The Mazda CX-9 is probably the sportiest in class, although, it's no Cayenne Turbo.

 

Q5? Might be a bit too expensive though. Or a RDX would be nice if you're looking at a smaller SUV

 

wife has awd edge and loves it, quick \ sporty \ not to big.....

 

The new 4Runner is pretty fun actually. I'd take it over a Highlander anyday

It's a lot of fun off-road too I drive my uncle's whenever i get the chance!

 

I actually like our 2006 4Runner that we have now. Had that generation been out when I bought my RX300 (it was a few months away) I might have gotten that instead. Just a wonderful beast of a machine.

 

some have mentioned venza, but being basically a sedan on steroids (like one of those dodge/chrysler station wagon vehicles a few years back, edit: a magnum) and so its cargo HEIGHT is very shallow. NOTHING like a cuv/suv such as a Lexus RX. so if you need to carry anything big like furniture, a large dog crate, etc., fuggedaboudit.

i was unimpressed by venza, although the ride was nice.

 

I agree that "fun", as regards a car-purchase, needs to be defined, but I fail to see what is so unappealing about the RX series....even a 10-year-old one. In my book, it is certainly pleasant (maybe even fun) to have a nice, refined, versatile, comfortable, quiet, smooth, and reliable all-weather vehicle you can depend on day after day (I've certainly enjoyed my Outback). That defines the RX to the core.

However, if you actually do want something substantially different from an RX, I'd suggest avoiding the Highlander.....it comes from the same car-based (Camry) platform that also gives us the Highlander, RX, and Lexus ES series.

 

IMO, you can't compare the ride of a Venza with an RX. The Venza has big, relatively low-profile 19" and 20" wheels that are designed for looks and handling, not ride comfort......and, unfortunately, it shows.

 

Have to somewhat disagree with you on this. My wife also drives 2003 RX300(FWD though, not an AWD), and yes, it's a nice, refined, quiet, smooth, comfortable and all but... It's very unstable on the road. Acceleration is poor, braking is not the best, and it's very wide on turns. I mean - I never can make a U-turn anywhere, always takes me 3-point turn. Handling, especially in the rain is sometimes scary...

 

If your definition of "fun" is driving-feel and precise steering/chassis-engineering, and you want something at or below 40K, I'd suggest the BMW X3/28i, which starts at $36, 750 without options. Most of them, though will have enough options to (probably) list at 40K or a little higher....you might have to hunt a little for one under 40K. I consider BMW products to be at or among the world's best when it comes to being a "Drivers-Car", but they generally do not have the electrical-reliability or noise-isolation of an RX.

 

"Unstable" meaning what? Simple sluggish acceleration and braking is not necesarily a definition of unstability. Does it wander or pull left or right while tracking down the road? That could be something as simple as wheel-alignment, a new set of tires, or replacing a bent steering/suspension piece. Also, it is more-or-less normal for high-stance vehicles like the RX (and some other SUVs) to get blown around a little in strong crosswinds.....the sides of the vehicle tend to act like wind-vanes.

 

Unstable means bad cornering, shacky on turns, starts drifting even in very light rain, not confident on even simple lane changes. Replaced tires several times with several different types, numerous alignments - still the same outcome. However, I noticed the same thing with other RX300s (have 4 more RXs in family - parents and relatives)

 

fwiw, had a '99 RX and toward the end of its life the engine was quite clattery and noisy. mind you, easiest 100k ever put on a vehicle, and the best as delivered quality i've ever seen (could find NOTHING wrong).

 

well fun and appealing are two very different and subjective qualities.

i agree going from rx to highlander would be like going from one brand of decent vanilla to another brand of vanilla. appealing, but not fun.

 

I'd go Hi Hy.