Looking for compact CUV
Thread Starter
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 69,086
Likes: 4,180
From: Maryland
Looking for compact CUV
Hey all-
I've begun the search for a compact CUV for my mother. She's 69, and we will be replacing her aging 2003 (or 2004?) Infiniti FX35. Its been a really good vehicle, has about 160,000 miles on it. She doesn't drive enough nowadays to make it worthwhile for her to spend the money on a luxury branded vehicle anymore. I had thought about an NX, but it just doesn't make sense.
She wants an SUV for security in weather, and she likes the high seating position. Something in this class is perfect for her I feel.
Today I test drove the Mazda CX-3 and CX-5. I liked both. The CX-3 is a fun little vehicle, reminds me a lot of the Mazda 3 which is no accident. I think she would like it actually, but if she's driving our twins anywhere its a little small for getting them in and out. She doesn't like driving the Sedona because its so big.
The CX-5 I really liked a lot. It feels very premium (as the CX-3 does) and has all the features she's used to, the premium feel she's used to, and has a lot of other safety features I think she will benefit from, blind spot monitoring, cross traffic alert, availability of crash avoidance technologies, etc.
I plan to check out the Hyundai Tuscon, the Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue and that might round it out.
Any other thoughts or suggestions? I don't want to get too far above $30,000.
I've begun the search for a compact CUV for my mother. She's 69, and we will be replacing her aging 2003 (or 2004?) Infiniti FX35. Its been a really good vehicle, has about 160,000 miles on it. She doesn't drive enough nowadays to make it worthwhile for her to spend the money on a luxury branded vehicle anymore. I had thought about an NX, but it just doesn't make sense.
She wants an SUV for security in weather, and she likes the high seating position. Something in this class is perfect for her I feel.
Today I test drove the Mazda CX-3 and CX-5. I liked both. The CX-3 is a fun little vehicle, reminds me a lot of the Mazda 3 which is no accident. I think she would like it actually, but if she's driving our twins anywhere its a little small for getting them in and out. She doesn't like driving the Sedona because its so big.
The CX-5 I really liked a lot. It feels very premium (as the CX-3 does) and has all the features she's used to, the premium feel she's used to, and has a lot of other safety features I think she will benefit from, blind spot monitoring, cross traffic alert, availability of crash avoidance technologies, etc.
I plan to check out the Hyundai Tuscon, the Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue and that might round it out.
Any other thoughts or suggestions? I don't want to get too far above $30,000.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,629
Likes: 280
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
My brother has a relatively new Kia Sportage and loves it, though its rather plain interior might not be up to your tastes. The Tuscon you plan to look at is done on the same general platform. Consumer Reports gives it good reliability ratings.
Trending Topics
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 380
Likes: 0
From: NJ
We went through a similar selection process recently and choose the Buick Encore as DD for my wife.
Ride quality, NVH and interior which can match much more expensive cars. Very easy to drive. It does have a small back seat so you will have to gauge if that works for your use.
Ride quality, NVH and interior which can match much more expensive cars. Very easy to drive. It does have a small back seat so you will have to gauge if that works for your use.
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
Lexus NX 350h: A Fuel-Sipping Secret Hot Hatch???
Michael S. Palmer
5 Best & 5 Worst Lexus Daily Drivers
Joe Kucinski
Top 5 Hottest Lexus & Toyotas in 2026 (Hardest To Buy)
Brett Foote
2026 Lexus IS 350 F Sport Review: The Last of Its Kind Still Rocks
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Confusing Things Lexus Has Ever Done!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Lexus ES Review: Lexus Re-Embraces Founding Principles
Michael S. Palmer
10 Lexus Bargains That are Cheaper Than a New Toyota RAV4
Joe Kucinski
8 Weirdest Things Lexus Has Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
The pursuit of F
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,296
Likes: 303
From: Toronto, Canada
My dad is about the same age and is in the same boat, but he's had a prior RAV4 (and many other Toyotas past) and will look no further than Toyota 
a '16 RAV4 Hybrid.
Rogue: Out for me due to Nissan's questionable reliability with their CVTs and the 2.5L 4 cyl.
I assume reliability for the long-haul is an implied key requirement, for which case I'd stick to these:
CX-3/CX-5: I like these vehicles and if your mom has some sporty pretensions, solid pick of the group thanks to the great handling and fuel efficient engines.
HRV: roomier than the CX-3 or GM Trax/Encore and refined, fuel-efficient.
CRV: best overall in refinement and ride quality with excellent interior room for its size.
A couple final ones to consider if she wants to blend less with the crowd is the Crosstrek or Forester though not sure about reliability.
a '16 RAV4 Hybrid.Rogue: Out for me due to Nissan's questionable reliability with their CVTs and the 2.5L 4 cyl.
I assume reliability for the long-haul is an implied key requirement, for which case I'd stick to these:
CX-3/CX-5: I like these vehicles and if your mom has some sporty pretensions, solid pick of the group thanks to the great handling and fuel efficient engines.
HRV: roomier than the CX-3 or GM Trax/Encore and refined, fuel-efficient.
CRV: best overall in refinement and ride quality with excellent interior room for its size.
A couple final ones to consider if she wants to blend less with the crowd is the Crosstrek or Forester though not sure about reliability.
Last edited by corradoMR2; Jan 31, 2016 at 02:40 AM.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,302
Likes: 17
From: CA
Yeah, I would vote Toyota RAV4 or Honda CRV if long-term reliability is a factor. Both are nice and comes down to other factors in regards to features, personal preference in regards to looks, ride and ultimate price.
The only downside to that Honda is the obligatory timing belt/water pump service every 90-105k. Actually, I'm not sure if the Toyota is a belt or chain now that I think about it, so that issue may be a wash.
But, that Honda does have a CVT I think? It's actually not bad from what I hear as they are putting it in their Acuras as well and have become more refined and durable from what I've read, but if that is a concern, then definitely weigh that factor.
My friend's wife has a GMC Encore and it looks neat and actually drives fairly nice, but it just feels really claustrophobic inside and it seems smaller than the others I mentioned.
The only downside to that Honda is the obligatory timing belt/water pump service every 90-105k. Actually, I'm not sure if the Toyota is a belt or chain now that I think about it, so that issue may be a wash.
But, that Honda does have a CVT I think? It's actually not bad from what I hear as they are putting it in their Acuras as well and have become more refined and durable from what I've read, but if that is a concern, then definitely weigh that factor.
My friend's wife has a GMC Encore and it looks neat and actually drives fairly nice, but it just feels really claustrophobic inside and it seems smaller than the others I mentioned.
Last edited by Rhambler; Jan 31, 2016 at 08:42 AM.
Lead Lap
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 4,892
Likes: 14
From: Virginia
I agree with you that the Mazda's are great options, and with the CX-3 being a bit too tiny for normal back seat usage, even for babies/children.
The Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, as long as you keep the options in check, would be under $30,000 and would be like a half size up from the others, but not quite as big as the Sorento that you mentioned.
The Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, as long as you keep the options in check, would be under $30,000 and would be like a half size up from the others, but not quite as big as the Sorento that you mentioned.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,629
Likes: 280
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
? I think you made a typo here. There is no such thing as a GMC Encore. It is either a Buick Encore or GMC Terrain....and they come off different platforms.
Pole Position
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 2,376
Likes: 219
From: Silicon Valley
Take a look at the Juke (if you are ok withe the styling). Is pretty preppy for a small car. Also, if you have some time, wait for the Scion TNGA based HR-V fighter, which i think will go on sale this fall.