Topic: Comparison Test: 2018 Luxury Mid-Size 3-Row SUVs

[AutoTrader.ca]

Acura MDX, BMW X5, Lexus RX 350L, Volvo XC90
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[CSH]

An interesting addition to this would have been the highlander hybrid. The sticker price of a fully loaded model including taxes (without any rebates) in Ontario is $66,554.18

[Sir Osis of Liver]

The Volvo is the best looking, but reliability has been sketchy. The Acura ticks the most boxes otherwise. The Lexus is as ugly as an axe wound.

[ktm525]

Fake news without the Audi in the competition.

Anyone who values driving dynamics/ride/braking would never choose the Volvo over the Audi in a back to back test drive.

[evil_twin]

Fake news without the Audi in the competition.

Anyone who values driving dynamics/ride/braking would never choose the Volvo over the Audi in a back to back test drive.

I tend to agree (obviously), but the Volvo would probably be my choice amongst the 4 compared here.   The MDX and X5 are both getting a little too long in the tooth.   And that Lexus is a floaty blob.   Nice inside and surely reliable, but awful to drive compared to the MDX and Audi based on my test drives.

[ktm525]

Fake news without the Audi in the competition.

Anyone who values driving dynamics/ride/braking would never choose the Volvo over the Audi in a back to back test drive.

I tend to agree (obviously), but the Volvo would probably be my choice amongst the 4 compared here.   The MDX and X5 are both getting a little too long in the tooth.   And that Lexus is a floaty blob.   Nice inside and surely reliable, but awful to drive compared to the MDX and Audi based on my test drives.

That mirrors my experiences. The MDX is good except is looks awkward. Sort of Q7 like but with small wheels. Previous generation looked better. Hopefully Acura fixes the design and keeps the V6 for the next one.

The RXL is UGLY. That ridiculous third row window is 95% blackout with a tiny peephole. Lexus/Toyota needs to get a real designer ASAP/

[tortoise]

My favourite in this segment is hands down the Q7.  Though the XC90 easily looks the best.

[tortoise]

As your kids get older and you start hauling their friends around you'll appreciate the 3rd row.

[evil_twin]

Pretty much agree with everyone here except I think the MDX looks fine - I would just be holding out for the interior and infotainment improvements that are sure to be coming (see new RDX). If they can transfer it over it once again will be a compelling buy for me for the wife.
....

Agreed I think it looks fine.   And the driving dynamics are still one of the best in the class truthfully.  Just the horrid tech inside the thing (which I deem somewhat important in the default roadtrip family rig) needs a big update.   I also greatly dislike pushbutton transmissions, but that's a more minor quibble.

The RXL is UGLY. That ridiculous third row window is 95% blackout with a tiny peephole. Lexus/Toyota needs to get a real designer ASAP/

Yeah we looked at the RXL as it was slightly bigger than the standard RX, but it reeks of being a quickly hashed out solution to compete in the 3 row space.

Mind you I actually think the standard RX F-Sport looks pretty good.   Polarizing for sure.   Just too small for my wants.

[Sir Osis of Liver]

This is quite a good looking thing too.

[Ex-airbalancer]

I wonder which one in 15 years will people want to buy ?

[Sir Osis of Liver]

I wonder which one in 15 years will people want to buy ?

A model from 2033 probably.

[Fobroader]

This is quite a good looking thing too.

Honestly, thats better looking than anything on the test.....damn thats a fine looking automobile.

[valuator]

None of these really float my boat....the MDX is a good used buy versus a Pilot or Highlander, but new I'd go with one of those, regardless of budget. 

In the $60k range, I'd be looking at a Tahoe with the blackout edition package.  I know it won't drive as nicely as those in the comparison, but I'd trade that for the additional utility. 

[Ex-airbalancer]

I wonder which one in 15 years will people want to buy ?

A model from 2033 probably.

You wouldnt be able afford to buy one in 2033 , I can't afford to buy one 2018, they are all worth more than what I paid for my first house 

[Fobroader]

None of these really float my boat....the MDX is a good used buy versus a Pilot or Highlander, but new I'd go with one of those, regardless of budget. 

In the $60k range, I'd be looking at a Tahoe with the blackout edition package.  I know it won't drive as nicely as those in the comparison, but I'd trade that for the additional utility.

I'm with ya!!

[DriverJeff]

It was definitely a bummer that Audi couldn't play.  I tend to agree that I think that's the one that would've taken the top prize. 

[DriverJeff]

This is quite a good looking thing too.

Forgot about the Aviator and I think I'm on record here saying I was going to buy it. lol. Yeah, assuming the production model turns out like that one it will certainly be in the running - although it pains me to buy a Ford as a heartbeat guy.

Indeed!  If it's anywhere near as good as the new Navigator, it would be a serious contender.

[Great_Big_Abyss]

Forgot about the Aviator and I think I'm on record here saying I was going to buy it. lol. Yeah, assuming the production model turns out like that one it will certainly be in the running - although it pains me to buy a Ford as a heartbeat guy.

Did you seriously just reference this?!?



While we're at it, why don't we just start referencing 'Like a Rock'?

[Sir Osis of Liver]

I will never forgive Bob Seger for that