Mid Size SUV recommendations?

[Julian]

We are pretty sure my wife's SUV will be declared totalled in the next couple of days....so we will be in the market for a new mid size SUV. She had an Acura MDX and loved it, so it is a front runner because it has the following (what else does):

1. Very good safety rating (airbags all around)
2. 3 Zone AC
3. heated & Ventilated seats
4. Front and rear 12v outlets
5. backup camera

Would be cool to have:

1. Adaptive cruise control
2. Lane departure warning
3. blind spot warning

 

[latitudeadjuster]

Hope she was ok. What kind of vehicle was it?

 

[trace]

Audi Q5 TDI??

 

[4x15mph]

Audi Q5/Q7, Acura MDX, Lexus RX350. I wrestle with the same decision but I still haven't pulled the trigger since my wife really likes her Acura MDX. I like the Range Rover but that isn't really mid size and I don't think it is the practical choice for how we would use it.

Add Volvo to the list. Unless you are towing, these are nice SUV's.

 

[Julian]

The "X" SUV was an MDX. Anyone have an Infiniti? The new Audi q3 might also be an option....

 

[Jayr212x]

My wife is on MDX #2 with 75000 miles on it. We will probably be going for #3 soon. Very happy with it.

 

[Glassman]

Wait for the Tesla:

http://www.teslamotors.com/modelx

 

[kthrash]

Ford Explorer

My wife has a 2013 Ford Explorer and it has all the requirements and is available with all of your options..

 

[Britboater]

Do you guys have the Land Rover Evoque? They sell like hot cakes here in the UK and have been a massive success for the company.

 

[kthrash]

yeah we have the Evoque, however I would not consider it a Mid-Size SUV, more of a compact SUV

 

[Britboater]

I thought I'd mention the Evoque as Julian suggested the Q3, which I'd consider a compact. X3 BMW?

 

[KXCam22]

Whats the big toyota like as an SUV? Cam.

 

[davel501]

The Evoque, Ford Escape and Volvo based on that design are all here and wonderful cars to drive. I really like the Volvo for the right mix of features and price. The one I had for a loaner a few weeks ago was very fast and fun to drive...much more so than the little 4 cylinder turbo in the Ford although that is still fun.

The Explorer Sport has the Eco Boost engine even though it does not do much for its tow rating. I have to imagine that thing would be a blast to drive.

 

[farrelltravis]

Would my assumption that the Tesla SUV is $100k - $200k?

 

[Julian]

Yeah...haven't won the lottery so the tesla is out! LOL

 

[JC6275]

I find it rather amusing, folks buy the "upper line" of autos from the major manufacturers. Infinity = Nissan, Acura= Honda, lexus= Toyota. I understand there are differences in finishes inside and more options. But myself I don't see an extra $8,000 - $10,000 for practically identical cars because it has more buttons different leather interior and a different name bagde. For the most part the bodies and drivetrains are identical and mostly come off the same line.

 

[Glassman]

Would my assumption that the Tesla SUV is $100k - $200k?

NOPE. 50 Large!

It's on the list!


I would also consider the new Volvo XC90. We have a 2003. We have towed the boat with it occasionally, it's got a 5k limit.

The new ones are said to be pretty special:

http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/volvo-xc90-more-details-2014-08-12

 

[farrelltravis]

@Glassman I didn't see the Tesla on the link you gave. Did I miss it somewhere?

 

[JC6275]

Reading on the Tesla model X forum, there has been no price announcement but the majority seem to put a realistic base price for the model X with the bigger batteries at or around $80,000. Compare that to a nicely equipped gasoline powered mid size suv priced at or around $40,000 - $45,000 that difference of $35,000 to $40,000 in initial cost is huge. And with the average cost of gas for a year being somewhere between $3,000 and $3,500 it would take 10 years to break even between the two, not to mention we still have to add in the cost of replacement batteries in the Tesla. I don't think any fully electric vehicle is going to go "mainstream" until the price point becomes more in line with their gas powered counterparts. I know the price of cool isn't cheap, but double seems crazy to me. JMO

 

[sysinu]

Not really sure how good a tesla is going to pull a boat ;-).

mid-sized SUV's are where you have to ask yourself what your needs are.

Most people who don't need to tow a boat and want a mid-sized SUV end up getting a minivan. YUCK, I HATE Minivan's... but they have a place in the market. I was looking at the Enclave and the Auidi Q7 before we bought the Escalade.