Hello All,

I will likely be wanting to trade in my 2008 TSX and shop for a new car in the near future. I am on the fence between NX, GLA, and new RDX.

I've seen some opinions on the NX on other posts but curious if anyone has personal thoughts/opinions or test drove the Mercedes Benz GLA?

 

The GLA, NX, and RDX are not a true apples to apples comparison.

The GLA size is more like a Mazda 3 hatchback since it is 174 in long and 60 in high.

The NX is 182 in long and 64.8 in high

The RDX is 183 in long and 66 in high

I have seen the GLA in person and don't consider it is CUV because it is not really taller than a car.

GLA - tall hatchback

RDX - family sized small SUV (MDX is the family sized medium)

NX - sport small sized CUV (RX is the family sized medium)

 

Was excited to test drive until i started seeing them on the road....its a jacked up car on thin, non rugged tires. Look at the rear view of the car in person and youll see what i mean. Like a car up on stilts. The big reveal shot.

Plus the lack of rear quarter windows really screams im a douche in super small entry level tristar.

Sat in it..it was okay...but to be honest, a c class 4matic wagon would get my money any day of the week. At least the car has true intentions for what it is.

 

maintenance an issue at all? DIYer? Have buttloads of money to spend?


stick with RDX for economical sense

 

Well if it's new, it'll be covered by warranty

 

oh whale then.. i overlooked 'new'



I'd still personally go with RDX over NX or GLA

 

GLA looks goods and all, AMG is tight, but size wise it's nothing more than a tall hatchback, lots of money for a little thing. NX is OK but is cramped all around, I sat in one and I was done with it right away, RDX for value, power, size, comfort is the best choice so far.

 

I love the Nx


Hate the gla

The GLK I like

No Rdx for me too vanilla

 

NX F-sport is really nice but RDX Advance is the best value. A similar equipped GLA or NX would be more. Would you pay more just to own a "M-B" or "Lexus"? Not me.

 

http://images.thecarconnection.com/l...00507401_l.jpg





I cross shopped this segment extensively...and this BY FAR came out on top. Coming out in July. More features than Acura, better MPGs, same interior size, and more cargo. Check all the boxes for under $35k.

8" Touchscreen Navi
Same interior dimensions to the inch as RDX, but with 31' cargo vs 26 (RDX), yet Tucson is 6" shorter
400+ watt 8 speaker stereo with sub
100,000 / 10 yr warranty
Xenon headlights, with bending headlights
LED accented headlights, full LED tails
Apple and Android hands-free.
Hyundai “EyeSight”, for lane departure and head on collision
Hands free liftgate
Rear view camera and birds eye camera, split screen nav/apps
Pano roof
F/R heated seats, F ventilated seats
..basically everything but memory seats from what i could tell

 

Thermon, I'm in agreement with you that the upcoming '16 Tucson will be a very compelling vehicle to buy - HOWEVER.. when I study Hyundai's vehicle specs I see that the most powerful engine for the '16 Tucson (the 1.6L Turbo-GDI 4-cylinder) is rated only at 175 HP / 195 lb-ft of torque. That engine in the Tucson - particularly in the 3,700 lb curb weight AWD Tucson model - will be struggling to provide decent acceleration (probably an 8-plus second 0-60 performance - which is pretty slow). For those interested in having decent acceleration in their CUV the '16 Tucson will likely not be for them. By comparison - according to C & D's test numbers, the ('14) RDX AWD provides a 0-60 of 6.2 seconds and the ('15) Hyundai Santa Fe 2.0T AWD provides a 0-60 of 6.6 seconds.
So... the '16 Tucson appears to be great in almost every respect.. except in the acceleration department. It all depends on what things you look for in a vehicle. I'm very interested in the new '16 Tucson - but we'll just have to wait and see how it drives when vehicles begin arriving at dealers in July.
For now I'm still leaning toward the much more powerful Santa Fe Sport 2.0T AWD which will receive a refresh for m-y 2016.

 

Holy crap that's a Tuscon??? I first thought it was a Santa Fe. Wow Hyundai is stepping it up.

I wish the RDX has better color options and sporty look as well as more luxury options such as a pano roof otherwise Id jump it and stop looking. I am young with no kids so having the largest size isn't the top priority but there has to be a decent amount of room. I am interested in a balance of quality value in the long run and style (sporty) so I appreciate everyone giving me their thoughts so far on the GLA and NX as well.

 

If you have no kids get x6 or macan !!!

 

Hah! I wish but over my budget. NX or GLA with the features I want is pushing it.

 

2016 Acura RDX


Biggest reason we are getting a 2016 RDX over the competition... Advance Package with powerful 279 HP V6 under $42k.

Btw, the current 2015 RDX is ranked 3rd in US News Ranking for Best Luxury Compact SUV. Only the newer Porsche Macan and Lexus NX are ranked above it. The 2015 RDX was also a "Best Car for the Money" award winner.

 

Heck...I'd like to create a MazdaSpeed CX-5 and save ten grand!

 

If there was a mazdaspeed many of us would get it. My ms3 was one of the best cars


OP get the Nx with blood red interior and be done with it

 

The GLA and CLA are an attempt by Mercedes to appeal to the uneducated buyers who care nothing about how a car actually feels and more about the badge. Unfortunately, this strategy is working very well for them. It makes me very sad for America.

My hope is that their brand will degrade because of this market saturation (a la Tommy Hilfiger, Polo etc.)

 

Yea I am actually leaning towards the NX with the blood red Rioja Red interior at this point. If only I can find one with the Ultrasonic Blue exterior. Local dealer only has it with full black interior.

I just wish the 2016 RDX was on the lots here so I can test drive it and make a decision. Dealers are saying won't come until end of May.

 

Your tastes exactly like mine

I see lots of bmw 2 and 3 series with bright blue exterior and blood red interior looks gorgeous

Red interiors aren't for white block silver and grey cars anymore


Congrats in advance Nx is awesome

 

So basically all the "new RDX" has over the Hyundai is LED headlights, memory seats and a more powerful engine. Looking at these photos I'm thinking that Hyundai is getting ready to eat Acura's lunch. Acura better step up their game.

 

Actually the upcoming '16 Tucson has LED headlights as standard on the top Limited model, with HID headlights w/ 'Dynamic Bending Light' being optional (extra cost) on that model. So - all the "new RDX" has over the Hyundai is memory seats and a more powerful engine - as well as a few other features such as rain-sensing wipers and adaptive cruise control. The Hyundai has several available features the '16 RDX lacks, such as a panoramic sunroof and a hands-free smart liftgate with auto open.
Hyundai is indeed getting ready to eat Acura's lunch.
A few more photos of the '16 Tucson...











/R

 

The new Tucson is a very attractive vehicle. But I don't think most buyers who are shopping "Premium Compact SUV" are considering mainstream brands. Premium buyers are looking for Premium Brands and willing to pay more for that brand. Also, some naysayers may say that Acura is not "premium"... well that is a subjective subject.

Back to the new Tucson, I think mainstream brands like Ford, Toyota, Honda, Nissan etc... should be more worried about the new Tucson then there "premium" brand counterparts. Hyundai looks to be a very serious player as it tries to take sales from CRV, RAV4, Escape, and Rogue.

 

the current tucson LOADED (every box checked) is $31-32k. The 2016 pricing isnt released yet, but considering there is more tech than the outgoing model, let's call it $33-$34k (every box checked). So roughly, it is $10k cheaper than an equally equipped 2016 RDX Advanced (not tech, advanced). Or roughly a 30% premium.

The tough part is that you need to buy the Hyundai, as it wont be competitive to lease . That said, I would be much more comfortable buying a Hyundai over the American counterparts, so no worries there.

At the end of the day, I refuse to buy a compact SUV without a pano (given all of the recent blindspots), and i wont buy an america or german, so you know how many pano CUVs that leaves you with? Basically none. Subaru Forester or Tucson.

The only problem with the Hyundai is convincing your wife to drive a Hyundai over an Acura (at least if youre cross shopping the two).

 

That I believe will be the biggest problem for the Hyundai against the mainstream brands ... at least for the foreseeable future. It may change in the long run.

 

I see plenty of women in hyundais all over . Even non Korean , white and Mexican women

They might not be as rich as all of you rdx owners but I am sure most of these women are someone's wife

 

The problem is if you had bought your wife an Acura in the past, unless you are in financial distress, she will consider moving to a mainstream brand a downgrade.

She is getting a 2016 Acura RDX. Happy Wife, Happy Life.

 

hmm, very good point. this would be our first car, at least together as a married couple, outside of the city.

probably better that i keep the bar low with a hyundai rather than an rdx/audi q5. cost of living around the tri-state/NYC is crazy...not overpaying for a car payment is one of the few financial things actually in your control.

 

Then buy a crv

 

 

That's true too. CRV will retain the value more after a few years (if that also makes economic sense to you).
Buying a car is a very personal decision. Everyone will (should) buy only what they want to buy. What you consider as necessary features is also up for you to decide (design/engine power/badge....all inclusive). So good luck with whatever you ultimately end up with. The good part is that this is a booming segment and there are a variety of choices to fit everyone's taste .

 

thats true.

what i REALLY want is a half way decent lease for an RR Sport and get it out of my system...or alternatively, a LR Discovery Sport (but fixed pano is kinda annoying)...the hyundai tucson is a safe enough bet.

 

I passed a GLA today (first I'd seen in person), and to be honest, it's an upgraded Subaru Legacy Outback - that's the size/style that it is. More of a "wagon" than an SUV. Best thing I can compare it to is either a Venza, or my old tried-and-true Ford Freestyle. :-) Not sure of the demographic w/Mercedes with a car that size in the luxury segment - maybe with the Lexus offering? Hard to tell. It didn't look like a bad car - but not something Mercedes-like....

andy

 

Lots of gla here in la. To me it's not a wagon it's hatchback . More mazda3 than outback wagon

 

You want Range Rover but buying Hyundai ?

 

Yup. "want" a Range Rover Sport. If it leased out like a $60k car (sticker is $63k), not a $90k car, then maybe I would stretch for it. But that's not happening.

As for buying - the Tucson is really one of the few cars that fits everything I am looking for...if you were to factor in "value"...The new RX would probably fit that category too. SUV, all the tech features, pano roof, no CVT, good interior finishes, asian.

 

I've never been a big Hyundai lover but I admit they are improving; the Sta Fe Sport and Tucson models look pretty good and offer the best value. Who knows ... maybe my next vehicle is a Hyundai

 

I'm hoping to test drive a GLA this weekend depending on how the weather behaves and if I have the time. The more I look at the car online to smaller it seems to get and have that hatchback look than an SUV.
Plan to test drive the NX next week. I love the look online but the spec I want is the pricest of the make model options I am considering.....thing about Acura is their prices are attractive.

 

Nx or bust

 

Of the 3 choices, I would go with the Lexus...the look has really grown on me and now that I've seen them on the road, I think they are gorgeous.

Mind you, the cars you've listed are somewhat different pricepoints. I'm not sure which GLA you're getting...but, if it's not the AMG, the regular version is still gorgeous and for the price, it's pretty darn nice IMO.

So, the Mercedes would be my second choice.