I all,

Maybe this has been discussed, but I didn't see anything with a search.
Anyone have a take on why Consumer Reports doesn't recommend the RX? There doesn't appear to be anything bad about it that I can see. I know they ding the ride for not being engaging, but I just drove 2012 and 2014 highlanders, but different, but not engaging. 2016 Honda Pilot, a bit more sporty, but nothing special. 2016 Kia Sorento, nothing engaging, but a nice ride still. 2014 Acura MDX, definitely a nice ride and both X3 and X5 BMWs with the X3 winning hands down in the engaging department. The RX is definitely the most serene and luxurious of all of those driven, but didn't feel any less connected than either Highlanders or Kia and they recommend them. I've driven and still own BMWs, so we'll familiar with their driving dynamics. Nothing quite like them on the road, but to keep them driving that way, you have to plan on spending some $$$ to maintain or they go to pot fast.

I just can't figure out why they would exclude the RX, when the Audi Q5 and BMW X3 are on the list of recommended with their known issues. People love them, but they are tough to keep up with when older. My family members have them and I've driven them and still don't see them as all that engaging. Anyone know what criteria they use in their ratings? They have been spot on for just about anything I've bought and seem pretty fair. Just can't figure out their car ratings sometimes. Anyone ideas?

 

CR recommended the RX right thru the 2015 model, I believe it is because the 2016 is completely new. CR used to recommend new (changed) models based on previous history but they seem to have pretty much stopped that practice.

 

That doesn't appear to be the case with the 2010 - 15 models. I still see the recommendation for other older models! Pretty strange!!

 

CR guys are complete dolts. I just look at their reliability rating and used car recommendation. RX is a "Good bet" for used car - so its a good car. They recommend Subaru forester even though it has oil burning issue. CRV with its stupid vibration issue that even honda acknowledged.

 

CR changed its policy three years ago. They no longer recommend a completely new model - like the 2016 RX based on previous years subscribers experiences. Not a problem.

 

I bought a completely new model twenty years ago that CR raved about. Their review weighed heavily in my decision.
The next year they trashed it and continued to do so for the next six years.
Fortunately, I drove it for nine years outlasting their continued ******* and potential resale damage.