JDR76

I too really like the RAV4 and think it's a solid suggestion, but one correction to the above is that the RAV4 and NX only share hybrid engines. The regular/base engines are not the same. The NX uses the 2.0 turbo 4 while the RAV4 uses a 2.5L 4 cylinder.

Another vote for the Q5. We looked at them back when we were in the market. The interior was too small for us, which was one of the reasons we went with the RX, but overall we really liked it. We later traded our RX in for a Highlander, but that does not sound like a route you are interested in.

FatherTo1

Hmm, we will definitely have to test drive a Q5. I really liked the Jag F-Pace, it really stood out on the test drive, am just wary of its long-term reliability. Audi reliability has greatly improved. Thank you for the help and suggestions, everyone.

takeshi74

Q5. Went with RX for not only reliability but cost of ownership. Audi may have improved in the former but they're still nowhere near Lexus. We intend to keep our vehicle long term and there's no way we would own an Audi out of warranty -- though we do have a 981 out of warranty. We don't have any such concerns with Lexus.

We'd love a Macan or Cayenne but they're way out of our budget with the way we would want them configured.

Guess it depends on perspective. Even our 981 is a daily.

703

2015 rx450h.

N4TECguy

Go to a CarMax if you can. They have a slew of everything available for you to sit in and test drive. I went on a Tuesday and spent hours there.

If you like reliability, I don't feel like any of the European brands will do you good. The Q5 was a great suggestion but even if it's CPO, based on your other cars, I feel you'll want to keep it past the warranty. And that could be a bad idea.

I know you've said you don't want to downgrade back to Toyota. However, the 2008-2013 Highlander Limiteds I drove felt like superior vehicles to me, compared to our 2010 RX. They are missing a few things like Comfort access and electric dimming mirrors, but they felt every bit as refined (maybe even more so in ride and exhaust noise), and with equal levels of interior materials quality. They are also available with and without the 3rd row seat, so you have options. If I had to do it over, I would shop those very hard against another RX.

My other real standout favorite when doing test drives was the 2013+ RDX. Honda's will always be a bit noisier and rougher than ToyoLex, but it felt fantastic to drive. Fast and responsive, very car like, made fun engine noises, and Japanese reliability to boot. Don't know how far up there those rank on your list, but there's no reason not to try one. 2016+ models are also available with radar cruise, auto emergency braking, etc. Caveat, I have heard inklings that they burn some oil when they get up there in mileage, due to the Variable Cylinder Deactivation. But I think overall it is a solid package, not quite as large as the RX in the second row but roomy in the front seat area.

MacCat

I don't like that NX model at all.
It looks like the RX 350 scaled down.
After driving the RX350 (2010 model) for years, I was shocked
at the differences I noticed right away.
The NX is noisy, to start with. The muffler has a "tinny" sound,
which reminded me of the Avalon.
It maneuvers the same, but the ride is bump and rough.
It parks easily enough, and that's when I noticed how much smaller it is.
It fits in my garage, where the RX350 fills it up!

Inside the NX is cramped.

Similarly, the RX 400 was a beast. Easy to drive, but too tall for many parking garage !
Watch out. Too many people have hit their own garage doors (guilty).

I think the RX 350 is the perfect SUV. It's heavy on the road, it's sporty and nimble,
and it has been trouble free through 95,000 miles (only changed the battery and tires).

The new RX350's (2016+) have freakish shark styling that I don't like - to many pointy parts.
The windows were scaled down too small and if you like driving with your left elbow on the window sill,
forget it - that window sill is at shoulder height! And, what's with smaller windows ?

The dumbest thing on the Lexus is the Navigation system. It's terrible and now it's even worse.
The new layout doesn't have the map scale button I use a lot while I'm driving. The screen
still is too small and dashboard suffers from glare in the Texas sun.

The redesign was in the wrong direction (reminds me of mistakes Volvo made).
When I buy another Lexus, it will be a used 2015 model.

Gampa

OP,
one last suggestion... Pay close attention to size and manufacture of tire. Driving on Michelin’s premier with 18 inch wheels will get less road noise then 20 or 21 inch wheels with Conti Contacts... IMO.

m1964

The new 2018 Q5 is a 1st year production assembled in Mexico. Prior to 2018 they were made in Germany.
I personally would avoid 1st year model run esp. one built in Mexico. The engine is made in Mexico too and they use relatively new 7speed double clutch transmission.
too many things that may go wrong in a long run.
my 2p

11bravo

One word....Subaru.

ukrkoz

Highlander. We have RX350 and 12 Highlander. Highlander is hands down better car. Unless you must have nameplate and some fancy gadgets.

Sandi_k

Volvo XC60.

lexusrus

I've had a Volvo before. Not the most reliable.

FatherTo1

I do like some things about the Subaru Outback and a Volvo XC60 or new V90 is enticing too. Great suggestions. The Volvo reliability would be a little worrisome. With the popularity of crossovers I just thought there would be more standout choices. It seems some very appealing crossovers are severely lacking in reliability (F-Pace, Q5), and the reliable ones are boring (RX). Perhaps I'm being too picky. I do appreciate everyone's contributions. Thank you.

lexusrus

I have nothing against Volvos, except its subpar reliability.

Just make sure you have that warranty (extended too, if you keep it beyond the original OEM warranty) in hand PLUS EXTRA TIME NEEDED TO DEAL WITH THE DEALERSHIP TO SORT IT OUT!!

11bravo

Anyone who recommends buying a volvo to someone else must be their enemy. The volvo brand, in general is among the lowest rated premium brands on the market. Initial quality is low, repair rates are higher than average, and long-term dependability is very poor. Yes, I know, Volvo defenders will pop up on here, saying what a great car it is. That is why buyers who are going to shell out money for premium badges need to RESEARCH!! Don't rely on what a one person says, including me. Do your own research.