What reliable luxury SUV—need personal experience SUV’s

[Anonymous]

If you are pulling any kind of trailer (for bikes or otherwise), do not get a 4 cylinder engine; more power is needed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you are pulling any kind of trailer (for bikes or otherwise), do not get a 4 cylinder engine; more power is needed.

Carrying a heavy bike rack (bicycle) and a few bikes? Not a trailer. The rack fits in the hitch. Is 4 cylinder enough?

[Anonymous]

I had 3-year leases on a pair of BMWs (2014 328ix and 2017 X3) and always found the 4-cylinder to have plenty of power for any type of normal driving. To me, they almost had too much in the sense that it was very easy to suddenly be doing 85-90 without feeling like it because the engine could handle it at relatively low RPM levels.

I can't imagine that a bike rack and a couple of bikes would have any impact there.

Now, I have an X7 with the 6-cylinder turbo, and it still has the brief power lag that all turbos have when you mash the gas, even as the engine itself can produce more power. It's a pretty short period, though, especially compared to our old Saab, which needed a few seconds for the turbo to get going.

Turbos are the way of the modern world for fuel efficiency, so you'll just have to get a feel for which engine's performance you like the best. Unless you go electric, which it sounds like you aren't.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I had 3-year leases on a pair of BMWs (2014 328ix and 2017 X3) and always found the 4-cylinder to have plenty of power for any type of normal driving. To me, they almost had too much in the sense that it was very easy to suddenly be doing 85-90 without feeling like it because the engine could handle it at relatively low RPM levels.

I can't imagine that a bike rack and a couple of bikes would have any impact there.

Now, I have an X7 with the 6-cylinder turbo, and it still has the brief power lag that all turbos have when you mash the gas, even as the engine itself can produce more power. It's a pretty short period, though, especially compared to our old Saab, which needed a few seconds for the turbo to get going.

Turbos are the way of the modern world for fuel efficiency, so you'll just have to get a feel for which engine's performance you like the best. Unless you go electric, which it sounds like you aren't.

Thanks for this feedback. My concern is moving from a v6 to a 4 cylinder. I drove the Audi Q5 electric today. More horsepower I’m told. It was interesting. Lagged when I pressed on the gas as if it couldn’t make up its mind until it got going. Will try electric bMW x 3 next.

[Anonymous]

Echoing that I suggest you at least test drive a model Y. It’s not the one with the falcon doors so you don’t have to worry about that. You can attach a bike rack from the hitch. It will have a lot of acceleration and space, but it has a purposefully minimalist interior. Your kid may appreciate the tech,

[Anonymous]

OP again. Way too much stress over car buying. Tried and really like the 2021 glc 4matic but not sure of engine that kinda still concerns men. Tied a 2020 glc43 which is powerful. Also tried porche macan. It was fine. Still unclear.

Don’t really like the Tesla looks. Am getting tired of looking.

[Anonymous]

Have you tried a Volvo XC60 with the T6 engine? They seem a bit more uncommon, I would like to test drive one. I’ll probably get an X3 next so am following.

[Anonymous]

DH has a BMW X3. I have a Lincoln Corsair. Both fully loaded. We love them!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am in my 50s and have only owned 3 cars—a Toyota Corolla, Honda Prelude and a 2003 Lexus RX 300 that I still drive (much to my son’s embarrassment). I want and a new used luxury compact or midsize SUV or other enjoyable luxury quick smooth comfortable ride—for me and my teen son. I have had the luxury of only needing maintenance on the SUV that’s almost at 200k miles. I will be irritated if I have to have the vehicle in the shop constantly, love a v6 engine, love a smooth and quiet ride. We also cycle, so something that will support a hitch for the bike rack or that fits a few bikes ideal.

Have been testing the AudiQ5 and the BMWx3. I’m hesitant to buy either for fear of unreliability. Suggestions from experience welcome.

TIA.

Test drive a performance model Tesla. When you get to the highway, floor it. After you experience that, driving anything else seems comical.

Also gonna try the Macon. What is a performance Tesla? SUV? I can’t do the suv w the wings. Won’t fit garage. Also unattractive (the winged model)

The performance models are available on the 3 and Y. They give you 0-60 in 2.9 seconds. Even if you don’t purchase one, it’s definitely an experience worth the test drive. When the plaid refresh S comes out (any day now) you can experience 0-60 in an unbelievable 1.9 seconds.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP again. Way too much stress over car buying. Tried and really like the 2021 glc 4matic but not sure of engine that kinda still concerns men. Tied a 2020 glc43 which is powerful. Also tried porche macan. It was fine. Still unclear.

Don’t really like the Tesla looks. Am getting tired of looking.

Did you test drive the Tesla?
Most of the owners I know switched over from Benz or BMW.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Acura 2022 MDX or 2021 Lexus X350 w/Thule T2 rack

+1 on the Acura. Also look at the RDX, depending on how much space you need. We have mostly had Toyotas and Hondas and love our Acura.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP again. Way too much stress over car buying. Tried and really like the 2021 glc 4matic but not sure of engine that kinda still concerns men. Tied a 2020 glc43 which is powerful. Also tried porche macan. It was fine. Still unclear.

Don’t really like the Tesla looks. Am getting tired of looking.

Did you test drive the Tesla?
Most of the owners I know switched over from Benz or BMW.

Not OP, I’m an X3 owner, and we must have similar taste. I’m not interested in getting in a Tesla, I do not like the looks of them and that matters to me. That kind of money, I want to like what I see when I walk up. Just my opinion.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Have you thought about a Tesla Model Y?

Otherwise, if stuck on gas engines... I have a friend on her second Audi Q series, she loves it.

Concur with posters that say reliability is going to be tops with a Japanese vehicle.

Of everything listed so far I'd probably go with a Subaru; although I had a 2018 Forrester as a rental a while back and the seats were terrible. Tesla seats are the best.

Subaru and Lexus will have the best headlights.

Yes! If you are into SUV’s with 2” of ground clearance, and the appearance of a rotisserie chicken container, by all means get a Model Y!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Acura 2022 MDX or 2021 Lexus X350 w/Thule T2 rack

+1 on the Acura. Also look at the RDX, depending on how much space you need. We have mostly had Toyotas and Hondas and love our Acura.

NP. I have an Acura RDX. It's a big step down from the Audi Q5 I had for 9 years before this (and the Audi I had 9 years before that). I loved the Audis but PPs are right that the maintenance costs are high once out of warranty. The RDX is fine, but, while it is in the luxury category, does not seem as luxurious as the other models (to me), and the ride is not as smooth (or as soundproof).

[Anonymous]

Lexus