35 to 40k to on a Mid-Size SUV - Which one?

[Danman]

Haven't been here in awhile, still see a few familiar faces around here.

My wife and I are looking for a new mid-size SUV. Currently, we have a Ford Escape, so we are looking for something comparable, if not bigger in size.

Requirements:

- Cargo area big enough for two medium size dogs and hauling stuff every now and then.
- Navigation/handsfree
- Decent gas mileage

Options we've looked at:

- 2010/11 Volvo XC60 - very impressed with this SUV, has the features we are looking for and drove very well. Warranty is at 5 year/60k miles with free scheduled maintenance for that time. Only concern is stability of Volvo and potential .
- 2010 Acura RDX - We test drove this, not for us. Cargo area is very small.
- 2010 Acura MDX - Nice, but it's a little over 40k. Drove very nice and lots of nice options. Being that I have a TL, we'll know what to expect on longevity and quality. Still in the top list.
- BMW X3 - Couldn't test drive one of these since our local dealer didn't even have one. Probably over our price range and cargo area seems to be small.

Other ones I'm still reviewing:

- Infiniti FX35 - Seems that there's some aggressive pricing around it that could bring it down to our price range. A little concerned with cargo area space.
- Lincoln MKX - Thoughts?

Any others?

Any Volvo owners? I would really appreciate your opinion on the brand since there doesn't seem to be dedicated communities for the XC60 (perhaps since it's rather new).


Edit - Update:

Haven't updated in awhile, but here's were we are at:

- Test drove an 10 MKX. Pretty nice, but nothing to call home about compared to the '11 MKX/11 Edge.

- '11 MKX/Edge - Holy crap. What an internal re-design compared to the '10s. The MyTouch stuff is amazing. I think out of the two of them, we are leaning towards the Edge due to the high cost of the MKX (a little out of our price range with the options we want)

So right now, this is our short list (the Edge and MDX are tied for one right now):

- 11 Edge
- 10 MDX
- 11 Volvo XC60

Between the Edge or MDX, not sure. I have a Acura TL that's proven to me that Acura/Honda makes a solid car. I know several people that are very happy with their MDX's. The Edge does have the technical favor however, but the MDX is a bigger SUV which we like. Hard decision.

 

[Jumpem]

In that price range I would look at the Audi Q5. If gas mileage is a higher priority look at the Outback 2.5i Limited CVT. Not really in the same league as what you mention, but I get 30-31mpg out of mine.

 

[Danman]

In that price range I would look at the Audi Q5. If gas mileage is a higher priority look at the Outback 2.5i Limited CVT. Not really in the same league as what you mention, but I get 30-31mpg out of mine.

Thanks for the info, I'll look into that.

 

[the DRIZZLE]

Thanks for the info, I'll look into that.

My parents just got a Toyota Highlander. I like it a lot. The interior is probably a notch below the Acuras you listed, but is still very nice IMO. I think they only paid 32ish for it.

 

[BlahBlahYouToo]

isn't the infiniti fx smaller than everything you've already listed?

 

[Danman]

isn't the infiniti fx smaller than everything you've already listed?

Bigger SUV than others, just cargo capacity is sub-par according to Edmunds.

 

[TraumaRN]

If you look at the new Lincoln MKX make sure you look at the new Ford Edge too.

Also as far as handsfree/navigation goes, you won't get any better then what you'll find on the Edge/MKX.

A nicely optioned Edge Limited with navi/leather/HID/moonroof/sync runs just under 40K
Loaded Edge SEL with navi/leather/sync is about 35K

A Lincoln MKX with navi/leather/HID/sync is about 44K

 

[RKS]

What about the Enclave/Acadia

 

[Danman]

If you look at the new Lincoln MKX make sure you look at the new Ford Edge too.

Also as far as handsfree/navigation goes, you won't get any better then what you'll find on the Edge/MKX.

A nicely optioned Edge Limited with navi/leather/HID/moonroof/sync runs just under 40K
Loaded Edge SEL with navi/leather/sync is about 35K

A Lincoln MKX with navi/leather/HID/sync is about 44K

That's about sticker - invoice plus the incentives bring the MKX down to around 37k from what TrueCar/CarsDirect are stating.

Only problem is our Ford dealership in town is abysmal...

 

[Demo24]

Shame, a 2011 Ford Edge or explorer would probably fit the bill well. I saw a 2011 Edge yesterday and they look really sharp on the road!

 

[TraumaRN]

That's about sticker - invoice plus the incentives bring the MKX down to around 37k from what TrueCar/CarsDirect are stating.

Only problem is our Ford dealership in town is abysmal...

Any other Ford dealers around? If so go to that one??

 

[Danman]

Any other Ford dealers around? If so go to that one??

Nope, just one here in town.

 

[TraumaRN]

Nope, just one here in town.

Ouch...that sucks...I'd still at least give it a try...what makes them so bad?? Bad service? Pushy??

 

[Danman]

Ouch...that sucks...I'd still at least give it a try...what makes them so bad?? Bad service? Pushy??

Everytime Ive taken in the Escape it's been just very bad customer service. Seems the management doesn't care either since Ive filed a complaint.

 

[Arkaign]

Equinox LTZ w/V6 and lots of options? Pretty nice vehicle, should be cheaper to operate and comes with 100k powertrain warranty. Skip the 'chrome' package though, looks cheesy.

http://www.roadandtrack.com/tests/impressions/2010-chevrolet-equinox

 

[Bignate603]

Equinox LTZ w/V6 and lots of options? Pretty nice vehicle, should be cheaper to operate and comes with 100k powertrain warranty. Skip the 'chrome' package though, looks cheesy.

http://www.roadandtrack.com/tests/impressions/2010-chevrolet-equinox

Doesn't GMC have a nicer version of the equinox?

 

[PhoKingGuy]

Keep in mind the volvo navigation system is near worthless for what you pay for it. You could look at like a Q5/Tiguan type thing but they are a bit on the smaller side than what you are looking for. You really can't go wrong with one of the Lambda triplets from GM, but if I were you i'd hold on for a few more months and see what Ford does with the new Explorer.

Also, Jeep GC. Only one out of everything mentioned i'd actually consider.

 

[Dr. Detroit]

Buick Enclave - 3-rows of seating but could be considered a full-size as its bigger than all 2- row SUV's. High on the luxury scale.

Mazda CX-9 - 3-rows of seating but big discounts

2011 Lincoln MKX & Ford Edge recieved Motor upgrades & all new class leading interiors - Best NAV out there.

2011 Jeep grand cherokee - All new with a gorgeous interior and some impressive cargo space + off road ability.

Skip the Infinit EX - interior is tiny. Pretty sure a CRV is larger and Infinit wants $40K

 

[Danman]

Keep in mind the volvo navigation system is near worthless for what you pay for it. You could look at like a Q5/Tiguan type thing but they are a bit on the smaller side than what you are looking for. You really can't go wrong with one of the Lambda triplets from GM, but if I were you i'd hold on for a few more months and see what Ford does with the new Explorer.

Also, Jeep GC. Only one out of everything mentioned i'd actually consider.

The Volvo dealership we went to also has VW. We sat in the Tiguan, very small and not what we're looking for. Q5's specs shows the cargo room to be very small.

Haven't considered the new Jeep, I'll check that out.

 

[MikeMike]

Cayenne?

 

[mmntech]

Shame, a 2011 Ford Edge or explorer would probably fit the bill well. I saw a 2011 Edge yesterday and they look really sharp on the road!

Handles really nice. We just got them in where I work. Everyone loves them so far.

Same goes with the Flex, even if it does look like a hearse, it's the best handling SUV I've personally driven. Has a low centre of gravity so it handles curves with ease. The Flex is like driving around in your living room too. Really good bang for the buck. As nice as many "luxury" SUVs I've been in. The fully loaded Limited AWD one starts at about $40k.

 

[RU482]

Rav4 +lift kit +35" mudders +supercharger

 

[slashbinslashbash]

Nissan Pathfinder or Murano?

 

[Bignate603]

Also, Jeep GC. Only one out of everything mentioned i'd actually consider.

I forgot about the new Grand Cherokee. Everything I've read is that it's a great vehicle. It's supposed to compete extremely well among other things in its class. It sounds like its definitely worth a look.

 

[evident]

the lexus rx350 is an awesome car for what it is. we can throw everything in it and still have room. it's plush and comfortable, not that fun to drive, but who cares when you're buying an SUV not meant to go offroad?