For a lot of us, the small size of the UX300 is not a bug, but a feature and for us older drivers, it isn’t an “entry” level but an “exit” level. I can afford anything on the lot. I want a smaller car.
Agreed and I’ve always bought in this class being an urban dwelling gay guy with no kids and dogs. Subcompacts should not be thought of as “too small” or “entry level” but they always get too big over the years (look at RAV4 or CRV, they grow then come out with a smaller car again!) I wish the hybridization and electric options were more available, even if I can afford a bigger car I don’t want one and I do want to be environmentally conscious.
Honestly I love UX because it’s easy to drive it in city. My main issue that when I sit coin eat no one can fit behind me 😢 So it will be good choice later after kids but for now - compact SUV or Midsize😊
Just got a 25 Mini Countryman SE for my wife with a great deal. Fun, and family-friendly. Our family enjoys every minute sitting in the car. We owned tons of different cars and this is happiest one we’ve ever driven. As for the exterior, mini might pick a wrong colour option for their marketing (the smoky green) causing tons of criticisms. I’d say if you pick a nice colour combo and it would look amazing.
I have a "wealthy" almost retired single friend who could afford nearly anything. We kidded him when he bought the UX. But, he keeps the back seat folded down and uses it as a 2 seat hatch. He absolutely loves it since he lives in a large urban area. And, enjoys it on the highway. Just takes the right person to appreciate it.
I had ordered the Toyota Corolla Cross XSE hybrid, but after waiting over a year I took a look at the UX. The price was almost the same, and the comfortable seats, quiet and smooth ride, more features (almost too many for me), plus the great mileage and sporty look, I'm glad I made the switch.
Ever since I found your channel on RUclips, I’ve been so pleased with the information that you give to everyone. We’re not looking to buy for maybe a year or two. But I hadn’t looked at any of the car reviews because there was no need to. Now that I’m looking at something in the future, I feel like it is when I could remember all the cars. So I don’t have to remember them. I just have to look on your channel to find your reviews. Thank you very much.
Here am I, hitting the keys, as you predicted. The Q3, though it has not been updated recently, still looks the best and drives the best. Tech is awesome and still has the brilliant virtual cockpit. If it had a manual, as it easily could, from the Golf R, it would be amazing (with a tune!).
We bought a 2025 Mini Countryman S 2 weeks ago. Everyone talks about how fun it is to drive and it definitely is! What we’ve been really impressed with though is how good it is in regular day to day driving when you’re just taking it easy. It’s very quiet, comfortable and solid…but always with a dash of fun. The Mini UX offers a ton of customization and it doesn’t take long to get setup with your personal preferences. Many of the settings are just a one and done. We also have a 2024 Mazda CX-5 and we love that car. For comparison the Countryman is just slightly smaller in the cargo area but offers a superior drivetrain, ride and handling. That’s saying a lot because the Mazda is very good in those departments. In an ideal world I’d take the Countryman drivetrain and put it in the CX-5, but then you’d miss out on all the other quirky details that make the Countryman a MINI. We also feel that this current size makes a lot of sense and offers much more practicality.
I agree with Andrea on the UX. I test drove it last week. I'm surprised Zac is missing a vital reason to consider the UX. Resale, The bank of Lexus/Toyota/Subaru.
No honorable mention for Audi Q3? Also, completely agree about the XT4, probably the only Cadillac I’d look at in the their lineup… If going GM, there’s always the Buick Envision though, which I’d find comparable. Love that you included the Mini Countryman at the end, it’s basically a quirky X1.
I really appreciate your detailed review of each-this is exactly the kind of content I need when choosing my next car! 💯 Thank you for the good content Zack & Andrea! 🙂
If I had a mini dealer nearby I’d take a serious look at the countryman for sure. Still loving my x1 m35i after 9 months. I’ve been surprised at the general quality and how quiet it is inside. Driving assist stuff is so much better than I’m used to. Feels quite open inside for such a small car and I’m loving how easy it is to drive/park. Almost a bit like a gokart in a way. 3 things I don’t like: wish it had more buttons, the ride on the m35i is harsh and I think I’d rather stick with the 28i, and the jerkiness of the DCT at times. But they’ve improved the DCT a lot at some point in updates and the excellent natural speak controls (“hey bmw, show tire pressure”, etc.) mitigate most of that for me. Oh and the HK sound is a bit mediocre but clear and pleasant, Also, I didn’t realize that BMWs like to spew brake dust like crazy so it’s frustrating that my wheels are dirty one drive after cleaning them. I may check into swapping to another pad material. Bonus point on the X1 is that you can do individual color option to pick something unique or rare. $3k isn’t bad for that level of custom color choice.
I understand that the BMW X2 doesn’t get the love due to its love or hate styling. We have owned our 2025 BMW X2 for 3 months now and we love it. Yes the start/stop with the turbo lag can be a bit annoying. However we disable with a short cut before driving and the driving experience is great!
@@dondonaldson1684 Agree. Actually test drove (mostly rode in) one with a friend only two weeks ago. Did not bespeak luxury at all to me, just quirk inside and out...Some fun charm, yes, but not luxe. One particular irritant (I know, intrinsic to all Minis) - HUD aside, the predominant/prominent driver info not being directly in front of the driver tripped my OCD I thought was in remission, Apples and oranges vehicles, but same letdown in a old colleague's BMW Z8, otherwise appearing to me to be the ultimate, ne plus ultra grand tourer. Speaking of, the real oddity - having something as unergonomic from the "ultimate driver's car" company. In short, on the Countryman give me a "regular" traditional guage cluster and different wheels (the first thing I'd do, yes - easy enough change, but more $) and rid a few other exterior bits like the odd rear quarter/C pillar treatment, and I'm (edit - may be) "in," - for $10k+ less.
I am surprised that any brand, much less a luxury brand, is still using a pop-up plastic HUD in 2025. Love pretty much everything else about that Mini, though. It just looks fun.
We recently bought an X1, but also shopped the Mini. Like Zach, I found the interior hard to take. I love that they’re doing something different, but to me it looked cheap. The little plastic HUD seems like a big downgrade from the HUD + instrument display on the x1.
Interesting about the mini countryman. Consumer report raters were generally disappointed with that vehicle due to what they perceived as a clunky dual clutch transmission
I have a new Mercedes GLA and love it. I chose that over the BMW X1 as i loved the interior of the GLA much more. I had an Audi Q3 which was pretty good as well. I traded in a Mazda CX-5 Signature, slightly larger and technically in a different classs but enjoyable nonetheless.
Yay! I’m so happy you chose the Mini Countryman. I just bought the SE model and I am OBSESSED with it! Such a fun drive and feels totally upscale. It’s my first “luxury” purchase and it was so worth it. (I live in the US, but MINI has been my favorite car since I was a kid visiting family in the UK 😊.)
I went and looked at a used UX this week. I love the look, but the inside was a little awkward. I had a bottle of water with me on the test drive, and it would hit the infotainment center ledge when I reached for it. The phone holder was in a weird place. And I could have used just a smidge more space. I'm 5'9, and my 9 year old daughter couldn't sit behind me.
All solid choices. I’d seriously consider all of them plus the Audi Q3, before making a purchase. That said, as a decades long BMW owner with a positive experience, I’d probably be partial to the X1 and Mini Countryman - love that eyeball screen. 😂
Audi Canada corporate should apologize for the unprofessional communication toward these fine people. Not the dealers, just corporate. Do better Audi Canada!
I have an x1, I traded in my Volvo xc40 for it and I absolutely regret it 😢 the Volvo was so much polished, the ride is rough on the x1 and my back feels it! The Volvo was so comfortable and felt more premium and their HK sound system was so much better than the BMW. Also I’ve been having so many electrical issues with the X1 just waiting for a Volvo refresh to got back to XC40.
The UX is not for a taller person, it's very cramped in front and rear. Another reason i dont like it is it doesn't have the high seating position of other crossovers like a Rav4. High seating posiion is a huge reason people choose a crossover over a car and the UX doesn't have it. Zack, you can listen to 650AM on 96.9FM channel 3 on HD radio.
My definition of luxury is getting a top tier item of some sort that poses a greater convenience, comfort, and value. But is it a luxury to have to fiddle with a giant screen to adjust the AC or to adjust your mirrors? Is it a luxury to have a punishing firm ride because the car has fashionable big wheels? Is it a luxury to have loads of shiny displays and black plastic that will scratch and age? Is it a luxury to have high loan or lease payments? And is it a luxury when it's time to trade or sell the vehicle only to find that it has lost over half its value in 3 or 4 years?
I like the BMW x1, but the DCT transmission can be an unpleasant driving experience around town and every control is embedded in the screen... which is distracting, annoying, frustrating, and dangerous. Yup, the Lexus UX is a nice little car, but small small small... if that works for you. The other cars you list... no way. That's my 2 cents.
Sac, no radio or satellite radio? No problem. Spotify, Apple Music, google music…. I have not listened to a radio of any kind in 5?years. Sorry not a sports fan. So no talk radio for me. Pods casts. lol. Happy new year to you both. Cheers.
The Lexus NX should really be on this list instead of UX. It has the same wheelbase as the BMW X1 and is only half an inch wider. Longer overhangs don’t make it a vehicle of a different class. The Lexus UX, on the other hand, is more representative of a hatchback than a true SUV. In many European countries, even marketing directly presents this car as a hatchback, and quite a small one at that.
@@swierszczsieklania the length and the space. But I have to admit that the Lexus SUVs are all a little bit smaller than the competition class. Even the RX is smaller than X5 and others.
@@markus8484 Lets see: X1 vs Nx: Wheelbase: 2.692m vs 2.69m Front overhang: 0.875m vs 1.007m Rear overhang: 0.933m vs 0.963m So, with lexus you gain 5inch (13cm) in front overhang and 1inch (3cm) in rear overhang. If that convince anyone that NX is class above X1, it is not my money. But details matter and we should be aware of all the marketing games even if that is a though pill to swallow for people thinking their NX is size above.
@@swierszczsieklania yeah it’s not Lexus fault, that BMW is increasing the sizes of their SUVs. NX was new at 2021. BMW X1 f46 was much smaller at that time. So in your words, the NX is somehow now a subcompact only because BMW decides to built their subcompact X1 bigger now? Don’t be a fool.
You were big fans of the Buick Envision, and said you preferred it to the XC40 in the review of the Buick. Has your opinion changed. An envision is on my short list for a new vehicle this coming spring. Thanks.
Question about you gas mileage numbers. On your channel, when you reference gas-mileage in MPG, are you using Canadian (Imperial) gallons measurements or US Gallons (which are smaller than Canadian Gallons)?
True. But you only drive the vehicle about 1/10th of its actual lifespan, if that. At these prices, you've got to like its looks, as well as driving dynamics IMO.
I look at all of these, except the Mini ( who wants a Mini? ), and I did not like any of them, and bought a Alfa Romeo Tonale Sprint PHEV EAWD instead, and with the $5,000 Fed rebate, I got it at basically the same OTD price as most of them, and it is a PHEV.
I don't know why they didn't review the NX over the UX which is more of hatchback in my opinion? I have a 2020 NX 300H and I absolutely love it! In the summer I put on my roof rack for my kayak and if I wanna sport around all I have to do is put it in sport mode!
Correction: the EQA and EQB are virtually identical to the gas models. Sadly no EQA in US/Canada. I own one in Mexico it blows away any Tesla for interior, luxury, build quality and actual buttons.
Frowny emoji for the Q3!!! 🙃😧 I guess it's about to get a redesign? Does it come soon? I like the X1 out of this group but in the M sport exterior kit. And you obviously need to get bigger wheels to make it look balanced but I wouldn't go for the largest ones. My big grip is premium fuel and no hybrid? No PHEV? Re Lexus, it's almost like the NX is more in the size of this class than the new Q5 and new X3.
Driving dynamics are a big part of how we choose our personal vehicle. While reliability and maintenance costs are #1 for some, we are willing to pay more for oil changes and maintenance for some of the brands on our list especially if you keep the vehicle long term. If you are looking for reliability including lower maintenance costs, a Lexus or even an Acura in the premium/luxury category will be a great fit for you. Everyone has different needs and wants which is why Lexus is on the list, it's just comfortable, gets great fuel economy, it's reliable and has excellent resale value.
We have a UX in the family and as empty nesters it isn’t too small at all. It’s perfect for us. Just did a round trip with 600 miles with an another couple in the back. No problem at all. We are nit thee tallest people tho.
Gee where to begin…first off no mention that every one of these (save electric) uses premium gas and todays price hovers around $1.96 CDN. as for electric where is the justification on an $18,000 top price difference on that Volvo (and other electrics) I really wanted a xc40 but when I learned premium gas was required I said no way and went for the fully loaded cx50 turbo. I can use the turbo all I want and still save gas money. I guess I’m just not a “badge snob”
The Countryman was named as one of the worst cars of 2024 by the Consumer Reports auto editors in their year-end wrap-up video. I’m guessing your opinion is at one end of the spectrum and theirs is at the other. The CR fellow who picked it said it was just disappointing and really didn’t do anything well.
Where are the obligatory coffee cups? Probably already had too much caffeine during the test drives?!?! 😉 I am not fond of the front grills of some of the models mentioned here.
Here in Atlantic Canada, the prices for these subcompact lux vehicles are a lot higher priced, and my value would be better spent on a compact or even a midsize non luxury vehicle… and the interior space would be much better
For a lot of us, the small size of the UX300 is not a bug, but a feature and for us older drivers, it isn’t an “entry” level but an “exit” level. I can afford anything on the lot. I want a smaller car.
I totally agree, thank for sharing your feedback.
Yes. I don't want big SUV. My kids can drive themselves now
Agreed and I’ve always bought in this class being an urban dwelling gay guy with no kids and dogs. Subcompacts should not be thought of as “too small” or “entry level” but they always get too big over the years (look at RAV4 or CRV, they grow then come out with a smaller car again!) I wish the hybridization and electric options were more available, even if I can afford a bigger car I don’t want one and I do want to be environmentally conscious.
Honestly I love UX because it’s easy to drive it in city. My main issue that when I sit coin eat no one can fit behind me 😢 So it will be good choice later after kids but for now - compact SUV or Midsize😊
Not only it's much smaller, it's quite underpowered and much less fun to drive vs the competition.
Just got a 25 Mini Countryman SE for my wife with a great deal. Fun, and family-friendly. Our family enjoys every minute sitting in the car. We owned tons of different cars and this is happiest one we’ve ever driven. As for the exterior, mini might pick a wrong colour option for their marketing (the smoky green) causing tons of criticisms. I’d say if you pick a nice colour combo and it would look amazing.
I have a "wealthy" almost retired single friend who could afford nearly anything. We kidded him when he bought the UX. But, he keeps the back seat folded down and uses it as a 2 seat hatch. He absolutely loves it since he lives in a large urban area. And, enjoys it on the highway. Just takes the right person to appreciate it.
I had ordered the Toyota Corolla Cross XSE hybrid, but after waiting over a year I took a look at the UX. The price was almost the same, and the comfortable seats, quiet and smooth ride, more features (almost too many for me), plus the great mileage and sporty look, I'm glad I made the switch.
Ever since I found your channel on RUclips, I’ve been so pleased with the information that you give to everyone.
We’re not looking to buy for maybe a year or two. But I hadn’t looked at any of the car reviews because there was no need to. Now that I’m looking at something in the future, I feel like it is when I could remember all the cars. So I don’t have to remember them. I just have to look on your channel to find your reviews. Thank you very much.
Here am I, hitting the keys, as you predicted. The Q3, though it has not been updated recently, still looks the best and drives the best. Tech is awesome and still has the brilliant virtual cockpit. If it had a manual, as it easily could, from the Golf R, it would be amazing (with a tune!).
We bought a 2025 Mini Countryman S 2 weeks ago. Everyone talks about how fun it is to drive and it definitely is! What we’ve been really impressed with though is how good it is in regular day to day driving when you’re just taking it easy. It’s very quiet, comfortable and solid…but always with a dash of fun. The Mini UX offers a ton of customization and it doesn’t take long to get setup with your personal preferences. Many of the settings are just a one and done. We also have a 2024 Mazda CX-5 and we love that car. For comparison the Countryman is just slightly smaller in the cargo area but offers a superior drivetrain, ride and handling. That’s saying a lot because the Mazda is very good in those departments. In an ideal world I’d take the Countryman drivetrain and put it in the CX-5, but then you’d miss out on all the other quirky details that make the Countryman a MINI. We also feel that this current size makes a lot of sense and offers much more practicality.
I agree with Andrea on the UX. I test drove it last week. I'm surprised Zac is missing a vital reason to consider the UX. Resale, The bank of Lexus/Toyota/Subaru.
No honorable mention for Audi Q3?
Also, completely agree about the XT4, probably the only Cadillac I’d look at in the their lineup… If going GM, there’s always the Buick Envision though, which I’d find comparable.
Love that you included the Mini Countryman at the end, it’s basically a quirky X1.
They said they don’t do Audi’s because they don’t get press vehicles from them.
No Q3? I wonder it’s because the current body was released in 2019 with no significant updates.
I know…I was surprised as well.
I really appreciate your detailed review of each-this is exactly the kind of content I need when choosing my next car! 💯 Thank you for the good content Zack & Andrea! 🙂
If I had a mini dealer nearby I’d take a serious look at the countryman for sure. Still loving my x1 m35i after 9 months. I’ve been surprised at the general quality and how quiet it is inside. Driving assist stuff is so much better than I’m used to. Feels quite open inside for such a small car and I’m loving how easy it is to drive/park. Almost a bit like a gokart in a way. 3 things I don’t like: wish it had more buttons, the ride on the m35i is harsh and I think I’d rather stick with the 28i, and the jerkiness of the DCT at times. But they’ve improved the DCT a lot at some point in updates and the excellent natural speak controls (“hey bmw, show tire pressure”, etc.) mitigate most of that for me. Oh and the HK sound is a bit mediocre but clear and pleasant,
Also, I didn’t realize that BMWs like to spew brake dust like crazy so it’s frustrating that my wheels are dirty one drive after cleaning them. I may check into swapping to another pad material.
Bonus point on the X1 is that you can do individual color option to pick something unique or rare. $3k isn’t bad for that level of custom color choice.
I understand that the BMW X2 doesn’t get the love due to its love or hate styling. We have owned our 2025 BMW X2 for 3 months now and we love it. Yes the start/stop with the turbo lag can be a bit annoying. However we disable with a short cut before driving and the driving experience is great!
Totally surprised by the mini. Wow.
It is because it isn't luxurious.
@@dondonaldson1684 it is a luxury car 😂 but you probably don’t even know ehat the car comes with
@@joseamaya1178I do know, and it certainly isn't luxurious.
@@dondonaldson1684 Agree. Actually test drove (mostly rode in) one with a friend only two weeks ago. Did not bespeak luxury at all to me, just quirk inside and out...Some fun charm, yes, but not luxe. One particular irritant (I know, intrinsic to all Minis) - HUD aside, the predominant/prominent driver info not being directly in front of the driver tripped my OCD I thought was in remission, Apples and oranges vehicles, but same letdown in a old colleague's BMW Z8, otherwise appearing to me to be the ultimate, ne plus ultra grand tourer. Speaking of, the real oddity - having something as unergonomic from the "ultimate driver's car" company. In short, on the Countryman give me a "regular" traditional guage cluster and different wheels (the first thing I'd do, yes - easy enough change, but more $) and rid a few other exterior bits like the odd rear quarter/C pillar treatment, and I'm (edit - may be) "in," - for $10k+ less.
I am surprised that any brand, much less a luxury brand, is still using a pop-up plastic HUD in 2025. Love pretty much everything else about that Mini, though. It just looks fun.
We recently bought an X1, but also shopped the Mini. Like Zach, I found the interior hard to take. I love that they’re doing something different, but to me it looked cheap. The little plastic HUD seems like a big downgrade from the HUD + instrument display on the x1.
Interesting about the mini countryman. Consumer report raters were generally disappointed with that vehicle due to what they perceived as a clunky dual clutch transmission
I have a new Mercedes GLA and love it. I chose that over the BMW X1 as i loved the interior of the GLA much more. I had an Audi Q3 which was pretty good as well. I traded in a Mazda CX-5 Signature, slightly larger and technically in a different classs but enjoyable nonetheless.
Any problems with that Mazda (turbo engine)? How would you rank its comfort?
Perfect blend of power, torque, and handling. No issue with regard to turbo lag, etc.
Also had a Q3 and moved to GLA, Audi really cheapened the interior and I had a bad experience with needing to replace the dual clutch robot control.
No Audi Q3? I'd gladly take it over Lexus UX.
I would never take a volkswagen product over a Lexus. Never ever.
Remeber... AUDI was rude to them, right back at you Audi 😂.
Tiguan engine for the entry level.45 costs a lot
They have a bias against Audi because of their run-in with their marketing person.
@@IamnotJokic That’s unfortunate.
I love the consistency u two
Never would have guessed the Countryman. I'll have to check it out.
Yay! I’m so happy you chose the Mini Countryman. I just bought the SE model and I am OBSESSED with it! Such a fun drive and feels totally upscale. It’s my first “luxury” purchase and it was so worth it. (I live in the US, but MINI has been my favorite car since I was a kid visiting family in the UK 😊.)
Congratulations, have fun with it, we did!
Your channel is always entertaining, liked that comment "GLA, eh! " .... lol
I went and looked at a used UX this week. I love the look, but the inside was a little awkward. I had a bottle of water with me on the test drive, and it would hit the infotainment center ledge when I reached for it. The phone holder was in a weird place. And I could have used just a smidge more space. I'm 5'9, and my 9 year old daughter couldn't sit behind me.
All vehicles are nice. Great show Andrea! ☕️☕️
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. But the ridiculous dash of the Countryman and the exterior makes it a no go for me.
I didn't see that coming, will have a look at the mini countryman. Surprised that the Audi Q3 didn't make it on the list though!
Buy one
The Cadillac XT4 is the best looking out of all of them the GLA just looks like a giant bubble
Yeah maybe but you should not pick your wife only about the looks 🤭
@markus8484 definitely, but looks are important in our superficial society 😅
All solid choices. I’d seriously consider all of them plus the Audi Q3, before making a purchase. That said, as a decades long BMW owner with a positive experience, I’d probably be partial to the X1 and Mini Countryman - love that eyeball screen. 😂
Audi Canada corporate should apologize for the unprofessional communication toward these fine people. Not the dealers, just corporate. Do better Audi Canada!
Looking forward to this rundown both 🎉
A hot and cold vehicle.
Many reviewers have slated it.
I grew up with minis, so this choice is ok with me. My hair dresser owns one.
Time to find a new hairdresser.
I have an x1, I traded in my Volvo xc40 for it and I absolutely regret it 😢 the Volvo was so much polished, the ride is rough on the x1 and my back feels it! The Volvo was so comfortable and felt more premium and their HK sound system was so much better than the BMW. Also I’ve been having so many electrical issues with the X1 just waiting for a Volvo refresh to got back to XC40.
Miss the boat on the Min 😂 .I don't see luxury 😂
Agree. Mini is the non luxury side of BMW. Weird.
Love your reviews and opinions! When you give fuel economy figures, do you use miles per Imperial or US gallons.
Thank you! We use US miles per gallon.
I love your channel. I am hoping to see you guys review the SUV segment i.e RAV4, Ford Escape, CRV and Mazda😊
just search their channel and you'll find it
Hi there, we already did one for 2025 here is the link for you ruclips.net/video/Z7n_YzTG0Xk/видео.htmlsi=srJGGZoDBFs4Kt3x
GM is making a huge mistake in eliminating the Cadillac XT4.
Agree...I'm hoping you guys, Zack and Andrea, have a little discussion with the GM / Cadillac folk about that- wth?!
I was actually beginning to seriously consider the XT4 in my future and then heard of the cancellation.
What's the replacement…??
Hi Guys !!, Like the content. Thank You, have a great day.
The UX is not for a taller person, it's very cramped in front and rear. Another reason i dont like it is it doesn't have the high seating position of other crossovers like a Rav4. High seating posiion is a huge reason people choose a crossover over a car and the UX doesn't have it. Zack, you can listen to 650AM on 96.9FM channel 3 on HD radio.
I am 6ft 3in and have no problems in the UX
All these cars are underachievers but leaving out Q3 is odd (Q5 was understandable due to the big refresh)
Q5 is not sub compact anyway.
@@markus8484 I was referring to their other video where they left out Q5 with the reason being refresh.
AUDI Q3 for me...
That’s where we landed. Just seemed to be the perfect size
Mini WON? Than you!👍🏿🕺🏿🕺🏿🕺🏿✌🏿🕺🏿🤣🤣
I prefer her reviews, definitely see why he brought her on.
My definition of luxury is getting a top tier item of some sort that poses a greater convenience, comfort, and value. But is it a luxury to have to fiddle with a giant screen to adjust the AC or to adjust your mirrors? Is it a luxury to have a punishing firm ride because the car has fashionable big wheels? Is it a luxury to have loads of shiny displays and black plastic that will scratch and age? Is it a luxury to have high loan or lease payments? And is it a luxury when it's time to trade or sell the vehicle only to find that it has lost over half its value in 3 or 4 years?
I’m thinking about buying a Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid. What are your thoughts?
I'd probably go up in class and get a CRV hybrid or CX 5.
I like the BMW x1, but the DCT transmission can be an unpleasant driving experience around town and every control is embedded in the screen... which is distracting, annoying, frustrating, and dangerous. Yup, the Lexus UX is a nice little car, but small small small... if that works for you. The other cars you list... no way. That's my 2 cents.
Sac, no radio or satellite radio? No problem. Spotify, Apple Music, google music…. I have not listened to a radio of any kind in 5?years. Sorry not a sports fan. So no talk radio for me. Pods casts. lol. Happy new year to you both. Cheers.
The Lexus NX should really be on this list instead of UX. It has the same wheelbase as the BMW X1 and is only half an inch wider. Longer overhangs don’t make it a vehicle of a different class. The Lexus UX, on the other hand, is more representative of a hatchback than a true SUV. In many European countries, even marketing directly presents this car as a hatchback, and quite a small one at that.
Lexus NX is a compact SUV. Period. Lexus Europe is marketing the UX as a SUV.
@@markus8484 And what makes NX a compact SUV?
@@swierszczsieklania the length and the space. But I have to admit that the Lexus SUVs are all a little bit smaller than the competition class. Even the RX is smaller than X5 and others.
@@markus8484 Lets see: X1 vs Nx:
Wheelbase: 2.692m vs 2.69m
Front overhang: 0.875m vs 1.007m
Rear overhang: 0.933m vs 0.963m
So, with lexus you gain 5inch (13cm) in front overhang and 1inch (3cm) in rear overhang. If that convince anyone that NX is class above X1, it is not my money. But details matter and we should be aware of all the marketing games even if that is a though pill to swallow for people thinking their NX is size above.
@@swierszczsieklania yeah it’s not Lexus fault, that BMW is increasing the sizes of their SUVs. NX was new at 2021. BMW X1 f46 was much smaller at that time. So in your words, the NX is somehow now a subcompact only because BMW decides to built their subcompact X1 bigger now? Don’t be a fool.
Rather get the mini than the ux just for the room alone
You were big fans of the Buick Envision, and said you preferred it to the XC40 in the review of the Buick. Has your opinion changed. An envision is on my short list for a new vehicle this coming spring. Thanks.
The Buick is in the compact class, the Volvo in the subcompact class
Question about you gas mileage numbers. On your channel, when you reference gas-mileage in MPG, are you using Canadian (Imperial) gallons measurements or US Gallons (which are smaller than Canadian Gallons)?
We use US gallons.
@ perfect! Thank you.
The thing about exterior styling is that you drive a car from the inside, not the outside.
True. But you only drive the vehicle about 1/10th of its actual lifespan, if that. At these prices, you've got to like its looks, as well as driving dynamics IMO.
Could you do your Top 5's with EV vehicles too?
OMG, a mini, extreme brain fade!
The X1 seems to be what the G01 sort of used to look like.
I am scratching my head about the Mini being classified as a luxury vehicle. It would be like calling the Scion a luxury division of Toyota.
Great show but boy Mercedes better get to work on quality!
I look at all of these, except the Mini ( who wants a Mini? ), and I did not like any of them, and bought a Alfa Romeo Tonale Sprint PHEV EAWD instead, and with the $5,000 Fed rebate, I got it at basically the same OTD price as most of them, and it is a PHEV.
We didn't love the Alfa Romeo Tonale, but glad you like it.
Just get Lexus NX hybrid, which is (price wise) on par with, or cheaper than most of those "subcompact" SUVs and be done with it.
The Lexus UX looks too small to be safe IMHO. I'm torn between a new XC 40 and an Envision.
I don't know why they didn't review the NX over the UX which is more of hatchback in my opinion? I have a 2020 NX 300H and I absolutely love it! In the summer I put on my roof rack for my kayak and if I wanna sport around all I have to do is put it in sport mode!
Correction: the EQA and EQB are virtually identical to the gas models. Sadly no EQA in US/Canada. I own one in Mexico it blows away any Tesla for interior, luxury, build quality and actual buttons.
Better agree with Andrea.
That Benz looks too much like a Ford Escape in the back.
Frowny emoji for the Q3!!! 🙃😧 I guess it's about to get a redesign? Does it come soon?
I like the X1 out of this group but in the M sport exterior kit. And you obviously need to get bigger wheels to make it look balanced but I wouldn't go for the largest ones. My big grip is premium fuel and no hybrid? No PHEV?
Re Lexus, it's almost like the NX is more in the size of this class than the new Q5 and new X3.
First n never to miss
Engaging ride? That is all Andrea talks about. What about maintenance costs, total cost of ownership. Etc.
Driving dynamics are a big part of how we choose our personal vehicle. While reliability and maintenance costs are #1 for some, we are willing to pay more for oil changes and maintenance for some of the brands on our list especially if you keep the vehicle long term. If you are looking for reliability including lower maintenance costs, a Lexus or even an Acura in the premium/luxury category will be a great fit for you. Everyone has different needs and wants which is why Lexus is on the list, it's just comfortable, gets great fuel economy, it's reliable and has excellent resale value.
Not everyone puts maintenance costs at the top of the list. For me, driving dynamics is #1 criteria followed by design.
X3 BMW
X1 looks a lot better than the X3. X3 looks clownish.
X3 is awesome looking in my opinion.
BMW really messed up with these designs
Nice! First comment!
Having UX in family, it shouldn't be on the list. Too small 😂
We have a UX in the family and as empty nesters it isn’t too small at all. It’s perfect for us. Just did a round trip with 600 miles with an another couple in the back. No problem at all. We are nit thee tallest people tho.
why no Audi Q3?
A mini is considered a luxury vehicle?
Gee where to begin…first off no mention that every one of these (save electric) uses premium gas and todays price hovers around $1.96 CDN. as for electric where is the justification on an $18,000 top price difference on that Volvo (and other electrics) I really wanted a xc40 but when I learned premium gas was required I said no way and went for the fully loaded cx50 turbo. I can use the turbo all I want and still save gas money. I guess I’m just not a “badge snob”
For my Volvo I don’t mind buying premium 93 octane. I’m getting 107 miles per gallon lifetime in my PHEV. It averages out to about 8 gallons a month.
CR doesn't like the X1 at all after testing and daily driving it, nor did they like the XC40 or Mini Countryman for whatever reasons they have.
Lots of dual clutch transmissions. How do you work the gas with two clutch pedals?
What are you talking about 😂
GLC is the best luxury suv I think
I need a car to replace my Smart Fortwo
Don’t trust their reliability of a mini
Find Audi gets often overlooked by reviewers. Does Audi not give out as many perks?
The Countryman was named as one of the worst cars of 2024 by the Consumer Reports auto editors in their year-end wrap-up video. I’m guessing your opinion is at one end of the spectrum and theirs is at the other. The CR fellow who picked it said it was just disappointing and really didn’t do anything well.
That Mini screen is horrendous
Where are the obligatory coffee cups? Probably already had too much caffeine during the test drives?!?! 😉 I am not fond of the front grills of some of the models mentioned here.
BMW X1 looks like a Honda CRV, there is almost no design originality in the automotive industry except for Kia/Hyundai
Buick encore touring
Where is Audi ??
Sorry but remove the grill and the X1 looks like a Honda. Any news about a refresh on the Miata or GR86?
In this economy and recent inflation I find it surprising that there is any demand for luxury vehicles or luxury review videos.
Absolutely there is especially in this class.
Plenty of rich people around. 😂
The riches of the rich are not affected by the economy or inflation
@@davidjym Exactly. They just pass the cost onto us the poor. We're almost back to slave times, it's sad....
Here in Atlantic Canada, the prices for these subcompact lux vehicles are a lot higher priced, and my value would be better spent on a compact or even a midsize non luxury vehicle… and the interior space would be much better
Who actually listens to satellite radio?
Volvo is chinese.
Regrettably the Chinese do own Volvo but many are built in Europe. Mine was built in South Carolina.
Big nope to all of them.
P❤😂🎉😢😮😅😊
dynamic, engaging - suv - sounds like an oxymoron