Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!

Crossover SUV Comparison

1107108110112113142

Comments

  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I could do without the pods around the speedo and tach, but the interior looks good overall. Thumbs up.

    Ford has SYNC, Dodge has MyGig, what is GM working on? :confuse:

    To me, that's secondary, though. I'm not shopping for a stereo, I'm shopping for a vehicle. I suppose if you work out of your car (traveling sales) that would matter more, but then I would want something a whole lot more fuel efficient anyway.
  • wlbrown9wlbrown9 Member Posts: 867
    This looks much better than I thought it would. I had not really been paying attention to the comin Traverse since I had gotten the impression it would not be like the Acadia/Outlook/Enclave...thought I had read it would be more MV like. It will be interesting to see the pricing when that comes around... Outlook at roughly $28K, Acadia $30K and Enclave $32K starting pricing. Their MSRPs seem to be about the equal with the same equipment. I would like one with 'some' comforts and upgrades, but not fully loaded. I might be in the market next year, so I will have time to look around...I really need to see all of them up close and test drive before I could make a choice.... There are a number of 5 passenger SUV/CUVs that I would consider as well. I would like to have the 6-8 passenger vehicle, but since we have a 7 passenger '04 Envoy, I might take that one from the wife and see about getting her a new something, 2 row or 3 row...don't know for sure.

    Thanks for the update on the Traverse.
  • vad1819vad1819 Member Posts: 309
    I agree with you on that vad. Although, I'd still take a CX-9 over any of them.
    Is any reason why? Is it bigger or handles better, or better interior design?
    I don't know how CX-9 can better then Lambdas. Today, I think GM lambdas has adventure over others car models. You can choose from the family of four different design vehicles. There're at same time looks like and other hand they're different.
    The good move by GM.
  • volkovvolkov Member Posts: 1,306
    When I was building up the Enclave, there was less content at that price point compared to the other two by far. Most obvious difference would be lack of leather and my newest complaint, no memory setting on the driver's seat. Am I off base? What options did you get at that $$?
  • nxs138nxs138 Member Posts: 481
    Enclave (43,600)
    Veracruz (43,900)
    CX-9 (45,500)


    Ouch, I feel for you guys up there. My wife and I finally made our decision, and we bought the CX-9 GT. Final price after taxes, fees, etc was $35.7k. No major options except for roof rack, Sirius radio, and back-up camera built into the visor.

    The Enclave was my wife's next favorite. It's a great car, and it's quieter than the CX-9, but she felt it wasn't responsive enough (I guess that issue will be taken care of with the 2009 models--more HP).
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    As strong as the currency is right now, those prices are insane.
  • chuckhoychuckhoy Member Posts: 420
    If you get one with a sunroof, make sure the drainage hose is connected properly. In the "Problems and Repairs" forum, most of the problems seem to be coming from the sunroof.
  • baggs32baggs32 Member Posts: 3,229
    Is any reason why? Is it bigger or handles better, or better interior design?


    My opinion of them is all based on styling right now as I've only sat in them and not driven them. If C&D, MT, Edmunds, and a host of other reviews are to be trusted I'm sure I'll like the CX-9 better after I drive all of them too. Having owned a Mazda6 a couple of years ago I became a big fan of Mazda's vehicles too.

    I don't think the Lambdas look bad, I just prefer the styling of the CX-9 to any of the 4. Now if a Lambda comes in several thousand dollars less than a comparably equipped CX-9 then I would definitely buy one. I don't see that happening though.
  • baggs32baggs32 Member Posts: 3,229
    To me, that's secondary, though. I'm not shopping for a stereo, I'm shopping for a vehicle.

    Same here juice. But I've already decided that pretty much all of the choices in this segment are within a hair of each other anyway. That leaves me to choose one based on my secondary criterium. Lease price and value. Even another Explorer or a Mountaineer aren't off our radar yet as they do everything we want them to do.

    I can officially rule the Traverse out now though. I sent the photos to the wife and she hated it. She really liked the new Edge Sport though so who knows what we'll be getting. I did ask her to start narrowing down her requirements though so I can start watching for trends in incentives and lease deals.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    FWIW, a while back Subaru had a good lease for the Tribeca. Residuals are good on that one.
  • albookalbook Member Posts: 1,282
    A Lamda with bucket seats in the second row is nothing more than a minivan with AWD. That makes it a crossover!

    No- well not except for the Traverse. That's a real van w/out sliding doors.
  • albookalbook Member Posts: 1,282
    I think no one's discussing this vehicle in this froum because that's compact, and this is a mid- full size CUV comparison. And Infinity will probably update the FX with a third row seat.
  • albookalbook Member Posts: 1,282
    I wasn't aware 16 year old's were qualified enough to judge cars that are designed for people more than twice her age!You proabably dreamed about some hot sports car at her age. Everyone has.
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    I think no one's discussing this vehicle in this froum because that's compact, and this is a mid- full size CUV comparison.

    According to whom? Discussions aren't limited to the 9 options under the "Learn More" section, last I checked with a host.
  • baggs32baggs32 Member Posts: 3,229
    FWIW, a while back Subaru had a good lease for the Tribeca. Residuals are good on that one.

    I did see that in the paper actually. I believe it was on a Limited model no less, but I haven't seen it anymore. IIRC Subaru makes you opt for the Limited trim to get the rear DVD from the factory. So I'll have to keep an eye out for that one next year.

    Another attractive lease was for the XC90. They were offering a decent rate and throwing in their factory twin screen headrest DVD system at no extra charge. I'm pretty sure that's over now though.
  • tlcruztlcruz Member Posts: 54
    When I was 16, I dreamed about having A car. HA! :) Anything would do it, but of course, I didnt have my license then.

    And I find the Enclave to be stylish....in a way. It wouldn't be my top pick. But then again, I dont need anything bigger than mid-size. ;) I just need enough room for me, my pup & the boy! :shades:
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 19,256
    there is a saying, "the apple doesn't fall far from the tree". my kids prefer a more space efficient design with v8 rwd bias and low range. :P
    2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • hoser0ehhoser0eh Member Posts: 46
    Thanks vad. Too bad we couldn't wait to see the Traverse with the new engine. It looks pretty nice too. I'm sure my wife will be very happy with the Enclave though. I think it was love at first site!
  • hoser0ehhoser0eh Member Posts: 46
    All models were base. The only option I added to each vehicle was the trailering package.
  • hoser0ehhoser0eh Member Posts: 46
    The CX-9 is a great vehicle. I'm sure you'll be very happy with it. Good price too. I'm envious of U.S. prices. The Mazda was the most expensive choice for us, although they did offer 0% finance for 5 years. The Buick and Hyundai both offered 1.9% over 3 years. (I did add the interest cost into the numbers I gave earlier.)
  • albookalbook Member Posts: 1,282
    According to whom? Discussions aren't limited to the 9 options under the "Learn More" section, last I checked with a host.

    Though you were long gone! Guess you couldn't stay away from the chaos!

    Really we haven't spoken much about small CUVs, and a while back some of us told someone to start a seperate discussion for small utes, as it would better benefit them. So there's nothingwrong with a little small CUV talk here and there, but those who are really interested would be better benefittedthere (if that forum exists- does it?).
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    I removed this from my 'watched items' so i dont have to see EVERY post. :) (If I have to see one more flip-flopping statement about the Lambdas being the only true CUV or not, I'll scream...er...type "AHHHHH" a lot ;))

    There are some comparison small CUV threads, but everyone seems to have landed here. I just assumed it was open season for all CUVs.
  • albookalbook Member Posts: 1,282
    But I'm sure you looked at some little sports car and said "wow that looks great" even if you didn't imagine yourself in it.

    Like it or not, It's obvious Buick spent some quality time on this one- time that saved the brand!
  • albookalbook Member Posts: 1,282
    Congrats on the purchase. But I dod have to say, those prices in Canada sure are hiked up!
  • freealfasfreealfas Member Posts: 652
    things haven't changed a lick as you can see...

    I think I heard your faint screams through the snow in the distance...

    enjoy.
  • albookalbook Member Posts: 1,282
    Looked on the pic of this new CUV on the Edmunds, and though I'm not thrilled, I can see where GM's going. It looks decent (I see a lot of Enclave in that back end), but if it would have looked too good, people wouldn't want to sepnd more money on the other Lambdas- especially the Outlook. This is really for the people who need a minivan but want more capability and styling- styling that still seems to relate to the departed Uplander. Me, I'll pay the extra grand and get an Outlook.
  • baggs32baggs32 Member Posts: 3,229
    This is really for the people who need a minivan but want more capability and styling- styling that still seems to relate to the departed Uplander.

    I'm surprised no one has brought that up yet. I've always felt the new Chevy designs are more evolution than revolution but that's not how they are being reviewed it seems. The mags are almost gushing over the Malibu and I'm sure they'll do the same with the Traverse. IMO they still look like the minivan flops only a bit more rounded and polished. They look good, but they aren't anything really new if you think about it and actually look at them side by side.

    Uplander:
    image

    Traverse:
    image
  • hoser0ehhoser0eh Member Posts: 46
    Congrats on the purchase. But I do have to say, those prices in Canada sure are hiked up!

    Thanks albook. I hope that we will be happy with the Enclave.

    Yes, prices here are much higher than in the US and I suspect over time, that the difference will slowly be reduced, probably through a combination of increasing US prices and decreasing Canadian prices.

    I noticed recently that GM raised their prices a little bit in the US.

    And here in Canada, most automakers have been offering big incentives of cash back and/or low interest financing. For example the Toyota Highlander we looked at, had a $4000 Cash back, PLUS 0.9% financing, PLUS the dealer would knock about $3000 off the msrp. Too bad it didn't suit our particular needs.

    And now, Toyota is one of the first to start lowering their retail prices in Canada. For example, a Lexus RX350, was previously priced at $53000 (base) but had $8500 cash back. Now they have eliminated the cash back, and started pricing it at $44500 instead. Although the result is the same, the lower msrp, knocks the heck out of the values in the used car market.

    I imagine that other auto companies will be dropping their prices as well.
  • bobw3bobw3 Member Posts: 2,989
    I'm sure my wife will be very happy with the Enclave though. I think it was love at first site!

    Good for you...the Enclave is the best styled lambda in my opinion and since it's style/image that's leading people to buy large CUVs vs minivans, than it seems to be working. It used to be that people who didn't want to be "seen" driving a minivan would buy a huge SUV and now it's change to big CUVs.

    What's funny to me is that even though in these forums we talk about specs and other logical aspects of a vehicle, it's really just image/style that makes most Americans buy them. The problem I see is that once the big CUV style/image wears off and families are using it on a daily basis and for vacations, I think they're going to get tired of climbing up into it because of the extra ground clearance they really don't need, will get tired of their kids swinging open the huge rear doors into other cars and on their garage walls, will get tired of the small 2nd & 3rd rows (as compared to a minivan) and method to get back into the 3rd row (again as compared to a minivan), and will get tired of loading stuff on the roof because with three rows in use, the big CUVs still only have about 1/2 the cargo room of a minivan, and in general may wonder if the style/image is really worth losing all of the practical benefits and extra featurs of a minivan.

    Granted the average American isn't the most logical & practical car buyers, again just look at the popularity of the huge SUVs and it's obvious, but then maybe they're getting smarter and maybe that's why Honda & Toyota are keeping their minivans and even Chrysler's new mid-sized CUV isn't designed to compete with their T&C. Anyway, enough soap-box!
  • hoser0ehhoser0eh Member Posts: 46
    Good for you...the Enclave is the best styled lambda in my opinion and since it's style/image that's leading people to buy large CUVs vs minivans, than it seems to be working. It used to be that people who didn't want to be "seen" driving a minivan would buy a huge SUV and now it's change to big CUVs.

    What's funny to me is that even though in these forums we talk about specs and other logical aspects of a vehicle, it's really just image/style that makes most Americans buy them. The problem I see is that once the big CUV style/image wears off and families are using it on a daily basis and for vacations, I think they're going to get tired of climbing up into it because of the extra ground clearance they really don't need, will get tired of their kids swinging open the huge rear doors into other cars and on their garage walls, will get tired of the small 2nd & 3rd rows (as compared to a minivan) and method to get back into the 3rd row (again as compared to a minivan), and will get tired of loading stuff on the roof because with three rows in use, the big CUVs still only have about 1/2 the cargo room of a minivan, and in general may wonder if the style/image is really worth losing all of the practical benefits and extra featurs of a minivan.


    Thanks bobw3. You've described our situation pretty well. It's not that we were embarassed to be seen driving a minivan, as we had 6 of them (although I know plenty of people who would be). But, my wife WAS "tired" of the minivan look (station wagon too). I can say that I was a bit tired of it too, except that my practical side really wanted to get a Honda Odyssey. But now that we are getting the Enclave, I am actually excited to be getting something that looks and drives nicer than a minivan. In the future, if CUVs become the next "minivan/soccer mom/grocery getter" vehicle, then they may also become stigmatized. But then, the most successful automakers will come out with something else to satisfy consumer wants. Sometimes the consumer just needs/wants a change.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    it's really just image/style that makes most Americans buy them

    That's the most sense from this thread in ages. Kudos.
  • freealfasfreealfas Member Posts: 652
    I bought mine because it "wagony-er"...
  • bobw3bobw3 Member Posts: 2,989
    It would be a pretty boring car market if everyone's purchase was based solely on specs and reliability statistics ;)
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I can't say what I bought. ;)

    The dreaded M-word! :D

    If anyone spots a Forester in a dealership, please give me a heads-up. I'd like to test drive one ASAP.
  • volkovvolkov Member Posts: 1,306
    That explains it - but there is a big difference between base VC and base Enclave specs. Building up the Enclave to include options we wanted adds over $8k to the price. Making it much more expensive than 'base' VC which had everything we really wanted. For example, at these prices, heated leather seats are a must have for us. Seemed dumb to me that they wouldn't offer leather as a stand alone upgrade, but instead one has to pony up to the CXL model with the whopping $8K jump in price. I really couldn't see where that huge price jump comes from going from CX to CXL. Seems a little Japanese in approach if you know what I mean. The base Enclave is decent value and if it meets your must-haves, then run with it and enjoy.
    Where were you that you could negotiate off MSRP for the Toyota? Here in BC they have been very rigid about sticking to "ACCESS PRICING" even after they were taken to court. My attempts to deal were unsuccessful and two brokers I dealt with said that price reductions were essentially token. Made me walk last year. Has this changed recently?
  • cjsbcjsb Member Posts: 71
    First, let me say that I think all the GM vehicles are truly very good. And there is no way anybody has gone wrong in buying one of them.

    But I can't agree more with this post. When we priced the VC against the Enclave, the base Enclave came out $5K more than the VC (real world quotes, not MSRP).

    And not only did we pocket $5K, but for our trouble, the VC gave us:

    - AWD (lockable!)
    - Fully Heated High Qualtiy Leather
    - Sunroof
    - Rear Parking Assist
    - As Much or More Front and Second Row Leg and Hip Room (verified on GM Canada website and through sitting in the vehicles - though it is admittedly marginal)
    - AND a Five Year Warranty to Boot

    What kind of value is all that worth? Hard to say. But most manufacturers seem to be charging $1K+ for leather, $1K+ for Sunroof, $2K + for AWD (GM is $3K!), etc., etc.

    The value equation was so compelling given all the above that no matter how we tried we couldn't make a strong argument NOT to buy the VC. Not to mention it's fantastic on its own merits.

    Somebody else on one of the boards called the VC "one of the best kept secrets in the current automotive world". We're now two months into ours and are in complete agreement with this.

    I will say that mileage has been somewhat dissapointing. 17MPG thus far. But lots of snow lately so that AWD is getting a workout! So that's certainly had an impact.
  • volkovvolkov Member Posts: 1,306
    How are your temperatures? Our mileage drops 25-30% in winter especially when it's very cold. That plus the mileage on a 2 month old vehicle is typically less than it is once broken in fully. Still, the VC isn't the market leader in gas consumption. What's your city/hwy breakdown for that?
  • aviboy97aviboy97 Member Posts: 3,159
    Since our Subaru store is the largest on the east coast, I'm sure we will see them before anyone else, except the west coast dealers. We sold the first STi we got, in a dark charcoal metallic with polished wheels...wow.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Do you get to attend the events for Subarus, as well? Or just Mazda?
  • tim156tim156 Member Posts: 308
    Your a brave soul to use any variation of the word wagon in this thread. Among the many other reasons, I too purchased my Freestyle (another sinful word to use here) because of its wagony attributes.
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    image
    image
    image
    image

    It's obvious that the Taurus X is more carlike than some other CUVs, but it doesn't make it a non-CUV.
  • baggs32baggs32 Member Posts: 3,229
    It's obvious that the Taurus X is more carlike than some other CUVs, but it doesn't make it a non-CUV.

    That's a very valid point. The Forester is often referred to as an SUV as is the Volvo XC70. Do either of them look like an SUV? I think not too. Classifying these vehicles is very tricky sometimes.

    On a side note grad, what did your aunt (it was your aunt right?) end up buying? And no, I'm not some creepy stalker who follows you around. :surprise:

    :P
  • vad1819vad1819 Member Posts: 309
    I can agree with that, of course VC cheaper than Enclave. May be you need built an Acadia, because Buick is lux car. So if you're going after Audi Q7 with same options it will be almost 60K US $. So let's compare more equal car in class. May be you need wait for chevy. It's look like a Buick, but it will be cheaper than any current lambdas.
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    She ended up holding off on buying - decided she'd pay off what she had first (an Odyssey EX).
  • bobw3bobw3 Member Posts: 2,989
    I agree with Vad here. Also, the Enclave is in a larger class than the Veracruz, especially in terms of interior space. The Veracruz is a mid-sized CUV and the Enclave a full-size CUV.
  • volkovvolkov Member Posts: 1,306
    Well, I've got to disagree with both of you. Buick is not GM's lux vehicle, that's Cadillac. Buick was always a little more upscale -the vehicle for the upper middle class or the older set contrasted to Chevy as the marque of the middle class. You paid a little more and got a little more. Now GM is trying to say it is a luxury brand. I don't buy it. Of course, Hyundai is way off as a luxury brand, but if one measures luxury as what you get there is certainly more luxury from the base Hyundai than the base Enclave IMO.
    As to size, the Enclave may be bigger, but I certainly wouldn't call the VC mid-size. Can you provide your definition? Or is it another "anything smaller than a Lambda isn't full size"? What other CUV's are full size? From my viewpoint, I consider any of the vehicles with 3 real rows that could accomodate adults full size. VC qualifies on that score along with Lambdas,CX9, and TX. I think Highlander is the cusp between large and mid.
  • cjsbcjsb Member Posts: 71
    I didn't expect too much better in terms of mileage so I'm not disappointed and I know it will improve with some more driving and in the warmer weather.

    Temps have been average or above. Hovering around 0 degrees most days (32 farenheit). And we've done 40% hwy / 60% city.
  • cjsbcjsb Member Posts: 71
    Well said.

    Sit an individual who knows squat about cars and as such has zero bias, into a base Enclave and a VC and ask them which is more "luxurious". If you haven't done this, as my wife and I have, you might be surprised at the answer you get.

    We also found the VC more roomy than the CX9 and TX, so if those aren't full size, what is? And as I mentioned earlier, even GM's website acknowledges the VC as having more leg and hip room than the Enclave in the first two rows. The third row in the Enclave has the edge and I can verify that with first hand experience. Having said that though, we've taken some pretty lengthy drives with two adults in the third row of the VC without complaint.

    And vad, you'd mentioned comparing pricing with the Acadia as a more fair approach. We did. The base Acadia/Outlook were about $1.5K - $2K more than what we paid for the VC. And the VC had all those advantages I listed in my earlier post and then even more against Acadia/Outlook. Ex. Steering Wheel Audio Controls.

    The GM's are great, I just think the VC convincingly separated itself from the pack when I deconstructed all the data in the spreadsheets I created as we shopped.

    Rather than call this thread "Crossover Superbowl"...perhaps it might be fair to rename it "Crossover Grey Cup"? ;)
  • vad1819vad1819 Member Posts: 309
    Wherever guys. I don't care anymore where you will put your korean auto. If MT compare with Lexus let it be.
    It's crazy someone said VC better than Lexus. Anyway Hyundai will be middle class auto.
    Buick is a lux car and always has been so.
    VC in same class as a Saturn or Acadia.
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    Buick is a lux car and always has been so.

    Decades of Skyhawks, Skylarks, Century Sedans, and Regals say otherwise to me.
Sign In or Register to comment.