bagwell

Isn't the Audi Q3 the same size as the NX200t?

MI350_55

If resale and diy maintenance is of any value in your decision, the RDX may be the best choice.

dseag2

I really like the Allroad, but I checked out the forums and it seems there are more issues with that particular model than there are with other Audis. If I'm not mistaken, I think it costs a bit more coin than the models I listed.

dseag2

Yes it is, and I've considered it but Q5 owners in the Audi forums who have had them as loaner cars have not been at all impressed. It is a great size with all the latest technology, but the price point dictates that it just isn't as well finished as some of the others and has more NVH.

SW17LS

I personally am pretty underwhelmed by whats out there in the small luxury SUV segment. The NX, RDX, X1, etc don't really appeal to me at all. I like the looks of the X1 outside, but hate the interior, seats, etc. The front seats almost look like flat jump seats.

The only vehicle in that segment that I have seen that I would buy is a Mercedes GLC.I haven't driven one but spent a good bit of time with one at the car show and really liked it. Its the only vehicle to me that doesn't scream "Yeah I'm kinda crappy, but I'm the cheapest [insert brand] SUV you can buy!". The NX does'n't 100% feel that way to me, but I don't like the styling of the non F Sport, and the seats of the F Sport are too restrictive for me.

I've been looking at small SUVs for my mother, and she's likely going to get a Mazda CX-5. I don't really see a compelling reason to chose any of these over something like that except the GLC.

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

recap...

so you want a 'workhorse' not north of $50k that is about as long as your g37 converible.

from all that, if it's a work horse, i believe you should get a loaded touring cx5. great vehicle nicely refreshed for '16. the rdx would likely be smoother and quieter and for '16 it had a major refresh also. you can get led headlights and all the goodies. edmunds review:
http://www.edmunds.com/acura/rdx/2016/review/

i suspect you won't want these as it sounds like you want a more 'prestigious brand'.

the 'small' cuvs though will NOT 'comfortably' seat 4 unless the rear seat occupants are smaller children or the adults are short, and won't 'haul' much, being more like tall hatchbacks.

if you want to spend more, get a macan.

and i don't think you should rule out bmw x1 or mb glc, etc. without at least driving them.

Aron9000

For that $35k to 50k price bracket, I'd still go with a Jeep Grand Cherokee. Lot more room than everything else you're looking at, interior is no bs genuinely nice, lots of technology, great off road, can tow a big load. My main thing is the Grand Cherokee has a certain rugged, masculine vibe and style about it, something I can't say of the jacked up station wagons that populate most of this segment. I know its a good bit bigger, but I googled the size, its 6" longer than your old Infiniti convertible, hopefully it would fit in the garage.

I just do not get the appeal of these little tiny SUV's like the NX, X1, Q3, etc. Not enough room and you're paying a heady premium for the badge IMO. Cars like the Mazda CX-5, Rav4, CR-V, etc give you a lot more room. I just feel like you're way over-paying for the amount of room you get in those entry level luxury SUV's.

SW17LS

I agree 100% about the Jeep. Loved ours.

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

i certainly agree as that's what i drive.

it's certainly bigger than some of the vehicles mentioned, but i like it because it's not huge. the short front overhang looks awesome and i love the interior and tech. i'm also quite the fan of the v6 in mine too - it's plenty fast enough and decent fuel economy given the jgc's hefty heft. i get consistent 21-22 mixed city/highway (and mine's a loaded summit).

Aron9000

Wow, that's really great fuel economy. I thought it would be doing maybe 17-19 in mixed driving.

mmarshall

Totally agree with the JGC from a purely driving/riding point of view.......luxurious, refined, nice interior, space efficient, good outward visibility, nice powertrain. My biggest hesitation would be potential reliability....some of them seem well-made; others troublesome. Bit, you and SW15LS had reliable ones, but, SW15GS, wasn't one of the two you owned unreliable? I've also seen a number of reliability complaints in the Jeep forums.

SW17LS

It was not "unreliable" it just had a lot of little warranty electrical glitches, my 2011. The newer ones are doing much better, I would buy another one without reservation.

Certainly none of the vehicles he's considering, save the NX or RDX, are going to be for sure more reliable than the Jeep. The Jeep is IMHO a much more appealing product than anything in this segment, including the CX-5, its just a different vehicle. For instance, a Grand Cherokee wouldn't be the right fit for my mom but a CX-5 would be fine.

ST430

I did a very similar query for myself recently (see https://www.clublexus.com/forums/car...a-new-suv.html).

Here are the brief conclusions I made when going through the vehicles:

- RDX : good value, but otherwise not very luxurious (high end CRV4 with V6)
- MDX : cheap materials, not as big inside as I thought, but great handling and power
- NX200t : terrible turbo lag, but luxurious inside and out
- RX350 (new gen) : Very upscale with great room, power, and design
- Q50 (EX35L) : Great value, although outdated design
- Venza : Choppy ride with 20", but good power for V6, and roomy inside
- Highlander : Deceptively cavernous inside, great power, but can be pricey when optioned
- RAV4 Limited Hybrid : Rides like normal RAV4, so just so-so interior, better looks, and just ok power
- Murano : Great value (when discounted), very stylish inside and out, and good power
- X1 : Much better inside and out then last gen model, but can be $$$
- Santa Fe Sport : Really laggy off the line (due to dual clutch), but nice on the inside. Hard to find though, so no price flexibility.

All in all, I really liked the Murano, Highlander, and Venza which are all priced around low to high 30K's depending on how you equip it.

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

you tend to paint with a broad brush in summarizing the entire back history of any model, including the grand cherokee. but things can and do change quickly from year to year, even month to month. in the '14 gc they put the ZF designed 8 speed auto in and that had some software issues initially, for sure. by the time i got one (a '15, a year ago) the issues were resolved. my grand cherokee has had a sum total of ZERO issues in 14K mi of enjoyable driving. i've only gone to the dealer twice, for free oil changes and a free tire rotation. it's a great luxury vehicle!

SW17LS

My 2014 was the same in the 14k miles we had it, but it was a very late run 2014 model. The early 2014s had issues with the software in the tranny like you said, and also some issues with the new uconnect infotainment...some of those problematic vehicles were VERY bad, but I still keep up with the Jeep forums and there is no doubt things are doing much better now.

Buddy of mine at work was going to buy a 4Runner and I told him he had to drive a JGC first, he did and bought an Overland and LOVES it. He has no issues either. My neighbor has a mid-run 2014 Limited, 100% trouble free also. Its his third WK2 JGC, he had a 2011 Limited, a 2013 Summit, and this 2014 Limited. He had a couple glitches with the 2013, but the 2014 has been perfect.