The axiom is based of the Rodeo. It has a traditional ladder style truck frame. It drives / rides like a truck and not a car. It's a new model, no safety or repair data yet, but it should be simiar to Rodeo's crash performance & reliability.

You also might want to consider Toyota's Highlander, just like the Lexus RX300, it based on Toyota's Camry. But the Highlander is roomier and about $10,000 less. It drives / rides like a tall Camry. It is also a new model, so look to the RX300 & Camry to get an idea for reliability & crash performance.

If you want to go with slightly smaller SUV, Hyundai Santa Fe is pretty impressive. Hyundai has fixed thier quality problems and is making great cars right now, as well as offering the best waranties in the business.