Alright guys and gals..
with the expected addition to our family - coming soon enough, it is time to start looking at replacing our current CUV with something bigger!

Our requirements are:
1. More cabin space
2. Xenon headlights
3. AWD
4. No CVTs, preferably


What we are considering:
1. I am thinking we can stay with Mitsu, so Outlander is a natural choice
2. Jeep Grand Cherakee
3. Acura RDX

For choices 2 & 3, does anyone have any particular experiences with either brand/model that we should be aware of?

Also, any other vehicles that you have personal insight with that I should consider..?

We have about another 4 months to go before I need to make a final decision, so any input or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

 

2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Specs:
3.6L V6 (DOHC)
HORSEPOWER 290 hp @ 6400 rpm
TORQUE 260 ft-lbs. @ 4800 rpm
TURNING CIRCLE 37.1 ft.
TRANSMISSION 8-speed shiftable automatic
Suspension
Four-wheel independent suspension
Front and rear stabilizer bar

FUEL TYPE Flex-fuel (unleaded/E85)
FUEL TANK CAPACITY 24.6 gal. RANGE IN MILES (CTY/HWY) 442.8/615.0 mi.
EPA MILEAGE EST. (CTY/HWY) 18/25 mpg

Weights and Capacities
MAXIMUM TOWING CAPACITY** 6200 lbs. MAXIMUM PAYLOAD** 1320 lbs.
EPA INTERIOR VOLUME 140.5 cu.ft. GROSS WEIGHT 6500 lbs.
CURB WEIGHT 4677 lbs. ANGLE OF APPROACH 26.2 degrees
ANGLE OF DEPARTURE 24.0 degrees CARGO CAPACITY, ALL SEATS IN PLACE 36.3 cu.ft.
MAXIMUM CARGO CAPACITY 68.3 cu.ft.

Warranty
BASIC 3 yr./ 36000 mi. DRIVETRAIN 5 yr./ 100000 mi.
ROADSIDE 5 yr./ 100000 mi. RUST 5 yr./ 100000 mi.

 

2016 Acura RDX
Specs:
3.5L V6 (DOHC)
HORSEPOWER 279 hp @ 6200 rpm
TORQUE 252 ft-lbs. @ 4900 rpm
TRANSMISSION 6-speed shiftable automatic
Suspension
Four-wheel independent suspension
Front and rear stabilizer bar

FUEL TYPE Premium unleaded (recommended)
FUEL TANK CAPACITY 16.0 gal. RANGE IN MILES (CTY/HWY) 304.0/448.0 mi.
EPA MILEAGE EST. (CTY/HWY) 19/28 mpg
Weights and Capacities
EPA INTERIOR VOLUME 129.6 cu.ft. CURB WEIGHT 3902 lbs.
ANGLE OF APPROACH 14.9 degrees ANGLE OF DEPARTURE 19.4 degrees
CARGO CAPACITY, ALL SEATS IN PLACE 26.1 cu.ft. MAXIMUM CARGO CAPACITY 76.9 cu.ft.


Warranty
BASIC 4 yr./ 50000 mi. DRIVETRAIN 6 yr./ 70000 mi.
ROADSIDE 4 yr./ 50000 mi.

 

Ive had a go in the Outlander over here.
Not sure how the UK specced version would compare to where you are but with the extra row of seats it certainly had plenty of room for passengers but not a lot of luggage room when these were in use.
Drive wise I found it good but it was bigger than I need which is why I went for the ASX (outlander sport).
Most of the Outlanders over here seem to be the electric hybrid type and bloody expensive they are too!

 

I'd drop the Jeep off the list based on my experience with Chrysler (you can checking Edmunds etc.) and add the Mazda CX 5 (or 3 if you want smaller). The Acura is an excellent choice.

 

id drop the jeep... nothing but problems.

Why not a toyota? possibly the 4runner or highlander?

 

4Runner is not really midsize IMO. Highlander is getting up there as well. If you go that size, might as well look at the Acura MDX.

 

@j3bnl
Thank you for your input.
I'm going to schedule a test drive in the new '16 Outlander soon.

Well..
Could you give some key issues that you've had with Chrysler? Or, shoot me a Link or two so I can read up on the specifics.

I would consider a Mazda, have tested the CX-5s, but would prefer the CX-7 (in size) but the 7 is just too dogged slow & ugly with really poor MPGs.


I've honestly tried to like Toyotas, but their design/look just turns me off. I can't see us paying good money for something I rather not have parked in our garage..


agreed.

 

My Chryslers? The better question is what didn't give me grief! Three vans - 4 transmissions. Several power window motors. Struts, bearings, hoses, AC etc. Ate serpentine belts like they were popcorn. I sear the last one was basically rebuilt. Thankfully mostly all on warranty. In one case, almost $15K of warranty work during the time we had it. DANGER Will Robinson, DANGER...

 

You already know I'm runnin' the 16 Outlander, but I gotta say, for the money and the features the new big O has, I've been VERY happy.
Quieter, more power and better MPG's than the Sport model. (go figure) I actually chose the 2.4 over the V6 due to trim packages and stuff I just didn't need/want with the GT model. I love the room, the ride and features. Could use some better handling, but I'm picky and am working on a custom FSTB.


I'm now running 19's with Dunlop SP Sport 01's (pricey!) but like the stock 18's for winter. I've added the RRM pulley and timing controller and there's a night and day difference. Plenty of power when loaded with PPL and stuff.
The wifes 14 model just got done with hauling a full load of family and luggage rack off the hitch down the interstate with no issues. If you like the OS, you'll probably like the big O, with what ever model you chose.

 

I may be pulled back into the Mazda fold...

Just caught site of this New CX-9! Nice.. very nice.
(the previous model were really ugly donkeys.. with the performance to match )



















Exterior Measurements
WIDTH 6 ft. 5.5 in. (77.5 in.) HEIGHT 5 ft. 9 in. (69 in.)
LENGTH 16 ft. 7.4 in. (199.4 in.) GROUND CLEARANCE0 ft. = 8.8 in.
WHEEL BASE 9 ft. 7.3 in. (115.3 in.)

Engine & Performance
BASE ENGINE SIZE 2.5 L Turbo
CAM TYPE Double overhead cam (DOHC)
CYLINDERS Inline 4 VALVES 16
HORSEPOWER 227 hp @ 5000 rpm
TORQUE 310 ft-lbs. @ 2000 rpm
TURNING CIRCLE 38.8 ft.

DriveTrain
DRIVE TYPE ALL Wheel Drive
TRANSMISSION 6-speed shiftable automatic

FUEL TYPE Regular unleaded
FUEL TANK CAPACITY 19.0 gal.
RANGE IN MILES (CTY/HWY) 418.0/532.0 mi.
EPA MILEAGE EST. (CTY/HWY) 22/28 mpg

Weights and Capacities
MAXIMUM TOWING CAPACITY** 3500 lbs. EPA INTERIOR VOLUME 149.5 cu.ft.
GROSS WEIGHT 5661 lbs. CURB WEIGHT 4054 lbs.
CARGO CAPACITY, ALL SEATS IN PLACE 14.4 cu.ft. MAXIMUM CARGO CAPACITY 71.2 cu.ft.

 

based on the G37 i bought last year, check out an Infiniti QX70?

same reliable 325hp V6 and 7speed auto, good looks, some nice luxury thrown in (around-view backup cam, heated/cooled seats, etc)

i bought mine CPO - 2 years old, low miles for almost 1/2 price of a new one.

only con might be the mpg, but the 325hp makes you forget that.

 

Only other con is Infiniti is Nissan. If there is a CVT there....

 

There is no CVT in the QX70 but this car is more of an SUV on steroids. Very little practicality is offered.


@mRVRsport: If you could rank your values that you are looking for we could offer a more focused opinion. I doubt that this list below is really your true ranking of values:

1. More cabin space
2. Xenon headlights
3. AWD
4. No CVTs, preferably

The reason ranking is important because you have to be willing to sacrifice a category that is ranked lower. You will not find a car that is the best in every category. For example HID headlights are not really a match for a requirements like safety, reliability, affordability, driving dynamics/performance, fuel economy, firm vs. comfortable ride, appearance etc. Some of those above are relatively objective while others are dependent upon whom you are asking? My advice: do not let your emotions swing your decision. The honeymoon ends quickly and if you choose the wrong car you may get stuck with it for many years.
If reliability is ranked high on your list than the Jeep is an absolute no-no. Acura RDX was not ranked high either in this category by Consumer Reports. Mazda's NA Skyactiv engines are proven to be OK but we do not know anything about the ones equipped by turbos.
If you plan to keep the car for only a couple of years then reliability may not be so important (although time spent in the dealer is also money and frustration).
How much bigger of a cabin/cargo space would you need? For a family of four you do not really need a three-row SUV unless you ride often with the in-laws as well. Buy a car for 363 days/year and find out how to solve your needs for the remaining 2 days.
Good luck for your choice.

 

You are spot on about the vehicle size IMHO. Next vehicle for us would be MAX size of the CX-5 or Lexus 250. For the few days a year we need a truck to tow the boat or haul a load of people I will rent via Priceline. The savings are substantial.