Xc60, q5, ??? - best newer mid-size suv

We are looking for a newer (2019ish +) mid-sized suv, and currently the Volvo xc60 and Audi q5 are at the top of the list.  
 

We have saved up and my wife would like (and deserves) something nicer, so the bmw x3 (maybe the 5), xc90, and porsche  macan have been considered. 
 

Budget is $25-30, miles under around 40k. Room inside is a big consideration. 
 

I want good  fuel mileage so the hybrids are really what I want if the price makes sense (if what we'd save in gas pays for the extra expense of the hybrid in a few years)

and most importantly, I want something reliable.  
 

does anyone have any insights on any of these or anything we are missing?

Anything decent power and size will get cruddy mileage so may as well get the nicest/newest one of these that you can afford.

• LX570
• Land Cruiser
• GX460
• 4Runner

Everyday driver really likes their Cayenne Hybrid.  

Link

I have a 17 Cayenne S e-hybrid platinum and I LOVE it. 
 

I bought it earlier this year with 68,000 miles and paid 32,000. Have put nearly 20k miles on it- probably about 12k of that was not electric. 
 

easy oil changes, great fit and finish, and looks great. The 3.0 supercharged v6 is pretty reliable as well.  
 

you get about 17 miles of electric. 9 hours on 110v, 2.5 on 50 amp. 
 

We have a 2018 Q5, bought new, 46000 trouble free miles. Very comfortable and with the 252hp and 7sp dct it's fun to drive. Also looks good.. 

In reply to jfryjfry :

How about the current (soon to be discontinued) Toyota Venza.  It's near-Lexus or try the Lexus version known as the NX.  This version of Venza is all hybrid. Its sort of the trated-up Rav4 Hybrid.   $43k for a new fully loaded version.  40 mph!

Trim levels seem to be LE, XLE, Limited

Certified Toyota Used '21 w/30k @ $31k mid level XLE trim

'19 Lexus NX300h w/38k @ $32k 

You might find that budget on the tight side for the miles you want.

The xc60 is doable price wise. I like the interior a lot. The volvo T6 super and turbocharged engines scare me reliability wise. The T5 is slowish. The infotainment on them isn't very good either. Try to find one with the upgraded audio if you do. Its supposed to be fantastic. I really wanted to like these since the interior was so nice for the price.

I really like the x3 and x5. You won't get an x5 with the miles you want on on it for that. The x5 is considerably nicer. I has a b58 for the base engine instead of a b48. The g05 x5 is a 'mild hybrid'. The real hybrids for both of the x5 and x3 are quite a bit more. You'd have to drive quite a lot to make up the cost difference. I'd search actual mileage on the hybrids. the advertised numbers assume you plug in every night and make the most of the 20ish miles of EV range. I'm getting 18mpg around the city and 24-25 on the interstate at like 80. The new B series engines have proved quite reliable. The zf8 transmission is great. Typical german stuff though in terms of repair prices if something goes wrong.

The last gen Cayanne hybrids are pretty cheap. I looked at a few when I got my x5. I kinda like the older interior better. Same issue as the BMW hybrids when I looked into them. You really need to plug in a lot to really make the most of it. The g05 x5 had a lot better pickup than it, and was more modern. I think only 17-18 had carplay IIRC.

IME hybrids are generally overvalued on resale now. If you're vigilant about plugging them in you can get some really good numbers out of them around town. If you won't or can't reliably plug them in, meh. I'd check in if your state has any rebate programs for used ones.

I am looking into XC60 Hybrid this year as well. It not just the hybrid factor, those things are apparently pretty quick. 

We have a 2020 Q5 e-tron hybrid that we've owned for 3 years now and love. It had a few electrical and mechanical gremlins early on from being built during the pandemic, but Audi covered all of them and provided loaners. We bought at 11K miles and just rolled over 47K, average over that whole time is 48.1 mpg. The more city driving you do (and charging) the better. It has more HP/TQ (and is faster) than the same generation SQ5. We have the digital gauges (10/10 must have in all future cars), active cruise/lane assist, and the Bang & Olufsun. Note that Audi options are ala cart, so it's easy to find loaded out Premium Plus models.

I'd get one with a solid service history. Ours was CPO through Audi, which came with a fantastic drivetrain warranty (I think it's to like 80K and includes all the hybrid parts!). The only thing we've driven that's come even remotely close is the Cayenne e-hybrid, and it's just the Q5e cranked to 11.

Hmmmm. Good info.  
 

the Lexus NX is one that was not at the CarMax lot we visited to just sit in different cars.  But it was on my radar because the ux was too small and the RX was a little big. 
 

my wife pretty much won't get a Volvo. Doesn't like how they look and I think they look great.  She likes the Audis and I don't like how they look. Go figure. 
 

The other car that has snuck in is the Macan.  Finding some that are on the edge of our budget.  MPG's are weak though but we both really like how they look.  They are also a little crammed in the back and we will be shuffling full cars of kids a lot so not sure if this is a smart choice. 
 

we found a 2022 q5 plug-in with 58k miles for $32k.    The mileage is a little off-putting....   my wife would take it in a heartbeat.

Performance is the last thing I care about.  Price, fuel mileage and interior space in a small/medium exterior are the most important for me. 

If you're looking at Q5, XC60, take a look at a MB GLC. People don't realize they're in the same price range for some reason. 

MDX is really nice

Call me what you want - but if I'm getting a hybrid it'll be a Toyota and only a Toyota. 

I'll 2nd the Venza suggestion (Japan made Toyotas FTW) or a Highlander hybrid.

Lexus if you can find one at better spot on the depreciation curve. 

OHS - I'm with you on Toyota being THE name for hybrids.  The awesome 05 Prius this will replace has solidified that for me. 
 

but, happy wife happy life.  So I'm sitting in an Audi dealership inking a deal for a 21 q5e. 
 

Time will tell if I am making a good and/or wise choice.    Some comments on this thread influenced the search and others influenced the decision.  Glad to be part of our community! 

In reply to jfryjfry :

The Q5e is substantially larger in backseat and rear hatch area than the Macan, not to mention 2-3x the mileage. We transport 3 teenager kids in back constantly with no complaints. 

jfryjfry said:

OHS - I'm with you on Toyota being THE name for hybrids.  The awesome 05 Prius this will replace has solidified that for me. 
 

but, happy wife happy life.  So I'm sitting in an Audi dealership inking a deal for a 21 q5e. 
 

Time will tell if I am making a good and/or wise choice.    Some comments on this thread influenced the search and others influenced the decision.  Glad to be part of our community! 

Awesome!! I hope you love it as much as we love ours!

jfryjfry said:

OHS - I'm with you on Toyota being THE name for hybrids.  The awesome 05 Prius this will replace has solidified that for me. 
 

but, happy wife happy life.  So I'm sitting in an Audi dealership inking a deal for a 21 q5e. 
 

Time will tell if I am making a good and/or wise choice.    Some comments on this thread influenced the search and others influenced the decision.  Glad to be part of our community! 

Congrats!

I recently broke my own "Japanese only" car rule. Time will tell describes it pretty well. 

Macans are tiny! Congrats on the Q5e!