Currently driving and loving an 08 Lexus GS460. V8 power and Japanese reliability. chefs kiss
However as my only car I’m looking for more room inside and gravitating towards sporty SUVs.
I test drove a Lexus GX460 and boy is it sturdy and plush, love the Lexus experience. But it’s definitely slower, and just 6 speeds compared to my 8, so no long gearing for highway mpgs either.
I thought about the Acura TSX wagon because I thought it was offered with a manual, alas, only the sedan. Besides its just a 4 popper and crouching down and cranking my neck for groceries and bikes and junk is getting tiresome.
I’m not prepared for a “reliable” Porsche Macan either. It just doesn’t have the piece of mind I’m looking for.
Location: U.S.A.
Is the V8 Infiniti QX 70 my only choice?
The BMW X3/5 will have the sportiest feeling driving experience I can think of. I can’t remember but I’m pretty sure there’s no V8 option in recent years but I wouldn’t sleep on the 6 cylinder either. It’s fast and it feels fast. Also likely the best suspension aside from the Porsche.
I drive a Mazda cx-50 and love it. The sportiest thing about it is the looks and steering. The 4 cylinder isn’t anything to write home about, though.
Just upgraded from an 08 Mercury Mariner to a 14 Lexus GX460 and it’s great. Was looking at 4Runners with 4x4 options and this was cheaper than anything I was interested in around the East TN area. I got 21.5 mpg on the way home (around 100 miles) going arrived 80mph. Brief city driving I seem to be getting arrive 17mpg. Not as bad as I thought for a full time 4x4 V8. I’m loving it.
Why not a Model Y? If you want something zippy and sporty that is also an SUV, a Model Y would be a good option.
I also doubt that Lexus would make the GX460 worse for highway mileage than an older car. V8’s are honestly dying due to Emissions requirements getting tighter and tighter. I would also consider looking at the Toyota Venza, it’s a Hybrid, cheaper than a Lexus, but has a lot of the Lexus luxury features.
