Compact "Luxury" SUV - opinions
 

Hey RS,

I'm currently reading online reviews for luxury compact SUVs, as my mother insists on upgrading her 09' Honda CR-V, but wanted to know if any fellow RS members / friends / family own any of the following vehicles and what their opinions are of them:

All vehicles would be base trim, 2017 and up models.

1) Audi Q5

2) Lexus NX

3) Acura RDX

4) Volvo XC 60 / 40

5) Infiniti QX50

Price range around 50,000-60,000 tax in.

All she's requesting are the extra 'safety features' ie; blind spot monitoring, parking sensors, etc... :okay:

No need for sporty trim or upgraded engines.

Your opinions are greatly appreciated!

Haven't driven any of those except the Lexus but the Volvos really appeal to me now. Fresh design and I believe they still prioritize safety.

I'm glad Mercedes or BMW isn't on the list. I have both and won't recommend them if you want to keep them longer than 5 years.

Can you wait for the 2019 Rdx and the 2019 qx50 both new design and looks great.

Having worked at Lexus, the NX's engine felt quite wheezy to me, but otherwise it's a reasonably decent package on the inside.

As a left field option, have a peek at the Alfa Stelvio as well. I'm not putting much faith in the build quality, but price-wise it falls right in line with your mother's budget.

Jaguar E pace should be out any day now. Looking to get one for my Mom.

https://www.jaguar.ca/en/all-models/e-pace/index.html

I got a dozen of 2017’ “left over” brand new X3s within that price range at work... will be an m sport 4 cylinder model if mom wants...

Have you looked at the new X3? My parents just traded in their X5 for the new X3.

My family has the nx200t. I think it is one of the more senior friendly interiors. Meaning, the button orientation and overall tech is not overwhelming.

I agree that the engine is probably not the most powerful or fun, but it gets around the city/hwy just fine. Also, you can't beat Lexus reliability + build quality.

The new 4Runners looks pretty dope too

Voting for Lexus NX as well.
My in-law own the NX F sport. Driving response is good. Enough modern techs.
Only negative is SMALL (Trunk space & Back seat)

I had the opportunity to test drive the NX and overall, I quite liked it. As the others mentioned, the interior is small, but that applies to almost all Lexus models.

I managed to take the NX along with the sales and marketing rep from Lexus Canada to Whole Foods, and complained to them that the engine was lacked power. They had to remind me that we were in bumper to bumper traffic the entire time, but I insisted that I needed a twin turbo 500 AWHP. In the end, I passed on it because it didn't meet my more than realistic expectations. Not to mention, I couldn't pack the trunk and rear seats with enough organic produce and meats that cost an arm and a leg. Damn it, Lexus.

Edit: Was serious about liking the NX, and actually going to Whole Foods with the Lexus Canada sales and marketing reps. Was not serious about expecting it to be powered by a twin turbo 500AWHP engine.

If style and having something different matters to you, I would go XC 40 /60. I think Volvo is kicking some arse right now in the innovative design department. Better than Audi imo.....when my Audi Q3 is up, I am going to get the XC40.

I looked at the Q5 and X3 a few weeks ago and have been doing research in this space lately.

The Q5 is really cramped compared to its competitors - it's as small or smaller than the X1. I crossed it off my list as soon as I sat in the back seat and test drove a A5 Sportback instead (roomier).

The X3 (M Sport model) was pretty nice - drove better than the 3 series wagon I also tried - the new chassis pays off, felt natural and nimble. Roomy enough. That said, if she likes her CR-V I think this won't be her style - it clearly drives like a German car (rolls down the road with heft).

Top of my list right now is the 2019 RDX - on paper it's everything I'd be interested in and I like how Hondas drive (light on their feet). If she can wait till July/Aug then worth waiting for it.

+1 on the RDX

I normally don't like Acura, but they did a pretty good job on it.

XC60T8 so you can be faster than a macan S and park at electric charging spots :lawl:

Only problem with the Lexus:

https://img1.cgtrader.com/items/7428...lwo-lw-lws.jpg

http://www.aprilsmith.org/uploads/6/...89/4341568.jpg

Mooooo


Interested to see what you pick since gf and I will be shopping in the same segment, for a lease, this August. We like the RDX on paper anyway, have to see it in the flesh first.

Also the CX9 is a little larger but has all the gadgets and pretty good luxury for same price.

I mean they can opt for the 300h or the non F sport for a more subtle grill design.

FYI my post was in jest, but I was serious about liking the NX. It's a good car, and the design will grow on you.

Given that your mom has owned the CRV since 09, it seems that a purchase will do her well. The Lexus will definitely retain its resale value. The others - not so much.

+1 for NX as well but I am sorta biased

Let me know if you or your mom are interested in looking at one

How about the Alfa Stelvio SUV? :fullofwin:

Why not settle with a new CR-V in Touring trim? Have heard nothing but praise for those things, from journalist reviews and from owners.

^ This is valid. A Touring trim CR-V is pretty nice. I didn't like the CVT and wish it had 30-40 more horses but it was a perfectly reasonable ride - someone an older lady who is already driving a CR-V will like.

Hondata already has a flash for it; +25 hp and torque
https://www.hondata.com/flashpro-2017-crv

Forgot to mention that while I didn't test drive the Q5 after sitting in the back (too small) I would expect it to drive wonderfully if the A5 Sportback I drove is any indication. It's not a pulse raiser but the A5 is beautifully engineered and it'd be on my list of cars to own if I could only own 1 car. It's light years ahead of a 330i Sport.

If the back seat doesn't matter to your mom then the Q5 is worth a long look.