#CoupleCarReviews
#Top-5LuxurySUVs
This is a Motormouth couple car review of the top-5 luxury compact SUVs. There are many brands to choose from and all have high and low points, so we have come up with our top-5, in alphabetical order and you tell us which one you would choose.
Acura RDX
Pros: Roomy cabin and cargo area, lots of available tech and a good looking interior with very little hard plastic. Flat floor in the back makes it comfortable for middle seat passengers. Great vehicle for a growing family.
Cons: Track pad is difficult to use, there’s only one powertrain option and only two trims in Canada, but plenty of trims in the US making it quite an affordable option in the US.
Audi Q5
Pros: Great all-rounder, it does everything really well and appeals to a lot of buyers with its light steering and easy handling.
Cons: Needs an interior update, the screen seems like an afterthought sitting on top of the dash and with the removal of the centre console dial, there are some odd storage solutions. Although some may love the lighter steering, I also think that is a negative for some.
BMW X3
Pros: Excellent handling SUV, engaging and entertaining. The steering is heavier than what you would find in the Q5 but you can change the heaviness of it depending on the drive mode you are in. BMW is moving more to a lighter steering feel. The infotainment system is fantastic, we like the option of controlling the screen at the centre console or using it as a touchscreen and this is a spacious compact SUV.
Cons: The interior isn’t as nice as we expected, BMW added a fair amount of hard plastic to the cabin. The leather seats can look cheap.
Genesis GV70
Pros: Strong performing engines, precise steering, smooth, quiet and upscale cabin, very beautiful interior.
Cons: Small rear seat, no wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, sometimes we mix up the rotary dial and infotainment dial at times, they are very close together.
Lexus NX
Pros: Updated technology including, wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, fully heated steering wheel, Lexus Safety System 3.0 and safe exit assist, comfortable cabin and 4 powertrain options including a hybrid and plug-in hybrid. The hybrid model is priced well and is our favourite NX model.
Cons: The run-flat tires can get a little bit loud depending on the pavement you are driving on,
piano black interior on the lower trims, could look a little more upscale for a Lexus on those
So the list is Acura RDX, Audi Q5, BMW X3, Genesis GV70 and the Lexus NX. We also have some honourable mentions for brands like the:
Alfa Romeo Stelvio
Two powertrain options, a 2L turbocharged 4-cylinder with an 8-speed automatic transmission, 280 horsepower and 306 lb-ft of torque. The Quadrifoglio the more powerful Stelvio gets 505 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque.
Porsche Macan
Three powertrain options, the base model has a 2L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with a 7-speed automatic transmission, 261 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Other models available include the Macan S with 375 horsepower and the GTS, 434 horsepower. A Macan EV is coming soon.
Mercedes-Benz GLC
There is a new GLC model coming this year, but surprisingly this one holds up and is a great choice. The interior feels luxurious, the drive is refined, quick acceleration and the cabin is well insulated.
Powertrain: There are two powertrain options, the base model has a 2L turbocharged 4-cylinder with a 9-speed automatic transmission, 255 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. The AMG 43 gets a biturbo V6 with 385 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque.
Volvo XC60
With three powertrain options including a plug-in hybrid, all 4-cylinder powertrains and are matted to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The B5 with 247 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, B6 with a supercharger gets 295 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque and the 455 horsepower T8 plug-in hybrid with 58 km/36 miles of EV range
Andrea Instagram / motormouth_andrea
Zack Instagram / motormouth_auto