SUV Crossover suggestions

[StitchesGr8Fan]

I would stay FAR FAR away from any built in OEM navigation. The maps they use are way outdated (check out the I-95 beltway sections near DC), clunky to use, and will look like an 8track player in a few years. Also, every car that I have rode in that has the nav system, the screen is really bright at night time and disrupts your night vision. I live in the country with out streetlight and I need night vision to spot deer.

I would suggest getting a good car dock for your current smart phone.

Not true anymore. My OE navigation dims at night. I also live in the country and it does not interfere with my night vision. But it was true in the past. And the maps on my 13 Terrain are up to date. But it will be up to me to decide if I want to pay to get the updated disc every year. For that piece an aftermarket NAV with unlimited updates is better.

 

[Janepod]

I am also "not into" cars. I also wonder why you've limited yourself (so far) to the "high end" options.

I have a 2007 Honda CRV and I've been very happy with it. It has been very reliable. (knock wood) So far, I haven't had to put anything into it besides routine maintenance. It runs on non-premium gas and gets good gas mileage (about 23 in the city and 28+ on the highway). Mine doesn't have a nav system, but it's available as an option.

One of the happiest days of my life was when I got rid of my Mercedes SUV and got a Toyota Venza. Cheaper to maintain, cheaper to gas up (87 octane rather than 93), better fuel efficiency. The interior is not as luxurious but still has all the bells & whistles. Have never looked back.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

One of the happiest days of my life was when I got rid of my Mercedes SUV and got a Toyota Venza. Cheaper to maintain, cheaper to gas up (87 octane rather than 93), better fuel efficiency. The interior is not as luxurious but still has all the bells & whistles. Have never looked back.

One of my sales reps has one and I've ridden in it many times. Seems
Seems like a very nice car. Built on a Camry platform. It's not as tall inside though, so I'd bring a tape measure if you have to haul large dog crates.

 

[Soldier's*Sweeties]

I am currently in the market for a crossover. I am looking at both new and late model, low mileage certified.

Unfortunately, cars just don't do anything for me, so I am having a hard time deciding what I want.

My top 3 are the

Mercedes GLK (Edmonds seems to rave about them)
Acura RDX
Acura MDX (my favorite, but kids are almost grown so don't need that 3rd row)

Another friend also mentioned the Lexus series. I have not looked into it, but it seems they are very, very popular around here.

Anybody have any experience with the above? Other suggestions also welcome, as I said, I am very wishy washy right now.

The only must have is navigation. Although I do love some of the other bells and whistles such as park assist, backup camera, etc. Contemplated the new Fords, (I drive an Expedition right now and LOVE the Flex), but the reliability reviews are horrible.

I drive a 2013 Acura RDX. Love it. Gas mileage is reasonable for the class-averages 24.5 -about 22 city and 28 highway on premium gas-it will do better on long flat drives where you can really take advantage of the VCT engine and i have gotten as high as 32.
We are fairly high mileage drivers -i bought the car in july and it has just under 12K on it-its needed one oil change. The car actually tells you when it needs an oil change -i had a very hard time trusting that but it seems to have worked out okay. Its comfortable for 4 adults, and has adequate if not generous cargo space. We do have to take our Tahoe if we want to take the dog crated rather than loose in the vehicle-like if he has been groomed for a show-but its a big dog ( Bernese Mountain Dog) and he needs a big crate.
It has most of the bells and whistles-it does not have park assist but the Tech Package that includes navigation also has the back up camera and a really sexy surround sound stereo-it will place surround sound dvds music tracks even. also has sattelite radio and takes usb devices.

Another vote for the RDX.

I have one and LOVE it! It gets really good mileage. Less than some, because I DO have the turbo. Because of that, I only use premium gas so it does cost me more. I could use regular gas, but it runs better on Premium.

I think it has a good amount of room for what it is...A fair amount of "trunk" space under the hatch. And like others have said, I enjoy the gadgets!

 

[arthuruscg]

Not true anymore. My OE navigation dims at night. I also live in the country and it does not interfere with my night vision. But it was true in the past. And the maps on my 13 Terrain are up to date. But it will be up to me to decide if I want to pay to get the updated disc every year. For that piece an aftermarket NAV with unlimited updates is better.

You also don't have traffic updates/ info with OEM nav.
If any one is worried about not having data coverage on trips, the Google Maps for Android will allow you to capture/ store map areas on the phone. I don't think iphone version can do that.

 

[lovemygoofy]

Looks like you are leaning towards higher end but I love my Mazda CX7. I really enjoy the zoom zoom and it has some of the most comfortable seats for a long road trip. I love being able to switch from a manual to automatic if needed.

My husband has a new GMC terrain that he might love more than he does me. It has all the gadgets and gizmos and gets great gas mileage . I love that the back seat row can be pulled forward or backward. It's nice to have tall people in the back not be cramped. I don't really like paying for the OnStar or the XM but we live out in the desert and travel alot so we will continue to pay for it until we move towards civilization again.

 

[WDWDancer]

What about the BMW x1 or x3?

 

[Gumbo4x4]

What about the BMW x1 or x3?

Those are both really on the small size compared to some of the other suggestions. Maybe an X5, but sounds like OP keeps cars a long time and older BMWs aren't known for reliability.

 

[onelilspark]

I have a Nissan Rogue and love it. It's a really comfortable ride and gets pretty decent gas mileage for an SUV.

 

[RN2003AZ]

I have a 5 month old 2013 Ford Explorer and LOVE it! Totally different vehicle than the old Explorer you would think about. It doesn't get the most fabulous reviews, but I've had no issues and would buy it again in a second!

My dad has a 2013 RDX... He loves that too. He's on his 4th Acura (btwn him and my mom) and it's perfect for him.

Test drive a lot and don't settle just because it's a good deal. Order direct from the factory if you have to. I ordered my Ex to get exactly what I was looking for.

 

[Chelley00]

Another to look at would also be the Chevy Traverse. Plenty of space and good options. .

We have a Traverse. I love the options, the comfort, the seating room,the way it handles, but the trunk space blows.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

We have a Traverse. I love the options, the comfort, the seating room,the way it handles, but the trunk space blows.

To be fair, any 3-row crossover is going to have very little room behind the third seat.

 

[soccerdad72]

To be fair, any 3-row crossover is going to have very little room behind the third seat.

Agreed. The largest space I've seen in the trunk with all 3 rows up (as far as SUV's go) was with the Buick Enclave. Our MDX has minimal space when we have the 3rd row up. Often, we will drop one side of the third row in order to have a 5th seat plus some extra storage space.

 

[tvguy]

To be fair, any 3-row crossover is going to have very little room behind the third seat.

That's an issue that prevents me from trading in my Suburban. I have seating for 9, and room for all their luggage.
If I trade down, I can get seating for 8, but no way I'm getting 8 people's luggage in.

 

[rlduvall]

I owned two different Lexus RXs from 2002 to 2012. They are great cars, ride comfortably, dependable, classy, BUT it seems like everyone has one. It even got to where we would play the game "Count the RXs" before we could get home; one time I was up to a total of 12 during a 15 mile drive. I finally couldn't stand it anymore and bought the polarizing Acura ZDX, which is a sports car/SUV crossover. I love it beyond belief!!!!!!! And so far I have yet to see one like mine.

 

[brunette8706]

Best Luxuary CROSSOVERS!

Infinity NUMBER 1

Lexus NUMBER 2

Audi Number 3

http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/rankings/Luxury-Crossover-SUVs/

You can't go wrong with the LEXUS TOP RELIABILITY!

Love the Ford Explorer as a cheaper option.

 

[brunette8706]

I owned two different Lexus RXs from 2002 to 2012. They are great cars, ride comfortably, dependable, classy, BUT it seems like everyone has one. It even got to where we would play the game "Count the RXs" before we could get home; one time I was up to a total of 12 during a 15 mile drive. I finally couldn't stand it anymore and bought the polarizing Acura ZDX, which is a sports car/SUV crossover. I love it beyond belief!!!!!!! And so far I have yet to see one like mine.

*
LOL! I know it seems like everyone has the RELIABLE LEXUS RX 350. They're nice cars. The Audi Q5 is rated number 2. Does anyone know anything about the Audi Q5?

Brunette

 

[goofy!]

Then why go for a high-end "name" with high upkeep costs? If you're not interested in having a status symbol, save yourself the money! Lots of very reliable crossovers out there that aren't so expensive.

I am also "not into" cars. I also wonder why you've limited yourself (so far) to the "high end" options.

I have a 2007 Honda CRV and I've been very happy with it. It has been very reliable. (knock wood) So far, I haven't had to put anything into it besides routine maintenance. It runs on non-premium gas and gets good gas mileage (about 23 in the city and 28+ on the highway). Mine doesn't have a nav system, but it's available as an option.

I haven't limited myself to the "high end" options. That is why I asked for other ideas. The two Acura's are on there because we have a RL and a TL, so naturally, the MDX and RDX are at the top of the list.

As I mentioned before, the Mercedes GLK was on there as one of my friends that I trust has been driving Mercedes for as long as I have known her and has been suggesting it for quite a some time. FWIW, the GLK is the "poor man's" Mercedes, less than what we paid for our Expedition long ago. It is based on the C Class. If I wanted to be a true brand snob, I would be asking about the ML450. Quite a few ML's and GL's driving around the neighborhood, so obviously popular around here, so wanted to ask about them. But the Mercedes is moving farther and farther down as I hear more and more negatives about it.

The Lexus RX seems to be the car of choice around here. Go into our school parking lot and every 3rd Mom car is the Lexus RX. Just for fun, I counted them the other day. There were 14 in a relatively small parking lot. I haven't even bothered looking into it yet, but did want to ask because I am curious why it is so popular. I haven't looked into it much just because everybody has one and I am not one to follow the crowd.

So, not trying to be a total brand snob, the cars on my list were just the ones that I have looked at due to recommendations or familiarity. If I was set on those, I wouldn't be so wishy washy. : That said, I do like the perks of the higher end cars. If I can get them in a not "snob" brand, that would be great.

Thank you all for the great suggestions for others to look into. The Acadia seems popular. Being a long time Ford family (before the Acuras), the Lincoln MDX also has merit.

Looks like I have a lot more work/research to do. Although, I am glad to hear all the good reviews on the Acura's, since that is what I am familiar with and probably leaning towards.

 

[goofy!]

Looks like you are leaning towards higher end but I love my Mazda CX7. I really enjoy the zoom zoom and it has some of the most comfortable seats for a long road trip. I love being able to switch from a manual to automatic if needed.

My husband has a new GMC terrain that he might love more than he does me. It has all the gadgets and gizmos and gets great gas mileage . I love that the back seat row can be pulled forward or backward. It's nice to have tall people in the back not be cramped. I don't really like paying for the OnStar or the XM but we live out in the desert and travel alot so we will continue to pay for it until we move towards civilization again.

I really like the look of the Mazda, but have yet to check it out. I take my daughter to cheer 3x a week and we pass the Mazda lot. So, 3x a week, I am looking at those CX7's and thinking how nice they look.

Thanks for the suggestion. As I said, I am just starting this process, so hearing people's experiences with all the different crossovers or suvs is great.

 

[goofy!]

I owned two different Lexus RXs from 2002 to 2012. They are great cars, ride comfortably, dependable, classy, BUT it seems like everyone has one. It even got to where we would play the game "Count the RXs" before we could get home; one time I was up to a total of 12 during a 15 mile drive. I finally couldn't stand it anymore and bought the polarizing Acura ZDX, which is a sports car/SUV crossover. I love it beyond belief!!!!!!! And so far I have yet to see one like mine.

DH got a ZDX as a loaner once when he brought his RL in for service. (Love the Acura service). I couldn't decide if I liked it or not. Polarizing is a great word for it. I hadn't read your post yet when I posted about the Lexus RX's. Sounds like we live in similar areas. I can't believe how many Lexus RX's are around here.

Hmm...maybe I should take another look at the ZDX since I do like to be different.