She should be looking at the new Kia Sportage, which is the same size as the Venza and arguably as premium-looking (at least from photos). But that won't be hitting dealerships for a while.

 

was it you that felt the tucson doesn't have the premium feel or your agent though? Seems pretty awesome to me.

here's a review of the hybrid too... 36mpg!

 

The 100% haptic touch layout of the Tucson's dash is what puts me off.

 

understand. when will that sportage be available though? great 1-2 punch offering.

 

if her car is an older lease which was serviced by Chase, i think a third party buy-out is still possible. they had a capital services changeover recently and it's new service that's blocking out the third-party buyouts, if i recall correctly.

 

Too bad the new Tucson finished last in MT. Lazy motor Still under 200hp

https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2...n-test-review/

 

Agreed...the GLA is a joke.

Yes, the UX (ultimately) surprised me, too. You might remember, several years ago, when I first saw the UX and was turned off by the somewhat cramped interior (for my size), the tiny/quirky console-control for the audio-volume, mouse-pad adjustments, and the (IMO) lack of plushness inside. When I went back and actually road-tested one, though (a hybrid AWD F-Sport model), i was pleasantly surprised. I had expected a choppy ride (F-Sport-underpinnnings, short wheelbase/light weight), but the road-manners truly surprised me...they were extremely well for a vehicle that size. Excellent ride/handling combo. And, for some reason, again opposite from what I expected, the F-Sport seats seemed more comfortable than the standard ones, even though there probably wasn't much difference between them except for the red coloring. Compared to this vehicle, the larger and more expensive NX, IMO, was a waste of money...the UX was clearly superior in everything except the cramped interior and console controls. The only sticking point is I'd like to see a AWD version of the UX offered without the hybrid drivetrain.....which Lexus doesn't do.

BTW.....the UX was my second-choice for a small crossover behind the Encore GX. I also liked the Chevy Trailblazer, but the UX had better sound-insulation....more along the lines of the Buick.

Again, no arguments on the Venza. I said, earlier, when I did my full-review, I thought it of Lexus-grade quality, had excellent road manners, and was, IMO, what the disappointing 1Gen NX should have been. It has the same marketing-limitation that the UX has, though.....no AWD version without the hybrid.

Agreed on the $7500+ mark-up...even with the current Sellers' Market, kindly (and politely) tell that shop to fluff-off.

That's quite an offer from Carmax. I've always liked that chain, and the way they do a No-Gaggle business. I don't buy used cars any more, but some of my friends use them.

Wasn't that impressed with the last CX-5 I sampled several years ago, and it seems to still be the same basic model, without a major update or redesign. Does it still have that red/blue idiot-light system for the hot/cold engine-temperature instead of a gauge? Like some other Mazda vehicles, though, it does offer (at extra cost, I think) a dazzling Candy-Apple-Red metallic paint job what, especially when cleaned and waxed, will pop your eyes out. It's somewhat like the excellent Matador Red that Lexus used to offer, but even more impressive.



And, to quote one of my own terms...........

Happy Vehicle-Shopping.

 

Steve, what kind of rates is your colleague getting on these vehicles? I got some offers from my agent for my friend, they are ridiculous, a CX5 seems to be the most decent.

 

I havent driven the latest one to say, if she would go look at them I think she would like them.

Thats good feedback, her lease is 3 years old.

We're about to find out, just sent off for numbers from a few places.

The benefit of the NX is space. I actually thought the UX passenger compartment felt roomy for the size vehicle it is, the issue was really the cargo area.

 

I like the UX. But I think it is really expensive for what you really get. It’s the same power train set up from the Corolla/Corolla touring overseas. Have to live with run flats too if that’s ok. Interior is pretty cool and the Lexus styling really works. Not sure how it can be called a crossover when the roof is no higher than my Matrix. I’d get one if it were me.

 

I actually thought it was a pretty good value. Rode great for being on runflats.

 

It does ride great. Just pointing out the run flats as lots of people oppose them on here. Some models have adaptive variable suspension. Not sure if US specs get that feature

 

I've not driven a UX but i do like the interior and exterior design.

 

If you have the opportunity, I'd suggest you go back and check out the CX-5 Signature. It's really nice inside - higher level leather and other interior materials.

I don't remember the temperature gauge from when I test drove - but part of the IP is digital, and I think configurable.

 

I agree with everything M&M wrote, with one exception...the Encore GX and Trailblazer comments.

I've driven the UX and the CX5 and liked both, and, agree with Steve's observations and reservations.

Have yet to drive the Venza, but from what I've read and seen in video reviews, would likely be my first choice. I like that it is still one of the few Toyotas we can get that is made in Japan. It should prove to be exceptionally reliable based on other made-in-Japan Toyota products I've owned, and based on CR reliability data of these products. However, since this is a lease, I'll concede that long-haul reliablity is less of a concern.

Thanks Steve for sharing your insights/experience!