Still undecided on a new small suv

[Hamster12011]

So my GF and I have been looking over the past few weeks at a new small suv to replace her current Jeep. This vehicle will have to serve as her daily driver and our only (personal) car during the winter as the 135 doesn't get driven in the white stuff. we would plan to keep this one for at least 7 or 8 years. So far we have looked at and test drove the following:

Audi Q7
BMW X5
Mercedes ML
Lexus RX
Jeep Grand Cherokee: V6 and Hemi

I have found the X3 and GLK to be too small in the back for what we would eventually use this vehicle for which is a shame as the new X3 looks pretty good. The lexus was the first to be ruled out mainly due to the fact it is extremely boring to drive and feels very cold. Almost rental car like and just something that I wouldn't feel happy with in the long term. The Audi is a rip-off in my opinion as it is way too expensive for what you get. I didn't really care too much for the ML. She also finds the space in the back to be too small which is odd as she thinks the X5 is big enough.... So I think I have got the choice down to the BMW or the Jeep. I was very pleased with the new Jeep in both V6 and Hemi forms. The fit and finish is amazing and on par with alot of the others. Price is'nt too much of a factor, although the price gap between the two is pretty big once you option them out.

Just curious, What do you guys think? Perhaps we have overlooked another vehicle that may be just as good.

Oh, the X5 would be a diesel if we did choose to go with it.

[MisterSkiMask]

I've got an X5d, so thats the one I chose after doing quite a bit of shopping.

I would also look at a Cayenne, I had a Cayenne S and I absolutely loved it. I have read good things about the new Jeep Grand Cherokee, if you could get a good deal on one I would strongly consider it.

[335iMIAMI]

Originally Posted by MisterSkiMask

I've got an X5d, so thats the one I chose after doing quite a bit of shopping.

I would also look at a Cayenne, I had a Cayenne S and I absolutely loved it. I have read good things about the new Jeep Grand Cherokee, if you could get a good deal on one I would strongly consider it.

+1 on the cayenne.

[blue2fire]

If you plan to keep it for "7 to 8 years", i suggest you quickly forget the Germans and the Italian-American-German.

[Cdnrockies]

Originally Posted by blue2fire

If you plan to keep it for "7 to 8 years", i suggest you quickly forget the Germans and the Italian-American-German.

I would agree strongly with this statement.

I've currently got an X5 35d, ML 320 Bluetec and my wife came out of the RX330.

Each has their own strengths and weaknesses and none are perfect by any means. While you're correct that the RX is the least "fun" to drive vehicle on your list, it has a ton of positives going for it. The rear space is as good, the interior is better in the new ones imo, the tech is good, it's significantly cheaper and the reliability will easily be the best on this list. We didn't get another one due to a dealership issue with my IS F, not because of anything with the vehicle itself. I even convinced a friend to get one and my wife laments not getting one sometimes.

That being said the X5 is easily the most "fun" to drive on the list. Super comfortable, the new iDrive is very good, and gas mileage is good for a vehicle this size. Reliability....not so much.

My wife prefers how her ML drives compared to the X5. More luxurious, quieter but not nearly as quick or engaging. Imo, the ML is a much better looking vehicle. Again reliability is not great.

I haven't owned a Q7 but looked at it and have a friend that owns one. I really can't figure out how they are worth $95K up here for a full load diesel. The dealership and service experience are apparently abysmal, but my friend enjoys the cars and keeps buying them....lol. Reliability again is also weak.

Jeep...no comment. Didn't look at and no interest.

Hope this helps.

[TK-421]

Cayenne

[michaelthepsycho]

A) Don't buy an SUV
B) If you must, the Lexus would be ideal for your long-term needs.

[DASHOCKER]

If you are going used, the last gen Infiniti FX is a fantastic drive and still looks nice with the 20 inch wheel package. I am looking to get the baby Infiniti EX35 to replace my X3 soon. No big family here so no need for me to buy a bus

[LI E90]

Q5

[bmwcoupeftw]

Originally Posted by michaelthepsycho

A) Don't buy an SUV
B) If you must, the Lexus would be ideal for your long-term needs.

Totally agree. SUV is very bad imo.

I would easly choose the X5.

[Raine]

RX.

[UltimateBMW]

Q5 or new x3.

I wouldn't say the X5 or Q7 are 'small' SUV's.