OT - luxury SUV recommendations

[Nitwit]

Another OT car advice thread - but it's a good way to hear from people who have driven these models. My wife is looking to purchase an AWD luxury SUV later this year. The choices so far are the Lexus RX350, BMW X3, Mercedes GL, or the Acura RDX, and probably nothing smaller or much bigger than these models. We don't need a 3rd row of seats. My guess is the Lexus has the softest quietest ride among them. And I guess the Acura and Lexus have 6 cylinder engines, while the German models have the 4. She has driven a Toyota Highlander in the past and fears the Lexus might be too much like a new version of the same thing - boring. She wants the interior to be luxurious and comfortable for those long car trips to Happy Valley. And she wants all the tech stuff - lane departure, adaptable cruise control, blind spot warning, back up camera, a great sound system, park assist, rain sensing wipers, but one of the main criteria is the ease of use of the NAV system. The other factors are the ease of getting two sets of golf clubs in and out without having to lower the rear seats, and she wants enough power to merge or pass with plenty of acceleration. Minor differences in price are not too important as we tend to keep our cars for at least 10 years, but reliability is. FYI, I drive a Mercedes and am partial to it, but she finds the command system somewhat confusing. What say you all knowing board?

 

[ClarkstonMark]

For a luxurious and comfortable interior, look at the Cadillac SRX as well. Definitely beats the X3 in luxury and comfort, I'm not that familiar with the others.
I feel like my 2014 SRX AWD has decent power, and my summer car is an Audi S4 which is a rocket.

 

[retsio]

Another OT car advice thread - but it's a good way to hear from people who have driven these models. My wife is looking to purchase an AWD luxury SUV later this year. The choices so far are the Lexus RX350, BMW X3, Mercedes GL, or the Acura RDX, and probably nothing smaller or much bigger than these models. We don't need a 3rd row of seats. My guess is the Lexus has the softest quietest ride among them. And I guess the Acura and Lexus have 6 cylinder engines, while the German models have the 4. She has driven a Toyota Highlander in the past and fears the Lexus might be too much like a new version of the same thing - boring. She wants the interior to be luxurious and comfortable for those long car trips to Happy Valley. And she wants all the tech stuff - lane departure, adaptable cruise control, blind spot warning, back up camera, a great sound system, park assist, rain sensing wipers, but one of the main criteria is the ease of use of the NAV system. The other factors are the ease of getting two sets of golf clubs in and out without having to lower the rear seats, and she wants enough power to merge or pass with plenty of acceleration. Minor differences in price are not too important as we tend to keep our cars for at least 10 years, but reliability is. FYI, I drive a Mercedes and am partial to it, but she finds the command system somewhat confusing. What say you all knowing board?

There are only 2 cars to discuss, and only 2 that warrant a purchase. BMW X5 and the new GLE 400 (formerly the ML350)... these are the safest SUV's on the road with the latest safety features and 4 Matic or 4 wheel drive systems. Both have electronic transmission systems for easy driving reliability in any kind of weather...and so much more.
The Lexus is built for a soft ride that will keep the backside of any woman in the US comfortable -- that is how the US manufacturers built cars for decades, and some still do.
The Acura is just thinly disguised knockoff of other designs and not worthy of the 'luxury' tag line.

We have owned a Toyota 4 Runner in the '90's (survived well) and then a Lexus with comfort and gas expense. Then switched to the Mercedes in 2002 and normally have only have oil changes to think about. Have traveled throughout the US (45 States with ease) and if your wife wishes to sit above other vehicles and feel protected -- either the BMW or Mercedes will be the best purchase. I could go on with many additional experiences but you probably know the attributes of these 'luxury' cars that last forever.

 

[retsio]

Another OT car advice thread - but it's a good way to hear from people who have driven these models. My wife is looking to purchase an AWD luxury SUV later this year. The choices so far are the Lexus RX350, BMW X3, Mercedes GL, or the Acura RDX, and probably nothing smaller or much bigger than these models. We don't need a 3rd row of seats. My guess is the Lexus has the softest quietest ride among them. And I guess the Acura and Lexus have 6 cylinder engines, while the German models have the 4. She has driven a Toyota Highlander in the past and fears the Lexus might be too much like a new version of the same thing - boring. She wants the interior to be luxurious and comfortable for those long car trips to Happy Valley. And she wants all the tech stuff - lane departure, adaptable cruise control, blind spot warning, back up camera, a great sound system, park assist, rain sensing wipers, but one of the main criteria is the ease of use of the NAV system. The other factors are the ease of getting two sets of golf clubs in and out without having to lower the rear seats, and she wants enough power to merge or pass with plenty of acceleration. Minor differences in price are not too important as we tend to keep our cars for at least 10 years, but reliability is. FYI, I drive a Mercedes and am partial to it, but she finds the command system somewhat confusing. What say you all knowing board?

Wrong -- the Mercedes and the BMW have 6 cylinder engines and the small Cadillac will end up costing more than the German cars -- BMW is built in South Carolina and the Mercedes in Alabama.

 

[massimoManca II]

Another OT car advice thread - but it's a good way to hear from people who have driven these models. My wife is looking to purchase an AWD luxury SUV later this year. The choices so far are the Lexus RX350, BMW X3, Mercedes GL, or the Acura RDX, and probably nothing smaller or much bigger than these models. We don't need a 3rd row of seats. My guess is the Lexus has the softest quietest ride among them. And I guess the Acura and Lexus have 6 cylinder engines, while the German models have the 4. She has driven a Toyota Highlander in the past and fears the Lexus might be too much like a new version of the same thing - boring. She wants the interior to be luxurious and comfortable for those long car trips to Happy Valley. And she wants all the tech stuff - lane departure, adaptable cruise control, blind spot warning, back up camera, a great sound system, park assist, rain sensing wipers, but one of the main criteria is the ease of use of the NAV system. The other factors are the ease of getting two sets of golf clubs in and out without having to lower the rear seats, and she wants enough power to merge or pass with plenty of acceleration. Minor differences in price are not too important as we tend to keep our cars for at least 10 years, but reliability is. FYI, I drive a Mercedes and am partial to it, but she finds the command system somewhat confusing. What say you all knowing board?

First of all - a Toyota Highlander and a Lexus RX350 ARE the same thing, except with the Lexus you're gettin' a smaller, uglier tall Camry wagon for your extra $9K ....

otherwise the other usual suspects you cite are (sigh) fine choices, in fact I feel as though they're all the same, alas chock full of what I deem as frivolous niceties... luxury SUVs are boring, one really can't make a poor choice so long as you're content to part with a metric-ass-ton of money... I might add that I have always had a thing for the underdog and I really like the recently revealed (equally over-priced) Volvo XC90 ... reviews are very impressive and it's 100% more-handsome than those "look-at-me" minivans-in-disguise you list

 

[psengr82]

Try the Lincoln MKC with the Reserve option package. It's really nice.

 

[dontgojoepa]

We've leased 3 different RX350s over the last 8 years or so. It is a soft and quiet ride (as you said) and, although they were 3 year leases with relatively low mileage, I NEVER had a single maintenance issue. Not even an errant light. My wife is also in love with the "destination assist feature" (although I think other cars have something similar). Essentially, while you are driving you can press the button, and speak to a live person who will instantly download directions right to your nav or find the closest McDonalds, etc. and get you there. Only issue I have had is the nav does not always necessarily choose the best route, and it doesn't account for traffic very reliably (Waze is far better).

 

[CF LION]

My experience has been that women love the Lexus RX. My wife drove one for a while and loved it. I had her test drive an X3 and she hated it. I currently drive an Acura MDX that I bought used coming in off a lease and love it, but I think the fit and finish of the Lexus, while perhaps a bit stodgy, is superior. I like MM2's suggestion on the Volvo. I've actually started to scout around a bit for a used one.

 

[retsio]

First of all - a Toyota Highlander and a Lexus RX350 ARE the same thing, except with the Lexus you're gettin' a smaller, uglier tall Camry wagon for your extra $9K ....

otherwise the other usual suspects you cite are (sigh) fine choices, in fact I feel as though they're all the same, alas chock full of what I deem as frivolous niceties... luxury SUVs are boring, one really can't make a poor choice so long as you're content to part with a metric-ass-ton of money... I might add that I have always had a thing for the underdog and I really like the recently revealed (equally over-priced) Volvo XC90 ... reviews are very impressive and it's 100% more-handsome than those "look-at-me" minivans-in-disguise you list

The trouble I have with Volvo is -- they are a tank in snow, never knowing where they might slide next. Perhaps that is just me, but even the Audi 7 diesel is better. There is a big difference between sloppy comfort and secure driving capabilities.

 

[Lion78]

Your best option

 

[massimoManca II]

The trouble I have with Volvo is -- they are a tank in snow, never knowing where they might slide next. Perhaps that is just me, but even the Audi 7 diesel is better. There is a big difference between sloppy comfort and secure driving capabilities.

BREAKING NEWS: AWD is of little benefit in the sloppy snow without the proper rubber ... the winter roads are littered with idiots who have been sold on the notion that their boutique AWD luxowagon bought them winter-driving immunity

 

[Fayette_LION]

Try the Lincoln MKC with the Reserve option package. It's really nice.

And you'll save plenty of dollars with the Lincoln

 

[Obliviax]

Another OT car advice thread - but it's a good way to hear from people who have driven these models. My wife is looking to purchase an AWD luxury SUV later this year. The choices so far are the Lexus RX350, BMW X3, Mercedes GL, or the Acura RDX, and probably nothing smaller or much bigger than these models. We don't need a 3rd row of seats. My guess is the Lexus has the softest quietest ride among them. And I guess the Acura and Lexus have 6 cylinder engines, while the German models have the 4. She has driven a Toyota Highlander in the past and fears the Lexus might be too much like a new version of the same thing - boring. She wants the interior to be luxurious and comfortable for those long car trips to Happy Valley. And she wants all the tech stuff - lane departure, adaptable cruise control, blind spot warning, back up camera, a great sound system, park assist, rain sensing wipers, but one of the main criteria is the ease of use of the NAV system. The other factors are the ease of getting two sets of golf clubs in and out without having to lower the rear seats, and she wants enough power to merge or pass with plenty of acceleration. Minor differences in price are not too important as we tend to keep our cars for at least 10 years, but reliability is. FYI, I drive a Mercedes and am partial to it, but she finds the command system somewhat confusing. What say you all knowing board?

I just picked up a used Range Rover and am very, very happy with it. I was looking at the GL450 and ML350, didn't like either one. My second choice was the BMW X5, which I liked but my wife didn't.

This thing drives like a dream, much better than anything else I drove. It really wasn't being considered until we stumbled upon it. We had an older Land Rover and liked it. While there were some odd failures, they were always small and inconvenient (motors of auto windows, for example). But the bones are outstanding and after 15 years, there wasn't a spec of rust and it drove great.

 

[thecoolestfish]

I have a 2014 RDX AWD, and while it's smooth, reliable, and pretty peppy (270 non-turbo HP), and "nice" -- If your wife doesn't want boring, she probably would be wasting her time giving it a look. It's far from the most "exciting" one in the sector.

 

[cment]

1st choice would be The new Volvo xc90 although I think the Caddie is the nicest of them all and you dont see them all over the road. Women that drive pick-ups and Caddie SUV's tend to be better looking then the normal Lexus or BMW owner. Flame on!!!.

I buy cars based on dealer proximity abd reputauation and then nk everyone should take that into consideration when buying a car.

 

[massimoManca II]

And you'll save plenty of dollars with the Lincoln

Until you try to sell it (not that the Volvo is a pargon of resale value retention)

 

[Nitwit]

Until you try to sell it (not that the Volvo is a pargon of resale value retention)

Thanks for all the input. I am not inclined to have her get a Range Rover or even the Volvo because I would be wary of reliability and maintenance issues. I like the Caddy but she dislikes the "Stacey's mom" (milf) ad, go figure. I'm a bit intrigued by the Lincoln, it's a great looking car, but from what I've read in online reviews, it doesn't stack up quite as well as some of the others. Agreeing that the Acura isn't quite "luxury" enough, It may be the Lexus or Merc/BMW depending upon her test drive impressions, and the type of ride she prefers. My guess is the Lexus will win out just based upon how successfully they are in designing for the female market. And that wouldn't be a bad contrast to my Mercedes which has a stiffer suspension handling set up for those trips when I just want a comfortable highway ride while I nap in the passenger seat and say Yes Dear at all the appropriate times.

 

[massimoManca II]

"Wary of reliability issues". Volvo is differentiating itself (or trying to, at least) by eschewing the gee-whiz electro-gizmos (of dubious value) and migrating toward simplicity Swedish-style (albeit via Geely) something desperately needed in this segment. I'd be wary of the Germans and Lincoln (bwahahaha) before Volvo xc90 imho

 

[Nittany Ziggy]

Try looking at the "F Sport" version of the Lexus RX 350. It has 4 driving modes: Regular, Eco, Sport and Sport+. I have the GS 350 F Sport and absolutely love it. Sport mode changes the shift points to a more aggressive response (quicker to downshift both for passing and dynamic breaking). Sport Plus keeps the shift points of Sport, stiffens the suspension system and tightens the steering ratio. I love when I change from sport to sport plus and the coins in the change compartment start to make a little "jingle" noise. You get the reliability and the drivability. It is a great Lexus model.

 

[PhillipintheValley]

We have a Lexus RX 350 since last August. It is my wife's car and she loves it. I don't think you'll get a more comfortable ride in an SUV. It drives like a car and has enough pep to pass on the highway. We have park assist, blind side monitoring and rear view monitor. The Nav system is O.K. but not great. The Lexus App Suite is pretty useless, imo.

 

[Peetz Pool Boy]

I read this thread earlier today and opted not to interject until now.

The original poster, obviously a married person ,is approaching this buying decision from the wrong perspective and has received nothing but very bad advice from this esteemed forum. Further, the OP is naively trying to be objective, which is never a wise thing when dealing with wives.

He should simply ask her this one simple question....

Of the following vehicles... ....which do you feel would make you the envy of all your female friends, acquaintances, co-workers, etc....

He will then, and only then, get his answer.

 

[Cold Smoke]

Another OT car advice thread - but it's a good way to hear from people who have driven these models. My wife is looking to purchase an AWD luxury SUV later this year. The choices so far are the Lexus RX350, BMW X3, Mercedes GL, or the Acura RDX, and probably nothing smaller or much bigger than these models. We don't need a 3rd row of seats. My guess is the Lexus has the softest quietest ride among them. And I guess the Acura and Lexus have 6 cylinder engines, while the German models have the 4. She has driven a Toyota Highlander in the past and fears the Lexus might be too much like a new version of the same thing - boring. She wants the interior to be luxurious and comfortable for those long car trips to Happy Valley. And she wants all the tech stuff - lane departure, adaptable cruise control, blind spot warning, back up camera, a great sound system, park assist, rain sensing wipers, but one of the main criteria is the ease of use of the NAV system. The other factors are the ease of getting two sets of golf clubs in and out without having to lower the rear seats, and she wants enough power to merge or pass with plenty of acceleration. Minor differences in price are not too important as we tend to keep our cars for at least 10 years, but reliability is. FYI, I drive a Mercedes and am partial to it, but she finds the command system somewhat confusing. What say you all knowing board?

Just bought a MB ML350 4Matic, which will be merged into the GL series for 2016. It is a well built, safe vehicle loaded with accessories, some of which border on silly. I love the car, but favored the Acura MDX. The RDX is smaller, and my wife did not want it. We spent maybe $7-9K more for the Mercedes than a comparable MDX. My wife wanted it... simple as that. She wanted that MB emblem. She came to Montana 34 years ago without complaining. If I can afford it, I buy what she wants. BTW I drive a GMC pickup. Good luck nit.

 

[massimoManca II]

We have a Lexus RX 350 since last August. It is my wife's car and she loves it. I don't think you'll get a more comfortable ride in an SUV. It drives like a car and has enough pep to pass on the highway. We have park assist, blind side monitoring and rear view monitor. The Nav system is O.K. but not great. The Lexus App Suite is pretty useless, imo.

RX350 drives like a car because it IS a car underneath all of that windowdressing... It's not an SUV It's a Highlander/Sienna which, too, are derived from the venerable Camry platform... Geniuses at Toyota figured out how to get you to pay 2x the price of a Camry for a Camry 1000lbs of lipstick... You suckers are gobbling them up

 

[CF LION]

My apologies for sidetracking this thread...but.. Ford Focus vs Volkswagen Jetta for college grad buying first car....thoughts? My daughter is down to these two cars. She likes the Focus but has this " Ford is not as cool as VW" thing, mostly fostered by her friends.

 

[Peetz Pool Boy]

My apologies for sidetracking this thread...but.. Ford Focus vs Volkswagen Jetta for college grad buying first car....thoughts? My daughter is down to these two cars. She likes the Focus but has this " Ford is not as cool as VW" thing, mostly fostered by her friends.

At her age, it's more important about being hip...go with whatever her suitors find most "sexy" ))

I'd go with the VW because of resale.

 

[massimoManca II]

Focus is probably one of the best out there IMHO... Love the 5door the most but I'm a hatchback/longroof kinda guy.. I'd recommend a Golf over the Jetta, as the Jetta has become North Americanized (bloated and de-contented) ... I have raved on here before about the pricey TDi, though a buddy of mine bought a Jetta Sportswagon last year with the lowly but rock solid 2.5 5cyl and now I'm a convert... My advice is to stay away from the VW turbos but if you're buying new there's nothing like a factory warranty... VW in deep doo doo right now as sales are mired in nowheresville.... I'd buy slightly used were I recommending a car for a newly minted college grad with a good job

 

[LionwiththeDevil]

I've looked at most of the options mentioned and neglected as well to even think of Land Rovers. Everything you've heard of the brands past is BS. I've now had my new 2014 Range Rover Sport for almost a year and its hands down the best all around luxury vehicle I've ever owned. Tata motors has really energized the old luxury utility brand. After you have one of these you'll realize most of the vehicles listed in this thread are far from a luxury SUV. The truck drives and handles like a BMW, has the agility of true utility suv, and the cabin is ridiculously sweet.....not to mention the looks are killer and doesn't look a modern Mini van like most of the others mentioned.

 

[CF LION]

Focus is probably one of the best out there IMHO... Love the 5door the most but I'm a hatchback/longroof kinda guy.. I'd recommend a Golf over the Jetta, as the Jetta has become North Americanized (bloated and de-contented) ... I have raved on here before about the pricey TDi, though a buddy of mine bought a Jetta Sportswagon last year with the lowly but rock solid 2.5 5cyl and now I'm a convert... My advice is to stay away from the VW turbos but if you're buying new there's nothing like a factory warranty... VW in deep doo doo right now as sales are mired in nowheresville.... I'd buy slightly used were I recommending a car for a newly minted college grad with a good job

Yeah, I really liked the Focus 5 door, but she thought it was a "grandma car". She wants NAV, and the Ford My Touch Tech package seems to be superior to VW's tech package. Ford's bundling of options is also not as restrictive as VW, ie, to get NAV in the Jetta you also have to pay for leather seats. I like both cars, and at this point the decision will probably come down to the deal we can make.

 

[PSU Mike]

Y'ins got so much money.

 

[dontgojoepa]

An RX350 may have similar mechanics as a Highlander but I can tell you that the feel is different. The RX is quieter and rides more smoothly and, at least to me, has a more luxurious interior. Not that one is necessarily better than the other, but If you're looking for that luxury experience the RX is a clear step above.

 

[massimoManca II]

An RX350 may have similar mechanics as a Highlander but I can tell you that the feel is different. The RX is quieter and rides more smoothly and, at least to me, has a more luxurious interior. Not that one is necessarily better than the other, but If you're looking for that luxury experience the RX is a clear step above.

"Similar mechanics" It's called add 14lbs of sound absorbant material (foam) and higher-end fabrics and higher-density plastics - voila! Up goes the price tag! Oldest trick in the books - refined now to pure science... i've never liked the RX, despised it since the day it was rolled into Lexus showrooms but man, i can't believe how many of these they stamp out.... Pure genius.... Cars are like music, food, and clothes....

 

[massimoManca II]

Yeah, I really liked the Focus 5 door, but she thought it was a "grandma car". She wants NAV, and the Ford My Touch Tech package seems to be superior to VW's tech package. Ford's bundling of options is also not as restrictive as VW, ie, to get NAV in the Jetta you also have to pay for leather seats. I like both cars, and at this point the decision will probably come down to the deal we can make.

Kid needs some straightening out

I prefer my nav on a suction cup on my windscreen for $100 vs. some overpriced touchscreen on my dash that will die before my car payments are done...

FYI I've seen VW advertising 0% x 60mos on all Jetta x tdi... That might be too good to pass up for your daughter

Good luck! Take her to a Mazda dealer before she pulls the trigger

 

[CF LION]

Kid needs some straightening out

I prefer my nav on a suction cup on my windscreen for $100 vs. some overpriced touchscreen on my dash that will die before my car payments are done...

FYI I've seen VW advertising 0% x 60mos on all Jetta x tdi... That might be too good to pass up for your daughter

Good luck! Take her to a Mazda dealer before she pulls the trigger

Funny thing is she uses Wayz now on her iPhone, and really likes it, so NAV shouldn't be a big deal, but she kinda fell for the Ford Tech package. Looked at tha Mazda 3 but the salesman was an azzhole so that was that.

 

[massimoManca II]

Azzhole salesman?!?!?!??? No WAY!

Would never let an azzhole stop me, especially for a very good candidate for purchase, would feel even better to come back and buy it from his less-azzholey colleague

 

[psengr82]

I'll say it again...The Lincoln is the way to go with the Reserve Options (think Limited in other vehicles). It's like a spaceship inside. I was floored. Never thought of a Lincoln in my life but they were doing a promotional at my daughters high school and for each test drive they would donate an amount of money (I don't how much). Since I was home that day I drove and took a couple of test drives. The MKC blew me away.

 

[Blueblood4eva]

MM II...Do you still like the Mazda CX 5? My daughter may finally be convinced to write a check. We test drove a 2016 back in March (GT with the 19" wheels) and were both impressed. You are so right about the rubber in winter. I told her she had to save enough money for snows on separate rims just like we all have. She thought AWD took care of that......wrong! Just front wheel drive with good rubber is better, in my opinion.

 

[massimoManca II]

MM II...Do you still like the Mazda CX 5? My daughter may finally be convinced to write a check. We test drove a 2016 back in March (GT with the 19" wheels) and were both impressed. You are so right about the rubber in winter. I told her she had to save enough money for snows on separate rims just like we all have. She thought AWD took care of that......wrong! Just front wheel drive with good rubber is better, in my opinion.

Yeah CX5 is a go-to choice... Leave the bloated CRV's to the minions... I always recommend avoiding the big-wheel fad as these stupid optional larger-diameter alloys will merely bite you in the ass every time you hit a pothole and every time you need to buy new tires. .... Yeah- might be bundled with the trim level, but I would do everything possible to swap to standard 17" wheels , or , use the ridiculous 19" alloys as summer wheels then do 16" steelies with ice/snow tires (upsize the sidewall to match oem). That way you'll get more years outta the oem rim/tire package... I suspect you'd be looking around a grand when it comes time to replace 4 19" tires... You'll regret that decision to go with that GRandTouring trim option as youre pulling out your wallet

 

[jj410]

Yeah CX5 is a go-to choice... Leave the bloated CRV's to the minions... I always recommend avoiding the big-wheel fad as these stupid optional larger-diameter alloys will merely bite you in the ass every time you hit a pothole and every time you need to buy new tires. .... Yeah- might be bundled with the trim level, but I would do everything possible to swap to standard 17" wheels , or , use the ridiculous 19" alloys as summer wheels then do 16" steelies with ice/snow tires (upsize the sidewall to match oem). That way you'll get more years outta the oem rim/tire package... I suspect you'd be looking around a grand when it comes time to replace 4 19" tires... You'll regret that decision to go with that GRandTouring trim option as youre pulling out your wallet

When you are paying nearly $100K for a overpriced bloated truck with cupholders, what's a few bucks for tires among friends?

 

[massimoManca II]

I'll say it again...The Lincoln is the way to go with the Reserve Options (think Limited in other vehicles). It's like a spaceship inside. I was floored. Never thought of a Lincoln in my life but they were doing a promotional at my daughters high school and for each test drive they would donate an amount of money (I don't how much). Since I was home that day I drove and took a couple of test drives. The MKC blew me away.

Sure, everyone needs a $40k Ford Escape in an evening gown... I'll pass. But hey - can't blame Lincoln as they gotta try something... It is a handsome specimen, but the Escape ain't no slouch either

 

[hilo]

Try to get your hands on a Tesla Model X. Reserve now and get it in early 2016, if you can wait.