@@davidp.4727 Yeah, it's insane. The Civic too. I actually really like Honda products, but I would NEVER even consider purchasing one now because I strongly believe they are price gauging and taking advantage of the customer. Their price hikes have been egregious.
I would have bought a top trim normal vehicle, but now I'm looking at low trim luxury (in the US). It's a hard call though with all the high trim goodies, and I'm not even sure which luxury are the best deals.
Love the look of the new genesis , best part is they offer valet pick up and drop off for their service Center . Wish all companies offered that. Curious why Lincoln’s never get mentioned ?
I have had two model years of the Lincoln Nautilus, and they are a wonderful vehicle. Nothing goes wrong, and they tick all the boxes that most other luxury vehicles do, and a great value. You guys should check it out, but you seem to have a real preference towards anything not North American. That’s unfortunate!
Always love your analysis and perspective from the male and female point of view. We are a couple in our early 70's just outside Seattle. Have owned 19 BMW's, several Lexus cars, 1 Mercedes, and have a 2017 Macan S for the last 4 years. We have recently considered a new car and have driven the RDX, the X3M40, the GV70, as well as the F-Pace, and the Stelvio. If you put handling, sportiness, ride and comfort - in that order, we wouldn't trade our 2017 Macan S for any of these new cars. The RDX is somewhat harsh riding, the seats are not that comfortable, and it is more noisy. TheX3 M40 had great power and handling, but is also harsh riding and noisy. The GV70 leans toward luxury and when pushed to above 7/10's, fails to deliver, yet ride and comfort is excellent. The NX is smaller feeling than the Macan and storage in back is minimal. We just don't care for Mercedes so didn't even look at them. We have considered SQ5, but for the price, the Macan just beats it. Have not driven the XC60, but all reviews I've read lean towards comfort and not very sporty. Plenty of reasons to leave the F-Pace off your list, and the Stelvio is by far the best handling car, but ride, comfort, seating position all fall way down. Our conclusion after looking around, our car of choice - the 2019-2021 Macan GTS. Still has all the buttons (unlike the 2022-2024) and plenty of power, the PDK, and all the suspension goodies from Porsche. Keep up the good work! And if you ever decide to sell your Nordic Gold Cayenne, please let us subscribers know first! Thanks!
Glad to see the RDX made the list. Great value for the money, no costly options like the Germans. A smoother riding Tire than the GY RSA would be appreciated…
I have a 24 Lexus NX 350 F Sport and I love it. Intuitive controls for the infotainment and steering wheel. Red and black 🖤 ♥️ F Sport seats are extremely comfortable even after a long day at work. Ultrasonic Blue Mica 💙 exterior paint is eye catching and watering 😂😢. Panoramic sunroof goes all the way to the back. It's just been a dream cloud ☁️ on the road. Overall amazing vehicle. I've had some cosmetic issues and discoloration from factory. The dealer has been nothing but helpful getting them resolved and replaced if necessary. Lexus for me every time.
@@brolyvi1211 I'm not in the 1%, I just have help from my parents or else i can't afford to live in vancouver either. But I agree, most cannot afford cash, then I would say buy something used for far less, there are reliable brown corollas going for far less, my first car was a $400 rusted dodge omni. Going into debt for a depreciating car is the worst thing anyone can do in times like these
Updated to add: bought a new RDX last week and love it so far. Track pad is NBD- you get used to it quickly (or I have), and it’s well-appointed and drives great. Right choice for me. I’ve driven all but the Mercedes in the last month; I think the Acura is the ‘just right’ one for me. GV70 had weird mesh on the seats and a too-small back seat. The NX is nice but small-LOTS of tech. Loved how the BMW drove (X3 and X1), but just couldn’t get comfortable in the X3’s seats; X1’s ride was too harsh. The Acura has the track pad, but is so comfortable, drives well, loads of features, etc.
Had BMWs and mine weren't reliable long-term. My Acuras and Hondas are great. Track pad is my preference because the access it easier than a touch screen. My only gripe there ( and this is # 99 on my top 10 ) is tracking is different for the Apple Car play apps compared to the Acura apps. After a a year and a half with my 22 Aspec/Advance, I'd buy another in a heartbeat
What kind of gas mileage are you getting with your RDX? I'm cross shopping the RDX with the hybrid touring CRV..Just keep hearing about gas mileage horror stories with the RDX which is stopping me
@@altamushg It's not great, but all my driving right now is in town. Averaging 18-19. I'll see what it gets on a road trip, report back. Obviously, the CRV hybrid will get Much better mileage. I'm still glad I bought the RDX, fwiw. If you want something more luxurious than the Honda but with good mileage, the Lexus NX 350h is for you.
A great list! We are awaiting the arrival of our Lexus NX350 hybrid. As a young professional couple, the Lexus NX provides the tech forward cabin, liveable luxury, and the fuel efficiency that we have come to expect from Toyota & Lexus models. Our other daily driver is a Prius, so dropping below 30mpg felt unacceptable. We are glad the NX350h was an option.
I went with the NX350. Lowest cost of ownership in the segment and the most reliable. The infotainment is awesome, and the interior has a clean and understated luxury. I enjoy the distinct exterior design. I plan to own the car for a long time.
@@gosman949 I drive 200+ highway miles per week and live in a cold climate so I wouldn’t reap the full gas savings of the hybrid. At the time I purchased my car the hybrid was $8K more than the turbo. It would take me eight years of potential gas mileage savings to offset the initial upfront cost of purchasing a hybrid. And with hybrids you are typically looking at a $10K battery replacement at 10 years. It didn’t math out for my situation.
Great list ! The GLC is a superb vehicle.. lots of touch everywhere though.. no real buttons anymore.. I was seriously considering it until I saw the 5 year total cost of ownership numbers from EDMUNDS and they estimate 5 year total cost to own the 2023 GLC is close to $84K USD !
Yeah I bought a used one in 4 years ago certified pre owned…. It’s a 2017 GLC300 with one of the higher packages at 30,500 miles on it. Within the 6 months of ownership it had major suspension issues but it was covered under warranty. And now at 85,000 miles I’m having suspension issues again and it’s almost $7k to repair. The maintenance on these is so HIGH but it’s hard because I’m SO IN LOVE with the car overall. Get them but be ready to put $$$ into maintenance. I’m currently car shopping and likely going to switch to the Acura RDX
I love my Volvo XC60. It’s unapologetically simple, clean, minimalist and stylish. ( However, I miss my X3 which I had in UK. The driving feel absolutely different level. I found Lexus RX350 almost similar sporty, crunchier feel. My next would be Lexus)
In April 2023 I wanted a Lexus NX 350h but due to the lack of availability at the time, I purchased a NX 350 Luxury package. It is fully loaded with all upgrades with a price tag around $56, 000 US. I really like this SUV but it has too much piano black interior and the driver seat is not as comfortable on long drives. Overall I am pleased with my choice.
Thank you both for this great unbiased review of luxury compact SUV's! After considerable research, my wife and I ordered a 2024 BMW X3. Although we are closing in on 70 y.o., we enjoy a "fun" driving car with a combination of spirit, class, and comfort. Our 2022 Mini Countryman has been a fun vehicle but now time for a little more comfort, safety, etc. Genesis dealership in our area is a problem. Mercedes reliability and lack of sportiness is an issue for us. The Acura infotainment system is problematic in our minds and the Volvo while a great vehicle is owned by a Chinese company. Volvo Car Group is owned by Zhejiang Geely Holding of China. Not a big deal unless of course you have issues with oppressive communist governments. FWiW, I am not totally anti-China as I believe we are all part of a global economy that must get along to survive however how much we support those economies that could one day obliterate us should be in the back of everyone's minds. FWIW......after driving the BMW X3 30i and 40i, we decided on the 30i because of ride comfort. The 40i has a much more firm ride than the 30i. We also found the power of the 30i more than adequate for all our driving needs and wants. Our Min Countryman S ALL 4 only has 189 HP. Our test drive in the X3 40i certainly puts you back in your seat however much more power than needed for getting onto highways, passing, etc.. The cost savings between the two engines is also significant.
Love your show. IMO none of the luxury compact SUVs are much better done than the regular badges. Again IMO, you are buying a badge and not getting much for it.
Woohoo for the NX! I have the 350h and as my first SUV, I feel it is spacious enough. The downside is the cargo space as it is not huge, and even though I don't mind the piano black, it smudges easily and is terrible from the sun's reflection. The hybrid is the way to go for sure as I've been able to go under 5.0L/100km in some cases.
I chose the Volvo XC60 B6 Ultimate. Seats are amazing and sound system (Bowers and Wilkins) is out of this league. Initially tried the BMW X3 3.0 but loading it with options the price went through the roof. Then the Genesis GV70 , fantastic one but ground clearance is almost like a sedan.....then what's the point , considering the amount of snow we endure in Canada. The GLC would have been a great option too but price as well goes way higher than similarly equipped Volvo. Besides my comments, your channel is sensational because it does target the larger audience and gives good hints of pros and cons. Congrats
The XC60 is elegant inside and out . . . Timeless, as Zack alluded to. 😊My S60 sedan as well (ground clearance not so high on my list). Recharge economy excellent.
..................................... Freak'n Volva made in USA a Union shop ...as in NEVER GET FIRED for forgetting a weld etc....Lexus 450h+ "F" Sport,....is made 100% in Glorious Japan...make a mistake they have a Samori Sward ...really the employees are born working quality and for the company😀 ...bigg diff.....i.e. DEPENDABILITY & big Re-Sale value
Didn’t care for the front seat room in the RDX. The rear seat cushion is also closer to the floor so I wind up with my knees above my waist kinda like Zack (sp). Never got to try the touch pad because once I sat in the seat I didn’t want to drive it. The flat floor in the rear is a nice touch 👌. Drove the X3 M40i twice and really liked the drive. Rear seatback is too upright and doesn’t allow enough recline for me. Front seat bottom was too narrow. Not a fan of all of the piano black and the dark interior atmosphere. You can’t get ventilated seats if you don’t want the black leather interior. It felt solid and well built but not special. Exterior looks good but not sexy. It looks athletic for sure 👍. The GV70 offers really good bang for the buck. For me all of the exterior views save for the rear look sexy. The interior finishes and vibrant colors feel special and premium. Once the dealership network gets better the ownership experience will improve. They’re really fun to drive. The base steering wheel does scream Buick so they should get rid of that. Genesis also needs to add USB-C ports, wireless CarPlay and OTA updates. They could also learn a thing or two from BMW about how to get stronger fuel efficiency from potent engines. Almost all of the reviewers hate the two control dials but Zack (sp) is right. You get used to it after a short while. The textures, sizes and locations are different so the learning curve isn’t that tall. If Genesis already had access to the Tesla network the electrified variant would be the one for me. The Lexus lacks personality to me. It could be considered the Camry of this luxury group. I do however like the exterior of the sporty Camry Variant. Didn’t look at the GLC at all. It’s primary mission is luxury and that’s not my space. I also don’t like the a la carte pricing that Mercedes does. I like the interior look of the GLC but the exterior looks like it’s about ten years old. The Q5’s rear looks like a heavy wet diaper to me. The interiors also look drab and dark. I hope when they refresh it they add more exciting interior color trims and choices. The interior feels solemn. Glad to see you come around on the Macan. I commented on the rear seat legroom last year when you did this list. It’s probably fine if your rear seat passengers are middle schoolers but beyond that your passengers won’t want to stay for long. When you do the rear seat tests do you have Zack sit behind where he would have his front seat where he feels comfortable? The Volvo seats are very comfortable. I’m not a fan of their infotainment. I like the interior color options but I’m not a fan of the interior or exterior design They both look very dated to me. Huge fan of your reviews. Thanks for. Your hard work 🤙
I am buying the Lincoln Nautilus because it is a quiet and comfortable highway cruiser with fabulous stereo. Not everyone wants race car handling as they drive cross country :p
I bought one of the very first 2022 GV70 3.5 Sport Prestige's back in November 2021. Two years in I would buy it again, love the concierge service, interior tech and fit/finish match anything, my next vehicle may well be another Genesis, love the new GV80 Coupe.............
I loved driving the rdx, fantastic interior and the sh-awd really is great. Yeah the infotainment isn’t great with the pad but l got used to it. I think reviewers over state how bad it is. The gv70 is phenomenal as well it doesn’t handle as well and the interiors nicer. But the gv70 is $10k higher spec for spec in my area. I’m holding out for the cx70 from mazda as the cx90 was near perfect but I don’t need a 3rd row.
Will CX70 have hybrid option in US? I live in S. California and owned an MDX. Would consider RDX now that I'm empty nester but premium gas prices killing me !
@@midlifemom5829 yes it should as the cx90 has a phev and the cx70 is supposed to have the same powertrain but a smaller package. I’m not interested in the hybrid as the inline 6 is extremely attractive powertrain for me preferences.
I'm in the market for a mid sized semi-luxury suv. While I'd love to get the Lexus, the CVT is a bit of a deal breaker. Acura looks like the winner for me, especially on price and reliability, BUT, I'm waiting for them to get rid of the track pad…deal breaker. If I had a better budget (need to stay under $65,000), Porche would be my choice:) Any vehicle that also demands Supreme gas is also a deal breaker for me!
Just for fun I looked up the weights of all you reviewed - the A-spec Acura comes in at over 5000 pounds. Oddly the Genesis (2.5) and Mercedes GLC comes in at exactly the same 4167 pounds. Also the base BMW x30i is 4149 pounds. But the Lexus NX 250 is 4995 pounds (add 600 pounds for the hybrid you recommended for 5600 pounds). I'd buy the Mercedes because I'm very familiar with the brand and like their crash resiliency. If I bought my daughter a car, it would have to be the Acura RDX because CRVs have grown too large - and she has a 2006 CRV that is the same size as the new RDX which she likes the size of. Also she refuses to drive a Mercedes (like her father's 5467 pound GL) in the big city because it stands out too much / and she wants to blend in.
As I am, as you said… finally free of the expenses of my two children (aside from this year’s Christmas’Caribbean’ holiday)… basically free of ongoing daily/weekly/monthly financial obligations. Now being on month three … I wouldn’t mind adding an additional vehicle to the driveway. But two things… 1) damn! prices on new luxury CUVs are ludicrous (3-series for $95,000!!!) and 2) do I really need a compact and overpriced SUV when there are still deals if you want a proper ‘car’ (a vehicle with a trunk). After all, it is now generally, just me, my Wife and my Cocker Spaniel… until she dies (the dog, not my Wife). But if I HAD to buy one? It’d probably be the Genesis. Thanks for the video.
I do have a question. Usually people starts from 5,4,3,2,1 leaving the last one as number one but I done know which one was number 1 or 5. Can you tell me.
Looked at the X3 and it's just, meh. Same old same old Beemer look like their entire line. Dime a dozen. Drove Genesis GV70 and was sold on the 3.5T which is a rocket, until tried the 2.5T Prestige with the sport trim. It was plenty fast and saved $13K. Nice Napa and suede. Just over a year with it and absolutely love it. Gorgeous vehicle.
I did my research and got a 2.5t advanced GV70. Love the car. Tons of power and luxury features. That said, the NX350h is a great competitor. Those were my 2 choices, but the Lexus had nearly no deal plus less availability. A similarly equipped version to my GV70 would cost more as well, so I went with Genesis. Edit: you can get a base GV70 for near $40k if you're willing to put in some negotiating. Math: 45k - 2k Genesis incentive and another 3k of dealer discount (fairly achievable, especially on any leftover 2023). It's tough to beat when a comparatively equipped camry/accord/rav4 already pushes 40k.
Yes, GV70 is awesome. I got a lightly used (5000 miles) GV70 electrified. It was about $15k off the new price. Fabulous car. Drove the iX, the Tesla Y, and Tesla X. We were really in Tesla Y price range, but loved the GV70 so much that we almost considered getting the gas version. Luckily, this one popped up...
Clearly, I need to sell a child or two to afford one of these luxury compact SUVs. Of course, I think that would be against the law which must have been written by childless lawyers. Ps Love your reviews.
Great list and couple. Honda canada, u have lost a faithful client since the 80s w your prices, acura as well. Korea calling. Like trrudeau, i have had enough.
Acura could've been a winner, but they screwed up everything by their touchpad. Honda CRV comes with a touch screen, but Honda's luxury brand engineers are thinking: Hah, we don't need it on Acura.
When are consumers going to realize we are being over charged for what we get. 50g for kia’s and Honda’s. It’s like complaining about gas prices then paying for it. Difference is we don’t all need to pay for decked Out kias etc
I like the NX, but during my test drive, the interior seemed inferior to the German’s. I had a Q5 a couple years ago and thought it was a compromise between the X3 & GLC.
Somewhat disappointed that the LINCOLN CORSAIR does not even get an honourable mention especially the GRAND TOURING, great comfort like the others, great interior better than LEXUS and others, exceptional milage much better than many of the chosen, good handling and drive like many of the others. Getting more than a little tired of the LEXUS/TOYATA obsession, loud uncomfortable interiors etc. resale is great but it isn’t everything.
The Corsair is a bit grim amongst German competition. Doesn't have the look or handling of German competition, nor the supposed reliability of the Japanese.
@@nik18p Corsair has European styling compared to the asians, granted maybe does not have the outright performance of the Germans but still drives and handles well and the interior is comparable if not better, and costs less than the others, love the German vehicles, the Corsair is not a dog.
LOve your reviews, but when you do your mileage numbers I think it would be very helpful to show it they use Premium or Regular gas. I'm surprised how some people comment how they love my car, and ask the mileage, and when I mention it takes premium fuel, they get put off. Being that I own a Volvo, Audi, and my Mercedes, I'm quite familiar, but apparently many are not.
I seem to say this on every video with an Acura. I own a Type S. The infotainment and that touch pad is a disaster. The dynamic button is obnoxiously large and takes up too much space. The entire center stack is a disaster. Push button shifter....get rid of it.
Model Y Est. Delivery: Nov - Dec 2023 Purchase Price Probable Savings* 260mi Range (est.) 135mph Top Speed 6.6sec 0-60 mph Rear-Wheel Drive $32890 Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive long range $37890 performance $41390
I have a 2016 MB GLC 300 and am starting to look for her replacement. She's been an amazing vehicle that has given me no trouble at all. I will probably just get another one, but am researching to see if something else catches my eye. Ty for your content
We are so close to purchasing a 2021 sportback q5! Drove the X3 and didn’t care for it. Also cabin noise increased when compared to q5. Going to test drive RDX but not sure about the infotainment system when comparing to the q5! Any suggestions??
Andrea im still stuck with 2 vehicles between the CX-30 Turbo Prem Plus and the NX250 and need help which will be good in the long run? they both look luxurious in my eyes and need your thoughts
I am a big fan of Mazda and the CX-30 whether you buy the non-turbo or the turbo is terrific in my opinion. The only problem is it lacks rear seat legroom, headroom and cargo space. The NX is actually in the compact class, the CX-30 subcompact but the NX is one of the smallest in the compact class. Still bigger than the CX-30. If you need the space, the NX will be better for you but it's not as fun to drive as the CX-30 so you will have to compromise on driving dynamics. I would say the CX-5 is a similar size to the NX and you can have a ton of fun with the CX-5 as well.
I agree that Audi needs to update the interiors. As of rn it’s nothing special. Practical and simplistic, yes and that’s perfect for some. But I’d like to see an update
Porsche Macan GTS - very comfortable ride in comfort mode, great daily driver ..... switch to Sport + and you'll have a blast of a time....... Jekyll and Hyde syndrome
Had the new GLC as a loaner for a week and a half and the biggest downfall for me were the seats, lower portion. Personally, I feel the ones in my 21 are better. The large screen isn’t as obtrusive as you would think it is. The infotainment is super easy to use. The ride was compliant and quiet. If you want tech but still want classic luxury and comfort, you’ll get that.
Curious as to why Buick Envision never makes any of your lists or considerations. You seemed to like it in your review. It’s spacious for a compact. Attractive. And great JD Power score. Thoughts?
Oops...your MPG number for highway mileage on the Mercedes is incorrect...should be 26 not 31 (or the 9.1 number is wrong)...lots of numbers to process!
These are actually the official fuel economy numbers on Natural Resources Canada and Fuel Economy.gov. I understand what you mean though, the conversion doesn't work on this one. Not sure why, but it happens sometimes.
Great review and list. I’m considering trading my 11 year old X3 35i for a GLC… need to decide if I go for a new 300 or used 43 AMG. Given I’m also 11 years and older now, I’m thinking I’m ready for the more luxury experience of the Mercedes. Side note: Zak, great watch in this episode. What was on the wrist?!