As I mentioned in another thread I'm helping one of my agents shop for a car to replace her CX-5 lease which is up next month. She may want to upgrade a little bit, but doesnt want to spend more than $45k and wants something that takes regular gas vs premium. She really has liked her CX-5, and if she got another one she would want to get the Grand Touring Reserve or Signature to get more features and the new turbocharged engine. We went out this morning and drove some cars and I figured I would post my thoughts.

Lexus UX250h

I gotta say, I was seriously impressed with this little car. The one we drove was a somewhat lower trim (not the luxury trim or F Sport), sticker was about $37k. The passenger room was surprisingly ample given the car's small exterior dimensions, and I thought the interior was very well done for the price point. Fit and finish were Lexus great, very comfortable seats. Ride and drive and refinement were really excellent given the car's price point, feels MUCH better than the CT200h. Even the hybrid powertrain which I generally am not a fan of was smooth and refined and hid the transitions from electric to gas very well. Big downside and what will likely cross it off the list for her is the extremely small cargo space. With the high floor due to the batteries there is just extremely little cargo space with the seats up, really you could only fit one rolling suitcase and thats it. But, we both really liked it a lot. We also drove an NX which is better space for her, and the UX felt more refined and premium.

WAY better car than a GLA Mercedes.

Toyota Venza

This also really impressed me. I don't love the front end styling or the long chin overbite, but stylingwise I really like the rest of the vehicle, especially the rear. Interior quality is really excellent with soft touch materials all over the place and real stitched soft synthetic leather. The one we drove was an XLE, not even a Limited. No sunroof in that trim, but that doesnt bother her. Excellent, Lexus grade paint. Great space inside, great visibility. Ride and drive was quite good, the hybrid powertrain is not quite as refined as on the UX but not bad. Wouldn't be a car for me because of the hybrid powertrain, but a very good option for her since she likes that. Sticker on the car we drove was about $37k.

The dealer we drove it at had a $7,500 markup on it, which obviously would be a no go. Another dealer had an internet price of $1k off of MSRP, which was funny. Can't wait for that salesman to follow up.

Mazda CX-5 Signature

Like I've mentioned elsewhere, these vehicles are extremely nice for the money, and the new turbocharged engine really makes a huge difference in drivability. The new signature trim is great with excellent quality leather, real wood trim, real metal trim, overall just a very luxury car atmosphere. But, its not much different than the one she has, and the Venza is more space for similar money, so we will see how that shakes out.

Carmax offered her $22k for her CX-5...residual is only $16k!

 

Venza makes the most sense overall.

 

Sounds like the Venza hybrid might be the way to go for her, if she can get a good deal on it. Some Mazda dealers are becoming harder to negotiate with in this climate, so it can be tough to get a decent deal, but I have heard of people in the US still getting 6-8% off MSRP when buying their CX-5s. Really just depends on the local dealers.

 

I think thats likely what she will get as long as we can work out a decent deal on it. She's leasing, so with prices being the way they are there's a lot of variability in lease payments. My guy @ Lexus is getting an NX300h for her to drive, with that being the end of the model the lease payment on that might wind up being less than the Venza. Leases are decent on the CX-5 too.

 

Good feedback. Thanks for sharing.

I too have been impressed with the UX interior, though I have only sat in one and haven't driven one yet.

I still prefer the RAV4 Limited to the Venza, but I think either is a great choice. RAV4 has some more interior room, especially with respect to the cargo area.

My neighbor has a CX-5 and I have been quite surprised by how nice the interior is. I know many people with CX-5s who love them. They are a really great choice.

Would she consider the Kia Sorento to be too big? I really like those. And I haven't checked them out up close and in person, but I do like the looks of the Infiniti QX50. They start at $38k.

 

Any reason not to consider Hyundai/kia models?

 

I suggested a Sorento and a Santa Fe but they're bigger than she wants, and the smaller ones dont have the premium feel. I think theres some Hyundai aversion there too

 

I also just thought of another choice. The Volvo XC40. Would be fun to look at, anyway.

 

Just as an FYI if she wants to sell to CarMax.

https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/lease-end-options-restrictions

​​​​​​​She can still do it, just takes extra steps now.

 

Interesting...

 

that's pretty funny... new tucson...

 

Trust me, preaching to the choir!

 

The Santa Fe is bigger than a Venza? Taller, maybe.

 

I'm a big fan of that car - but for me, I would only consider the R-Design version.

 

The Venza itself is bigger than she wanted, but the hybrid nature of it made her look at it. I'm sure if she looked at a Santa Fe it would be fine.

I suggested that too, the need for premium fuel was an issue.