Compact Luxury SUVs :( Help with Choices

[roastpuff]

Hi Revscene! I'm looking to replace my now-totaled Accord Touring V6 with a compact luxury SUV (mostly for the SO) and I'm having a hard time making choices. Originally, started looking at the RAV4 (Prime PHEV, with the 302hp and 70KM electric range), CR-V Touring (boring, have had a lot of Honda products in the past and I like them but they're boring... and CVT, ew) and Mazda CX-5 (GT Turbo or Signature trim, very nice interior, very nice driving SUV, but a bit smaller than the two mentioned before).

But then.

BUT. THEN.

I started thinking.

For that price, I can get a new CR-V/RAV4/CX-5... or a used Porsche Macan base. Or a Q5. Or a used SQ5.

Or. A brand new Stelvio Ti Sport. From 2018. 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Ti Sport

Tell me this is a terrible/good idea, Revscene.

[trollface]

When everyone I see someone cross-shopping Honda Civic and a used 335i. No one can help them because they don't really know what they want or have no idea what they're getting into.

No one can decide for you but you. You know which one of those options is the right one for you.

You're cross-shopping a Rav4 with an Alfa Reomeo. I would check the carbon monoxide levels in your house because I think it's affecting your frontal cortex.

[Bender Unit]

Holy Smoke
Manufacturer's Discount -$18,880 on Alfa Romeo Stelvio
Poor Alfa
Nobody want their cars

[smaggs]

Like above said, you've expanded your options a huge amount and need to cut it down a bit more.

That being said, my girl has a cx-5 and it's a great car. Mazda's are looking really sharp these days i think and it's got some great features with the SkyActiv package. We took it on a road trip down to Yosemite last year and all the automated stuff was great for that (lane departure warning, auto braking when cruise control on, auto-off high beams with oncoming cars, etc.). Yes it's a bit on the smaller side but the seats fold down of course and pretty usable space then. Other options will most likely excel in some areas, however no complaints on the Mazda from us, we love it.

[AstulzerRZD]

I've driven the CX5 Turbo, Stelvio Ti Sport, and new gen Q3 recently.

The Alfa felt really cheap on the inside but had a very light driving feel.

The CX-5 was a very impressive product but cramped as you've noticed.

I didn't like the Audi Q3 - the adaptive cruise failed to notice the bus in front of me, the interior was largely hard plastic, and the ride was incredibly bouncy.

The RAV4 Prime will be impossible to get - they've got something like 500 allocated for Canada for 2020 which is less than 1 per dealer.

From what I know from a Porsche Tech, the Macans suffer from transfer case failure.

A used Q5/SQ5 could be a good pick if you're not looking for adaptive cruise/sensor stuff, the 3.0 supercharged/8AT they had was incredibly reliable.

[Traum]

I would not trust the reliability from Alfa Romeo for a minute. Cross that one off your list.

[twitchyzero]

Alfa and Fiat are likely pulling out of North America sooner rather than later

[immorality]

What about a Jaguar F-Pace?

[roastpuff]

Originally Posted by trollface

When everyone I see someone cross-shopping Honda Civic and a used 335i. No one can help them because they don't really know what they want or have no idea what they're getting into.

No one can decide for you but you. You know which one of those options is the right one for you.

You're cross-shopping a Rav4 with an Alfa Reomeo. I would check the carbon monoxide levels in your house because I think it's affecting your frontal cortex.

Well, like I said, I'm not sure what I really want in terms of a compact SUV. The SO basically said "cute, red, not too large." She's not a picky driver.

Originally Posted by smaggs

Like above said, you've expanded your options a huge amount and need to cut it down a bit more.

That being said, my girl has a cx-5 and it's a great car. Mazda's are looking really sharp these days i think and it's got some great features with the SkyActiv package. We took it on a road trip down to Yosemite last year and all the automated stuff was great for that (lane departure warning, auto braking when cruise control on, auto-off high beams with oncoming cars, etc.). Yes it's a bit on the smaller side but the seats fold down of course and pretty usable space then. Other options will most likely excel in some areas, however no complaints on the Mazda from us, we love it.

The Mazda is a strong option, especially with the turbo/Signature trim package. We both like it a lot.

Originally Posted by AstulzerRZD

I've driven the CX5 Turbo, Stelvio Ti Sport, and new gen Q3 recently.

The Alfa felt really cheap on the inside but had a very light driving feel.

The CX-5 was a very impressive product but cramped as you've noticed.

I didn't like the Audi Q3 - the adaptive cruise failed to notice the bus in front of me, the interior was largely hard plastic, and the ride was incredibly bouncy.

The RAV4 Prime will be impossible to get - they've got something like 500 allocated for Canada for 2020 which is less than 1 per dealer.

From what I know from a Porsche Tech, the Macans suffer from transfer case failure.

A used Q5/SQ5 could be a good pick if you're not looking for adaptive cruise/sensor stuff, the 3.0 supercharged/8AT they had was incredibly reliable.

We are looking at SQ5/Q5s too, but we would like the 2018+ post-refresh model which narrows the field considerably.

Originally Posted by Traum

I would not trust the reliability from Alfa Romeo for a minute. Cross that one off your list.

Yeah that's what has got me really uncertain about the Alfa...

Originally Posted by twitchyzero

Alfa and Fiat are likely pulling out of North America sooner rather than later

This too...

Originally Posted by immorality

What about a Jaguar F-Pace?

Haven't really considered it but I heard it's the tightest in terms of space for all the cross-overs in the class? Would an I-Pace be more in line, as I think it's the same space as the CX-5/RAV4 etc?

EDIT: Also forgot about the Acura RDX... I think the A-SPEC model looks nice, especially in that blue.

[inv4zn]

You also need to consider things like maintenance and such, as well as warranty - especially if you're looking into higher end cars.

[320icar]

How compact do you want? Used Mercedes GLA-45 for mid 40k. Pretty sweet vehicle

[Jmac]

FWIW, the Jaguar F-Pace scores well below average for reliability in brakes, body integrity, and in-car electronics (below average overall) and scores below average in owner satisfaction according to Consumer Reports.

[whitev70r]

Volvo XC40

[ssjGoku69]

You may consider skipping the CR-V 1.5L Turbo from your cross shopping because of the oil dilution problem. Gasoline seeps into oil and results in rising high oil levels. This means less effective lubrication, gas fumes in the cabin, engine failure? Honda has released a TSB to address this, but who knows if the fix is permanent.

[whitev70r]

What about this bad boy? Listed at $32,800

https://vancouver.craigslist.org/rch...060666883.html



Or something a bit more modern, $38,800. I'm going to sound like a broken record but do consider an AWD wagon, so much nicer to drive and if you need, you can actually put things on the roof. In most SUV, putting something on the roof (bike, skis, snowboard, thule box, etc.) is a PIA.
https://vancouver.craigslist.org/van...062467903.html



One more to consider in your price range, $35K
https://vancouver.craigslist.org/rds...056327302.html

[roastpuff]

Originally Posted by whitev70r

What about this bad boy? Listed at $32,800

https://vancouver.craigslist.org/rch...060666883.html

WAF very low lol. It's neither cute, nor red. Or "compact."

Or something a bit more modern, $38,800. I'm going to sound like a broken record but do consider an AWD wagon, so much nicer to drive and if you need, you can actually put things on the roof. In most SUV, putting something on the roof (bike, skis, snowboard, thule box, etc.) is a PIA.
https://vancouver.craigslist.org/van...062467903.html

I did look at the C-wagon. And the rear seats were way too tight. The 3-series wagon had more space, and so does the Allroad. Which are also considerations. But the wagon premium is real...

One more to consider in your price range, $35K
https://vancouver.craigslist.org/rds...056327302.html

I'm basically being warned away from Volvos due to the transfer case/transmissions having lots of issues... I wanted to look at the new V60 but apparently the twin-charged engine is a no-go outside of warranty.

[hud 91gt]

My wife has a CRV. Have had the oil issue fixed. It’s a beautiful car (should have gone for the touring, but basically got one option below, upgraded stereo, headlights would be worth it).

Love it but hate the transmission. Lol. I’d look into the XC40.

[GS8]

Should get a Ram

Black

[underscore]

If you want something more luxurious than a Rav4/CR-V but not a money pit/time bomb like a Porsche or Alfa why not a Lexus?

[belka]

X3M40i

[bcrdukes]

If you enjoy feeling anxious and nervous every time you get into a car with that sinking feeling like something is going to break, will break, and is unreliable, and comes with costly and time consuming repairs, hands down, don't waste your time looking anywhere else. Alfa Romeo is the best choice. Everything else is a far cry from any of the above.

Having said that, I love Alfa Romeo. They are amazing...when they work.

I test drove the Lexus UX250h last weekend and really liked it. CVT didn't feel like a CVT (very refined) and had the pep it needed for the highway and in the city. Not going to be anything like a Macan, Q5, or any of the like. Might also be too small based on your list. Edit: The NX and RX are really nice too.

Edit #2: I missed the fact that this was for your SO. Is she looking for something that's not boring, or is that you? haha

[EvoFire]

How much space do you need? If the space is not a huge concern then the CX-5 Turbo is a great car. Keep in mind the front passenger seat becomes useless if you are an average height male, and you put a backwards facing seat behind it. There is a weird quirk with the CX-5 where the heated steering wheel is only heated at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions.

We shopped almost every SUV on the market and bought a X3. Anytime you go for a transverse layout the vehicle is going to be much more efficient with length. The GLC and X3 can't hide the fact they need to fit a large engine longitudinally in the front of the car.

I really liked the CR-V for it's handling, space efficiency and price, but my wife hated the power output and delivery. I feel it would be something that may be mitigated with the hybrid model coming out for 2020.

We also really liked the Rav4 Hybrid, but at $950 a month, an equally or better equipped luxury offering with Audi/BMW/MB was only about $100 more after negotiations. They won't budge on pricing with the hybrids because they can't make them fast enough.

Another thing to note is your use case. If you are doing a lot of highway driving, the luxury offerings is where it shines. The gas mileage is unbelievably good at speed, and it's a much more comfortable and quiet ride. We managed 10l/100km on our recent snowboard trip to Silverstar with the X3, and we weren't easy on the throttle.

[roastpuff]

Originally Posted by hud 91gt

My wife has a CRV. Have had the oil issue fixed. It’s a beautiful car (should have gone for the touring, but basically got one option below, upgraded stereo, headlights would be worth it).

Love it but hate the transmission. Lol. I’d look into the XC40.

Parents have a Civic with the 1.5T - a bit rubber bandy with the CVT, but it's nice otherwise. I'll go look into the XC40 but worried about size.

Originally Posted by GS8

Should get a Ram

Black

I miss my truck.

Originally Posted by underscore

If you want something more luxurious than a Rav4/CR-V but not a money pit/time bomb like a Porsche or Alfa why not a Lexus?

No Android Auto... and also boring Lexus drive?

Originally Posted by belka

X3M40i

No Android Auto

Also ducking expensive, even used.

Originally Posted by bcrdukes

If you enjoy feeling anxious and nervous every time you get into a car with that sinking feeling like something is going to break, will break, and is unreliable, and comes with costly and time consuming repairs, hands down, don't waste your time looking anywhere else. Alfa Romeo is the best choice. Everything else is a far cry from any of the above.

Having said that, I love Alfa Romeo. They are amazing...when they work.

I test drove the Lexus UX250h last weekend and really liked it. CVT didn't feel like a CVT (very refined) and had the pep it needed for the highway and in the city. Not going to be anything like a Macan, Q5, or any of the like. Might also be too small based on your list. Edit: The NX and RX are really nice too.

Edit #2: I missed the fact that this was for your SO. Is she looking for something that's not boring, or is that you? haha

A bit of both - this might be our only car depending on what happens with her job in the next little bit, so I might not have the GTI any more. Also, if we're together I will drive 99% of the time so I want something with a little fun-to-drive in it...

I think the UX is a bit small. I will look at the NX and the RX but the RX might be approaching the "too big" end of the spectrum for her. But no Android Auto.

Originally Posted by EvoFire

How much space do you need? If the space is not a huge concern then the CX-5 Turbo is a great car. Keep in mind the front passenger seat becomes useless if you are an average height male, and you put a backwards facing seat behind it. There is a weird quirk with the CX-5 where the heated steering wheel is only heated at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions.

We shopped almost every SUV on the market and bought a X3. Anytime you go for a transverse layout the vehicle is going to be much more efficient with length. The GLC and X3 can't hide the fact they need to fit a large engine longitudinally in the front of the car.

I really liked the CR-V for it's handling, space efficiency and price, but my wife hated the power output and delivery. I feel it would be something that may be mitigated with the hybrid model coming out for 2020.

We also really liked the Rav4 Hybrid, but at $950 a month, an equally or better equipped luxury offering with Audi/BMW/MB was only about $100 more after negotiations. They won't budge on pricing with the hybrids because they can't make them fast enough.

Another thing to note is your use case. If you are doing a lot of highway driving, the luxury offerings is where it shines. The gas mileage is unbelievably good at speed, and it's a much more comfortable and quiet ride. We managed 10l/100km on our recent snowboard trip to Silverstar with the X3, and we weren't easy on the throttle.

Space is a mild concern but it really just need to fits 4 people comfortably and 5 in a pinch. Good to note about the car seat spacing, and the weird heated wheel. I like the X3, but no Android Auto on the current model and the one based on the new platform is not out yet - also, I would hate myself for not getting the M40i but that is out of our current car budget. The wifey would be okay with the CR-V I think but I'm a bit over Honda products, and the lack of power/CVT compared to the other ones we are considering would be a negative in my books.

The RAV4 pricing is a bit nutty, as is with Toyotas in general. That's one negative with it - no bargaining room at all.

Good point on the highway capability of the German/luxury offerings. Will keep that in mind, as we do like to take road trips.

[!Aznboi128]

No one should ever buy an Alfa, even if you can get a short term lease for most of the lease period it'll just be at the shop.

The CX-5 isn't THAT small, it's smaller but everything about it is pretty damn nice minus the older infotainment.

[EvoFire]

Originally Posted by roastpuff

Space is a mild concern but it really just need to fits 4 people comfortably and 5 in a pinch. Good to note about the car seat spacing, and the weird heated wheel. I like the X3, but no Android Auto on the current model and the one based on the new platform is not out yet - also, I would hate myself for not getting the M40i but that is out of our current car budget. The wifey would be okay with the CR-V I think but I'm a bit over Honda products, and the lack of power/CVT compared to the other ones we are considering would be a negative in my books.

The RAV4 pricing is a bit nutty, as is with Toyotas in general. That's one negative with it - no bargaining room at all.

Good point on the highway capability of the German/luxury offerings. Will keep that in mind, as we do like to take road trips.

When you say new platform do you mean the vehicle itself or iDrive? The X3 is already on the CLAR platform since 2018 so it is the "new" G series platform. I believe it was one of the first vehicles on it as it has the chassis code G01. The MY2020 is getting iDrive7, which is supposed to be able to support Android Auto in the future. I don't like driving it, but it drives a helluva lot better than the GLC. The GLC does however offer a hybrid model right now, and the eDrive X3 is coming. Not sure when, and it may be out of your date range.

If you go test drive the Rav4, take it on the highway. We found it unbearably loud.