Normal car recommendation….

[raginduck]

I own the CX-5 Signature and it is the best vehicle I have ever owned. I'm a bit of a Mazda advocate

Towed with it once and it does not like towing at all. Fuel mileage went to ****. Total tow weight was under 2000lbs and it felt like I was pulling a tank. Power was still kinda there but it was definitely lacking. I would not want to tow long distances. If towing is going to be a regular occurrence, I would not suggest the CUV options on your list.

The performance characteristics between the CX-5 and CX-50 are very different. I find the former way more driver oriented. The CX-50 lacks driver spirit and performance in comparison and felt floaty while the CX-5 feels tight and connected to the road.

Of the CUV options, IMHO, it is far nicer and more fun to drive. Makes the Honda and Toyota very utilitarian.

The interiors on the higher end models are getting comparable to the luxury brands... probably nicer than some.

 

[Evoex]

The wife is looking for a new vehicle...
I have her looking at.. X3.. GLC.. and the Stelvio. She's always liked the look of the Stelvio... I like it too.. but!?
Any thoughts.. or other suggestions???

Looks like we're talking base model luxury SUV?

X3
GLC
Stelvio
FPace
Q5 (Q3 is too small for anything imo)
NX450 i think Lexus calls it now
XC60
Macan

My top 3 would be;

1) Macan
2) XC60
3) Fpace

but of course it depends on wants/needs.

 

[SunnY S]

The wife is looking for a new vehicle...
I have her looking at.. CX-70.. X3.. GLC.. and the Stelvio. She's always liked the look of the Stelvio... I like it too.. but!?
Any thoughts.. or other suggestions???

Alfa Romeo and Fiat are on life support.

good luck with warranty (you'll need it). and service in the coming years.....

 

[JZ67]

The wife is looking for a new vehicle...
I have her looking at.. CX-70.. X3.. GLC.. and the Stelvio. She's always liked the look of the Stelvio... I like it too.. but!?
Any thoughts.. or other suggestions???

Full disclosure, I am biased towards Mazda but for good reason. They are simply outperforming the competition on build quality. They have moved to the luxury market space and doing it well. Unlimited kilometer warranty only screams build quality to me.

A coworker owns an an Alpha, spends 8 weeks in the shop every year. But it looks sweet and presents with an image.

A coworker owns the F Pace, costs a bloody fortune to maintain. But it looks sweet and presents with an image.

To me, BMW and MB are vehicles you lease. Once things start to break, it gets heavy.

The Volvo is an awesome option.

Mazda...lower cost to buy. Lower cost of maintenance, great warranty, beautiful design with luxury touch, decent resale value. Does it carry the same gravitas when you arrive, no.

 

[mimico_polak]

What's the story with Volvo currently? Are they reliable? Have they gone downhill since Tata bought them from Ford?

They're expensive to buy/lease, but they are gorgeous and their wagons are one of the sexiest on the road to me.

 

[GreyGhost]

What's the story with Volvo currently? Are they reliable? Have they gone downhill since Tata bought them from Ford?

They're expensive to buy/lease, but they are gorgeous and their wagons are one of the sexiest on the road to me.

I know a Volvo family. A never-ending string. Each one they like better than the last. No major issues. The latest is current Gen and quick. I can't remember which one as I've only heard about it but haven't seen it.

I would love it if Volvo would bring back the R wagons. So nice.

 

[raginduck]

Alfa Romeo and Fiat are on life support.

good luck with warranty (you'll need it). and service in the coming years.....

That's why the "but!?"

 

[mimico_polak]

I know a Volvo family. A never-ending string. Each one they like better than the last. No major issues. The latest is current Gen and quick. I can't remember which one as I've only heard about it but haven't seen it.

I would love it if Volvo would bring back the R wagons. So nice.

Isn't the last Polestar version the latest 'R' model?

I saw a V70R a few days ago....love em to this day. If I wasn't so scared of Jaguar quality and maintenance I'd go buy an old X-Type Estate wagon as I loved those when I was working for Jag.

Had a nice BRG one...it's practically an F-TYPE R....almost...

 

[GreyGhost]

Isn't the last Polestar version the latest 'R' model?

I saw a V70R a few days ago....love em to this day. If I wasn't so scared of Jaguar quality and maintenance I'd go buy an old X-Type Estate wagon as I loved those when I was working for Jag.

Had a nice BRG one...it's practically an F-TYPE R....almost...

I guess polestar is similar to R but different imo. R vehicles were hairy and tight. Imo, polestar is a nudge in that direction but falls short.

I have zero love for x and s type. Modern xjr would be cool but I don't know if I could go back to a vehicle with a trunk. Not a "normal" vehicle though.