[Conissah]

Originally Posted by roastbeef

we also drove a '17 grand cherokee v8. i was impressed. tons of power throughout the rev range, its a 5.7 hemi with the 8 speed transmission. tons of torque. the tow package obviously has a hitch, but it also has larger capacity oil and trans coolers, and slightly larger brakes (not srt brakes). tow rating is 7,200 lbs. got it for $33k with 19,000 miles on it and its been a great truck so far.

Nice. I had a 2015 GC High Altitude V6 and it towed great. What trim level you go for? I'd love an SRT, but they're so dang expensive, and I HAVE to have AA/Carplay, and that's only available on the 2018+ GC's.

[spazzyfry123]

Originally Posted by roastbeef

it seems like there are quite a few people on this forum in the same boat...
my wife and i needed a small suv for our dogs, but i was hoping to get something to tow with. we looked at cayennes since they had a pretty high tow rating (i think it was 7,400 lbs). we test drove a '14 cayenne GTS and it just didn't feel fast at all. we don't need a fast suv, but the power just wasn't there for the price premium.

we also drove a '17 grand cherokee v8. i was impressed. tons of power throughout the rev range, its a 5.7 hemi with the 8 speed transmission. tons of torque. the tow package obviously has a hitch, but it also has larger capacity oil and trans coolers, and slightly larger brakes (not srt brakes). tow rating is 7,200 lbs. got it for $33k with 19,000 miles on it and its been a great truck so far.

Nice pick up! I just recently got my wife a low mileage ‘17 Overland 4x4. Really wanted the V8, but for our needs, the V6 is more than enough and saved us a decent amount of cash. For the money you can get these for used, I can’t think of a better option with all of the features. I mean our V6 will tow 6500 lbs!!?!

Originally Posted by Conissah

Nice. I had a 2015 GC High Altitude V6 and it towed great. What trim level you go for? I'd love an SRT, but they're so dang expensive, and I HAVE to have AA/Carplay, and that's only available on the 2018+ GC's.

Not to derail, but is there anyway to put in a newer infotainment retro? That is literally my only complaint. We have the upgraded sound system with navigation and all, but I really have become accustomed to CarPlay with my other vehicles.

[jamesinaz]

I recently did my due diligence in buying a medium size sporty SUV. But before I get into that, anyone talking about buying a boat isn't getting sympathy regarding cost of a car.

I ended up with a Cayenne myself. But for what your wife is describing the X3 M40i ticks off a lot of boxes. I think it's bigger than the CX-5 and with that 6 cylinder has some fun juice.

[roastbeef]

Originally Posted by Conissah

Nice. I had a 2015 GC High Altitude V6 and it towed great. What trim level you go for? I'd love an SRT, but they're so dang expensive, and I HAVE to have AA/Carplay, and that's only available on the 2018+ GC's.

Originally Posted by spazzyfry123

Nice pick up! I just recently got my wife a low mileage ‘17 Overland 4x4. Really wanted the V8, but for our needs, the V6 is more than enough and saved us a decent amount of cash. For the money you can get these for used, I can’t think of a better option with all of the features. I mean our V6 will tow 6500 lbs!!?!

Not to derail, but is there anyway to put in a newer infotainment retro? That is literally my only complaint. We have the upgraded sound system with navigation and all, but I really have become accustomed to CarPlay with my other vehicles.

we ended up with a trailhawk, but only out of coincidence. i have an offroad truck, so this jeep will never see dirt. i don't think it has much more than the v8 with the tow package, but the "trailhawk" trim has a few other standard features like ventilated seats and such. it also has air suspension, which is nice for the auto-leveling when towing (which i have yet to do).

the seats are just ok. not the best seats i've ever sat in, but not uncomfortable. we did a long trip in it a little while back and i didn't have any more fatigue than i do when driving the m3.
one of the things i do like about it, is it feels and drives like a truck. you sit upright, it feels rigid and stout.
i tried to convince her she would like a raptor, but she refused because she didn't want to drive a truck. if she agreed, we would have one. lol

no idea on the retro fitting of infotainment stuff.

[roastbeef]

Pics for fun.

[uncle ben]

My advice is to not keep it off warranty. Had a friend with a Jeep Grand Cherokee and the thing was a money pit. $7k for new air suspension, $4k for engine issues (Diesel engine), and load of other things that broke. When it all worked, he loved it. But it was in and out of the shop a month out of the year.

[JP10]

Based on our price point the fiance is leaning towards the XC90. Hoping to go out and test drive a few vehicles soon. Originally she was leaning towards something more sporty and roughly the size of her CX-5. With that said, we had a road trip back up to PA and she finally realized why I was after a larger vehicle. She had her bridal shower so their were lots of gifts, and we brought the dogs home. After trying to pack everything in the car along with her suitcases and my golf clubs she was fed up lol.

I know there have been a few comments in regards to Infinity not making the greatest vehicles and all that. I'm still partially interested in test driving the QX60 just because it seems to have a lot of bang for your buck. I like the Jeep GC, but she isn't a fan for a reason unknown to me haha. Maybe I just need to get her to test drive one to see what she thinks. She might have some fun with the V8!

Appreciate all of the comments thus far, seems there are a few of us in the same boat!

[jamesinaz]

Originally Posted by JP10

Based on our price point the fiance is leaning towards the XC90. Hoping to go out and test drive a few vehicles soon. Originally she was leaning towards something more sporty and roughly the size of her CX-5. With that said, we had a road trip back up to PA and she finally realized why I was after a larger vehicle. She had her bridal shower so their were lots of gifts, and we brought the dogs home. After trying to pack everything in the car along with her suitcases and my golf clubs she was fed up lol.

I know there have been a few comments in regards to Infinity not making the greatest vehicles and all that. I'm still partially interested in test driving the QX60 just because it seems to have a lot of bang for your buck. I like the Jeep GC, but she isn't a fan for a reason unknown to me haha. Maybe I just need to get her to test drive one to see what she thinks. She might have some fun with the V8!

Appreciate all of the comments thus far, seems there are a few of us in the same boat!

When I bought the Volvo came in closer than I expected as competition. In particular the interior in the better equipped models is excellent. In the end I wanted more sporty but I know I would have been happy with the XC90,

[Conissah]

Originally Posted by spazzyfry123

Not to derail, but is there anyway to put in a newer infotainment retro? That is literally my only complaint. We have the upgraded sound system with navigation and all, but I really have become accustomed to CarPlay with my other vehicles.

When I had my 2015 GC, I highly considered swapping the head unit out, but got rid of it for the M2. You CAN swap it out, but the unit itself is $1600. Here's the link

[jmhumr]

I'm personally in the same boat because I have an X1 and need to upgrade for more interior volume now that we're taking 1,000-mile road trips to see family several times a year.

After months of research, I've discovered that the options are terrible if you don't want to grow all the way to a cumbersome 3-row (Telluride, Q7, CX-9, etc.).

Here's what's left on my short list in terms of luxury SUVs:

RDX - Seems to be perfectly sized and sporty, but gets bad marks for reliability and that touchpad is a spoiler.

XC60 - Super nice, plenty of power, nice size. My top complaint is that ventilated seats are only available as part of an outrageously expensive massaging seat option.

Grand Cherokee - The Summit is very nice, especially in white leather. But man that car has looked the same for 100 years and drives more like a truck than a sporty SUV. The 2021 version will be all-new but hasn't been revealed yet.

Other "value" oriented options I'm tracking:

Sorrento - All-new and looks interesting and full of features, but I suspect it's a boring drive (no driving impression reviews yet).

Edge - Rumors is they're finally gonna update the 2002-style infotainment setup for MY2021, so I'm curious if true. ST has a V6.

Passport - Heard this thing is FAST, but the styling is dreadfully boring inside and out, even for Honda.

Venza - Bringing back in 2021 and it looks more like a Lexus than a Toyota, but it only comes in hybrid so probably a bore to drive.

[GERMAN M3]

Volkswagen Atlas SEL R Line. Lots of cargo room when compared to similar SUVs, and if I’m not mistaken it has more room than a Tahoe.

[jmhumr]

Originally Posted by uncle ben

I’d look at a new x3. The base engine isn’t that bad, and it comes fairly well equipped.

I had one as a service loaner and didn't find it any roomier than the X1, which is similar to the OP's CX-5. Maybe a little wider, that's it. I've seen passenger volume numbers that put the X1 and X3 as identical (101.2 vs. 101.4 cu-ft). Surprised and disappointed me because I had planned on upgrading to an X3 down the line.

For that reason, I think X5 is the only way to go if the OP wants a BMW.

[Egrunt]

The wife of 34 years has been wanting to get a SUV. When I take the M5 (F90) in for service she always wants me to get a X3 as a loaner. She loves driving the X3.

She presently drives a 2012 GTI Autobahn (2 door) and refuses to sell / trade the GTI for a new vehicle. I did the APR stage 1 for the ECU and DSG (transmission) tune and it is a blast to drive.

We have test driven the X3M40i / X4M40i along with the Macan S. Bigger discounts can be had for the X3M40i over the Macan S at least here in San Diego County. This was before COVID 19. The Macan S as optioned per my wife's specs comes in close to 80k and the X3M40i comes in at 67k. While I am not a fan of performance SUV's I would go with the X3M40i.

I have a 2008 Tacoma double cab off-road 4X4 (purchased new) and I have been trying to talk her into getting a Toyota 4Runner (would be my choice). We test drove a 2020 4Runner Pro and I would have bought it on the spot but the wife was not sold on it. So as they say happy wife happy life. If VW still made a 2-door GTI, we would have a new GTI / Golf R but it is no longer offered by VW.

While the 4Runner is not sporty to drive, it is dependable and holds its value well. The Toyota dealer offered me 17k for my 12 year old Tacoma with 87k miles. I paid 26k (reduced from 32k in 2008). If all my vehicles (4 in our house hold) were lost and I had to start over. The first vehicle I would buy would be another Tacoma.

[Alfisti]

Stelvio? It's different, looks great, goes like a scalded cat and sounds about the size you want.

She is a touch stiff as the handling is ridiculous for a SUV.

[LOW4LYF]

Idk...I think you can't go wrong with a $700 X3M Competition lease. Hard to get more car for that money.

[Murf993]

Bronco

[LOW4LYF]

Originally Posted by jstein55

Ride is way too stiff for daily driving imo. Otherwise great car.

Do you own one or is this what you read online?

I had the X3M and X4M over the weekend and haven't any complains about the suspension.

[LOW4LYF]

Originally Posted by jstein55

Overnight test drive, wife wanted a daily for work (she drove an M2 and works in DC and was thinking of replacing it) and the deals were really good so we checked out the X3M. 30/40i were out due to uncomfortable seats. We liked everything but the ride, even caused my dog to throw up and cry/bark the whole time (wife brings him to work with her) which no other SUV has done before. In the end she decided its better to not try and mix a sports car with practicality (so she kept the M2 for weekends - now totaled) and the GM of my MB dealer that I'm friends with was selling his wife's GLC so she got that for her and the dog. Other than the ride, excellent vehicle.

Interesting!

The main reason for me to getting an SUV is my dog too.

Drove the X3 & X4 M with no issues, waiting for the X5 45e.

[4Hockey4]

Sporty looking or driving ? 2021 Toyota Highlander XSE. 300 hp, new safety features, plenty of room up to 10 yo kids, 5K towing, quiet and amazing resell. Won't drive like Porsche, but less then $40k loaded with deal.

"Legitimate suspension changes to improve handling"

https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/2...der-xse-debut/

on lot in September

https://www.toyotavacaville.com/blog...0launch%20date.

[jmhumr]

Originally Posted by Alfisti

Stelvio? It's different, looks great, goes like a scalded cat and sounds about the size you want.

She is a touch stiff as the handling is ridiculous for a SUV.

I've only heard bad news about Alpha Romeo's having awful initial reliability and long wait times for warranty repairs due to poor parts distribution. For that reason, I'd hesitate to even lease a Stelvio.

[jmhumr]

Originally Posted by jstein55

I would recommend the RDX, only reliability issues I've heard of are the tech which are most likely already fixed/updated. The touchpad while not the most intuituve can most likely be adapted to, otherwise a very nice car, good driving dynamics and powertrain, fairly practical, and a very nice interior.

Yeah I can't wait to test drive one. I hope the reliability is just infotainment related, but I've also read that Honda's transmissions aren't as reliable as they used to be and that the new RDX is not immune to the CRV's now-infamous oil-fuel dilution problem. Combined with the fact that Honda keeps dropping to the middle of the pack in just about every reliability ranking, I find no comfort in the Honda/Acura badge these days. They're not bad by any means, but they used to make cars that you wouldn't even consider needing an extended warranty for.

Originally Posted by jstein55

Love the seats and interior, however the all touchscreen system is slow on boot-up and houses all the HVAC controls would be a big turn off. Volvo reliability is also questionable with the new engines using both turbo's and superchargers. Also surprisingly for how boring Volvo's are they for some reason have very stiff suspensions.

I agree having all controls on a touchscreen is a bad idea, but I've read the 2019-2020's have faster processors to fix the lag and wouldn't let that be a deal-breaker. As for reliability, only the T6 and T8's have turbo and superchargers. The T5 only has a turbocharger and I found it very peppy on the test drive. From my buyer's research, I'd consider Volvo as industry average in terms of reliability, with repair/maintenance costs that sit right between mainstream brands and BMW/Audi.

Originally Posted by jstein55

The looks have actually aged well, but I'd never buy a new car that shares its platform with a 20-year old Mercedes ML, and FCA reliability is questionable at best.

100% agree on everything you said here. I'm curious what the 2021's will look like. I've heard it'll get bigger which is a deal-breaker for me. I'm not interested in 195-205" class of SUVs. Too much car considering I'm the only passenger 95% of the time.

Originally Posted by jstein55

Not bad, I assume you're referring to the new 2021 updates, new Kia's are very class competitive and worth a look if you ask me. The new Santa Fe (the equivalent Hyundai) is also very nice and a good value.

Yeah, and I see the Santa Fe is getting a rather unique LCI in 2021. I'm curious to see how both of these cars look and feel in person.

Originally Posted by jstein55

I wouldn't reccomend the Edge. Nothing really all that wrong with it and one of the more reliable Ford's out there, but the driving position is extremely terrible. Seating is way too high, and due to the cab forward design and short hood, the dash is the size of a football field with terrible blind spots and a thick a-pillars, it just feels extremely awkward to sit in.

Good to know. I felt that way about the previous-gen Santa Fe when we were shopping for my wife a few years back.

[j0oftheworld]

I'm against SUV purchasing in general due to their impact on car/sporty fun car sales!
Since you're not with kids currently, why not get her a fun convertible or the like, then by the time you start expanding the fam you can just get a Honda Oddy! (10x better than any SUV/ and have the paid off Convert for date nights)