Which SUV?

[lornemalvo]

I'm going around in circles deciding what SUV to buy. My priorities are comfort, really good boot size, reliability and refinement. I currently drive an Audi A4 Avant 2.0 TFSI but want a bit more luxury.

I'm happy to spend up to 40k, although nearer 30 k would be better. I want something no older than 2019/2020. Engine wise, I can't help thinking that a diesel is still the best option for a heavy SUV, although I'm considering hybrids. I have serious doubts about anything with a CVT gearbox due to their effect on refinement. They should have been binned along with the Daf 600, in my opinion.

Many of the "prestige" cars seem to have iffy long term reliability. Some have a smallish boot for the size of car.
I've considered the Lexus RX450h, Toyota Highlander, VW Touareg , Audi Q5, Mercedes GLC, Jaguar F Pace. I considered a Volvo but their reliability seems to have gone through the floor. Also I bought a V60CC last year and hated the thing.

It's a bit frustrating. I can afford cars that wouldn't have been possible in the past but everything I look at has issues that put me off.

[BBYeah]

For me personally, going from an A4 avant to any SUV would be a downgrade. Not tempted by something like a used Model S? Huge boot + frunk, low running costs, low depreciation, silent wafting, lots of power, leave home fully charged each day etc.

[Crumpet]

Most of those on your list won’t offer any more luxury than your A4 but will handle worse. A ‘19/‘20 F-Pace is comfortable but the interior lets it down, although the new one is excellent. I’ve always liked Lexus interiors so that would be my choice.

If you want ‘luxury’ and comfort you need to step up to the tier above, so Disco 5s and XC90s. But then the Volvo has utterly miserable engines and Disco 5s are a lottery for reliability.

With 40k I think I’d go for a really nice saloon.

[lornemalvo]

Both responses so far make a lot of sense. I like the A4 a lot and being the Sport, rather than the S Line, it is pretty comfortable, but getting in and out could be easier as we're both knocking on a bit. I did consider a 7 series or and E or S class for the reasons you suggest. I also considered an A6 Allroad, although these seem pricey in comparison.

[Crumpet]

Ah, in which case they and F-Pace. Good access height, comfortable in the non-sporty specs and with a light or tan interior are still nice even with the older interior. You might even find a base spec facelift.

[Claret m]

Porsche Macan?

Look for full leather. I really like mine for everyday use, it's not like my 911 and that's the point.

[sam.rog]

I found the A4 low when I had one for a few weeks.
I’d be looking for an A6 allroad, v90cc, merc e400 all terrain.
Left field choice would be a new subaru outback. Not the luxury of the others but will be reliable.

[2wheelsjimmy]

Why do you need and SUV? Do you need ground clearance or AWD?

Sod SUVs, silly things. Either get a 4x4 because you need one, or an A6 allroad.

Ah i see. Higher seats for getting in and out. Lexus are known as reliable.
Could go full PH and get a tdv8 RR for under budget and spend some leftovers on preventative maintenance.

Edited by 2wheelsjimmy on Saturday 9th July 11:31

[ARHarh]

Having owned an old RX400h for over 6 years and 63k miles I would buy another Lexus RX without thinking about it. I bought mine with 85k on the clock, after looking at far too many Range Rover L322's. A sales guy suggested I tried the Lexus he had as it would likely be a better bet long term. Once over the shock of the CVT box it's been a great old barge. Only needed hand brake cables and a cheap mod on the reversing camera above and beyond routine servicing. Not bad for a 16 year old car, no idea if the newer stuff is as good or not, but I would take the risk.

[lornemalvo]

ARHarh said:

Having owned an old RX400h for over 6 years and 63k miles I would buy another Lexus RX without thinking about it. I bought mine with 85k on the clock, after looking at far too many Range Rover L322's. A sales guy suggested I tried the Lexus he had as it would likely be a better bet long term. Once over the shock of the CVT box it's been a great old barge. Only needed hand brake cables and a cheap mod on the reversing camera above and beyond routine servicing. Not bad for a 16 year old car, no idea if the newer stuff is as good or not, but I would take the risk.

I just sold my 1999 Lexus LS 400 after nine years of ownership, missing it already. They are great cars, but the CVT gearbox on the RX is a real turn off, especially on a car that is so refined otherwise.

[tomsugden]

My missus has a Skoda Kodiaq in laurin and klement spec. It's a 2.0 petrol with DSG and really is a very nice thing, with every gadget you could ever possibly need. Pano roof, heated and chilled seats, heated steering wheel, 2 fridges, adaptive cruise, virtual dash, matrix headlights (game changer). It has a huge boot, and can be 7 seats if needed. Have a look at one, you'll be shocked.

[Pica-Pica]

sam.rog said:

I found the A4 low when I had one for a few weeks.
I’d be looking for an A6 allroad, v90cc, merc e400 all terrain.
Left field choice would be a new subaru outback. Not the luxury of the others but will be reliable.

Of all the larger cars suggested, I would go for the Outback. Skoda Enyaq, for an EV choice? Both are solid, comfortable cars, maybe not the superficial ‘luxury’ you may perceive, but very reliable and solid. I wanted an Outback a few years ago, but it was just too long for my liking and circumstances.

[ChocolateFrog]

If boot size is really important then most of these will have a smaller usable boot than the A4.

I'm guessing 40k doesn't get you into a Discovery at that age?

Have you considered something like a Transporter Combi or one of its rivals.

If nothing else boot space is somewhat better and residuals, particularly on the VW's will be better.

If you really want a SUV, I've owned the Touareg, air suspension a worthy option to search out for the comfort and towing ability If that's a priority.

[GolfDragon]

SUVs aren’t my cup of tea due to the slightly higher centre of gravity but I tried a 2021 X3 from BMW (courtesy car) and it was very luxurious inside. Engine had enough poke for a heavy car with the 2 litre diesel and the automatic gearbox is pretty smooth. Not very sporty drive for a BMW but very capable.

[J1990]

GolfDragon said:

SUVs aren’t my cup of tea due to the slightly higher centre of gravity but I tried a 2021 X3 from BMW (courtesy car) and it was very luxurious inside. Engine had enough poke for a heavy car with the 2 litre diesel and the automatic gearbox is pretty smooth. Not very sporty drive for a BMW but very capable.

Whilst the X3 is relatively nice inside, I found the seats to be really uncomfortable when I test drove a '22 model, which I believe is the same interior as 19/20 models have. If OP is buying an SUV mainly for ease of getting in/out due to age then I assume that good comfort in the seats would be important. At which point I'd be leaning towards an XC60 (I don't think XC90 would fit in budget at the OP's 2019 max age) or an F-Pace, funnily enough I loved the facelifted F-Pace interior but found the original to feel more spacious, somehow.

[CharlieCrocodile]

Re Volvo, I'm now 3 years & 6 months into a 4 year contract. No mechanical issues whatsoever. It hasn't let us down once. Will probably get another one.

[ninjag]

F-Pace should give you about 150 litres more boot space which is a fair amount and the 3.0d 300ps engine is powerful with tons of torque. Like most Jags, I'm sure the ride quality will be good as will be the sound system if you find a well equipped one. The badge still carries image.

[BBYeah]

If you want refinement I would really at least try a few EVs. Enyaq if you want a longer warranty, Audi E-Tron if you care about brand.

Both will be silky smooth and relaxing to drive. Luxury and diesel don't belong in the same sentence together. If you're going to do any long miles, I'd still be thinking about a used Model S with air suspension, as the charging network provides the luxury of convenience and reduced stress, for the next few years at least. Their interior refinement may not be up with Audi but the software and drivetrain makes up for it.

[ZX10R NIN]

I'd say have a look at the Maserati Levante it'll be the step up in quality & you'll still have two years of the original warranty left which you can extend:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205205...

Next would be the E Class All Terain with the 400d drivetrain it's a properly smooth & powerful unit:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202232...

If you don't go for the All Terrain then you can get an E400d for under your budget:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202206196...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202206186...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203103...

Or if you want petrol the the E53 hybrid is the pick but these are still over budget:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111259...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205065...

Grand Cherokee Summit like the Maserati these will have 2 years warranty 1 years servicing & 2 years roadside cover left.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205135...

XC90 in diesel hybrid form:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205205...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202206247...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202206297...

[ninjag]

Alpha Stelvio might be worth a look as well?