stick: do you need 4-wheel drive? If not, you could save some money and get higher mpg.
The Passport is 4 inches longer and 4 inches wider than the RDX, and so the Passport is pretty big. But the Passport does have a lot more cargo space, and of course it costs less.
Passport length 190.5 width 78.6 cargo with seats up 50.5
RDX length 186.8 w 74.8 cargo 29.5
Q5 length 183.6 w 74.5 cargo 25.1
V60 length 187.4 w 72.8 cargo 23.2
CR-V length 180.6 w 73 cargo 39.2
VW Sportwagen length 179.6 w 70.8 cargo 30.4
So the VW Sportwagen and the CRV have more cargo space than all of these except for the Passport.
Wow. Love that car in those colors. Would be perfect for me! Wife might prefer sitting a bit higher, but would have to try it out. I won’t pay for the B&W stereo, but the seats, sure!
I didn't audition the B&W because I would have wanted it (I have B&W speakers in my home).... having said that the Harmon/Kardon is no slouch. I still don't have it dialed in exactly the way I want it yet (lots of adjustments) but it sounds good.
Wife took it this morning and she commented how good it sounds. I think the Bose in the Enclave may be a touch louder if pushed, but the Harmon sounds better.
A few inches longer, in that 185-190” range, is not an issue. Being much wider, that’s a problem. It’s already tight getting our RDX in the garage without nicking the mirror! Cargo measurements don’t mean much to me. That counts to the ceiling, and I’m obsessed about not going much above the seat top so I can still see out. Floor space acreage is a bigger deal. Volvo looks great there! But, the CRV was a tremendously useful cargo hauler.
The passport is really just a pilot with a slice out of the middle, no third row, and a nose job.
You guys got me thinking about my next car (nowhere in the foreseeable future, though)....
I’ve made no bones about wanting another Acura TLX in S-Type trim. That’s tops on the list, but looks like that model is at least a year to 18 months away.
2nd-VW GLI
3rd-BMW 330 or 340i
You guys have me intrigued about the Volvo, so make that #4...S60 Inscription
#5-the Accord 2.0T sounds/looks intriguing if I decide I’d rather keep another $10K-$15K in my pocket that it might take to buy the Acura, the BMW or the Volvo. While I’m at it, may as well throw the Toyota Camry XSE V6 for the same reason. That said, I can’t even remember the last time I drove a Camry. But, the new ones seem to be getting good press.
You guys got me thinking about my next car (nowhere in the foreseeable future, though)....
I’ve made no bones about wanting another Acura TLX in S-Type trim. That’s tops on the list, but looks like that model is at least a year to 18 months away.....
My guess is that the all-new 2021 TLX Type S will arrive c. 10 months from now.
stick: do you need 4-wheel drive? If not, you could save some money and get higher mpg.
The Passport is 4 inches longer and 4 inches wider than the RDX, and so the Passport is pretty big. But the Passport does have a lot more cargo space, and of course it costs less.
Passport length 190.5 width 78.6 cargo with seats up 50.5
RDX length 186.8 w 74.8 cargo 29.5
Q5 length 183.6 w 74.5 cargo 25.1
V60 length 187.4 w 72.8 cargo 23.2
CR-V length 180.6 w 73 cargo 39.2
VW Sportwagen length 179.6 w 70.8 cargo 30.4
So the VW Sportwagen and the CRV have more cargo space than all of these except for the Passport.
Cubic footage of cargo space is less useful to me than the footprint. The shape of the back end of the greenhouse can make a big difference in terms of cubic feet but really only comes into play when you put a lot of tall boxes all the way back.
If I'm cargo-space-critical, I'm dropping the back seats...
Nothing wrong with any of those choices, but aren’t you in few different size classes?
I had a similarly large list in the prelim phases of my shopping last year. Somewhere along the way, almost everything on the original list dropped off and when it got close to go-time the only serious looks went to the V60 (but didn't drive one), XC60, Outback, and the eventual winner was the RDX.
With its torque vectoring Acura's SH-AWD is tuned for performance and makes a noticeable impact on the driving experience. Unless you want to avoid the $2K upcharge altogether, I would at least give it a try. It operates similarly to the ATTS system on @nyccarguy's Prelude.
1997 Honda Prelude Base - 2022 Acura MDX Type S Advance - 2021 Honda Passport Sport - 2006 BMW 330Ci ZHP
You guys got me thinking about my next car (nowhere in the foreseeable future, though)....
I’ve made no bones about wanting another Acura TLX in S-Type trim. That’s tops on the list, but looks like that model is at least a year to 18 months away.
2nd-VW GLI
3rd-BMW 330 or 340i
You guys have me intrigued about the Volvo, so make that #4...S60 Inscription
#5-the Accord 2.0T sounds/looks intriguing if I decide I’d rather keep another $10K-$15K in my pocket that it might take to buy the Acura, the BMW or the Volvo. While I’m at it, may as well throw the Toyota Camry XSE V6 for the same reason. That said, I can’t even remember the last time I drove a Camry. But, the new ones seem to be getting good press.
I approve of this list. That might have to do with feeling validated since it is so closely resembles my own!
2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
What I like about the TLX Type S concept is that it seems like a nice evolution from the current TLX. The c.2004-2008 Acura TL was a big hit, but then the 2009 TL, rather than evolving from that, introduced the "power plenum grille." As the NY Times headlined back then "Pace. Space. But Oh, That Face."
It was a really nice car, but the styling was a bit much. By 2015 when the TLX was introduced they had finally made it look good.
Anyway, from past experience iirc once Honda/Acura have released a concept car of this kind, usually the production model is on showroom floors less than a year later, and usually looking pretty close. This one doesn't have door handles, which obviously are going to be added....My lease is up in June of 2021. Probably I'll try to buy out my current car, but if the new TLX has a hybrid or electric option, or even just a regular model that gets good mpg, I might consider that.
With its torque vectoring Acura's SH-AWD is tuned for performance and makes a noticeable impact on the driving experience. Unless you want to avoid the $2K upcharge altogether, I would at least give it a try. It operates similarly to the ATTS system on @nyccarguy's Prelude.
Without the added expense & complexity of a $2,200 clutch job (2x in 160,000 miles).
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
You guys got me thinking about my next car (nowhere in the foreseeable future, though)....
I’ve made no bones about wanting another Acura TLX in S-Type trim. That’s tops on the list, but looks like that model is at least a year to 18 months away.
2nd-VW GLI
3rd-BMW 330 or 340i
You guys have me intrigued about the Volvo, so make that #4...S60 Inscription
#5-the Accord 2.0T sounds/looks intriguing if I decide I’d rather keep another $10K-$15K in my pocket that it might take to buy the Acura, the BMW or the Volvo. While I’m at it, may as well throw the Toyota Camry XSE V6 for the same reason. That said, I can’t even remember the last time I drove a Camry. But, the new ones seem to be getting good press.
The thing is you can now "put a face with the name" and know it wasn't just lip service from Acura. If the concept's good looks are matched by its performance I'm in.
1997 Honda Prelude Base - 2022 Acura MDX Type S Advance - 2021 Honda Passport Sport - 2006 BMW 330Ci ZHP
I'm not in the market but if I were this would be very tempting. Although as a CCBA the lesson on Volvo is lease or buy used.
Beautiful wagon.
Here's the lease offered at that link....
"Lease: $515 per month for 36 months. $3,995 due at signing for select 2020 Volvo V60 Cross Country T5"
And that's before taxes, acquisition fee, etc.
They don't lease well. Because no one buys wagons. So they don't subsidize their sale to get them out there. So no one buys wagons. And on and on the circle game of the american car market goes.
2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
"Lease: $515 per month for 36 months. $3,995 due at signing for select 2020 Volvo V60 Cross Country T5"
And that's before taxes, acquisition fee, etc.
Well and if you read the Disclaimer that's for a base model with no options:
Disclaimer:
No security deposit required. Monthly payment of $515, based on $46,095 MSRP of 2020 V60 T5 AWD Cross Country, includes destination charge. Lessee is responsible for excess wear and mileage over 10,000 miles/year at $.25 / mile.
Car shown with optional equipment. Advertised lease payment and financing excludes taxes, title, and registration fees and is available for qualified customers based on FICO score through Volvo Car Financial Services. Payments may vary, as dealer determines price. Offers available at participating dealers. See dealer for details. Cannot exceed 10000 miles per year.
As @michaell can attest this dealer group has really gotten somewhat slimy with their sales tactics, so if I was going to buy it I'd go to a dealer I like better first and see if they could swap.
I'm not in the market but if I were this would be very tempting. Although as a CCBA the lesson on Volvo is lease or buy used.
Beautiful wagon.
Here's the lease offered at that link....
"Lease: $515 per month for 36 months. $3,995 due at signing for select 2020 Volvo V60 Cross Country T5"
And that's before taxes, acquisition fee, etc.
They don't lease well. Because no one buys wagons. So they don't subsidize their sale to get them out there. So no one buys wagons. And on and on the circle game of the american car market goes.
That's too bad because that's a beautiful wagon. I love that interior.
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha
I bought my XC70. It was below invoice, with 0% for 60mos on offer. Traded it about four years later for a good number. Maintenance was included. So all in all, it cost me about $4700 per year, excluding fuel etc. Not bad, and very comparable to a good lease deal IMO. It can be done.
@ all of the above that’s funny just made me laugh thinking of B watson Butthead, and stick guy thinking that reminds him of a strip club every time he hears polestar ha ha Ha.
"In a Slowing U.S. Auto Market, Minivan Sales Are Falling 7 Times Faster Than the Overall Market By Timothy Cain on August 20, 2019
The minivan as we know it is not dead. Credit for the minivan segment’s still-beating heart belongs in large part to the disappearance of most contenders – so few competitors remain that a handful of remaining minivan nameplates may well still sell in six figures in the United States in 2019.
Most automakers determined years ago that sticking their forks into this pie isn’t worth it; the pie was just too small. The absence of GM, Ford, Hyundai, and Volkswagen, along with the steady rise of the family-oriented crossover, caused the pie’s shrinkage to continue. Nissan and Mazda left, too, and the pie kept shrinking.
In fact, the rate at which the minivan pie is shrinking has picked up speed. Auto sales are slowing, to be fair, but U.S. minivan sales volume in 2019 is slowing nearly seven times faster. And no, for FCA and Toyota and Honda and Kia, the whole “bigger slice of a smaller pie” argument just isn’t holding water these days.
According to Automotive News, auto sales fell 2.4 percent in 2019’s first half. Minivan volume, however, was down 15.8 percent...."
Ironic, considering the area once had a Volvo factory, I think you said?
Yes, there was Vovlo assembly done here in 3 different locations from the mid-60s through the early '90s. In the '80s there was even a trial of a Volvo 760 as a police car and the Mayor had a Volvo provided as his official car.
In the '60s and '70s the dealers were small, locally owned operations that varied in quality but which were quite approachable. Later on they passed into the hands of one of the premium automobile groups as Volvo went upmarket and the same place selling Porsches, Jaguars and Land Rovers now had Volvo as well. They were not easy to deal with and tended to intimidate many buyers surrounded by very high-end cars, and treated Volvo as the poor cousin.
speaking of Volvo police cars, I remember a test from way back in the day (car and driver I think, could have been road and track) where they compared alternative police cars. Nova was one, and the Volvo 164 was another. The Volvo tested really well.
My “full size SUV” rental in Tampa is an Infiniti QX80. It feels every bit as big and ponderous as my Tahoe. I was shocked by the amount of brake dive, even in light to moderate braking. There is no CarPlay, and I made the mistake of trying to use the built in nav instead of Waze until I realized it was telling me to drive in circles. It does not feel like it has the 400 horsepower they claim it does. The 360 degree camera is pretty neat, but I was disappointed to find that my base model example stickers for $68k and doesn’t have blind spot monitoring, despite having relatively narrow mirrors. If someone gave me one to replace the Tahoe, I probably wouldn’t go to the trouble of selling it to buy something else, but I don’t think it would make the short list if I were shopping on my own. Maybe if I could find a better equipped used example for a song.
Yes, I think they share the platform with the first gen Titan. Seats are okay so far, but I only drove it about 20 miles. Apparently the Limited trim (over $20k more) has a fancier suspension which might reduce the brake dive I experienced. Overall, I’m not completely disappointed, but also not shocked these are being sold to rental fleets.
I get links to Odyclub posts (guess I never un-signed up for those!) Every time I read another VCM problem story, I think I need to energize the wife to look harder now!
I took my Audi Q8 into the dealer Monday after having trouble with some creaking in the left b pillar. I believe it is coming from seat belt adjuster. I hear the creaking all the time without the stereo loud enough. The dealer claimed that they couldn't replicate the issue. Are they deaf? This issue has been mentioned on AudiWorld and YouTube as well. It would be one thing if they said it was normal. It's another thing to suggest that I am imagining things.
I also mentioned that the tailgate doesn't always open using the remote. Sometimes it only unlocks and pops up slightly. Same claim. Not able to replicate the issue. The first time I try to open the tailgate after picking it up Tuesday evening, it does the same thing. I happened to catch it on video.
Did I mention that the car appeared to be parked at someone's residence for most of the day Monday? The service advisor had claimed that she would contact me Monday afternoon and that everything should be ready by the evening...she never did contact me. I contacted her that evening. It's obvious that they just never got to my car. I've not been pleased with Audi dealership customer service so far. My preferred dealership was booked out a month in advance for service.
My stable: 2019 Audi Q8, 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG, and 2005 Mercedes-Benz E500W4Found new homes: 2017 Porsche Cayenne S, 2011 Mercedes-Benz R350 BlueTEC, and 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton V8Illinois real estate broker and commercial property manager
Comments
The Passport is 4 inches longer and 4 inches wider than the RDX, and so the Passport is pretty big. But the Passport does have a lot more cargo space, and of course it costs less.
Passport length 190.5 width 78.6 cargo with seats up 50.5
RDX length 186.8 w 74.8 cargo 29.5
Q5 length 183.6 w 74.5 cargo 25.1
V60 length 187.4 w 72.8 cargo 23.2
CR-V length 180.6 w 73 cargo 39.2
VW Sportwagen length 179.6 w 70.8 cargo 30.4
So the VW Sportwagen and the CRV have more cargo space than all of these except for the Passport.
I want.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Wife took it this morning and she commented how good it sounds. I think the Bose in the Enclave may be a touch louder if pushed, but the Harmon sounds better.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
The passport is really just a pilot with a slice out of the middle, no third row, and a nose job.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I’ve made no bones about wanting another Acura TLX in S-Type trim. That’s tops on the list, but looks like that model is at least a year to 18 months away.
2nd-VW GLI
3rd-BMW 330 or 340i
You guys have me intrigued about the Volvo, so make that #4...S60 Inscription
#5-the Accord 2.0T sounds/looks intriguing if I decide I’d rather keep another $10K-$15K in my pocket that it might take to buy the Acura, the BMW or the Volvo. While I’m at it, may as well throw the Toyota Camry XSE V6 for the same reason. That said, I can’t even remember the last time I drove a Camry. But, the new ones seem to be getting good press.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
If I'm cargo-space-critical, I'm dropping the back seats...
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
https://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/08/automobiles/autoreviews/08acura-tl.html
It was a really nice car, but the styling was a bit much. By 2015 when the TLX was introduced they had finally made it look good.
Anyway, from past experience iirc once Honda/Acura have released a concept car of this kind, usually the production model is on showroom floors less than a year later, and usually looking pretty close. This one doesn't have door handles, which obviously are going to be added....My lease is up in June of 2021. Probably I'll try to buy out my current car, but if the new TLX has a hybrid or electric option, or even just a regular model that gets good mpg, I might consider that.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
https://www.mcdonaldvolvocars.com/new/Volvo/2020-Volvo-V60+Cross+Country-4ce68adc0a0e0adf7555f6772a64a109.htm
I'm not in the market but if I were this would be very tempting. Although as a CCBA the lesson on Volvo is lease or buy used.
Here's the lease offered at that link....
"Lease: $515 per month for 36 months. $3,995 due at signing for select 2020 Volvo V60 Cross Country T5"
And that's before taxes, acquisition fee, etc.
Disclaimer:
No security deposit required. Monthly payment of $515, based on $46,095 MSRP of 2020 V60 T5 AWD Cross Country, includes destination charge. Lessee is responsible for excess wear and mileage over 10,000 miles/year at $.25 / mile.
Car shown with optional equipment. Advertised lease payment and financing excludes taxes, title, and registration fees and is available for qualified customers based on FICO score through Volvo Car Financial Services. Payments may vary, as dealer determines price. Offers available at participating dealers. See dealer for details. Cannot exceed 10000 miles per year.As @michaell can attest this dealer group has really gotten somewhat slimy with their sales tactics, so if I was going to buy it I'd go to a dealer I like better first and see if they could swap.
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha
Is the wagon also refreshed like the sedan? I'm not up to speed on Volvos since very few get sold here and the dealer is terrible.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0 / 03 Montero Ltd
That wagon is same colors as the one in road test video. Would need to. See seats in person. Wife would likely hate them.
I would also pass on the polestar (am I the only one that thinks of a strip club when I see that name?) and 19” wheels. Mo sidewall is Mo betta.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
"In a Slowing U.S. Auto Market, Minivan Sales Are Falling 7 Times Faster Than the Overall Market
By Timothy Cain on August 20, 2019
The minivan as we know it is not dead. Credit for the minivan segment’s still-beating heart belongs in large part to the disappearance of most contenders – so few competitors remain that a handful of remaining minivan nameplates may well still sell in six figures in the United States in 2019.
Most automakers determined years ago that sticking their forks into this pie isn’t worth it; the pie was just too small. The absence of GM, Ford, Hyundai, and Volkswagen, along with the steady rise of the family-oriented crossover, caused the pie’s shrinkage to continue. Nissan and Mazda left, too, and the pie kept shrinking.
In fact, the rate at which the minivan pie is shrinking has picked up speed. Auto sales are slowing, to be fair, but U.S. minivan sales volume in 2019 is slowing nearly seven times faster. And no, for FCA and Toyota and Honda and Kia, the whole “bigger slice of a smaller pie” argument just isn’t holding water these days.
According to Automotive News, auto sales fell 2.4 percent in 2019’s first half. Minivan volume, however, was down 15.8 percent...."
More at the link.
In the '60s and '70s the dealers were small, locally owned operations that varied in quality but which were quite approachable. Later on they passed into the hands of one of the premium automobile groups as Volvo went upmarket and the same place selling Porsches, Jaguars and Land Rovers now had Volvo as well. They were not easy to deal with and tended to intimidate many buyers surrounded by very high-end cars, and treated Volvo as the poor cousin.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
I just remember the story he linked to about the car ship that went down taking a bunch of Volvos to the bottom.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Some jerk off on a bicycle clipped my rear bumper while i was waiting at a traffic light! Ugh!
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Any recourse with the bicyclist?
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Probably more of a Judge Judy type of thing. 😀
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
I also mentioned that the tailgate doesn't always open using the remote. Sometimes it only unlocks and pops up slightly. Same claim. Not able to replicate the issue. The first time I try to open the tailgate after picking it up Tuesday evening, it does the same thing. I happened to catch it on video.
Did I mention that the car appeared to be parked at someone's residence for most of the day Monday? The service advisor had claimed that she would contact me Monday afternoon and that everything should be ready by the evening...she never did contact me. I contacted her that evening. It's obvious that they just never got to my car. I've not been pleased with Audi dealership customer service so far. My preferred dealership was booked out a month in advance for service.