[i-VTEC]

Only these 4 I am considering

Hyundai Tucson vs Mazda CX-5 vs Acura RDX vs Infinity EX35

if money wasn't an issue for you guys, and can only choose from these above 4 and just use for daily driving to work/grocery shopping, how would you rank them and why?

Also, Is it worth getting higher end/semi-luxury of SUV like RDX, EX35 than Tucson or CX-5?

My take on these 4 vehicles (not ranked)

1) Hyundai recently became popular, 2nd Generation?, (Korean Company, Look at Samsung a Korean Company, has been coming out decent products)

2) Mazda CX-5, 1st Generation, (Japanese Company, very well know)

3) Acura RDX, 2nd Generation, (Japanese Company, from Honda, very well known, but known for reliability)

4) Infinity EX35, 2nd Generation?, (Japanese Company, from Nissan, very well known, but known for power)

(If you going to troll or spam, do it other post, I need serious advice on this)

:alone:

[Recon604]

its all up to you, to your own personal preference.

do you prefer driving around in a luxury suv equipped with luxury functions such as equipped hids, review camera, adjustable power seats, etc?

Also the luxury suvs will offer you a quiet and smooth ride.

IF MONEY ISNT AN ISSUE.... then ill definitely go with luxury end, the Acura RDX. It looks way better than the Infiniti EX35 in my opinion.

[i-VTEC]

Hyundai Tucson, Limited Edition AWD with Navigation comes with those luxury features as well, about 33K + Tax

RDX, EX35, top of the line, will just cost about 46K + Tax, 53K + Tax respectively

with all tax included, it is about 15K ~ 25K ish difference which I could use it for mortgage

[teekaywok]

its all up to you, to your own personal preference.

do you prefer driving around in a luxury suv equipped with luxury functions such as equipped hids, review camera, adjustable power seats, etc?

Also the luxury suvs will offer you a quiet and smooth ride.

IF MONEY ISNT AN ISSUE.... then ill definitely go with luxury end, the Acura RDX. It looks way better than the Infiniti EX35 in my opinion.

+1

The rdx rides alot better than the ex35 IMO
OP if you're going to buy used, i recommend looking at the rx 350 by lexus. my family was considering the rdx, mdx and the fx35 and we ended up with the rx.

[i-VTEC]

+1

The rdx rides alot better than the ex35 IMO
OP if you're going to buy used, i recommend looking at the rx 350 by lexus. my family was considering the rdx, mdx and the fx35 and we ended up with the rx.

It will be new

From some where I heard, people drive Lexus tend to get in car accident haha

Tho I do like RX by Lexus after all its Toyota!!!

[smarv]

ex35 price: $39,999 - $62,076
rdx price: $40,999 - $45,935
CX-5 price: $22,995 - $34,495
Tucson price: $19,999 - $34,490

The tucson and cx5 are 4 cylinders so they will be better on gas if your planning to use it as a daily driver. The Rdx and ex35 are classier looking cars but there prices mimic that fact. Is all All-Wheel drive a selling factor? the base models of the cx5 and tucson don't come in all-wheel drive. If it were me it would be either the rdx or cx-5.

[ProBoostin]

Take each vehicle for a test drive. Only way you will truly find out which one you prefer. Can't rely on other peoples driving preferences to make a decision for yourself.

[mj_39]

2 family members recently were cross shopping the RDX and EX35. Both ended up with the EX35, one a 2010 and the other a 2011. I personally test drove both. Although the RDX feels higher and a little more spacious it didn't compare to the EX35 in driving experience,interior and tech. Personally, I use to love Acura but there new gen vehicles are not growing on me at all(with exceptions to the tsx) Hands down the EX35 was the clear winner when comparing these two vehicles for us. Like others suggested I would test drive them all and make your decision based on what you like more.

[J89]

http://blogaria.com.br/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/kia-sportage-2012.jpg

[i-VTEC]

ex35 price: $39,999 - $62,076
rdx price: $40,999 - $45,935
CX-5 price: $22,995 - $34,495
Tucson price: $19,999 - $34,490

The tucson and cx5 are 4 cylinders so they will be better on gas if your planning to use it as a daily driver. The Rdx and ex35 are classier looking cars but there prices mimic that fact. Is all All-Wheel drive a selling factor? the base models of the cx5 and tucson don't come in all-wheel drive. If it were me it would be either the rdx or cx-5.

double thanks

the suv Im getting must have navigation package, thus it will probably come with AWD, will also be used for going down the States all the way to Portland Seattle

[busdriverman]

the interior in the ex35 is top notch. materials like leathers in the ex is better than the rest of the cars you listed

[i-VTEC]

the interior in the ex35 is top notch. materials like leathers in the ex is better than the rest of the cars you listed

I agree with this, I saw the car at Auto Show

[i-VTEC]

2 family members recently were cross shopping the RDX and EX35. Both ended up with the EX35, one a 2010 and the other a 2011. I personally test drove both. Although the RDX feels higher and a little more spacious it didn't compare to the EX35 in driving experience,interior and tech. Personally, I use to love Acura but there new gen vehicles are not growing on me at all(with exceptions to the tsx) Hands down the EX35 was the clear winner when comparing these two vehicles for us. Like others suggested I would test drive them all and make your decision based on what you like more.

What do you take on Nissan Rogue?

[ilvtofu]

you're putting too much emphasis on the brand, your rationalizing for each car is only price + brand history, nothing about the specific merits of each model.

Would not recommend the EX35 because I personally think the trunk is small and unnecessarily powerful motor that uses too much gas for daily driving.

I like the CR-V and I don't think you can go wrong with it for a grocery getter. they always hold their value very well especially compared to the others which you must factor in when considering the prices. I don't think the 4WD option is really necessary for what we get here, and the 4cyl is pretty smooth although gutless.

The Equinox is also worth considering with its direct injection engine/6 speed and is overall a pretty decent package. Resale won't be near as good as the CRV though but you should really check it out if you're shopping in this segment.

[i-VTEC]

you're putting too much emphasis on the brand, your rationalizing for each car is only price + brand history, nothing about the specific merits of each model.

Would not recommend the EX35 because I personally think the trunk is small and unnecessarily powerful motor that uses too much gas for daily driving.

I like the CR-V and I don't think you can go wrong with it for a grocery getter. they always hold their value very well especially compared to the others which you must factor in when considering the prices. I don't think the 4WD option is really necessary for what we get here, and the 4cyl is pretty smooth although gutless.

The Equinox is also worth considering with its direct injection engine/6 speed and is overall a pretty decent package. Resale won't be near as good as the CRV though but you should really check it out if you're shopping in this segment.

American car, Equinox, how is reliable are they? parts/maintenance expensive?

[godwin]

You are asking the wrong questions, all parts at dealerships are expensive. The question you should be thinking is: "Are there any reliable specialist shops, other than dealership that can offer at least the same level if not better service? at a lower /hour cost" More sources for parts / labour means a lower cost. Dealerships have a overhead to work with.

If you are that nickle and diming, you should also look at insurance costs.

Please define what do you mean by "better".. eg EX35 will be better in driving fun / power but sucks when it comes to gas in your comparison. The title is misleading too, most of your selection are entry level SUVs.

If money is no issue, I would pick a Cayenne Turbo.. It is in its first few years, relatively new compared with the competition.

American car, Equinox, how is reliable are they? parts/maintenance expensive?

[niu99]

Infiniti EX
Mazda cx-5
hyundai tucson
rdx

i recommend the x5m

[Acura604]

2013 RDX V6 is alot smoother now.. give it a try! the previous 4cyl turbo was so jarring and uncomfortable, you actually dreaded getting into it to drive.

[MindBomber]

ZDX

Acura's answer to the X6, there are a couple on craigslist right now with very low kilometers.
http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/i363/Austin_Taylor88/Acura-ZDX-2.jpg
http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/i363/Austin_Taylor88/Acura-ZDX1-300x200.jpg
http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/i363/Austin_Taylor88/AcuraZDX2010-2.jpg
http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/i363/Austin_Taylor88/2010-acura-zdx-int.jpg
http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/i363/Austin_Taylor88/2010-acura-zdx-i2.jpg

[highres604]

I have personally driven all of those listed except the cx-5. Hands down, EX35 is the best. It drives like a car and has endless power. The interior is definately no comparison. EX all the way.
The only bad thing about EX is the horrendous mileage you get. 15L/100km approx is what it is. The engine is the old school VQ so no surprises there. Also as others have said, there is no room in this thing. The back seat is tiny as well as the trunk. I would not even really classify EX35 as an SUV or even CUV. it's more like a small station wagon.
That being said, once you sit in all of these behicles, i would bet money that the only one that feels luxo is the infiniti.

[mbrodie]

I think KIA is making better vehicles than Hyundai, in terms of SUV, I'm not the biggest Tucson fan, but that's just me. KIA made huge gains in quality a couple years ago, to the point they were considered the next Toyota. Any opinions on KIA vs Hyundai reliability (I mean, for those who plan on owning "long term") ??

[bcrdukes]

Will this SUV be yours or your family?

[JoshuaWong]

The ZDX is actually very nice inside, i think its more comfortable than an X6 but less roomy but being small like me I think i prefer it since its like a snug fit. The outside is wierd but sometimes under certain angle it looks distrubingly interesting in a good kind of way

ZDX

Acura's answer to the X6, there are a couple on craigslist right now with very low kilometers.
http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/i363/Austin_Taylor88/Acura-ZDX-2.jpg
http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/i363/Austin_Taylor88/Acura-ZDX1-300x200.jpg
http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/i363/Austin_Taylor88/AcuraZDX2010-2.jpg
http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/i363/Austin_Taylor88/2010-acura-zdx-int.jpg
http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/i363/Austin_Taylor88/2010-acura-zdx-i2.jpg

[bing]

If money is a non-issue, out of the 4 choices you listed, I would only look at the RDX and EX35. Based purely on looks, I like the EX35 more than the RDX. However, if gas mileage is a concern, my guess is that the the Infiniti would probably fare worse.

Does the car HAVE to be new? With that price range I would probably look at other used options and save a bit of $ or get a higher model of something else.

[i-VTEC]

Thanks All~

[AWDTurboLuvr]

I'd wait for the 2013 Ford Escape....the CX-5 with AWD felt too sluggish for my liking.

http://image.motortrend.com/f/34629878+w569+h356+ar1/2013-Ford-Escape-front-three-quarters.jpg

Here's MT's review.

2013 Ford Escape EcoBoost First Drive - Motor Trend (http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/suvs/1204_2013_ford_escape_ecoboost_first_drive/)

[dhari]

x3 or even x1?

[i-VTEC]

x3 or even x1?

Planning to own the suv,

Bimmer, are good for lease.

:toot:

[CharlieH]

seriously? if money really wasn't an issue, why the hell would the mazda and hyundai even be considered? go test drive the cars and you'll realize how stupid of a thread this is. EX or RDX, take your pick.

[i-VTEC]

seriously? if money really wasn't an issue, why the hell would the mazda and hyundai even be considered? go test drive the cars and you'll realize how stupid of a thread this is. EX or RDX, take your pick.

seriously? you don't throw money at the most expensive SUV you can get even if you have the money. I don't see Bill Gates drives a Koenigsegg Agera R. There is a lot more to it. Some people actually have experienced or Mazda or Acura, and that is what forum discussions are for. People share their experiences. Of course I will test drive them all, but I am also listening to other people's preferences and maybe they make sense

Go troll somewhere else

[CharlieH]

LOL I had no idea it was the same guy. I thought his username looked familiar...

OP, better bring 10 jerry cans with you to Point Roberts next time. The EX isn't so great on gas :lawl:

[CharlieH]

seriously? you don't throw money at the most expensive SUV you can get even if you have the money. I don't see Bill Gates drives a Koenigsegg Agera R. There is a lot more to it. Some people actually have experienced or Mazda or Acura, and that is what forum discussions are for. People share their experiences. Of course I will test drive them all, but I am also listening to other people's preferences and maybe they make sense

Go troll somewhere else

really? then why would you explicitly ask people which SUV they'd take if MONEY WASN'T AN ISSUE? maybe you should reword your original post so you don't sound like an idiot who drives to Point Roberts to get gas every weekend. oh wait...

[bcrdukes]

God Damn, Charlie! LOL! OP is gonna get torn a new one. :rofl:

[k3mps]

just got the topics sake ill chime in.
i don't really like the ex. pig of gas (gets avg of 14l/100km according to people i've talked to that own it) and not that large. does sound pretty good though.
cx-5 is great so i've heard. driven it only a handful of times, seems somewhat underpowered (only 155hp) but one guy i know gets 8l/100km all highway driving.
tuscon is great, it's the best value of the bunch.

I haven't driven the rdx but of the 3 i've driven, I'd have the ex if "money was not a problem" but the nicely loaded tuscon if i was tight on budget.
juding from your "other posts", I'd go with the new crv or rogue.

btw you said

(If you going to troll or spam, do it other post, I need serious advice on this)

it's kinda hard to give you serious advice when you're complaining about gas prices and being tight on money, then saying you're looking for a "luxury suv", and then putting an infiniti on the list with a hyundai.
the ex is 2x more than the tuscon

i'd say stick with your civic

[Graeme S]

As far as maintenance costs and whatnot, when my mom picked up her brand new ford (this last weekend, Thanks Troy and Kaleb from Coastal! </shamelesplug>), she got a 6-year extended warranty/extended maintenance package. Mom pays for the car, and then nothing except gas and insurance for six years. And even wear items were covered in it (no tires, but wipers, brakes, etc).

[k3mps]

actually, include the upcoming escape to my list too

[marc0lishuz]

I've driven the EX35 as a courtesy car a lot of times. It's a really good car to drive around in the city. Power from the VQ is great and it even sounds nice. Interior is also great, as is the list of tech included (which is typical of the brand). Thing to note that it is nearing its current cycle so it will be totally redesigned fairly soon.

[Over9K]

They are not SUV's...

Anyways, stay away from the EX.

Hit up NICO and check the reviews...

[yray]

Following is my personal opinion from what I have driven/driving.

CX-5, there is no feedback from the steering wheel (felt like driving a game console steering wheel with no feedback) , accelerates like a CVT 4cycl Forester. The interior is decent but other than that, it isn't that fun to drive. It is a decent family car, but totally not fun to drive.

Now's the perfect time to lease a GLK. (2.9% lease rate?) Note that it is not race car, it drives like a tank. If you step on it, there is a umph and sounds great with that merc note. Handling is some what sluggish beacuse TANK. Interior space is kinda small, especially in the passenger compartment. Perfect for kids and a family or trucking in laws around. (note its hard to get in, back doors are smaller)

I drive a 2010 X3, didn't have time to drive the 2011 one. I believe driving characteristics should be around the same other than 6 over 8 gear box. The X3 is a solid product other than BMW problems, but then u would just go complain to the maintenance department :lawl:. Steering has ample feedback, sport mode is actually a sport mode that downshifts. Traction control is decent enough for snow and grass. BOTH BENZ AND BMW cannot offroad, don't bother trying.

X1, back seats feel weird. Other than that should be similar to >2010 X3. Same engine, same factory.

[bing]

^Bad idea, OP makes 40k pretax? and pays for rent, tuition, and living expenses? so unless he has the full amount saved up or his parents are helping him financially, not only are the EX and RDX choices he listed bad ideas, but so is encouraging him to look at a Benz or BMW suv.

My family had a Infiniti QX4 back in the day and have gotten an X3 as a loaner and I felt they both eat gas, though this is probably the case with any SUV. Jumping from a civic to any of these cars is going to be a big change, expect to pay at least 100 per tank and have to fill up roughly every 5-7 days (estimate as it will always depend on how much you drive of course).

[yray]

^ then op shouldnt even refer to a luxury SUV and just get a crv/rav4/outback or forester/cx5/kia/hyundai

Using a V8 with 5AT and I6 with 6AT of course is going to eat gas. I drove to PDX with a GLK and then a X3, GLK 7th gear saved around $50 in gas. There is a obvious trade off with cost luxury and performance. I did not recommend him to buy any of the above cars, I am just sharing opinions on two SUVs that I am extremely familiar with and can be alternatives to EX/RDX.

[Over9K]

Wait, you're a student and you want a NEW car?

No wait, you're a student and you want a brand NEW "luxury" CUV?

http://www.mememaker.net/static/images/memes/18350.jpg

:fulloffuck:

I can already feel the gray hair coming.

[godwin]

So Bill Gates have to run by you on everything he buys? You don't see Bill Gates drive doesn't mean he doesn't have it.. He and Paul Allen were the only Americans that splurged on a 959 when it was in production.

seriously? you don't throw money at the most expensive SUV you can get even if you have the money. I don't see Bill Gates drives a Koenigsegg Agera R. There is a lot more to it. Some people actually have experienced or Mazda or Acura, and that is what forum discussions are for. People share their experiences. Of course I will test drive them all, but I am also listening to other people's preferences and maybe they make sense

Go troll somewhere else

[mmmk]

Being a 2011 MDX owner myself, I'd say go for the RDX or the EX.
The 2013 RDX is sick, comes with everything you need, can't go wrong with it.
EX would be my 2nd choice, solid engine, good builld quality.

Edit: OP, I just realized that you're the same guy who was going to Pt Roberts for gas.
Maybe just get the cheapest of the bunch...honestly.

[LuHua]

Neighbour just bought a 2013 RDX, looks nice, drives nice, and the v6 can shut a few cylinders off to save gas. Not bad.

[SpuGen]

Real question is:
Which car has the most amount of trunk space for Jerry Cans?

[Hehe]

We have a 2011 EX35 with nav.

We were considering between the X1, Mini Countryman and RDX. Ultimately went for EX35 for the feel of it.

Now, after driving it for almost a year
Pros:
Build quality seems great. I have yet had any problem. (knock on wood)
Engine is smooth. Power whenever I need it.
Attessa ET-S with snow tires have been excellent in East Coast winter. Able to get out of some decent snow packs and great for start/stop.
Gas mileage isn't as bad as I thought. I average 11L/100KM combined. (40/60 city/hwy) Which is less than my 328@12L/100KM
The all-around camera is super handy when you try to park in tiny places or you are simply not very good parking (in my wife's case, she has never scratched the rims again)

Cons:
The trunk could be a bit bigger. But I only notice that when I travel and have to carry luggage.
Rear seats can be a bit small for adults. But unless you are always loading 5 people for your trips down to Portland, I don't see it as a problem.
Nav system UI needs some improvement. It's not exactly intuitive and can be a bit slow if you have to input new address often (I just save most of the places in address book)
Also, the GPS input is pretty much useless once you start moving. It disables almost everything :fuckthatshit:

I have no complain so far. I think I'd still have picked the EX if I were to buy it again.

[shantz]

FWIW - I was looking at those exact same cars... until I drove a Ford Edge - yeah yeah, (flame suit on) it's a Ford... but the fit and finish, as well as the Microsoft integration is beyond the capabilities of all the other cars I looked at.

I also painted the cladding to give it a more luxury type appearance...

[mmmk]

Neighbour just bought a 2013 RDX, looks nice, drives nice, and the v6 can shut a few cylinders off to save gas. Not bad.

Do u find the running boards weird? They dont run along the whole length of the car :heckno:

[LP700-4]

Dont mean to thread jack, its kinda on topic though.

Whats the best compact SUV with good fuel economy?

Only ones that come to mind is the Nissan Rogue and the Mitsubishi RVR.

Any of those two worth buying? We're kinda interested in the RVR even it has little to no power.

[FOB Mainlander]

Testdrove a EX35 before and I don't recommend it. The driver seat is cramped for my 183cm frame and he rear passanger seat headroom and legroom are even worse. Power and handling are not bad though.

[Duff Beer]

Q: Is Luxury SUV Better?

A: Better for Your Wallet at Gas Pump :fuckyea:

[wasabisashimi]

Being a 2011 MDX owner myself, I'd say go for the RDX or the EX.
The 2013 RDX is sick, comes with everything you need, can't go wrong with it.
EX would be my 2nd choice, solid engine, good builld quality.

Edit: OP, I just realized that you're the same guy who was going to Pt Roberts for gas.
Maybe just get the cheapest of the bunch...honestly.

2013 RDX is just a V6 version of the new CRV. They dropped the Sh-AWD and replaced it with the CRV awd system. I wouldn't like it if you prefer spirited driving.

[marc0lishuz]

Any thoughts on the VW Tiguan?

[Over9K]

It's a VW.

[FOB Mainlander]

Any thoughts on the VW Tiguan?

That's a luxury SUV?:suspicious:

[marc0lishuz]

I was simply throwing another car in the mix, seeing as how the OP's definition of "luxury" is a little loose, and his budget is tight. I've never owned a VW, but it looks like they have the standard warranty offered by other manufacturers, so if the OP is leasing then the longevity of the car isn't much of an issue.

[dovo]

keep saving $2.00 on gas.. do this long enough and just get this

http://www.revscene.net/forums/666827-lamborghini-urus-suv.html

[Bahhbeehhaaaa]

lol you created another thread about buying gas down the states to save 2 dollars on your civic and now made another thread on SUVs?

1. Acura RDX
2. lexus RX330

they are both very comfy cars. . . and your thread title sounds very silly.. of course the term luxury is better.. if you got the $$

[bing]

http://www.pnutzzsurplus.com/catalog/images/wedco-can-sizes.jpg

[Over9K]

Potable water? Why? LOL

[Graeme S]

Potable water? Why? LOL
For those long waits at the border.