Hello! I currently drive a 2005 Acura TSX and am looking for a small, reliable AWD SUV that handles like a sedan. I test drove a 2012 RDX and found the steering and handling to be squishy. No good. Online investigation revealed this has something to do with the fact that I'm used to driving my TSX with hydraulic steering vs the RDX which had electronic assist steering.

I considered the BMW X1 or 3 but reliability isn't the greatest. Can anyone recommend a small, reliable SUV? I'm thinking Acura, Honda, Toyota or Lexus..... but any insights are appreciated. thanks!

 

Go test drive a Mazda CX5.... it gets good reviews on reliability, but its not awful to drive. I've only driven the current gen with the 2.5L turbo, but I was impressed for how it drove and the interior fro the price. It's SMALL though.

 

My wife has a late 2016 FWD- it feels more like a car and better than the CRV, RAV4, etc. in GT trim. The leather and black interior is nice looking too, and not one repair needed since new- just regular maintenance.
Car mags like the AWD version.

The Mazda CX-30 is smaller- HRV sized, and supposedly nice feel and handling like the Mazda 3. IDK if it comes with AWD though.

 

Mazdas are great cars. My wife has had 3 of them. Now she is pimping an SQ3.

 

IIRC, a CX5 can be had with the same engine as the larger CX9 (2.5L 4 banger turbo) and can use either regular or unleaded fuel. I have the 9 and absolutely love the fit and finish in this vehicle for the price.

 

CX5 or Porsche Macan. Modern BMW's and Audis are pretty reliable compared to what they used to be, I wouldn't count them out.

 

CX5 was the first thought I had from the thread title.
And, yes, it can be had with the 2.5T, as can the CX-30.

 

Our x3 was reliable.

our Alfa Stelvio has been reliable and drives/handles/corners better than most small sedans.

 

We actually liked the Stelvio, but got a better lease deal on the SQ5.

 

CX5, or if you can find one, a RAV4 Sport with the V6 and 4WD. They're hard to find now though. My wife's handles really well. Actually the steering is leaps and bounds better than my Charger, but it's a Charger so...

 

RAV4 Sport and CX5 would fit the bill for the price.

 

best driver’s vehicles on the market. They just have that secret sauce in their chassis. Giorggio platform.

 

Do you have a budget number in mind?
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Mazda CX30 turbo AWD. Zoom zoom.

 

I've always liked the CX5. Looks great and I only hear great things about it as far as a great and fun car to drive.

I would also have said the Q5, but I had one as a loaner a short while back and it lacked in a lot of ways imo. But I think the SQ5 would be a good fit.

 

I’m the hold out. I’ve test driven both generations of cx5 and do not like them. Though I didn’t test the current models top trim with the more powerful engine.