Topic: Comparison Test: Compact Luxury Crossover SUVs

[Snowman]

Where does the Audi Allroad fit in all this 

[Fobroader]

If my knees give out early I'm going straight for a Suburban. None of this short little Tahoe crap...a real SUV. 

 

[Fobroader]

Where does the Audi Allroad fit in all this 

Thats a station wagon, apparently not cool enough to play with the CUVs....... 

[ChaosphereIX]

Where does the Audi Allroad fit in all this 

Thats a station wagon, apparently not cool enough to play with the CUVs....... 

I would get an Allroad any day over these compromise-mobiles. I know the Allroad could be better, but it is pretty awesome. A friend had a 2005 and that thing was amazing, nothing could stop it...even with two kids in the back and three dogs in the boot.

[sailor723]

I'm still surprised that Lexus has chosen not to play in this lucrative segment. 

[Noto]

Where does the Audi Allroad fit in all this 

...the same way the EX37 fit in all this (i.e. it shouldn't).  Neither's particularly a CUV, both are wagons.  Call an apple an apple, but the EX37 is not a CUV.

              Length        Width         Height           Cargo Capacity
Allroad:    186in          79in            58in              782L
EX37:       182in          71in            62in              527L

[Angry Chicken]

Excellent review! 

[Angry Chicken]

Its truly a sad day when these raised station wagon demand a $50k premium  For pretty well the same amount of room and a hell of a lot more fun, STi wagon anyone, for a lot more practicality, Honda Pilot, for an actual 4x4, Jeep Wrangler?? Still dont get why this category exists and people are willing to pay through the nose for it.

Yes, they are raised station wagons, but they are well-appointed, sumptuous, smooth-driving and (most of 'em) commodious all weather raised station wagons.  The Q5 will even tow 4400 lbs.  My wife didn't want a van or a station Wagon so not too much else out there.

[sailor723]

Its truly a sad day when these raised station wagon demand a $50k premium  For pretty well the same amount of room and a hell of a lot more fun, STi wagon anyone, for a lot more practicality, Honda Pilot, for an actual 4x4, Jeep Wrangler?? Still dont get why this category exists and people are willing to pay through the nose for it.

Yes, they are raised station wagons, but they are well-appointed, sumptuous, smooth-driving and (most of 'em) commodious all weather raised station wagons.  The Q5 will even tow 4400 lbs.  My wife didn't want a van or a station Wagon so not too much else out there.

Yep, I for one really like the higher driving position and the ease of getting in and out. I've been driving the 3 series a lot lately and do find it a bit of a struggle getting in and out with an arthritic hip

[vols1]

Nice comparison test. Test drove the Q5 turbo. Really liked the vehicle but not Audi's reliability after the warranty period is over. Only dislikes were the very flat seats and barely warm seat heaters. Previously owned Audi a 4 I owned had great heated seats. Mercedes would be my choice but with a less thirsty engine than the 3.5 v 6.

[Julie]

While I generally agree with the CUV bashing comments here, I will say that there are at least 2 features that CUVs have going for them that sway some people 1) Higher riding position – my wife would be happy driving a CUV for this reason alone, 2) Easier ingress/egress – the older you get the more important this is and I could see myself switching for this reason – eventually.

I agree. I like the higher driving position and we both like the easier ingress/egress. My husband also looks how they look.

We tried to like them but we can't. They are much less fun to drive. That would be the main reason we'd go for, say a BMW 3-er wagon or Audi the AllRoad before one of these, if we needed the space. We don't so, for now, we'll keep climbing out of our low- and lower cars until we can't anymore...

[jyarkony]

Where does the Audi Allroad fit in all this 

...the same way the EX37 fit in all this (i.e. it shouldn't).  Neither's particularly a CUV, both are wagons.  Call an apple an apple, but the EX37 is not a CUV.

              Length        Width         Height           Cargo Capacity
Allroad:    186in          79in            58in              782L
EX37:       182in          71in            62in              527L

In everything but width, the EX37 is closer to the Q5.... That being said, an Allroad vs Q5 Comparo isn't out of the question....I think Motor Trend had the Allroad up against the Evoque and X1. With these crossovers, everything seems muddled...

[greengs]

The GLK will certainly be interesting once they start offering the 2.1L turbo diesel here.  190ish HP and 310 lb-ft of torque...

They are available for ordering now.  Also it's 369 ft-lbs 

[mixmanmash]

The GLK will certainly be interesting once they start offering the 2.1L turbo diesel here.  190ish HP and 310 lb-ft of torque...

They are available for ordering now.  Also it's 369 ft-lbs 

Wowsers!  It wasn't that long ago when the 3.0 was making that kind of torque.  How much HP?

[OliverD]

The GLK will certainly be interesting once they start offering the 2.1L turbo diesel here.  190ish HP and 310 lb-ft of torque...

They are available for ordering now.  Also it's 369 ft-lbs 

Wowsers!  It wasn't that long ago when the 3.0 was making that kind of torque.  How much HP?

190 hp.

[carcrazed]

The GLK will certainly be interesting once they start offering the 2.1L turbo diesel here.  190ish HP and 310 lb-ft of torque...

They are available for ordering now.  Also it's 369 ft-lbs 

Wowsers!  It wasn't that long ago when the 3.0 was making that kind of torque.  How much HP?

190 hp.

$43.5K starting price.. not too bad!

[Soram6275]

We determine which SUV provides the best combination of stylish luxury, performance and practicality in this 'nouveau wagon' segment.

Read More...

Read the whole review from start to finish. Great job! My 1st place would have gone to the Merc (diesel) based on price and my inner love affair with the 3-point star but I am clearly biased.
Very thorough review explaining how and why the decisions were made. Fantastic.

The RDX is a disappointment. Good 3.5L with cylinder deactivation is the only thing going for it but it looks so bland I'd rather get the new fully loaded RAV4 and save $10k.

BMW is a disappointment too. Too bad the "ultimate driving machine" is losing its grip.

The Infinity buyer won't care, I think. EX37 is purchased for all the "other" reasons.

Glad to see the Merc drew a comparison to its older brother the G. Solid chassis with solid performance with restrained yet classy design in and out. Just as Merc is supposed to be.

Audi deserves the cake, I guess. Seems like a Jack of all trades and a master of most. I just can't warm up to its looks. I was very relieved the Escape Titanium or the Kia Sportage (the one reviewed by James) didn't take the first place. </sarcasm>

While I am partial to VW/Audi, the Merc wins my vote hands down as well.  And with a diesel, this thing will rock!  When is the diesel version coming out - does anybody know?

[OliverD]

While I am partial to VW/Audi, the Merc wins my vote hands down as well.  And with a diesel, this thing will rock!  When is the diesel version coming out - does anybody know?

Release should be imminent considering it has been on the Mercedes configurator for a few months now.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

While I am partial to VW/Audi, the Merc wins my vote hands down as well.  And with a diesel, this thing will rock!  When is the diesel version coming out - does anybody know?

Release should be imminent considering it has been on the Mercedes configurator for a few months now.

Yeah, March/April.

[JRM]

Where does the Audi Allroad fit in all this 

...the same way the EX37 fit in all this (i.e. it shouldn't).  Neither's particularly a CUV, both are wagons.  Call an apple an apple, but the EX37 is not a CUV.

              Length        Width         Height           Cargo Capacity
Allroad:    186in          79in            58in              782L
EX37:       182in          71in            62in              527L

To that list you could add the VW Golf/Jetta Sportwagon:

              Length        Width         Height           Cargo Capacity

               179.4in        70.1in         59.2in            928L