing its 248bhp through a sophisticated paddle shifted eight-speed automatic transmission. Don’t let the Sport in the name fool you as it still offers the ruggedness and luxury expected from this British brand — leather seats, power everything, walnut wood grain, keyless entry, and one of the best entertainment systems in a vehicle. Touch or talk to activate what you want it to do.

2012 Audi Q7

Built on decades of Motorsport and German craftsmanship, the Audi Q7 rings up the cash register at J$10.8 million.

It’s loaded with the legendary Quattro permanent four-wheel drive system, making sure the 272bhp from its directinjection 3-litre V6 doesn’t get drivers into trouble regardless the road conditions. Convenience is built-in with a premium feel to everything starting with a driver-centric and userfriendly cockpit. Need to be somewhere fast and in style, the Q7 is it.

2012 BMW X6

Some cars follow trends, others set them, and the BMW X6 added the performance missing from the SUV market.

J$9.8 million gets you the revolutionary styling, and stunning driving feel from the three-litre turbocharged in-line, six-cylinder engine. As you hit 100kph in 6.7 seconds, you’ll rest in the well-appointed cabin, secure in the fact that a lot of electronic devices like the Dynamic Stability Control are working in conjunction with the intelligent 4WD xDrive system to keep you on the road.

2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class

Just launched, the sum of J$9.1 million puts you into the driver’s seat of the heavily revised M-Class.

As the third generation of this vehicle, it gets all the changes from customer feedback. Performance isn’t the issue here, but cruising in the lap of luxury, listening to a media centre with iPod and Bluetooth connectivity, and having little to worry about anything the road may throw at you. Permanent All-Wheel Drive offering low-range gearing for its automatic Hill Descent system means the 19-inch wheels won’t lose traction on any path less travelled. Power everything, and an improved interior layout makes loading important cargo a snap.

2012 Mitsubishi Pajero

The Pajero takes the valuefor-money route with a price tag starting at J$6.15 million.

With either a three-litre petrol or 3.2-litre turbo diesel, the Pajero fills its imposing physical stature with features that take from every side of the SUV triangle. Luxury, you got it, with leather and wood trim, and power front seats that contain adjustable lumbar support. Safety, electronic stability control, and reverse warning sensors, check. And of course, the Pajero’s legendary ability to deal with the rough and tough as proven by its rally heritage.

2012 Nissan Murano

With the Pathfinder as its blueprint, Nissan’s new SUV had to be good.

They made sure the Murano was firing on all six of its cylinders when it hit the market. At J$5.9 million, this five-seater goes for the heart of the SUV segment with an upscale presentation. Visually different, the 256bhp 3.5-litre engine drives the All Mode 4WD system through a relaxing Constant Velocity Transmission with six virtual gears to get the driver involved. Convenience features include a powered lift gate for quick loading, intelligent keyless entry and a push button start for those on the go.