Our Top-5 Luxury Compact SUVs for 2023 // Which one would you pick?
Our Top-5 Luxury Compact SUVs for 2023 // Which one would you pick?
#CoupleCarReviews
#Top-5LuxurySUVs
This is a Motormouth couple car review of the top-5 luxury compact SUVs. There are many brands to choose from and all have high and low points, so we have come up with our top-5, in alphabetical order and you tell us which one you would choose.
Acura RDX
Pros: Roomy cabin and cargo area, lots of available tech and a good looking interior with very little hard plastic. Flat floor in the back makes it comfortable for middle seat passengers. Great vehicle for a growing family.
Cons: Track pad is difficult to use, there’s only one powertrain option and only two trims in Canada, but plenty of trims in the US making it quite an affordable option in the US.
Audi Q5
Pros: Great all-rounder, it does everything really well and appeals to a lot of buyers with its light steering and easy handling.
Cons: Needs an interior update, the screen seems like an afterthought sitting on top of the dash and with the removal of the centre console dial, there are some odd storage solutions. Although some may love the lighter steering, I also think that is a negative for some.
BMW X3
Pros: Excellent handling SUV, engaging and entertaining. The steering is heavier than what you would find in the Q5 but you can change the heaviness of it depending on the drive mode you are in. BMW is moving more to a lighter steering feel. The infotainment system is fantastic, we like the option of controlling the screen at the centre console or using it as a touchscreen and this is a spacious compact SUV.
Cons: The interior isn’t as nice as we expected, BMW added a fair amount of hard plastic to the cabin. The leather seats can look cheap.
Genesis GV70
Pros: Strong performing engines, precise steering, smooth, quiet and upscale cabin, very beautiful interior.
Cons: Small rear seat, no wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, sometimes we mix up the rotary dial and infotainment dial at times, they are very close together.
Lexus NX
Pros: Updated technology including, wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, fully heated steering wheel, Lexus Safety System 3.0 and safe exit assist, comfortable cabin and 4 powertrain options including a hybrid and plug-in hybrid. The hybrid model is priced well and is our favourite NX model.
Cons: The run-flat tires can get a little bit loud depending on the pavement you are driving on,
piano black interior on the lower trims, could look a little more upscale for a Lexus on those
So the list is Acura RDX, Audi Q5, BMW X3, Genesis GV70 and the Lexus NX. We also have some honourable mentions for brands like the:
Alfa Romeo Stelvio
Two powertrain options, a 2L turbocharged 4-cylinder with an 8-speed automatic transmission, 280 horsepower and 306 lb-ft of torque. The Quadrifoglio the more powerful Stelvio gets 505 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque.
Porsche Macan
Three powertrain options, the base model has a 2L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with a 7-speed automatic transmission, 261 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Other models available include the Macan S with 375 horsepower and the GTS, 434 horsepower. A Macan EV is coming soon.
Mercedes-Benz GLC
There is a new GLC model coming this year, but surprisingly this one holds up and is a great choice. The interior feels luxurious, the drive is refined, quick acceleration and the cabin is well insulated.
Powertrain: There are two powertrain options, the base model has a 2L turbocharged 4-cylinder with a 9-speed automatic transmission, 255 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. The AMG 43 gets a biturbo V6 with 385 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque.
Volvo XC60
With three powertrain options including a plug-in hybrid, all 4-cylinder powertrains and are matted to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The B5 with 247 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, B6 with a supercharger gets 295 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque and the 455 horsepower T8 plug-in hybrid with 58 km/36 miles of EV range
Andrea Instagram https://www.instagram.com/motormouth_andrea/
Zack Instagram https://www.instagram.com/motormouth_auto/
And what about the Corsair? If I were buying in this class, that would be my choice.
I have 😊😍💋
No RR Velar ?
What car are you sitting in for this video? Thanks
Why don’t you mention whether these cars require premium gas. That changes the gas costs.
For the macan, it’s 7 automatic transmission or 7 DCT?
I think as far as looks the BMW is the nicest exterior, but interior I think maybe a tie between the Mercedes and the Volvo. But the Volvos safety features is what wins me over because at the end of the day Safety is my #1 priority.
I would buy the lexus 350, don’t like that it doesn’t have a full digital dash, but it is reliable. Can’t buy the Rdx, hate the track pad but love Honda .
Drove the Audi Q5 and agree…the steering was simply FAR too light. Was really disappointed and surprising they can’t come close to BMW or Genesis..
The problems with the Q5 it leaks oil, and the front suspension makes a lot of noise, and the motor mounts and timing belt have to be change every 60 thousand miles
You never mention reliability 👎
Not even one American brand on the top 5 list? Sad for resident in Michigan
Hyundai (Genesis) is a hot mess for recalls.
Yea well go to the crash tests at 50 mph: your list is a no go for my family.
The Ford Explorer ST beats out in power, trim specs, cost, and reliability.
It’s really appalling that the 2023 Infiniti QX50 did not make it. People who buy these vehicle are not looking for horse power but comfort, practicality, fuel, reliability and luxury to an extent. The Infiniti fits that perfectly.
I’d pick a Stelvio/Tonale anyday over any of the other usual cars! Nothing special in any of them!
The 2020 SQ5 TDI was the peak of the Q5 badge. 376PS, 700 NM and looked solid all over
No Tesla?
Now that y’all have reviewed it, I wonder if the 2023/2024 Mercedes GLC would make this list…
For the macan, it’s a 7 speed automatic transmission or 7 DCT?
I have both the Volvo XC60 and the Genesis GV70. Love them both for various reasons, but i really love what i get for the $$ on my Genesis.
What’s with the button overload on the Acura?! I mean, I like buttons, but this is a bit much…sometimes less is more
GLC 👍
We test drove the Audi, the Volvo, and the Lexus. The Lexus is not a luxury vehicle, it is a high-end sport vehicle. It was noisy, had a horribly choppy ride. The Audi had cheap VW materials inside (ridiculously flimsy sunshades and glove box). Volvo was nice, but at that time had an inferior PHEV range. We decided on the Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring. It is a true luxury PHEV, not a pretender like the Lexus.
Test drove all of these vehicles…for me, the Genesis GV0 was shocking at how great it drove and agree with your assessment…was a perfect goldilocks value proposition.. Exterior and interior design, ride, fit and finish, technology, warranty and price (vs Germans). Hoping to upgrade to this Genny in a couple of years…but man, these aren’t depreciating as much as I was hoping..
Where the value of the Genesis models suffer is in the lease programs. Resale value hurts and you pay more per month with other comparibly priced competition.
Good luck with the Q5 after the warranty period. Complete money sucking junk. I see them all day long at my work and it’s problem and problem.
Ugh, too many turbos
Lincoln corsair for me.
No Macan ?? Hard to follow the logic.
I realize that you guys probably avoided the issue of looks, because it is subjective. But that Lexus is just hideous. They would be much more dominant in the market if they would change their design language. Most of their vehicles suffer from this assault on the eyes.
What are you guys driving (your own cars) 🙂
My wife wound up driving a BMW X5 M40ii – really a beautiful car, but price point bumps 80K! I’m looking for something FUN to drive but not an SUV. Haven’t found it and not sure I will. Why can’t any SUV manufacturer build a vehicle with the back seat room an F150 has? Disappointing. Great videos you guys!
Mercedes Benz GLC N 1
WHERE IS MY BELOVED V o l v o ?????
I like the Genesis interior. However l don’t think is a car that have a good reliable rate.
Thus far if lm not a V o l v o fan…ld buy the Lexus. However l really don’t like the Lexus SUV.
But that insane reliability is something l cannot dismiss.
RDX has a rough ride and center counsel is a mess terrible gas milage but very well built and I have had no problems yet
BMW X3 all the way. Solid, luxury, good ride, safe and looks good.
Great review!
Does the gv70 have a heads up display and does it have a full digital display the 4 cylinder?
My wife bought a GV70 and it’s had nothing but problems. Been in the shop 7 times for 5 different mechanical issues now and it’s only 5 months old with 6k miles.
What about Corsair?
Did not care for the Lexus NX, it sits on the same four year old RAV 4 platform and no longer has physical dials and controls since they are now incorporated in the touch screens. Also don’t care for the finicky electronic door handles that are prone to breaking. Try opening the doors when the car is frozen overnight and the battery goes dead. Yea I know there is a manual override but just another electronic nuisance that is form over function. Also don’t care for the run flat tires that are expensive to replace and result in a firmer ride. My choice is the Acura.
Cx90 mazda
Do these people get paid for writing this trash, I own a Rdx nd and it is a terrible ridding suv the ride could not get any rougher and center counsel and touch pad are
a mess but a I have had no problems with the suv as far as warranty work solid suv !!! and gas millage is not very good for a small suv
don’t be fooled by Kia or Hyundai aka Genesis unless you will only lease it
Good morning which one has the roomiest front for a driver
I am 6:3 300lbs
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As always, a great review – thank you. I’ve been driving an Audi Q3 Sportback for the last few years and I’m planning on upgrading to something with more space and preferably better in cabin experience. I’m considering the BMW X3, Audi Q5 or the Volvo xc60.
XC60 looks surprisingly sharp. But I’d choose the all around Audi with the Volvo second.
Easy choice for me. The NX450h+. Fantastic vehicle.
Presentation is often just as important as substance, and you both are pros in this manner. A former Vancouverite now hangin out in Phoenix I just traded in my 2011 Infiniti G37 hard top convertible which was too much fun and upgraded to a 2019 Porsche Cayenne base model with many upgraded options and only 37kmi. I also drive a 2018 Toyota Highlander which is an excellent comfort ride, but the Cayenne is a quality performance ride. Until you drive a Cayenne you don’t really understand the build quality, ride performance and overall experience of this car. All of these cars would be good choices, but I just needed to test the Porsche waters so hopefully will not be disappointed in the long term.