Consumer Reports is mainly about what is "best" for the "general population." I would expect CR to rate the Toyota Highlander, Lexus RX and Acura MDX higher than the X5 - and I would expect all 3 to outsell the X5. However, most of the people that enjoy driving would choose the X5.

Having said that, I agree that iDrive, shifter weirdness, and 2-step ignition procedure are negatives. I'm glad none of these "features" are on my 2005 X5.