I'm coming up on a year left on my 2021 TLX SHAWD A-Spec lease and will not be buying the car. My issues with the car are well documented in the owner's thread I started so I'm ready to move on and it's never too early to do research. As I need to hold onto the car for the remainder of the lease, I'm really hoping car prices come back to normal next year. Due to the slightly negative slope in my driveway, I've decided my next car has to be a CUV/SUV with sufficient clearance as the current TLX does scrape the driveway even when backing out slowly. Criteria most important to me include the following:

* Should average about 24 mpg (combined) or better as that's what I'm getting now in the TLX
* 0-60 in the 6-7 sec range.
* No EV or plug-in but hybrid is ok.
* Should fall in the compact to mid-size class. I used to have an MDX and that will be too big for my current needs.
* Will finally be breaking the lease cycle so I'm looking to own the next one.

My shortlist includes:

MB GLC 300 4MATIC
Lexus NX 350/350H
BMX X3 xDrive30i

Should I be considering any other cars? Does any new model debut in the Fall '23 timeframe?

 

I'm a hard-core car guy and never thought about a Mazda product until 4 years ago (CX9) and let me say you need to check out their offerings. Fuel efficient, option heavy, price economical and great build quality

 

I’ve been Mazda-curious! CX9 is prob too big for me, right?

 

Cx9 is a big cuv. Mazda Cx 30 turbo, compact cuv...zoom zoom!

 

Instead of a crossover, why not a lifted wagon? Something like the V60CC or A4 Allroad would fit the bill, or the V90CC, A6 Allroad, or E450 All Terrain if your pocketbook can handle it.

One good thing about Volvo; there's pretty much no markups at all on them, even out here in California.

 

I was afraid a wagon would have the same clearance as a sedan.

The few reviews I’ve read on Volvos say the tech tends to be outdated. Since I won’t be leasing anymore, I’d like some tech longevity.

 

CX-5 or CX50 and in this day and age, they use Regular unleaded

 

Read some reviews and I've now added the CX30 and CX50 to the shortlist! I will definitely want to test drive both.

Does Mazda have any infotainment issues? Do they provide a spare tire?

 

The ones I mentioned are lifted wagons (think Subaru Outback). They have considerably more ground clearance than regular cars. The V60CC has 8.2" of ground clearance. Same as an RDX, and an inch more than the X3.

 

8" is pretty good. I was looking to go full CUV/SUV to take advantage of max trunk space and shorter lengths compared to the longer wagons. Finding parking spots for the TLX has been less than stellar so going shorter is high on my list.

 

The trunk space in those wagons will surprise you. I think the V90 has 54 cubic feet of space with the seats down. And the ride is excellent.

 

If you want short, you can go even shorter than compact and get an XC40. The backseat is surprisingly roomy for its size, cargo volume is excellent because it's a box, and it's extremely easy to park thanks to its short overall length and short rear overhang.

 

From the OP, I had a GLC300 for a loaner, drove almost exactly like a SUV-ified version of my C300. A bit softer with the bigger sidewalls & n on-sport suspension, but it was nice to drive & very roomy.

I'd agree to give the CX50 a look.

 

The trunk in our old Outback was WAY bigger than the trunk in our previous Jeep Cherokee which is about the same size as a GLC. The lifted wagons are a lot bigger than you think they are, probably closer to mid size SUV than a hatchback.

I can understand the aversion to EV but why no plug in?

 

The XC40 definitely looks like it checks a lot of my boxes. I've never test driven a Volvo so this could be the one!
Thanks!

 

I guess I'm not comfortable charging a car in public or even at home. In this, an EV or a plug-in would be the same.

I do realize a plug-in has the gas tank when the battery runs out but if I'm paying that premium, might as well pony up for full EV! At least with a hybrid, regenerative braking is still there.

 

I've had a recent GLC300 loaner as well and that's why it's on my shortlist!

 

The V90 is a good looking car but too rich for me and 1" longer than my TLX. I probably should have capped the retail price to $50k in my initial post.

 

So I've done some digging around the Mazda forums for comments on the CX50 and the most recent concerns are quality issues as the CX50 is made in AL while the CX5 continues to be made in Japan. Also, there may be issues with the CX50 consuming oil as this appears to be a known issue after the CX5 redesign. Anyone know more?

The CX50 appears to be a good choice for me and I would be able to load it up and still keep it less than $50k retail but the aforementioned issues are concerning. I do have about a year to get it sorted out...

 

Did a quick look, a loaded up CX50 comes in for a bit less than my 4 year old Expedition (which had an almost $70k MSRP)

 

screw the CX50, get the CX5 with the turbo, you can run it with regular or premium. Same engine in my CX9 and it's no dog.

 

The CX5 gets slightly worse fuel economy to the CX50. Also, I prefer the look of the CX50 over the CX5.

 

then go test drive it and let us know how it is, they have a ton of them at my local dealer (just checked) and you can schedule a test drive online.

 

Have you looked at Genesis? The GV70 is a really sweet CUV and seem to have been getting praised by the auto journalists.

 

I’m avoiding Genesis for now until they have their own standalone sales and servicing (apart from Hyundai).

 

Really doing legwork and not ready to buy yet. I have a good year left before test driving any vehicle. Don’t want to waste a dealer’s time.

Hopefully my questions on the oil leak will be answered by then.

 

just ours

 

Can’t tell if you’re joking but my original post was clear: I’m doing exhaustive research for my next car and I have a year to do it. Not making the same mistake again as I did with the TLX when not much info was out.

 

Red text - sarcasm :p
Our time is free, but I enjoy the test drive/shopping part of it.

 

I am traveling for work in Scranton Pa. at the moment and got a CX 9 with the Turbo in it. This thing is pretty nice! Quick and quiet!

 

We looked at a CX9 a few years ago, too small for us, but it was really nice.

 

CX9 is a nice car but it competes with the MDX and is therefore too big for my needs.

 

Saw a CX50 on the street and I was not thrilled with how the tail lights looked. A recent SavageGeese YT video review of the CX50 also remarked how cheap the rear seats appeared to be when folding them down.

I may still test drive the CX50 down the road but I would expect premium quality for a premium asking price! I'm not against paying a little more for the better stuff that I'm used to either.

 

Cheap looking rear seats when folding is an interesting concern. If that's the one of the only negatives pointed out, I'm not sure that I'd entirely rule it out

Have you driven the GLC, NX, or X3 stated in your original post yet?

 

Knowing I spent more on a CX50 but with backseat comfort no better than or worse than a RAV4 would bug me.

In all honesty, I probably should avoid anything “premium” as it’s too easy to be disappointed. My last couple of years with Acura just shows how hard it is to transition from the Germans.

GLC was a ‘22 loaner. Haven’t driven the redesigned version yet. I’m starting to think I might be able to swing an AMG GLB but that is way over initial budget.

I’ve got about 8 months of lease payments before considering a test drive of any car. If I ever lease again, I’ll have to show some discipline and put zero down!

 

I love overly neurotic car buyers

 

Just get a new CRV. It's solidly mediocre in every way which is what you seem to actually want. There are very few perfect cars and you're definitely not going to find one of them in this price bracket. If you want something that's just all around decent, a CRV or RAV4 is perfect.

Also, 8 months left on lease? Better order a car now, especially the popular ones, if you want to have it ready for when your lease is up.

 

I don't think the CRV or RAV4 does 0-60 in 6-7 sec (one of the criterias in my first post). Not sure why you think I want something mediocre. I drive a TLX and was considering the CX50. If that screams mediocre, you may have to answer to some angry TLX and CX50 fans.

I've never ordered something this far in advance. I would only do it for something where the demand is expected to be high, like the '23 IONIQ 6 EV or the '23 GR Corolla (too bad I can't drive stick!).

 

We keep these forums interesting!

 

Your license should be revoked...... Can't drive a stick.

Seriously, Like someone above said, take a look at these: V60 CC