Topic: Volvo XC60 vs. Infiniti EX35 vs. ...

[carsncars]

Hey All,

Need some input. My dad's looking to upgrade and downsize from the Odyssey, and figures it's time for him to enjoy something a little more luxurious. He's looking at compact crossovers in the $45k-ish range.

So far, he's been drawn to the Infiniti EX35 and the Volvo XC60. Both are nice vehicles... X3 isn't out of the question, but it didn't seem as "comfortable" for our annual California trips. Doesn't really want to go any larger than the XC.

The XC60's interior seems to be a nicer place to be (let's just say the Infiniti's interior is... "intimate"), and the included panoramic sunroof and free winter tire/rim set bring the price comparable to the Infiniti. Volvo reliability seems to be "alright", in that my uncle's had a couple and they have had some warranty issues, but have generally been dependable.

The Infiniti is a bit more of an unknown to us. How is the V6 engine in the Infiniti? It sure drives great, but how is it in the long run? The EX's option packages are far more reasonably priced than the Volvo's, and we would probably spring for Bose, Navigation, and maaaaybe Around View.

...opinions?

We considered a fully-loaded Venza, but the 20-inch wheels and "Toyota" drive were a turn off. RDX was out because he couldn't stand the headrests, and it seemed "twitchy" on the highway (shorter wheelbase, perhaps?) and the GLK is not a consideration.

[airbalancer]

I would add Q5 in that group

[carsncars]

I would add Q5 in that group

I didn't realize the Q5's base price was low/mid-40's. We'll look into it, thanks.

[wing]

I don't think you can get much better than the Nissan VQ engine!  Amazing box, it is used in almost the entire Nissan / Infiniti line-up.

I'd be worried about Volvo but that's just from seeing them towed all the time

[ktm525]

I tried a XC60 last week (T6(). That inline 6 turbo engine is great.

[Bullet Blue]

I tried a XC60 last week (T6(). That inline 6 turbo engine is great.

AND it can stop itself! 

[ktm525]

The XC60 felt overpowered for the rest of the vehicle. I don't understand big HP/TQ put intop a tippy CUV package. The braking and handling just don't match the engine output.

My soul for a V70 T6 manual.

[carsncars]

Test drove the Volvo this morning. The T6 engine is nice, with a lot of pull in any situation. Ride and handling are a resounding "meh," as in "it's good but nothing special." It's comfortable, and fairly capable, but when pushed, the driver can almost feel a mustached Swede wagging his finger in disapproval. We test drove one with Volvo's 4-C active chassis--it floats around in comfort mode, and is a bit too jarring in advanced mode, so sport setting will probably be used 95% of the time. So, like others have said, it's certainly a nice engine but you can't take full advantage of it in the XC60. While it's fairly spacious compared to the Infiniti, the rear seats aren't as comfortable--the seat backs are very upright, and there's little foot space under the front seats. Up front, things are better, with very comfortable seats with a wide degree of travel. However, the metal trim around the center console (you get this whether you opt for wood or for aluminum) causes uncomfortable glare for the front passenger. The piece at the top of the center console, in particular, is angled just right to dazzle the passenger. The dashboard surface and angle in general cause a good amount of glare for both front occupants.

Nice car, but not sure it's worth what Volvo's asking.

Test driving the Venza and EX35 later today. The Q5 will have to wait for another day, unfortunately... but it's not a likely choice.

[ovr50]

My choice of the ones mentioned so far would be the Infiniti EX35 as long as hauling a bunch of stuff is not required. There is not a lot of cargo room in the EX, but overall a nice rig for going to the grocery store et al.

[wing]

The Q5 was a darn nice ride IMO, very quiet and smooth.  The EX35 is nice as well, more sport feeling.  The Q5 feels substantial as most german vehicles do, while the EX35 feels more like the typical Japanese tin can.  Not that it is a tincan, it just feels much lighter.

[Bullet Blue]

Did you try an X3 yet?

[tortoise]

The father in law has a 2.5 X3.  It's a great ride with a great balance of comfort and handling.    I would suspect that the sport suspension would be too jarring.  I had the chance to drive it back to back to back with his 330ix (w/ runflats) and found it to be just as competent on the highway,  though hard to keep below 85 mph.

I find it to be plenty 'comfortable' but my point of reference is a little lower, stiffer & noisier.

I don't really understand the appeal of these small luxury SUV's.  The cargo area of the EX35 is really small.   So small that I bet a G35 sedan would be able to carry as much while providing much better handling.

Granted the EX35 is the worst of the bunch, but my gripe still stands.  FWIW, the father in-law uses the X3 to tow his 18 foot (I/O) boat so at least he uses the X3 as the commercials suggest.

[airbalancer]

"I don't really understand the appeal of these small luxury SUV's."

One appeal is that they seat high so it is easy to get in and out of

Have you look at a Forester?
It is one of the roomiest  small CUV out there

[carsncars]

Like others have said, we looked at the EX35 and didn't even need to test drive it. The cargo area is too small. Smaller than the G35. For a daily runabout it's a great car, but it won't be able to accomodate our family of four and our luggage on our bi-annual-ish road trips. There were some really tempting offers on the '08s they still had sitting on the lot, though!

Test drove the Venza, and it didn't really win any points. Felt "vague" and "floaty" and my dad found the steering too light. My mum got a headache from the passenger seat position. However, it's the most "rational" decision.

We'll take another gander at the X3 when we go to see the Q5, since the dealerships are across the road from each other. The X3 doesn't have as much equipment for the price, so we'd likely have to go for leatherette, but we'll give it another look. Unfortunately, the Forester is a no-go because the passenger seat is still too low.

As for the appeal of small luxury SUVs--well, my dad's been driving minivans for the last few cars, and is ready to downsize a bit. However, he figures he's reached the stage in life where he'd like to pamper himself a bit. I'm sure the Forester or CR-V could do everything an X3 could and more, but it doesn't cosset you like the Volvo, Audi, and BMW do. And he prefers the higher driving position of the SUVs. Fuel economy on the larger SUVs is on the high side, and we don't need that much space.

[vdk]

The father in law has a 2.5 X3.  It's a great ride with a great balance of comfort and handling.

A family friend has an 04-05 X3. No sport package (ie. no 18" wheels, it has the regular 17s), I think it has the bumpiest ride I've ever experienced in a stock vehicle. It does drive well mind you.
I also believe they fixed it later on in its cycle, so it shouldn't be a problem today.

[PMREdmonton]

If your dad wants luxury, why not try out the Lexus RX - mid-sized, luxurious, powerful and reasonable cargo space.

While a little bit bigger, how about Acura's MDX - very comfortable and luxurious.

As others have suggested, the new Q5 should be worth a look as well.

Why is the GLK not a consideration?  Doesn't like Mercedes?

[MKII]

Lincoln MKX?

[sirAQUAMAN64]

Of the luxury and non-luxury, the VW Tiguan is still my favourite. One of the roomiest feeling front and rear, perfect driving position, great luxury features on Highline, huge pana roof, reasonable power vs fuel economy trade-off (the power hesitates with the Tiptronic at times tho, which is annoying), decent refinement, and slightly less expensive. Hatch is on the small side, but at least it's boxy and useable. Awesome all-around package.

The X3 is not my cup of tea at all. Cheap feeling (tho improved in the latest update), reportedly overly firm ride (tho improved again), small, and expensive.

The GLK is gorgeous IMO, and priced well. Front seat space is expansive with the uprightedness and it's powerful, but rear seat leg/knee room is quite restrictive. Surprisingly so. The B-Class is roomier back there.

EX35 feels very luxurious and 'cosy'. Little low and poor use of space though. Has to think it goes and handles like stink though.

XC60 doesn't really stand out to me in any way, but doesn't offend either.

RDX comes across as more of a gussied-up Honda. And Hondas are nice, don't get me wrong. I like them when sitting in them, but they don't feel special. Was once good value, but others here surpass it.

Wanted to really like the Q5, but it disappointed me in a few areas. Doesn't feel as luxurious inside as I had hoped. Overall I'd give it a good going over though, and think spec'd a certain way I'd like it more.

As boring as it may be, I'm drawn to the Lexus RX. The pioneer still impresses in so many areas, it's just a polished performer. But it's not a performance machine, which it appears you're looking for so it's a non-starter in that area.

[carsncars]

So the Venza's out. Although it has plenty of room, it feels claustrophobic. And we really don't like the softness of it (it rolls more than the Odyssey).

Basically, we're looking at a loaded-to-the-gills Tiguan, or...

Brian Jessel has a very tempting used BMW X3 for $43,900 before taxes (similar to the Tiguan). Comes with 13,000 km, real leather, Premium Package (panoramic sunroof, Xenon headlamps, heated steering wheel and a couple other niceities) and the M Sport Package (bigger wheels, sport seats, more aggressive body kit). It's got 3 years of its original bumper-to-bumper left, and has 2 years on top of that because it's BMW Certified Pre-owned (the extension is provided through BMW Canada, NOT a third-party).

What do you think... take the deal? They're offering $7,000 for the Odyssey (coming up to 160,000 km now) which we think we can bargain that up to $7,500.

We like the car. The fuel economy is a slight improvement over the Odyssey, it seemed clean, it's the right size, space-wise (the Tiguan is a little small), it's great to drive and it's comfortable. Our only worry is reliability, but with the 5-year warranty, we've got a little peace-of-mind.

[vdk]

If that was a demo, then I'd pass it.