Comparison Test: Luxury Compact SUV Challenge

The luxury compact SUV segment is a hot one and we look for the best of the best.

[asmcdon]

We are in love with our Volvo. Coming from a guy who has owned 3 audis. I know...I'm surprised too

[RCtennis]

Can’t wait to see a redo of this test next year. Refreshed 2019 Lincoln MKC, redesigned 2019 Acura RDX, refreshed 2019 Mercedes GLC (with that new large infotainment screen and digital gauge cluster), 2019 BMW X3 finally with standard pre-collision equipment, new 2019 Cadillac XT4 (which really seems to fit in more with this group), and a refreshed 2019 Porsche Macan. Frankly, there will be no bad choice in the class very soon.

[eyeyron]

Need to include the new Acura RDX and Mercedes-Benz GLC300.

[juelzm]

Hats off to Volvo! Great looking vehicle, I'm glad it's doing well in comparison tests.

[RCtennis]

“My wife had an XC60...I liked that car other than some reliability issues...” <<I’m sorry, but how is that comment not an automatic disqualifier for 1st place?

[RomanM]

I like the Alfa Romeo. Looks the best and it doesn't feel like an SUV. It's like a Ferrari SUV. The rest is boring.

[PANOSDX]

No RDX and no Macan lower trim? They both start below $53, 000. And the 2018 Audi Q5 for $53, 000 u get the warm weather package with amazing sport seats with ventilation. They feel almost sport Italian car design. Fit like a glove.

[marinoint]

You really should add the new Acura RDX to this comparison too.

[Solidity_Decorum_N_Class]

Why so many car markers going for a 2.0T engine setup? Every car tested except for Cadillac had a 2.0T. At this price point I would want a V6 not a 4 cylinder!

[CPAJayhawk]

I had a Volvo cross over as a rental before, I was really impressed by it.

[RodeoRides]

Did I miss the MKC or was it left out on purpose luv mine, just saying.👍🏻

[aoap-mxkv]

2019 Acura RDX was just released to the public June 1st. They probably couldn't get it in time for this video

[Mgoblagulkablong]

"It's now FWD so it's now more engaging" - wtf fire that clueless trash talker. This is a farce!

[rudolfschenker]

I have to agree with most of this, I went to the auto show expecting to love the Q5 the most, but - it came in second. The XC60 is stunning, inside and out. Truly beautiful and luxurious.

As far as which one drives the best, it could be a whole different story, but damn the XC60 is nice.

The RDX will be a big hit - It'll probably deliver most of the goodness of the Q5 at a better price and with the quality and low maintenance everyone expects from a Honda product.

[DoctorMotorcycle]

Cadillac's interiors and GM interior's in general are so sub-par compared to the rest of the industry. Go sit in an xc60 or xc90 and then compare it to any Cadillac. My old boss was in the market for a new SUV and he said the interior of the xc90 (which he bought) made you think it was a 100k+ SUV. This may not be a huge deal for people that are brand loyal, but man if you're open minded about it there's no comparison in perceived quality. Don't get me wrong I love me a good 'ol American Luxury car (CTS-V anyone?) but the interior is just worlds apart. Nice comparison.

[MacSaab]

I don't agree with their rankings. Recently cross shopped the Mercedes GLC300, BMW X3, Alfa Romeo Stelvio and Volvo XC60 (all 2018 models) and found the BMW to have the best blend of comfort, performance, user friendly infotainment, space and surprisingly value. Found the infotainment screen in the XC60 to freeze during the test drive, the engine to be unrefined and lacking in performance, the ride to be too stiff and the price (on lease) way too high.

[McBeamer]

I'm a bit confused: which model does the QX50 actually replace? The EX, the FX or the JX?

[matthewgrayson]

I think the Acura RDX wasn’t quite out yet when they filmed this and did the review

[Kimmer]

I found this review to be completely bogus since it limited the vehicles to a random price point. It's true that the BMW X3 does not have a lot of standard features, but when you add options that most people would want, it fares very well. Base pricing is meaningless on these vehicles. I ordered an X3 for less than an Audi Q5 Prestige and it has superior tech and handling. See Consumer Reports and Alex on Autos for more meaningful reviews and comparisons.

[neo]

"blah blah ... the benchmark BMW x3." the next line out of his mouth after introducing the competitors and setting up the test parameters... "...BMW x3 doesn't make it to the top 4." sooo was the BMW ever the benchmark?