
The 2015 Lexus NX lineup should land at the sporty end of the luxury compact crossover segment, although with a hybrid model on offer, it definitely won't scare away those with the intent to buy 'green.' Look for the NX lineup to match up solidly, in turbo guise, against the V-6 and turbo-four versions of these rivals.
The BMW X3 is a competitive vehicle in every respect, although the current generation is lacking some of the verve that otherwise usually distinguishes BMW vehicles.
The Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class is an impressive package, towing a line between being a mini GL-Class and a tall boxy station wagon; it's offered in a high-mileage Bluetec diesel version, too.
The Volvo XC60 is yet another great alternative; its interior is especially well laid-out and comfortable, and with the introduction of a new, more economical turbo four-cylinder engine this year, it's a stronger entry than before -- one of the safest, too.
The Audi Q5 is also offered in several versions, from a turbo four to a higher-mpg TDI diesel; its combination of excellent interior appointments and versatility, as well as a good compromise of handling and ride comfort, make it one of the better bets here.
Otherwise the Acura RDX is a head-scratcher, offering only one engine -- a V-6 that isn't all that fuel-efficient -- at a time when all of its peers have moved to more economical engines.
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Quick Specs | |||||
With the 2015 NX, Lexus finally has a crossover to take on the mass luxury market--and its striking styling could be a plus. |
A sporty yet smooth driving feel, quiet interior, and top-tier safety all add up to a lot of appeal for the 2015 Acura RDX, although its lack of features and flair stop it short of greatness. |
The 2015 Audi Q5 remains one of the most elegant, truly car-like crossovers on the market. |
Among compact crossovers, the 2015 BMW X3 doesn't try to be rugged; instead it's one of the sportiest and most fuel-efficient in its class, and this year's new sDrive and diesel models add to that while the lineup gets even more tech and active-safety options. |
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLK offers two great engine options in a baby-SUV shell, but with the comfort and dynamics of a crossover. |
The 2015 Volvo XC60 crossover stays stylish--and now it gets much better gas mileage from a new four-cylinder engine. |
MSRP From | |||||
$34,480 | $35,095 | $39,300 | $38,500 | $37,900 | $35,750 |
Gas Mileage | |||||
22 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy | 19 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy | 19 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy | 18 MPG City / 33 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy |
Engine | |||||
Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Premium Unleaded V-6 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Premium Unleaded V-6 | Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4 |
EPA Class | |||||
Small SUV 2WD | Small SUV 2WD | Small SUV 4WD | Small SUV 2WD | Small SUV 2WD | Small SUV 2WD |
Style Name | |||||
FWD 4-Door | FWD 4-Door | quattro 4-Door 2.0T Premium | RWD 4-Door sDrive28i | RWD 4-Door GLK 350 | FWD 4-Door T5 Drive-E |
Drivetrain | |||||
Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
Passenger Capacity | |||||
5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Passenger Doors | |||||
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Body Style | |||||
Sport Utility | Sport Utility | quattro Sport Utility | Sports Activity Vehicle | Sport Utility | Sport Utility |
Transmission | |||||
Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD |
Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
2015 Lexus NX vs. 2015 Acura RDX | 2015 Lexus NX vs. 2015 Audi Q5 | 2015 Lexus NX vs. 2015 BMW X3 | 2015 Lexus NX vs. 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLK Class | 2015 Lexus NX vs. 2015 Volvo XC60 |