[J-Chow]

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!

[Energy]

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.

[Autorice]

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.

[kkttsang]

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

[CorneringArtist]

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.

[Manic!]

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

[tofu1413]

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...

[Harvey Specter]

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

[bcedhk]

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.

[dapperfied]

The new 4Runners looks pretty dope too

[Bender Unit]

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)

[bcrdukes]

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.

[Z3guy]

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.

[supafamous]

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.

[bcrdukes]

+1 on the RDX

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

[yray]

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

[belka]

Only problem with the Lexus:

https://img1.cgtrader.com/items/742802/2f9e93b6e8/large/lexus-nx-f-sport-with-hq-interior-2014-3d-model-max-obj-3ds-fbx-c4d-lwo-lw-lws.jpg

http://www.aprilsmith.org/uploads/6/8/3/4/6834889/4341568.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.

[bcedhk]

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

[bcrdukes]

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.

[mb_]

+1 for NX as well but I am sorta biased

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

[jinxcrusader]

How about the Alfa Stelvio SUV? :fullofwin:

[Akinari]

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.

[supafamous]

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.

[Spectre_Cdn]

^ 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

[supafamous]

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.

[BaoTurbo]

Ever consider the VW 2018 Tiguan?

50k tax in gets you the highline top model which is everything you would want and more with parking sensors, blind spot, leather, sunroof, 360 camera, power tailgate, lane assist, emergency braking etc

[bob_chan]

I had a chance to check out the new XC40 at the auto show in Toronto and it looks pretty impressive. The car looks really well built and it has a lot of smart design features built in. Volvo's are also one of the safest cars you can get out there.
https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/NoZ_GaynRm6M58u6fd2Hp7Vjo9k=/0x434:4218x3400/1200x800/filters:focal(881x1518:1697x2334)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/57809677/216716_New_Volvo_XC40_exterior.0.jpg
https://car-images.bauersecure.com/pagefiles/74453/1040x585/volvo_xc40_16.jpg
http://d1evvto86t5vms.cloudfront.net/news/wp-content/uploads/images/2017/09/Volvo-XC40-9.jpg

[GS8]

That C-Pillar swoop looks laughably bad

I do give their commercials a pretentious/10 though

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjQt2lEZIXg

[donjalapeno]

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.


(OP If interested I know a guy that works at Honda :troll:)

[tofu1413]

Hey OP. I know a guy that knows a guy :troll:

[kiwee]

My mom is also looking for an SUV and really likes the look of the range rover - which we can't afford and apparently not a reliable car? (correct me on that). Does the Audi Q5 interior size feel like a Mazda CX5? My mom and I found the CX5 and the Lexus NX300 a bit tight/cramp. Was wondering if the RDX 2019 will have the same spaciousness as the current models and if it uses premium gas. Do you guys think it's a good idea to wait until the RDX comes out?

[supafamous]

My mom is also looking for an SUV and really likes the look of the range rover - which we can't afford and apparently not a reliable car? (correct me on that). Does the Audi Q5 interior size feel like a Mazda CX5? My mom and I found the CX5 and the Lexus NX300 a bit tight/cramp. Was wondering if the RDX 2019 will have the same spaciousness as the current models and if it uses premium gas. Do you guys think it's a good idea to wait until the RDX comes out?

The Q5 is about the same size as the CX-5 on the inside, maybe even a bit smaller. I wrote it off as soon as I sat in the back as I hope to put a kid back there.

The RDX promises to be a class leader for space and it should be considering that it's the biggest in the compact class (187"). I'm sure it'll use premium gas as all Acuras do (and it uses the same engine as the Accord but makes 20 more horses - a good sign that it's running premium).

I'm waiting for the RDX myself as I'm not in a rush and it seems like it might hit all my checklist items (it's a bit bigger than I like though).

[Tone Loc]

My mom is also looking for an SUV and really likes the look of the range rover - which we can't afford and apparently not a reliable car? (correct me on that). Does the Audi Q5 interior size feel like a Mazda CX5? My mom and I found the CX5 and the Lexus NX300 a bit tight/cramp. Was wondering if the RDX 2019 will have the same spaciousness as the current models and if it uses premium gas. Do you guys think it's a good idea to wait until the RDX comes out?

Range Rovers / Land Rovers have never been reliable. They don't hold their value well at all as a result - if your mom insists on a RR, lease it.

I would wait for the RDX. Interior looks amazing, styling on the outside looks gorgeous too. Will probably be cheaper and more reliable than the Audi with the "fun" driving dynamics of the Mazda. Personally I am biased against Lexus SUVs because I can't stand the people who drive them (I believe the proper term is "c-lai")...

[kiwee]

Range Rovers / Land Rovers have never been reliable. They don't hold their value well at all as a result - if your mom insists on a RR, lease it.

I would wait for the RDX. Interior looks amazing, styling on the outside looks gorgeous too. Will probably be cheaper and more reliable than the Audi with the "fun" driving dynamics of the Mazda. Personally I am biased against Lexus SUVs because I can't stand the people who drive them (I believe the proper term is "c-lai")...

Yeah, I see too many people driving the silver/white lexus around. Not only the Lexus but I see a lot of the Range Rovers too. My mom really wants the Lexus because of the lease/financial rate (-1.40%). From the information provided by the sales rep. I'm looking around $900+ to lease and $1300 to financial w/o down payment

[Manic!]

Probable going to look at a XC40 tomorrow for my mom. The thing is stuffed full of safety tech.

'The most significant development since the safety belt' - BBC News (http://www.bbc.com/news/business-43752226)

Here is an extraordinary statistic: since the Volvo XC90 went on sale in the UK in 2002 it has sold over 50,000 vehicles, yet not a single person has been killed while driving it, or as a passenger.

[kiwee]

Probable going to look at a XC40 tomorrow for my mom. The thing is stuffed full of safety tech.

'The most significant development since the safety belt' - BBC News (http://www.bbc.com/news/business-43752226)

Tell us how it is and if you're able to find out the cost and rate

[dvst8]

+1 for NX, everything inside is snugged fitting if your mom doesn't mind it. RDX would be my second choice.
However, moms going to need to get use to paying for premium at the pump.

[supafamous]

Probable going to look at a XC40 tomorrow for my mom. The thing is stuffed full of safety tech.

'The most significant development since the safety belt' - BBC News (http://www.bbc.com/news/business-43752226)

I was quite impressed at the XC40 when I looked at it at the auto show. Roomier than the outside suggests (felt closer to the next size class than to its competitors) and very premium. It's not cheap though - really adds up fast.

[belka]

+1 for NX, everything inside is snugged fitting if your mom doesn't mind it. RDX would be my second choice.
However, moms going to need to get use to paying for premium at the pump.

The 2018 Accord 2.0T shares the same engine (AFAIK, maybe a few differences) and recommended fuel is regular.

[Manic!]

You can skip the XC 40. If you want one you have to order one and it's a 7 month wait. Canada only got 1000 units in.Most if not all pre sold.

Checked out the Jaguar E pace. Very nice interior great sound system. Not much more than the XC 40.

Lexus NX 300: Interior seemed kind of cheap. Has a track pad to navigate the infotainment system.

[Mk4R32]

Upcoming RDX A-spec looks great!

[eclipseman]

2019 RDX or the XC40/XC60 would be my choice. I too have to replace my wife's vehicle soon...

[kiwee]

I think my mom really wants that NX300 with the -1.5% rate....

[Z3guy]

I have a Q3, it has been an awesome everyday car, drives really well, only downside is backseat is a little small. The only issue is that the new Q3 is coming out shortly. I am getting the XC40 next, I think the Volvo is the most stylish small ute currently......

[iforyou]

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

I think many non luxury compact CUV's offer the above already even without going to the top trim.

If she's looking for all of these safety features plus a nice, plush interior, top of the line mainstream compact CUV's should fit the bill while still coming well below $50-$60k tax in. This is also considering that she probably doesn't care much about performance and don't need 200hp+ to get around town. She will probably be happy with the fact that these CUV's don't require premium fuel.

But if she insists on a luxury brand, then I'd for sure wait for the 2019 RDX. Saw quite a few first impression articles on it and all of them very positive. The 2.0T engine is similar to the one in the Accord except it's tuned for more power with premium gas, and it's related to the CTR's engine. It's gonna be more than fast enough. Acura also brought back SH-AWD which is a fantastic and well underrated AWD system. And Acura finally updated their super outdated infotainment and GPS system with a much sleeker, modern system. It also finally has real wood/metal vs fake stuff. All of those safety features you mentioned are standard as far as I know.

I also saw it in person at the auto show and it looks sharp outside and the inside is much more premium looking than any Acura.

[kiwee]

Can someone confirm if the 2019 RDX infotainment will be touch screen or not? Although my mom may not use it much, she might might use it to call me.

[Qmx323]

Can someone confirm if the 2019 RDX infotainment will be touch screen or not? Although my mom may not use it much, she might might use it to call me.

If its the "tablet on the dash" style, usually not. Due to how far you'd have to reach to touch it.

Mazda's aren't, BMW's aren't. Benz's aren't.

[ilvtofu]

I was excited about the XC40 and was considering getting it as a company lease next year but after seeing it at the auto show I realized it didn't feel half as good as it looked in pictures. The door uppers were hard and the crap leather was incredibly worn out (even by autoshow standards). The infotainment is very user friendly but I found the back seat to be pretty poor. Very safe car and has an attractive exterior, but I just don't get the sense of lasting quality on the inside.

The Q5 is the opposite IMO, incredible fit and finish inside but very bland outside. If your mom has had that CRV for almost a decade and is planning to keep this car for a while, I would reckon the Q5 will be a lot more reliable than the Volvo (based on CR).

I haven't had the chance to explore the new QX50 or RDX yet. I had a previous gen QX50 as a courtesy car and it was just awful with lots of vibration and unusable infotainment. I found the second gen RDX to be awful to drive in terms of steering and throttle. Acura's new infotainment looks better but seems like it's still behind Audi and BMW in terms of user friendliness.

Lexus NX is getting a little long in the tooth but a good car overall with excellent resale value and a slightly cramped feeling interior. The rear visibility is also terrible

I do like the new X3 after checking it out at the dealer. It's gotten pretty big inside but the visibility was excellent making the car feel smaller to drive. I think the interior is maybe 10-15% behind the Audi but the car drives and looks better. The back seat and trunk are excellent yet the car still somehow feels small and nimble.

For me, the Q5 and X3 are both very fresh but proven cars. The Acura/Infiniti/Volvo seem alright on paper but I question how they will feel in 4 years. The Infiniti already feels dated inside to me :S The Lexus is a logical step up from the CRV if she doesn't need the space, it will feel considerably more premium, be reliable, and hold it's value very well

[iforyou]

Can someone confirm if the 2019 RDX infotainment will be touch screen or not? Although my mom may not use it much, she might might use it to call me.

You control it via a touch pad:
https://youtu.be/bcKa9apjOX8

[Klondike]

Drove an XC40 and XC60.

XC40:

+ Great styling, cute colors
+ Solid feeling with good touch points
+ Interior design is so fancy
+ Build quality is top notch

- Rear seats are cramped and claustrophobic due to the massive C pillar
- No T8 (yet)
- Price
- Base model feels cheap
- B&W sound system isn't as powerful as the other models
- Shifter is confusing
- No manual
- Diesel not available

XC60:

+ 'Just right' size if the XC90 is too big
+ T8 is stupid fast. You can use the HOV and chargers
+ Back seat space is adequate
+ Bowers & Wilkins sound system is outstanding
+ 'Pilot assist' - semi-auto CC

- Price. A fully loaded one is pushing 80 grand. (T8 inscription with all packages) Mid-trim T6 is a good compromise.
- Confusing shifter on the T8 hybrid (normal PRNDL on the T5, T6)
- No diesel motor

[J-Chow]

So a little update on this thread.

After all said and done,

My mother ended up buying the 2018 Audi Q3 :lol

She test drove the new XC40 (I liked it, but she didn't want to wait until November, had to pre-order and waitlist)

Went to Infiniti and sales rep said don't bother with the QX50, since there's going to be a new one released very soon.

Went to Lexus, and she did like the new NX300, but was a little pricey and she hated the tracking mouse for the infotainment.

Went to Mercedes, and she took a look at the GLA 250 (more hatchback then CUV), but felt way too cramped even for the driver seat)

I would have taken the Volvo, but whatever. Her car her money. I was only there as an advisor.