XT Owners, what is the replacement vehicle that you are considering?

9832 Views 51 Replies 37 Participants Last post by Banjor, Nov 30, 2018

Beluga

Discussion Starter · Nov 6, 2018

Since no turbo in 2019+ model, I am really wondering what other SJ XT owners are considering.
I started from considering $40k-$50k German vehicles to convincing myself (and most importantly, my wife

that $30k XT is perfect for our needs. After 4 years, I am more than happy with my decision.
Right now I don't see anything close in performance/utility/ownership cost for around $30k. Am I missing something?

Reactions: 1

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Shredmo

· #2 · Nov 6, 2018

For ~$30k best hope is the Mazda CX5 turbo. It is going to be $36k most likely.
Others considered for my Foz's replacement vehicle:
Volvo XC60 T6
Volvo V60 T6
Ford Edge ST
Subaru Ascent
Hope for a next gen Outback 2.4T?? ha ha.

I like this thread.

cjecpa

· #3 · Nov 6, 2018

I am actually looking or should say waiting to see the specs on the 2019 RAV4 hybrid. With 220hp it will be less than my XTP but will have a driving range of close to 600 miles and around 40mpg combined. My XTP only cost me $26,800 new so I really do not want to go near $40k like I did for my wife's car. If I didn't need the cargo room I would go for a hatchback or a large sedan since discounts will be high.

Reactions: 1

Shredmo

· #4 · Nov 6, 2018

Am curious of the hybrid RAV4 as well. Adding that to my list.

Beluga

Discussion Starter · #5 · Nov 6, 2018

Shredmo said:
For ~$30k best hope is the Mazda CX5 turbo. It is going to be $36k most likely.
Others considered for my Foz's replacement vehicle:
Volvo XC60 T6
Volvo V60 T6
Ford Edge ST
Subaru Ascent
Hope for a next gen Outback 2.4T?? ha ha.

I like this thread.

Nice list but...
Mazda CX-5 turbo -I really like (small) Mazdas but it is too expensive for what it is, terrible visibility...
Volvo XC60 T6- Looks nice inside and out, my neighbor parks T5 base next to me, but for T6 money I would pay extra for X3 M40i

Volvo V60 T6 - I am actually looking forward to see pricing but Volvo is "trendy now" and it will probably be priced too high for what it is (FWD platform 4 cylinder engine). I would consider base T5 AWD for about $35k but that won't happen
Ford Edge ST- looks big, mean, heavy and expensive. Honestly, I don't know much about it
Subaru Ascent - I have 3 kids, it is turbo, it will be cheap to operate, for me looks ok for Subaru, I like it more then I expected, but I just can't imagine daily vehicle so big in Chicago downtown...
Outback 2.4T?? - Maybe too big for me but I am waiting for it and 2020 WRX hatchback

In $45k+ category, there are few vehicles that I would consider but I got "addicted" to cheap operating cost with Subaru

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Shredmo

· #6 · Nov 6, 2018

Beluga said:
Nice list but...
Mazda CX-5 turbo -I really like (small) Mazdas but it is too expensive for what it is, terrible visibility...
Volvo XC60 T6- Looks nice inside and out, my neighbor parks T5 base next to me, but for T6 money I would pay extra for X3 M40i
Volvo V60 T6 - I am actually looking forward to see pricing but Volvo is "trendy now" and it will probably be priced too high for what it is (FWD platform 4 cylinder engine). I would consider base T5 AWD for about $35k but that won't happen
Ford Edge ST- looks big, mean, heavy and expensive. Honestly, I don't know much about it
Subaru Ascent - I have 3 kids, it is turbo, it will be cheap to operate, for me looks ok for Subaru, I like it more then I expected, but I just can't imagine daily vehicle so big in Chicago downtown...
Outback 2.4T?? - Maybe too big for me but I am waiting for it and 2020 WRX hatchback

In $45k+ category, there are few vehicles that I would consider but I got "addicted" to cheap operating cost with Subaru

I agree with all of the above. Thing is, need a replacement that wife approves. She hates my current car (Focus RS). I LOVE that she does, lol! 100% honest, I could live with the Corolla hatch w/manual. I just want something that is lively.

subiesubieDOOO

· #7 · Nov 6, 2018

I will grow old with mine. l will not abandon mine. I will be buried in mine.

Reactions: 5

asphaltaddict33

· #8 · Nov 6, 2018

Considering the pipe-dream that I can swap in a 6-speed manual from a junked WRX when the CVT dies out of warranty in 3 years. Other than the CVT this car is a dream and hopefully not going anywhere for a long time

Reactions: 3

Subyguy9

· #9 · Nov 6, 2018

FXT Touring is my car. Honda Odyssey van is SO's and road trip car. The Ascent isn't going to be replacing the minivan anytime soon. It's got more storage behind the 3rd row than the Ascent has in the second row, plus it doesn't even need premium fuel.

I don't see myself purchasing another Subaru unless the WRX STI Hatch comes back, but only for a weekend driver. The FXT performs its duties just fine.

jzmtl

· #10 · Nov 6, 2018

You are right, there isn't any at the same price point, even the "performance" trim from other mainstream brands is only available as the most expensive trim. If you were considering German though you might as well take a look at the new RDX with SH-AWD.

The RAV4 hybrid looks interesting, pending test of its AWD system. The current hybrid RAV4 has a useless AWD system, rear electric motor will try to move the car for a second or two then just give up.

Reactions: 1

adc

· #11 · Nov 6, 2018

BMW X3..no question

Nasarog

· #12 · Nov 6, 2018

Keeping one of my 2 ('17/'18 <-----probably that one) and getting an Ascent for the wife. At least for the foreseeable future.

Reactions: 1

Subyroo

· #13 · Nov 7, 2018

We don't get the Subaru Ascent in Australia.

However, now being the owner of a Honda CR-V (2016), I Googled an image of the Subaru Ascent and immediately said Google have got it wrong, that looks like my CR-V, well almost. Except for minor curve here and there on the body and the rear quarter glass size being a little bigger they could both pass for non identical twins. >

Superru

· #14 · Nov 7, 2018

adc said:
BMW X3..no question

Good one! That will never ever happen here.

straphanger322

· #15 · Nov 7, 2018

If I instantly needed a new car today, I'd strongly look at the Acura RDX. And the 2019 RAV4, pending the results of the reviews.

CRV has turbo issues and is fugly, the Rogue is powered by an ancient engine, the CX5 is small and has crappy visibility, the current RAV4 is garbage, the NX/RX are compromising for their size, and I don't want to look at European cars because they're a money pit after the warranty is over.

Beluga

Discussion Starter · #16 · Nov 7, 2018

Acura RDX SH-AWD is mentioned often but it is starting at $40k and it is getting really competitive at that price point. While SH-AWD is very interesting from engineering perspective it is also very (unnecessary) complex and at the end, doesn't perform any better in instrumented tests vs XT.
It becomes a lot about personal preference when you choose premium vehicle but I never really liked Japanese premium brands (old Lexuses and Acuras being exemptions). Comfort features are way better then 2015 XT Touring but I really like Forester simplicity inside and out vs modern design.
Since premium vehicle is irrational purchase by definition, I would irrationally add $5k+ and get something German...

Beluga

Discussion Starter · #17 · Nov 7, 2018

I would look at 2019 Rav4 hybrid, with stronger electric motor in rear it may be interesting. But looking at pictures it looks over-designed on the outside like 2019 Forester Sport but with less glass area...
I liked 3rd generation Rav4 (2005–2012) it reminds me in some ways to Forester, V6 version was unique. My family still has diesel manual version in Europe that I drive when I visit. Amazingly solid for 10 years old vehicle

ForesterCub

· #18 · Nov 7, 2018 (Edited)

VW Golf GTI Turbo

25k - 35k depending on spec

A lot of fun for the money, I used to drive thOse in Europe. Golf turbo diesels also high fun factor but I don't think these are imported to USA?

Edit / Add - or the Golf R, turbo with awd. Around $38k

Seanyd78

· #19 · Nov 7, 2018

ForesterCub said:
VW Golf GTI Turbo

25k - 35k depending on spec

A lot of fun for the money, I used to drive thOse in Europe. Golf turbo diesels also high fun factor but I don't think these are imported to USA?

Edit / Add - or the Golf R, turbo with awd. Around $38k

I would say those are not really Sporty/Performance SUV replacements as both have much less interior room/Cargo space. The GTI and Golf R are more WRX, STI and Focus RS competitors.

Raz007

· #20 · Nov 7, 2018

I traded my XT away for an Ascent Touring. No regrets. It's every bit as fast, more comfortable, and all this leather just looks sooo good.

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