What small SUV to buy? I have a headache
02-16-16, 08:08 PM
#1
Lexus Champion
Thread Starter
What small SUV to buy? I have a headache
When our lease is up on our G37 Vert we are planning on leasing a small SUV. We will trade our S5 Coupe for an S5 Cabriolet so we can still enjoy our top-down driving on nice, sunny days, but we need something that can fit 4 people comfortably and haul stuff. I'm seriously considering the following and just get more confused as I read the reviews:
Anything I am missing? Want something relatively small that will take the place of our G37 Vert in the garage. Also, don't want to spend considerably more than $50k. Any input is welcome.
- Lexus NX 200t
- Acura RDX
- Lincoln MKC
- Infiniti QX50
- Audi Q5
- Maybe Infiniti QX30?
Anything I am missing? Want something relatively small that will take the place of our G37 Vert in the garage. Also, don't want to spend considerably more than $50k. Any input is welcome.
02-16-16, 08:16 PM
#3
Have you driven any of them? There aren't any "terrible" ones in the segment you're looking at.
Lexus NX - Very well rounded, not the best at anything, but not the worst.
Acura RDX - This was a little plain before, but the latest refresh brought some much needed available convenience and safety technologies. Smooth V6.
Lincoln MKC - Decent all around, should be able to get good discounts. Our test vehicle has had some significant transmission issues (it still has less than 10K miles).
Infiniti QX50 - Old vehicle, but would feel similar to your outgoing G37. The extended wheelbase finally gives the rear seat adequate room.
Audi Q5 - Also a fairly old platform, new one is due out pretty soon, but interior would feel comfortable/familiar from your S5's
Infiniti QX30 - I believe I mentioned to you in a separate thread, I'm not a huge fan of the transmission/engine pairing, especially for initial acceleration/start-off.
Other potential candidates in that realm would be the Land Rover Discovery Sport, BMW X1 (if you're okay with the QX30 size this would also potentially work) or larger X3. New MB GLC, but get's kinda pricey
Non-lux, but still semi lux execution, Kia Sorento Limited
Lexus NX - Very well rounded, not the best at anything, but not the worst.
Acura RDX - This was a little plain before, but the latest refresh brought some much needed available convenience and safety technologies. Smooth V6.
Lincoln MKC - Decent all around, should be able to get good discounts. Our test vehicle has had some significant transmission issues (it still has less than 10K miles).
Infiniti QX50 - Old vehicle, but would feel similar to your outgoing G37. The extended wheelbase finally gives the rear seat adequate room.
Audi Q5 - Also a fairly old platform, new one is due out pretty soon, but interior would feel comfortable/familiar from your S5's
Infiniti QX30 - I believe I mentioned to you in a separate thread, I'm not a huge fan of the transmission/engine pairing, especially for initial acceleration/start-off.
Other potential candidates in that realm would be the Land Rover Discovery Sport, BMW X1 (if you're okay with the QX30 size this would also potentially work) or larger X3. New MB GLC, but get's kinda pricey
Non-lux, but still semi lux execution, Kia Sorento Limited
02-16-16, 08:20 PM
#5
Lexus Champion
Thread Starter
Have you driven any of them? There aren't any "terrible" ones in the segment you're looking at.
Lexus NX - Very well rounded, not the best at anything, but not the worst.
Acura RDX - This was a little plain before, but the latest refresh brought some much needed available convenience and safety technologies. Smooth V6.
Lincoln MKC - Decent all around, should be able to get good discounts. Our test vehicle has had some significant transmission issues (it still has less than 10K miles).
Infiniti QX50 - Old vehicle, but would feel similar to your outgoing G37. The extended wheelbase finally gives the rear seat adequate room.
Audi Q5 - Also a fairly old platform, new one is due out pretty soon, but interior would feel comfortable/familiar from your S5's
Infiniti QX30 - I believe I mentioned to you in a separate thread, I'm not a huge fan of the transmission/engine pairing, especially for initial acceleration/start-off.
Other potential candidates in that realm would be the Land Rover Discovery Sport, BMW X1 (if you're okay with the QX30 size this would also potentially work) or larger X3. New MB GLC, but get's kinda pricey
Non-lux, but still semi lux execution, Kia Sorento Limited
Lexus NX - Very well rounded, not the best at anything, but not the worst.
Acura RDX - This was a little plain before, but the latest refresh brought some much needed available convenience and safety technologies. Smooth V6.
Lincoln MKC - Decent all around, should be able to get good discounts. Our test vehicle has had some significant transmission issues (it still has less than 10K miles).
Infiniti QX50 - Old vehicle, but would feel similar to your outgoing G37. The extended wheelbase finally gives the rear seat adequate room.
Audi Q5 - Also a fairly old platform, new one is due out pretty soon, but interior would feel comfortable/familiar from your S5's
Infiniti QX30 - I believe I mentioned to you in a separate thread, I'm not a huge fan of the transmission/engine pairing, especially for initial acceleration/start-off.
Other potential candidates in that realm would be the Land Rover Discovery Sport, BMW X1 (if you're okay with the QX30 size this would also potentially work) or larger X3. New MB GLC, but get's kinda pricey
Non-lux, but still semi lux execution, Kia Sorento Limited
02-16-16, 08:22 PM
#6
Lexus Champion
Thread Starter
The SUV will be the workhorse.
02-16-16, 09:27 PM
#7
Lexus Fanatic
If you can put up with the controversial styling, look first at a base-model Lexus RX350 for under 50K.
I agree with Jill that the Lincoln MKC is nice, but there may be some reliability issues. Consumer Reports rates its reliability substantially below average for the first year.
You mentioned the Kia Sorento. The last one I drove (a top-line version) was very refined, and drove like a luxury vehicle. Also has a great warranty.
I agree with Jill that the Lincoln MKC is nice, but there may be some reliability issues. Consumer Reports rates its reliability substantially below average for the first year.
You mentioned the Kia Sorento. The last one I drove (a top-line version) was very refined, and drove like a luxury vehicle. Also has a great warranty.
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02-16-16, 09:58 PM
#8
Lexus Test Driver
Low end - New Toyota RAV4
Middle - Range Rover Evoque
High End - Porsche Macan
Sweet spot = BMW X4 - Sporty, enough room and utility, good lease rates, and free service
Middle - Range Rover Evoque
High End - Porsche Macan
Sweet spot = BMW X4 - Sporty, enough room and utility, good lease rates, and free service
Last edited by RNM GS3; 02-16-16 at 10:02 PM.
02-16-16, 10:52 PM
#10
02-16-16, 11:21 PM
#11
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hey I'm in the same boat. Family is looking to downsize on our SUV, and our current RX is beginning to feel too big for our taste. Currently, I have it narrowed down to the GLC or the X1. The new X1 looks really good to me and the size is pretty much spot on. I dont know how I feel about spending 45K (with the options I want) for an entry level vehicle. I can't believe they charge $300 for rear seat adjustments!
The GLC on the other hand is a bigger vehicle but I have always been a big MB fan. Looking to test drive soon and make a decision in the coming 2 months.
The GLC on the other hand is a bigger vehicle but I have always been a big MB fan. Looking to test drive soon and make a decision in the coming 2 months.
02-16-16, 11:43 PM
#12
Lexus Test Driver
Those are all nice vehicles, which you can't go wrong with. It would really just be your personal preference of style and statement.
If it were me, I'd stick with Lexus/Toyota or Acura/Honda. From a reliability, efficiency, and resale standpoint, they are good. Like the NX, the new RX will be a success.
If it were me, I'd stick with Lexus/Toyota or Acura/Honda. From a reliability, efficiency, and resale standpoint, they are good. Like the NX, the new RX will be a success.
Last edited by Fizzboy7; 02-17-16 at 10:29 PM.
02-17-16, 02:16 AM
#13
Lexus Champion
Have you considered the upcoming 2017 Audi Allroad wagon? The new gen due in the fall is an attractive vehicle and you don't see too many of them here in the U.S. I've read that it will have 272 hp. (a couple of other reports said 252 hp.),
I'm in he same boat as you, looking for a replacement for our Q5 and have considered all of the models you listed. The 2017 Q5 would be a no brainer for us, but the new gen will come from a brand new plant in Mexico so it's off the board for now. The GLC is high on our list right now, but as mentioned, gets pricey.
I'm in he same boat as you, looking for a replacement for our Q5 and have considered all of the models you listed. The 2017 Q5 would be a no brainer for us, but the new gen will come from a brand new plant in Mexico so it's off the board for now. The GLC is high on our list right now, but as mentioned, gets pricey.
02-17-16, 06:13 AM
#15
Lexus Fanatic
If you can put up with the controversial styling, look first at a base-model Lexus RX350 for under 50K.
I agree with Jill that the Lincoln MKC is nice, but there may be some reliability issues. Consumer Reports rates its reliability substantially below average for the first year.
You mentioned the Kia Sorento. The last one I drove (a top-line version) was very refined, and drove like a luxury vehicle. Also has a great warranty.
I agree with Jill that the Lincoln MKC is nice, but there may be some reliability issues. Consumer Reports rates its reliability substantially below average for the first year.
You mentioned the Kia Sorento. The last one I drove (a top-line version) was very refined, and drove like a luxury vehicle. Also has a great warranty.