You are here: Forums SUVs Volvo XC90 / XC60 Volvo XC90 vs MB M Class vs Acura MDX vs Lexus RX 350 vs BMW X5 vs Cadillac SRX

Volvo XC90 vs MB M Class vs Acura MDX vs Lexus RX 350 vs BMW X5 vs Cadillac SRX

1068 messages,  Last post on May 08, 2009 at 5:44 PM

You are in the Volvo XC90 / XC60 Forum. Your Hosts are steve_ & tidester

What is this discussion about? Mercedes-Benz M-Class, Acura MDX, Lexus RX 330, BMW X5, Cadillac SRX, Toyota Highlander, Volvo XC90, SUV

#1004 of 1068 X5 3.0 vs. MDX by tpjcourtney Nov 22, 2005 (6:40 am)
Just purchased an X5 3.0 after having both an '01 and '04 MDX for the last 5 years. These are my wifes cars but here are my first impressions of the differences.   The models I'm comparing are an 06 X5 3.0 w/ premium, cold weather, rear climate, xenon, heated rear seats, heated wheel and 04 MDX Touring, Nav & Rear Ent.   Obviously the MDX is the value leader, costing 5k less yet having both Nav and DVD system in the price. We did not get the Nav in the X5 due to its poor ratings and the BMW DVD system seemed poorly executed as well.   I also give the nod to the MDX in the power department. The additional 30-40hp is a difference you can feel in acceleration from a stop and when passing.   Storage capacity is also on the MDX's size, cargo as well as passenger.   The X5 definitely gets the nod on comfort. The seats are softer, and I always felt like I was sitting on top of the MDX seats not in them. Part of the comfort feeling is also in the quality of the materials used. The dash looks much richer in the X5. The MDX's dash materials, while better than most, still are a step down from the plush looking X5. This is expecially true of the faux wood trim on the MDX center consol.   I also prefer the feel of driving the X5. There are two major reasons for this. One is road/engine noise. The X5 is much quieter than the MDX, expecially at highway speeds. The X5 feels like it is going much slower than the MDX at the same speed. The X5 definitely has a more solid feel and the steering has a much better weight to it. The MDX seems very over boosted in comparison. I also like the fact that the rear wheels drive the X5 most of the time compared to the MDX fronts, which leads to torque steer at times. The AWD systems in both are outstanding, working invisibly. The MDX's only issue is when you hit the gas while turning a tight slick corner, causing some initial push before the system catches up. In testing the X5 on the one snow day it's had, it seems unflapable.   The X5 also gets the nod for nice extra power features like power tilt/telescope on the wheel w/memory, power reclining rear seats, all windows are one-touch up & down vs. just the drivers on the MDX, the panorama moon roof and soft-touch rear hatch. Also like that the X5's hatch opens in two parts so that things that have moved around don't come crashing out when you open the door. The keys with fob controls included are nice as well.   In the end, I would not discourage the purchase of either. If your looking for value and utility, go MDX. If your a driver who likes a bit more luxury, go X5, it is worth it. Replies to this message: habitat1 (Nov 25, 2005 5:58 am)
#1005 of 1068 Re: X5 3.0 vs. MDX [tpjcourtney] by habitat1 Nov 25, 2005 (5:58 am)
Replying to: tpjcourtney (Nov 22, 2005 6:40 am) I wonder why the X5 3.0 carries over the old low power 3.0 liter engine. All of the other BMW models get a 255 hp 3.0 liter engine. That 30 hp difference would have been most beneicial to the X5 and would have at least equaled the MDX.   We got an MDX for it's size/versitility. But the X5 3.0 6-speed would have been our first choice had we put the kids up for adoption.
#1006 of 1068 Volvo XC90 2.5T AWD or V8 AWD??? by nanner Nov 26, 2005 (5:19 pm)
I'm interested in the 2006 Volvo XC90. However, can't compromise on which engine model. Gas is a big factor to my decision which one would prefer the 2.5T. But how is handling and noise in regards to a 5-cylinder 2.5 liter SUV? I didn't even know SUVs come in 5-cyliner. Replies to this message: guyf (Nov 26, 2005 8:05 pm) habitat1 (Nov 28, 2005 1:05 pm) jccai1 (Dec 21, 2005 10:19 am)
#1007 of 1068 Re: Volvo XC90 2.5T AWD or V8 AWD??? [nanner] by guyf Nov 26, 2005 (8:05 pm)
Replying to: nanner (Nov 26, 2005 5:19 pm) It's a 5 cylinder TURBO engine. Handling is fine, noise level is low. You should go on a test drive and see for yourself.
#1008 of 1068 Re: Volvo XC90 2.5T AWD or V8 AWD??? [nanner] by habitat1 Nov 28, 2005 (1:05 pm)
Replying to: nanner (Nov 26, 2005 5:19 pm) We considered the XC90 V8 when it first came out and it was selling at quite a premium over the 2.5T. However, it appears that prices have come down significantly - I've seen ads for $6,000+ off the V8. I was very impressed with the V8, save for the rather busy 6-speed transmission. It clearly would have been my engine choice had my wife not gone for an MDX instead.   If gas is a big factor in buying a $40k-$45k SUV, perhaps you should be looking at a Highlander Hybrid or - heaven forbid - an Odyssey or Sienna minivan. those will give you much better fuel efficiency than either XC90 engine. The fact is the difference of 2-3 mpg would equate to around $200-$300 per year at 12,000 miles a year. That's not chump change, but it's also insignificant compared to the overall price and cost of ownership. Heck, at at a purchase price that's $10k-$15k less, you could drive a Honda Pilot for 5-7 years for free, compared to either XC90.   The XC90 in either form is a very nice vehicle. I recommend you get the engine that suits your needs and preferences.
#1009 of 1068 Cost of Maintenance by dhdan Dec 02, 2005 (10:00 am)
Does anyone have any hard and fast numbers relative to the actual costs of regular maintenance (oil changes, regular PMs, etxc.) for the MDX, RX330, and XC90? I've calculated the relative costs of gasoline, gotten insurance quotes for all three, read these boards, etc. Just want to flesh out as complete a picture as possible on these three vehicles.   Perhaps a better question might be "Is the True-Cost-To-Own" which Edmunds provides a good comparative measure? Replies to this message: habitat1 (Dec 02, 2005 10:37 am) steve_ (Dec 02, 2005 1:15 pm) dhdan (Dec 05, 2005 11:08 am)
#1010 of 1068 Re: Cost of Maintenance [dhdan] by habitat1 Dec 02, 2005 (10:37 am)
Replying to: dhdan (Dec 02, 2005 10:00 am) No disrespect to Edmunds, but I found their "true cost to own" estimates relative to repairs and maintenance pretty useless.   I suggest you call the service departments of 1-2 dealers for each of the models you are considering and have them quote or fax you the regular maintenance schedules and prices. You might ask them for quotes on 1-2 specific repairs to give you a sense of relative pricing - like brake rotors and water pump.   I have found there can also be fairly significant geographic differences, with smaller town dealerships changing 20-30%+ less than larger metro areas.
#1011 of 1068 Re: Cost of Maintenance [dhdan] by steve_ HOST Dec 02, 2005 (1:15 pm)
Replying to: dhdan (Dec 02, 2005 10:00 am) In addition to the True Cost to Own tool, the Edmunds Maintenance Guide will break down maintenance costs by the manufacturer's schedule. Your dealer may charge more, but the dealer may be doing more than what's recommended in the owner's manual.   Steve, Host Replies to this message: dhdan (Dec 05, 2005 11:08 am)
#1012 of 1068 Re: Cost of Maintenance [steve_] by dhdan Dec 05, 2005 (11:08 am)
Replying to: steve_ (Dec 02, 2005 1:15 pm) Thanks Steve. The prices may not be dead on but they give me a relative comparison for each vehicle. Of course, none of this has made my decision between the three vehicles (MDX, XC90, RX330) any easier. I guess I'm going to have to take two baby seats and a double stroller to each dealership and see which fits the best.
#1013 of 1068 . by anythngbutgm Dec 06, 2005 (11:17 am)
I would put money on it that the maintainence costs for the Volvo would be significantly higher than the other two. On the plus side, the first 50k is covered by Volvo, something that Lexus and Acura do not offer without promotion... yet. So in the end it may balance out equally, but I believe that Volvo amintainence costs are some of the highest in the industry.   For the record, our 15k service is about $250.00 while the 30k is about $450.00. We've had no other issues to speak of other than maintainence on the vehicle in 56k miles. My father had an '01 that he put something like 135k on. Only out of warranty maintainence was the 105k timing belt and W.P. which was something like 3 grand . Not out of the ordinary, but still a big chunk of coin...   Still, that was THE ONLY thing that went wrong over the time he had it.

You are here: Forums SUVs Volvo XC90 / XC60 Volvo XC90 vs MB M Class vs Acura MDX vs Lexus RX 350 vs BMW X5 vs Cadillac SRX