I have been on these forums for nearly 20 years. Huge Honda/Acura fan, always having at least one Honda or Acura product, but unfortunately, that almost ended last month. We had to decide which car to eliminate - the 2018 Q50S or the 2014 TL SH-AWD. We agreed that selling a newer car (Q50S) made more sense financially, as TL still has relatively low mileage (around 80k) and runs perfectly.

All this because we have been shopping for a smaller SUV for the last year/year and a half, and after many back and forths, we agreed to go with X3.

The RDX was a top contender among several similarly priced vehicles, but ultimately, many small details swayed us to go with X3 instead of RDX.

This is a vehicle for my wife, and she heavily influenced the feature choices and overall decisions. The primary focus was comfort, road compliance, and fuel economy. On the tech side, she wanted a panoramic sunroof, 360 cameras, a remote start (from a keyfob), a factory tow-hitch (preferably 2"), heated seats and heated steering wheel, and Apple car play integration.

Our SUV face-off was between RDX SH-AWD Advance and BMW xDrive xLine. Price-wise, they were very close, with the RDX MSRP being higher at $54,211. That price included a factory tow hitch but didn't include installation, so the final price would likely be even higher.

The X3 the way my wife wanted was $53,445 - both prices included destination charge, which surprisingly was lower for BMW.

Dollar for dollar, RDX has more features; not going to deny that, but that is only a factor if you need every feature. Spec for spec X3 would come up about $4k more. For my wife, what she needed, the X3 was cheaper. If you were to spec X3 to have the same equipment, the gap would be about $4k, but the options that my wife wanted made the X3 almost $1000 cheaper!

RDX would force us to get to the Advance model just to get 360 camera, heated steering wheel, and many other items that she didn't care about - an upcharge of $5k for three needed items compared to Tech model.
X3 on the other hand, allowed us to pick few features al carte without forcing into an expensive package upgrade, making it less costly than RDX.

In the end, the wife ended up with a vehicle with a more comfortable and solid ride, better fuel economy, more user-friendly and intuitive infotainment system, which offer a much higher quality camera/360, apple car play integrations, and many more.

I also don't believe anyone has ever mentioned it, but the back seat setup in RDX, including the seatbelts, is uncomfortable for younger kids and even people of average height - 5'7', for instance. The main culprit is how the seat belt anchors from the C pillar (which is high up) versus the back of the seat and runs over the individual neck - this is a hugely uncomfortable feeling and something that we immediately noticed.

We like RDX's exterior and interior styling, the transmission buttons (I prefer that over the X3 shifter), and more cabin space for all the nick-nacks, like the open space under the shifter and much bigger armrest storage. We also like that RDX comes without run-flats, and the spare tire does not take/rise up the trunk floor, unlike X3, which looks like an afterthought or aftermarket solution, not a factory option.

Personally, I think both vehicles are great and offer different strong points and it is no surprise that they are frequently crossed shopped. At the base price, RDX is a strong contender with many nice features, but at $54k, the infotainment systems' shortcomings and poor tech quality are much more apparent when compared to cars like X3, Q5, etc., or others in the same price bracket. I am happy to answer more questions about these two if anyone has more specific questions.

 

I faced the same predicament, but chose the RDX A-Spec Advance over the X3. Both are excellent cars. A person won't go wrong with either. The deal breaker for me was the BMW didn't come with adaptive cruise control, because of the chip shortage I was told, unless you moved up to the 6 cylinder, a huge price increase. We've had ACC in a car since 2005 and can't live without it. You are right about the 360 camera in the Acura being disappointing. We weren't fans of the track pad, but it turned out to be no biggie. Much can be controlled from the steering wheel and the voice controls are excellent. IMO the BMW would be more expensive to maintain once out of warranty. But, like I said, both cars are winners. It comes down to personal preference. Happy motoring!

 

An excellent point and one that often gets ignored during side-by-side comparisons. "Free" features are only a value if you see the benefit. In some cases, like with certain electronic nannies, features can be more frustrating than beneficial. I personally get annoyed when a feature I want requires a package or trim upgrade that includes features I don't want. I won't consider a CX-90 or a Telluride, for example, because upper trims come only with second row captain's chairs. (A dog and captain's chairs just don't mix.) Brands like BMW (and Porsche especially) tend to allow buyers to build cars closer to their ideal spec. I applaud your logic, and I wish you the best with your new BMW.

 

My wife's sister has an X3 (her second one if I recall) while we have a '19 RDX Advance. Both are nice cars, each has its "thing". I retired from the auto industry (technical person for OEM) and look at many factors now that I have to actually pay for the cars I drive. I look closely at "feel" as in handling and brakes, that sort of thing. I also look at reliability and actual long term owner costs. If you research there is a lot said about the actual costs of owning these cars. On Edmunds website they do a comparison of the RDX and the BMW. They like both cars and point out their features. But they also show what they call "True cost to own". They look at many factors to come up with this figure. Over five years they predict (in round numbers) that the X3 costs about $15k more to own. Seems the depreciation and repair costs on the BMW drives that difference.
Personally I will look at all factors and in the end I will spend the extra money to get what I want, if the object actually delivers extra value to me to justify the additional cost. Since cars are as much emotion as reason many will rationalize the BMW is their best choice. I know that is what happened with my sister-in-law. Her hubby is a BMW fan and he steered her into that car because it was what he really wanted.
Meanwhile I am headed into year five on my RDX and loving it more now than the day I bought it. Its trouble free, lovely, drives so well, never has any drama and my wife loves the air condition seats. I have nothing personal against BMW's, have long like their "feel" but also have long known them to be more costly to own in the long run, just as most German cars (and motorcycles) are. And yes, I have owned a few BMW's and liked them....at least until 1) they broke and 2) when I sold them and had to deal with their depreciation. As my mother always told us, "Its your money, if you want it and can afford it, buy it!"
X3 vrs RDX

 

I agree the parts shortages were a real deal breaker for us, too; hence we delayed the purchase by almost 16-18 months, as there were times were BMW would not offer tow hitch, power seats, lumbar support or even things like a digital key or touch capabilities among other key options - it was a total mess with those cars. This mess forced us to buy out our leased car and hold onto it until the market stabilized.

While the adaptive cruise is something we don't need/would use due to our driving habits, I am still upset that, for instance, BMW removed the laser headlights from X3 due to the parts shortages. This is the only option we wish we had; otherwise, the spec the wife got is perfect.

During our initial research, we were also skeptical about approaching brands other than Honda/Acura. We were trying to come to an agreement with the true trackpad interface and some other shortcomings that RDX presented because, as you said, you would get used to it. However, it still does not change the fact that true track pad is the least favorite and confusing way to interact with a car. You also touched on the excellent point of controls via voice. As non-native English speakers, we assume that voice controls don't even exist as we would not want to bother dealing with 'another' frustrating way to interact with in a car. We couldn't see ourselves owning and driving a car that we wouldn't be able to control and interact with reliably and precisely.

 

What is your wife's sister's experience with the X3? They seem to like them, assuming they are onto their 2nd one.

You also touch on an excellent point of long-term ownership cost, and like you, we also looked at Edmunds; however, I do not see where you would see that 5-year ownership of X3 would be $15k more than RDX - that is simply not true.

Based on our research, that difference, according to Edmunds, is about $2000 for 5 years; however, because Edmunds assumed a higher selling price of the X3, so automatically, all the fees, costs, and financing charges are adjusted and inflated to that higher number which that is not the case for us as our selling price was about $1000 less than RDX advance.
They also stated that insurance is more expensive for X3, which is actually the opposite, as Allstate quoted us higher costs for RDX than X3.
Interestingly, X3 will considerably save you more on fuel. It is general knowledge that RDX's fuel economy falls short of EPA numbers, but then, on the other hand, X3 tends to excide the EPA numbers, so the fuel gap might be even higher than what Edmudns states. Edmunds also lists the 5-year depreciation as within $200 for both vehicles.

Please see the links below I used to compare the TCO on Edmunds between the two vehicles.
https://www.edmunds.com/acura/rdx/20...tyle=401970283

https://www.edmunds.com/bmw/x3/2023/...tyle=401946882

All in all, the 5-year ownership is technically a moot point and a total wash. We are concerned with 10-year ownership as we plan to keep this vehicle for that long. Dont know what to expect, but for sure, we will be looking into investing some $ into extended warranties. Acura's are definitely cheaper to get extended warranties for, and the OEM warranty can have longer terms. BMWs warranties are double the cost of Acura care and stop at 7 years/100k, unlike Acura's, which goes to 8 years/120k. We will worry about that when the time comes, and I fully expect that 6-10 year ownership will cost us more - how much more, I dont know. The good thing is that we live in the area with 10+ BMW dealers within 30 mins drive and dozens of indy shops specializing in German cars, so I hope this will allow us to shop around for better repair/service pricing as needed. Again, I appreciate all the feedback and information! Thank you

 

They're obviously using Edmund's side-by-side comparison tool (see below). Even allowing for the equipment levels, something is off with the numbers. They're way different than what Edmunds gave you.

 

I saw that, but this screenshot compares the base RDX model. Switch the style to advance model and you will see that the difference is about $2k, not $15k like I previously mentioned.

 

I’d be interested in anyone’s cost prediction/comparison based on 8 years and 120,000 miles.

 

Although BMW's have come along way with their reliability, from previous generations. I'm still weary of the costs associated to fixing some "routine" items that will begin to go or need replacing at the 120k mile mark. For example, parts alone are going to be significantly more, depending on what parts the x3 uses among other models (I would assume some are interchangeable with the 3 series sedans). But when you look how the RDX can have so many interchangeable parts with Honda sedans, crossovers, and also the Acura lineup, not only are the parts more interchangeable but also readily available and cheaper.

I will say that I have owned both, previous vehicle was the x3m340i (2020), thing was an absolute blast to drive. But there were also the draw backs, and the maintenance was a big one. I know we aren't comparing apples to apples here, as this was the top end performance model. But we now own a 2023 RDX aspec (Canadian model), and the drivability and quality is right up there with BMW. Sure, some finishes are greater, and some items look nicer in the x3. But for everyday use, I feel that the RDX gives you great value.

If the same money could buy either the x3 or rdx, and the plan was to keep the vehicle for a long period, rdx would be the choice no doubt

 

I am hoping to be here even as I move away from Acura and will report back the experience and cost of wife's X3. Our TL which we got used (2 years old under 30k miles) is now at 88k miles and we only put a little over $$3200 in maintenance and fixes. That amount included lost key ($400) and TSB 14-049 chirping / gurgling sounds that I had to go to indy mechanic to address, a new set of Bridgestone performance tires, new set of brakes (rotors and pads) and other needed services. At this point I am only due for brake fluid exchange, which I am going to wait with till I go for an oil change.

 

My thoughts exactly. I owned a BMW SUV before the RDX - it was my first and last BMW. Couldn't stand being nickeled and dimed for all of the "special" services that BMW's require. For example, tire and battery replacements have no reason to be special, yet BMW makes it unique (and thus more costly) for no good reason. All of the German brands are geared toward leasing customers who swap out before encountering any maintenance, imo. Acura is no doubt a better bet for a long-term, cost-conscious owner.

 

That doesn't make much sense. Depreciation is by far the leading difference in COI between those estimates and there's no reason an Advance would depreciate at a drastically higher rate than the base model. Nevertheless, I don't think it's controversial to say that BWM will cost significantly more in repair/maintenance on a 4+ year outlook. You ever browsed the BMW owner sites? Anyone who complains about the cost of BMWs gets scolded with "if you can't afford a BMW, you shouldn't have bought a BMW." So that should tell you all you need to know about COI, haha.

 

On paper, the X3 is 1 mpg better than the RDX in combined fuel economy. Based on my 2 years w/a '21 TLX A-Spec, I was averaging 22-23 mpg for combined fuel economy (the RDX equivalent would have been at least 1 mpg worse, right?). On my current X3 xDrive30i, I'm getting close to 24 mpg combined. Besides the fuel econ bonus, the 4-banger on the X3 is the most refined I've ever owned. I don't miss the gurgling sounds from the TLX turbo 4 at all!

Based on the real-world data in the pic from Edmunds, it looks like others agree. Should Acura do better? Does Acura want to do better?

 

The MPG that my wife is getting driving X3 around is already exceeding all of our expectations and even though the car is not even broken in yet, It also exceeds the EPA estimates. I am also surprised that RDX gets higher score for technology? I feel like it should be the other way around. Has anyone at Edmunds not used a backup camera or tried to use Apple CarPlay on RDX?

 

On my prior TLX, if CarPlay wasn't connecting, often I would put the car in Park, turn off the ignition, open the driver side door, and then reverse all actions to "reboot" the system (safest time to do this was normally at a red traffic light).

Did folks do this on their RDX or was there a safer way to "reboot" the infotainment?

 

You can find a number of videos here:
https://www.youtube.com/results?sear...t+infotainment
I have not used it though.

I do recall a discussion about it in this forum so perhaps you will be able to dig it up by searching.

 

I'm surprised as well. We have iDrive 7 on the X3 and it allows you to use the Drive Recorder (when equipped with the surround cameras), which acts as an OEM dash cam, spy cam, etc., (among other things). The amount of data you can pull from the digital dash is nothing short of amazing, such as mpg based on driving mode, car's degree of pitch/roll, elevation, etc.

I think the iDrive 7 is the best infotainment I've gotten so far and my cars included recent Acuras, Mercedes, Audi, and older Toyotas, and Nissans. I'm actively avoiding newer cars w/iDrive 8 or 9 as they are already doing away with physical buttons like the ones for climate control. If anyone's considering an X3, don't wait until summer '24 when the redesigned '25 MY does away with the buttons!

 

Hold down the three buttons below the touchpad simultaneously for a few secs until you get to the diagnostic screen. Select the 2nd box from the main menu, then select the “hardware autodetect” box. Click exit without changing anything and allow the system to reboot. You can do all of this while the car is in motion and it takes about 15 seconds.

However, it’s important to remember that this is a CarPlay problem. 9/10 times I’m having annoying connection problems it’s because my iPhone needs to be updated. I swear Apple built that bug into CarPlay to compel people to update their phones in a timely fashion.

 

Thanks for walking me through the "3-fingered" salute for the Acura (not unlike the CTRL-ALT-DEL on a PC...LOL)!
I've heard the same that it's Apple's fault the CarPlay interface is so bad in the Acura. However, the % of time I've had CP not start up vs the wireless CP on my X3 is astronomical. Technically speaking, Acura has had since the '19 MY RDX to fix this issue as the same infotainment is shared on the latest gen TLX and MDX as well.

The pic below is one of my posts from my TLX Owner's thread. I haven't seen an equivalent message on my BMW....yet.

 

I asked Acura and BMW the same question, how much is an oil change? I bought the Acura.

 

That’s fair. By the same token, why choose an RDX over the CRV? They’re much more alike than the Acura/BMW comparison.

 

The CRV seat (at least in 2019) was like a bench. At the time CR-V was not comparable in terms of power. Things may have changed. Point is X3 and RDX are in the same class and are compared all the time with RDX being the value leader and the X3 being a "do it all well but pricey" and has stiff competition from GLC, Q5, and XC60. If one is value conscious, nothing beats the RDX in this class, not even the newer entrants like GV70.

 

The RDX and X3 are not in the same class and they'll never will be in the same class. The RDX will always be a dressed up Honda with average materials, workmanship and performance. That whole value proposition thing is over exaggerated.

 

I appreciate mlody's thoughtful post, and how it details a real shopping comparison between the RDX and the X3, since so many people just go off base prices or mythical online builds of the competition that don't match the reality of what's really out there on dealer lots. And of course, there are always the diehard Acura fanboys/fangirls (and I understand this is an Acura forum but it does get a bit much sometimes) who get really defensive every time someone mentions that they are considering (or purchasing) another brand.

I have owned or leased six Acuras, dating back to one of the original Integras. I always liked that Acuras were kind of unique and that's why I chose them, but I never made the mistake I think so many do (including Acura execs) in terms of pretending that they are really a luxury vehicle or truly comparable to a BMW or Mercedes. That combined with the rise of the Korean brands and the features they offer for the price, and I really do feel like Acura is in a bit of a precarious spot these days.

When the lease ended on my previous generation RDX, I looked at the new one but couldn't get past the styling for some reason. I downsized to a new BMW X1 and noticed right away that it had features like the power folding mirrors that you couldn't get on the RDX at any price (at the time) and a level of quality and nice little details and perks that were missing on the Acura (like free oil changes/routine maintenance for three years). When that lease ended, I realized I missed the size of the RDX but really liked the BMW so I was going to go for an X3. The X3 didn't work out for various reasons, and I ended up with a new Mercedes GLC. And honestly, it's the best vehicle I've ever had. By far. It was also interesting to note that (like the thread starter mlody) in my experience shopping actual dealer inventory, the sticker prices of the X3's and the GLC's dealers had in stock were pretty much right in line with the price of a loaded RDX. I realize maintenance and repairs will be more expensive with Mercedes and BMW, but I find it surprising that Honda/Acura now thinks they are on a level playing field with their perceived peers to the extent that they can successfully operate within the same price range.

I don't disagree with the long-term "value proposition" angle a lot of the commenters argue about in favor of an Acura RDX over a BMW X3 (for example), but that's a different conversation than discussing which vehicle is actually better. I've also noticed that a lot of the same people who are quick to make the value and/or the cost of ownership argument in favor of Acura vs. the German brands don't seem to want to have the same discussion when it comes to folks making a similar argument in favor of Mazda or Hyundai/Kia or Genesis vs. Acura.

 

Which GLC did you end up with? Before I got my X3, I really wanted a GLC. All the '22 models I looked at had the hands-free liftgate removed from the build. The other alternative was to wait for the '23 GLC redesign that I heard was coming in April. Luckily I didn't wait since the latest news is that they removed quite a bit of buttons in the redesign (climate control, etc.). I'm sure eventually I'll make my way back to Mercedes but it probably won't be until the next car or 2.

Oddly, the official website still doesn't allow you to build a '23 GLC yet if you wanted to.

 

It is a GLC 300 4Matic with the "AMG-Line" package. That gets you a different grille and different wheels and some other unique little trim items (basically an AMG look without an AMG engine). I love it because it's more distinctive than the majority of other GLC's I see on the road. I got mine during the pandemic, but thankfully it was still at a time when discounts were available and before all of the supply chain issues occurred that caused some features (like you mentioned) to be removed from the build. I was looking forward to seeing the '23 redesign as well, but in typical Mercedes fashion the exterior barely changed (although the interior is a lot different). But like you said, most of the buttons are gone in favor of having everything on a giant screen. And even some of the hard controls like for the seats are now "haptic" meaning you kind of have to touch like you would a touchpad it to make it move rather than being able to physically move the control to match the movement you want the seat to make. So even though I love how the new interior looks, function-wise I'm probably going to be happier sticking with what I have.

 

I can’t think of a comparo for luxury compact SUV that didn’t include both the X3 and the RDX. I can for certain say that I prefer the seat comfort, the steering feel, and the suspension of the RDX over the X3. The X3 has a better engine and transmission and is better engineered overall but you pay for that engineering. What part of the RDX comes from the Honda line up?

 

Sounds like a beauty! I once leased a '13 E-Class where the only AMG thing was the wheels but they were gorgeous! Only knock was with the bigger wheels, I had low-profile tires that picked up quite a bit of road rash. One tire bubbled up and gave up the ghost parked in a mall parking lot (luckily I found it flat after the mall visit and not while it was in motion)! Be extra careful of potholes and parking with those low-profiles!

 

If you talk to car people, most will say that Acura falls under the "premium" tier of cars and not luxury. They also recently stopped making their NSX halo car, which would have muddied the conversation. Since most websites and magazines don't have a "premium" category, you will find Acura under the more common Luxury category instead. I (as well as many other AZ members) believe that Mazda also falls firmly in this premium category and is a direct competitor to Acura.

Has anyone seen this video? Kudos to Mazda for keeping up w/the Germans in the roll race! Mazda has taken over the "beat the Germans" mantle that Acura hasn't had since the early 2000's!

 

Our '17 GLC300 has been stellar as well. Unfortunately, MB is trending in the wrong direction from a quality and design standpoint. I chose my GLE in-part because it was obvious Mercedes was trending away from physical controls, so I got buttons while I still could. The GLE is great to drive, but my particular sample has been problematic. I've always said an extra trip or two to the service department a year is worth the benefits of owning something more rewarding to drive, but even I have a threshold. I always hoped the day would come that Acura would base the MDX on a RWD platform. Clearly that's never going to happen, and that makes me sad.

 

I would have no issue downgrading my wife's GL450 to either the GLE or the X5. When did you start having issues with your GLE? After the warranty was up or well before?

 

I've had issues from day one. The wireless charger didn't work upon delivery, and in the year and half since a number of electronic and mechanical issues have arisen - including shifting problems. The list is pretty extensive given the car's age and low mileage. There have also been four recalls. All problems have been covered under warranty except a radar sensor that was apparently damaged by a stone. The dealer - a half hour away - provides a loaner, but not pick-up and drop-off service. Service appointments with loaners typically schedule out about 4 weeks or more. The car is wonderful to drive (when it's working correctly), and although city fuel economy disappoints, the car is surprisingly efficient on the highway.

Despite my past issues with BMW, I did give the X5 a thorough tire-kicking before taking delivery of the GLE. The BMW's powertrain is punchier and smoother, it handles better, and I expect it would be more efficient. For me the downsides of the X5 are my past experience with the brand, an arrogant local dealership, a considerably smaller rear seat, and a challenging step-in for my petite wife (the sills are really thick).

 

Sorry to hear about your GLE ownership experience! Was it the first year of a new generation? I've been lucky in that all my previous and current Benzs have either been in the middle or towards the end of the cycle run (my wife's GL450 was the last model before they started calling it GLS).

I know the X3 doesn't even have running boards as an option but surely the GLE/X5 would have running boards if you want them for your wife?

 

Not the first year. I have a 2021, and 2020 was the first model year of this generation. It has been problematic in general, but some of us really got unlucky. (The 48v mild hybrid battery was a big problem for some owners. If it fails, the car is essentially bricked. Have you ever seen how they load a stationary car on a flatbed when it can't be put into neutral?)

Running boards are an option, but they work better in theory than in practice. They do assist entry, but getting out is a different story. Getting a foothold on exit is always more difficult - especially in heels, so simply dropping out of the seat is how most passengers dismount in my experience. Unfortunately, the running boards make that method even more challenging, and the back of pant legs will frequently get soiled in the process. The one time we got running boards for a crossover we regretted it.

 

How goes it dude, long time no talk! Too bad they don't sell the Touareg in North America hey? The new gen is incredible! I have had a couple BMW's in the past (first gen X5 after the update and a second gen X5) I test drove the prior gen a few years ago and my negative experiences with the brand also did it in for me.

Honestly, I don't really think the MDX needs a RWD platform, at the very least SH-AWD helps fill in that gap. But it definitely would be nice to have. The fact a small company like Mazda was capable of creating a RWD platform is pretty crazy. I am willing to bet if the 2008 recession never happened, we would have V8 Acura products with RWD platforms right now. I know they were planning on building a V8 for the MDX but scrapped it unfortunately.

 

It's been a while, bud. I think the last time we chatted I was driving the MKX after ditching the TDI Touareg? Who would have guessed that I could trade a Lincoln for a Benz and be disappointed - at least in some ways. More than three years owning the MKX and never had a single issue outside the occasional CarPlay glitch. And the dealership experience was 10 times better.

A V8 RWD MDX sounds absolutely drool-worthy. I love how SH-AWD makes the best of the transverse platform, but some of the platform disadvantages still remain. Still, the MDX is a future consideration for me, along with Mazda, Porsche, Audi, and possibly Genesis. And you're right -- the Touareg would make the short list if it were offered here.

 

The way the industry has been headed, a V8 MDX would have been removed from the drawing board/lineup 10 years ago.

 

Yes haha great memory dude! Have you had a chance to see the latest gen MKX that just debuted a few days ago? It looks sharp as hell...but I am not at all a fan of that ridiculous full-length screen on the dash. A friend actually purchased a 2022 Nautilus and he has been thrilled with it. I like that they took some things from the Continental and put them in it, like the steering wheel.

Right?! A V8 MDX with a RWD platform would have been incredible, especially considering that by now they would have had considerable time to work on it. I've driven the latest gen MDX in A-spec trim for a few hours and honestly found that the power was lacking, 290hp just doesn't cut it for me in something that is supposed to be sporty and weighs that much, but more importantly I had a lot of issues with the really small side windows. I felt like I was almost struggling to see out of the vehicle. I am very curious to see your impression of it. My brother had an Audi Q7 (current gen prior to refresh) and even with the 3.0 supercharged V6 it was very underwhelming. Conversely, they gave him a Q5 loaner in S-line trim numerous times and it was incredible, the handling, fuel economy, and acceleration were top notch, but the 7DCT had a lot of jitteriness and the digital gauge cluster really messed with my eyes. Currently not a huge fan of modern Porsche SUV's and I have sworn off of Hyundai/Kia indefinitely after my Sorento SX dash suddenly went completely dark and numerous attempts at the dealership mean they couldn't fix it. Of course, modern Genesis vehicles are far removed from that Sorento, but it left a very poor taste in my mouth.

I am very curious what you go with! Keep me in the loop please! haha

 

The new Nautilus does look great, but I'm not a fan of the huge screen either. I'm also disappointed they're dropping the 2.7T ... it is a very underrated powerplant. The real deal-breaker is that they're importing it from China though. I don't have a choice with many purchases, but as long as I have other options for autos, I won't own one sourced from a nation hostile to the US.

I actually wasn't looking to get rid of my MKX when I moved on from it. The dealer contacted me when lots were depleted during the pandemic, so I looked into trading. The Lincoln dealership ultimately made a disappointing offer, but by that time I had the fever. Black Labels were sought after, so I was getting shockingly high offers. I wanted an S5 Sportback or SQ5, but they were both a bit too small and not easy to find. The A7 and A6 allroad were even harder to find. The GLE fit the bill, and the dealership made me an offer on one in inventory that was just too generous to refuse at a time when everything was selling well above MSRP.

My GLE is paid for, so I really don't want to move on, but it is trying my patience for sure. I'm looking for an A6 allroad to drive to see if I can live with the clunky DSG. If it seems doable, I might place a custom order. It would be the better part of a year before I'd take delivery, and the way things are going I will have surpassed my tolerance threshold. The Lincoln Aviator is a consideration as well, although I'm hearing some ugly things from owners. Genuinely reliable vehicles seem to be getting harder and harder to find. When Acura, Lexus and Toyota start struggling, you know it's a problem.