Advice wanted on 2016 or newer luxury SUV.

[FADEC]

Going to be looking for a used 2016 or newer luxury SUV this coming up spring for my recently retired wife. Was planning on researching Acura MDX, Lexus RX350 and now just recently starting to consider MB GLE 350. Really not interested in BMW, Infiniti, or Audi. Going with standard engines and front wheel drive. Other than owning a 2009 RX350 (which we loved), I have not driven any of them.

Seems like decent deals on off lease vehicles around here. First off need something that has strong acceleration. Too many short on-ramps and 80+mph drivers here on interstates and freeways. Also need relaxed cruising at 80+ mph.

Looking for something fairly loaded up and preferably a light color with light interior. Be nice if I could find something with 40k or less miles on it.

All advice and suggestions welcome!! Tom

 

[skyactiv]

Be sure to compare discounted new pricing vs used pricing. Some late model used vehicles command such a price you might as well spend the extra .05 and buy new.

 

[skyactiv]

And being in Texas, I'd get something with air conditioned front seats.

 

[wemay]

The Mazda CX-9 can be optioned up to incredibly luxurious levels. I was very surprised at how nice the fit, finish and materials were in the one we rode in. But of the three you mention, i like the RX350 for luxury.

 

[oil_film_movies]

Originally Posted by wemay
The Mazda CX-9 can be optioned up to incredibly luxurious levels. I was very surprised at how nice the fit, finish and materials were in the one we rode in. But of the three you mention, i like the RX350 for luxury.
I vote for the CX-9, very highly rated. Can't go wrong there.
Originally Posted by daddi
Really not interested in BMW, Infiniti, or Audi.
Ouch! Another favorite of mine is the Infiniti QX50 VC-Turbo. Awesome job they did, lots of HP with more MPG on top. Quality all around in that one. Looks stylish too I think.

Those are new. For used, look at all the CPO programs for the make you settle on. CPO = Certified Pre-Owned, usually they only take quality 2 or 3 year old models, check them over out the wazoo, and you get a warranty and a discount from the high prices on luxo-CUVs.

VW Atlas has a 6 year 72,000 mile full bumper-to-bumper warranty available on new ones. Best there is. Good CUV.

 

[MONKEYMAN]

Family member traded in 2001 RX300 and bought 2017 RX350. She and I loved the RX300. The RX350 new styling and interior never grew on me. She did say the RX350 had good acceleration, but could not deal with how it grew bigger and was hard to park. Traded for a 2018 NX300. Not as powerful. She likes it and I like it. What I am saying the newer RX350 may not reflect what you liked about the RX350 you are used to. She did get the lighter interior in both which seems like something you are looking for.

 

[edyvw]

Originally Posted by daddi
Going to be looking for a used 2016 or newer luxury SUV this coming up spring for my recently retired wife. Was planning on researching Acura MDX, Lexus RX350 and now just recently starting to consider MB GLE 350. Really not interested in BMW, Infiniti, or Audi. Going with standard engines and front wheel drive. Other than owning a 2009 RX350 (which we loved), I have not driven any of them.

Seems like decent deals on off lease vehicles around here. First off need something that has strong acceleration. Too many short on-ramps and 80+mph drivers here on interstates and freeways. Also need relaxed cruising at 80+ mph.

Looking for something fairly loaded up and preferably a light color with light interior. Be nice if I could find something with 40k or less miles on it.

All advice and suggestions welcome!! Tom

Take into consideration that MB is proper vehicle, that means RWD based with longitudinal engine.
All cars you mentioned are based on cheap platforms and I am not sure how car with transverse engine is proper luxury SUV. If you are stuck to those you mentioned, Mercedes is the one that will provide most luxurious ride and best performance.
Others mentioned CX-9. While nice vehicle I always come back to basics. True luxury cars have to have longitudinal engine and RWD platform. Everything else is just imitation.

 

[oil_film_movies]

Hilarious post, edyvw. You do know that Ford's Model T was a "proper vehicle" according to your definition.

 

[FADEC]

Yes air conditioned seats for sure! I love them. It seems like the MB depreciates the most. Online pricing of 2016 models shows retail depending on how equipped 57k-60k. Used priced in mid 30k range. Lexus much less retail price but roughly the same used price. The MB certainly has more "snob" factor which I'm okay with. Never owned a German car except for a 1953 Messerschmitt KR175

Love all opinions thank you!!

 

[gathermewool]

One very important detail missing from the OP:

What will the vehicle be used for? Does she simply want a high-seated luxury vehicle or does she need room to cart around grand-kids?

 

[edyvw]

Originally Posted by oil_film_movies
Hilarious post, edyvw. You do know that Ford's Model T was a "proper vehicle" according to your definition.

Yep. It is called laws of physics.

 

[FADEC]

Yes basically a high seated luxury vehicle. Very few if any passengers, except for dogs! We take a couple of long distance driving trips each year, so need something comfortable that will haul [censored] down the road.

 

[StevieC]

If you do go with the RX350 take it for a good long test drive and see how it shifts at low speeds especially on right turns where you slow down but take the corner and then accelerate away without stopping first to make sure you are ok with the 8-speed shifting program. I had the same transmission in my 18 Highlander I just got rid of and it was terrible along with harsh shifting up/down after it had accumulated some miles. I was left thinking they got this transmission terribly wrong and questioned it's longevity down the road.

I'm not trying to scare you away from the RX350 but I just want to make sure you put it through your paces before laying down the money on it so you aren't dissatisfied with it afterward as I was with my Highlander. It's a relatively new transmission for Toyota/Lexus and they had major failures with it in 2017 which have seen been resolved and then had to update the software because of complaints of the engine revving up as it would change gears. Then there is my experience along with others about harsh down-shifting and terrible low-speed shifting program nuances.

The outgoing 6-speed in older models of the RX-350 was far superior in shift quality.

Good luck with your search!

 

[FADEC]

Originally Posted by StevieC
If you do go with the RX350 take it for a good long test drive and see how it shifts at low speeds on right turns where you slow down but take the corner and then accelerate away without stopping first to make sure you are ok with the 8-speed shifting program. I had the same transmission in my 18 Highlander I just got rid of and it was terrible along with harsh shifting up/down after it had accumulated some miles.

I'm not trying to scare you away from the 350 but I just want to make sure you put it through your paces before laying down the money on it so you aren't dissatisfied with it afterward.


I know what you mean about rough shifting 8 speeds. I've got one in my 2016 Sierra Slt. Constant rough shifts, bangs, and weird timed shifts. I've learned to live with it (somewhat).

 

[StevieC]

My Highlander was great at first but was just a little jerky at times which I thought I had fixed when I dumped the Toyota WS fluid for Amsoil, then it came back as I guess the adaptive logic learned about the new fluid properties etc. Then is when it started really acting up. It appears lots of folks aren't happy with it and Volvo who shares this transmission has been having problems as well. Some do it right away and others take some miles to be added before it starts happening. It appears to be software related because it would only happen cold or when the fluid was hot after driving a while. Inbetween seemed fine.

 

[OVERKILL]

Another option is the Grand Cherokee, which can be extremely well appointed and is based on the same platform as the Mercedes. One with the 5.7L will more than satisfy the power needs and the ZF 8spd unit is well programmed.

 

[FADEC]

Originally Posted by OVERKILL
Another option is the Grand Cherokee, which can be extremely well appointed and is based on the same platform as the Mercedes. One with the 5.7L will more than satisfy the power needs and the ZF 8spd unit is well programmed.


Yes I agree. Would like to check them out as well. I would really LOVE that Hemi! And from what I hear that 8 speed is really well sorted out.

 

[edyvw]

Originally Posted by StevieC
If you do go with the RX350 take it for a good long test drive and see how it shifts at low speeds especially on right turns where you slow down but take the corner and then accelerate away without stopping first to make sure you are ok with the 8-speed shifting program. I had the same transmission in my 18 Highlander I just got rid of and it was terrible along with harsh shifting up/down after it had accumulated some miles. I was left thinking they got this transmission terribly wrong and questioned it's longevity down the road.

I'm not trying to scare you away from the RX350 but I just want to make sure you put it through your paces before laying down the money on it so you aren't dissatisfied with it afterward as I was with my Highlander. It's a relatively new transmission for Toyota/Lexus and they had major failures with it in 2017 which have seen been resolved and then had to update the software because of complaints of the engine revving up as it would change gears. Then there is my experience along with others about harsh down-shifting and terrible low-speed shifting program nuances.

The outgoing 6-speed in older models of the RX-350 was far superior in shift quality.

Good luck with your search!


That transmission is in VW, BMW etc. and apparently only Toyota/Lexus has issues, and they are majority owner of Aisin. Go figure. When I was going for Sienna I wanted specifically old 2GR-FE engine (which feels stronger then new DI engine) and six speed.

 

[edyvw]

Originally Posted by daddi
Originally Posted by OVERKILL
Another option is the Grand Cherokee, which can be extremely well appointed and is based on the same platform as the Mercedes. One with the 5.7L will more than satisfy the power needs and the ZF 8spd unit is well programmed.


Yes I agree. Would like to check them out as well. I would really LOVE that Hemi! And from what I hear that 8 speed is really well sorted out.

8 speed in GC is different animal from Aisin in Lexus. It is probably best transmission out there and with HEMI it is Made in Germany not build by FCA under license.
But one thing with ZF transmission is that at 60k you should do service to "refresh" fluid. Not flush, but refresh. And it is around $28 per bottle (takes around 5-7 depending on transmission version).
But, it drives good, it goes good and it feels like properly executed SUV.

 

[JeffKeryk]

The 2016 up Lexus RX are wonderful cars. Get the hybrid (450h) if you can. And definitely all wheel drive.
Whatever SUV you choose, a bunch will be coming off lease.
Have fun.