[albertw]

When we settled on our current cars, the M240i was to be the long trip and entertainment driving vehicle, and the '16 RAV4 was to be the local errand and wife's car. Unfortunately my wife has developed a back problem that isn't likely to get better, and she finds the low seat of the 240 very uncomfortable. Consequently we're doing a lot more miles in the RAV, and I do most of the long distance drives because she really doesn't like driving.

I have to go all the way back to an early 60's Valiant to find a car I owned that was less satisfying and pleasant to drive than the RAV4. It is clumsy in corners even at wife-tolerated speeds, the transmission is extremely annoying, on cruise it alternates between accelerating and decelerating, the engine makes an annoyingly loud moan when accelerating moderately hard, and considering how poorly it handles it has a needlessly harsh ride. And it has a dead spot on centre that is three times wider than the one on my 240. We bought it because it was the first car we saw that had a good 360 degree camera system, and the wife refused to drive the year-old Camry after she saw how much easier it made parking.

I had hoped to upgrade the 240 to a 911 before I got too old to drive enthusiastically, but I'm mostly very happy with the 240 (except for the steering - I keep telling myself F1 drivers go much harder than I can even imagine with no steering feedback at all so stop whining) so getting an SUV that is more satisfying to drive than the RAV is a much higher priority. I don't read many SUV road tests, so I don't know much about them. It seems that a Macan is probably the best driving vehicle of the compact SUVs out there, but that would be the most difficult choice as the nearest dealer is 2.5 hours away and the next is 5 hours, so getting routine service will be awkward and getting a difficult problem addressed if the closer dealer is uncooperative will be impractical.

I am reluctant to go out and test drive a dozen different vehicles, as Covid is far from over and we have an immunocompromised individual in our family. I would be grateful for any advice or comments about compact SUVs from my fellow driving enthusiasts.

[John in VA]

Since this is a BMW forum, I'd suggest you check out the X3 with M Sport package.

[leftoverture]

Well... it really depends on what you want to spend. I'll go against the BMW thing and suggest a Mazda CX-5 if you're on a tighter budget. But if money isn't a huge concern then checkout an X3, but if your wife doesn't like the M240 seat she may not like the X3 either.

[Sportstick]

For the sake of his wife, she should sit in a Volvo XC40 or XC60. That could end the search quickly if seating comfort is the priority.

[pikcachu]

Mazda is probably the best driving wise......

Subaru Outback or the now bigger Ascent are good options too... specially in the winter/snow...

Even maybe a Model Y... although people here will give it a lot of hate...

[Shovelman]

My wife loves her Outback. It rides better than most.

[morphomeman]

My wife, who drives a '16 X3, describes the interior of the current model as Las Vegas casino style. Just about every serious piece on SUVs puts the Mazda CX-5 at the top. Fully loaded, it comes in way under $40K, about $5K below where the Vegas X3 starts.

[TAZ007]

I suggest going to the library and checking out the Consumer Reports 2021 Auto Issue to do your comparative research on comfort, driveability, performance, and long term reliability.

With what I read, the Mazda CX-3 and 5 are real good, if you get into Toyota 4Runner category the BMW X-3 M40 would definitely be a better alternative. If $$$ is not an object, the X6M was an awesome drive and I dislike SUVs. Good hunting.

[Sportstick]

I'm a bit puzzled by some of these suggestions. The first filter is for optimal seat comfort for a passenger with a back problem that may not improve and will likely deteriorate with age. Back problems tend to do that. Once that criterion is applied, then other factors (driveability, interior design, etc.) can create a subset. How are these recommendations focused on relieving discomfort for a passenger's back condition? There has been one OEM I know, and only one, with in-house orthopedic experts, and that has been Volvo. Whether that staffing continues in Goteborg during the days of Geely ownership, I don't know, but that is certainly where optimal knowledge has resided.

[dradernh]

Originally Posted by Sportstick

There has been one OEM I know, and only one, with in-house orthopedic experts, and that has been Volvo. Whether that staffing continues in Goteborg during the days of Geely ownership, I don't know, but that is certainly where optimal knowledge has resided.

I owned Volvos off and on between 1972 and 2014. Their chairs beat any other automotive seats I've sat in. Those in my 1966 122S (aka Amazon) were a revelation in '72. They had insane support and comfort for the era, and I'd enjoy sitting in one right now.

[albertw]

Thanks for the suggestions!

Perhaps I wasn't clear that my wife's back problem seems to be made worse by the low seating position of the 240, not the seats themselves. Something to do with the angle of her lower legs, although I don't understand how that affects her back. So, any SUV will be better for her than the 240. That said, we will certainly check out the Volvos to see if the better seats give any additional benefit to her. If not, it looks like the CX5 should be at the top of my shopping list.

I intend to look at Consumer Reports for data on reliability, utility and ride composure, but I don't generally give much credence to their opinions on driving fun.

I would really like a C class MB wagon for the same utility as an SUV but a much nicer driving experience. (The C45AMG was tied for second with the RS3 when I bought my 240.) However, the seats aren't high enough to make it worthwhile dragging her out to a dealer for a test drive.

[dsch01]

I'd recommend the Kia Sportage.

We recently went through a similar decision. We looked at BMW, MB, Volvo, Lexus, Audi, Hyundai, Kia, Toyota and Honda. We ended up with a 2022 Kia Sportage SX Turbo AWD (4th Gen).

It is surprisingly comparable to much more expensive options. Our only negative is the rated fuel economy of the SX trim (19 City/24 Hwy) but somewhat expected with 237HP/260TQ. We get 21-22mpg around town and got 27+ mpg on a recent interstate trip of 350 miles at 75-ish mph. If MPG is important the other trim levels and FWD are better.

Good luck with your shopping!

[wdc330i]

Originally Posted by albertw

Thanks for the suggestions!

Perhaps I wasn't clear that my wife's back problem seems to be made worse by the low seating position of the 240, not the seats themselves. Something to do with the angle of her lower legs, although I don't understand how that affects her back. So, any SUV will be better for her than the 240. That said, we will certainly check out the Volvos to see if the better seats give any additional benefit to her. If not, it looks like the CX5 should be at the top of my shopping list.

I intend to look at Consumer Reports for data on reliability, utility and ride composure, but I don't generally give much credence to their opinions on driving fun.

I would really like a C class MB wagon for the same utility as an SUV but a much nicer driving experience. (The C45AMG was tied for second with the RS3 when I bought my 240.) However, the seats aren't high enough to make it worthwhile dragging her out to a dealer for a test drive.

I own a 2017 M240i and a 2021 Mazda CX-5.

I shopped X3, X1, Macan S, and the X5 when I went looking for a practical car addition to the fleet. The Mazda offered the best driving experience (really, much more fun than the Macan) for the money. I ended up with a fully loaded, top-of-the-line Signature model for under $40k.

I enjoy driving it--plenty of power, lots of amenities (although a little less artfully deployed than BMWs), and very versatile for everyday life. Quite good road feel, sharp handling, and minimal body roll through corners and curves.

All that said, I think seat comfort is its weakest point. Your wife should thoroughly check them out over a long test drive. Maybe even try to get an overnight test, if possible.

Volvo is definitely the best pick for seat comfort. And BMW SUVs for that matter.

If her discomfort really is just the low-entry of the 2 (which is not all that low when you consider Boxsters, for instance), then the Mazda may be just fine.

I love the fit and finish of the Macans, but I just don't see the value in them. If I'm going to buy a Porsche (and I have in the past), I'm buying what they do best: sports cars.

If you've got more money to burn, then I think the X3 M0i is the best mid-size SUV around. The X5 is bigger and more luxurious (I've had two of them), but I just prefer the smaller size of the X3/Macan/Mazda CX-5.

I would have bought the X3, but it was nearly double what the Mazda cost, because I would not have been able to resist adding on all the performance options. LOL. Plus, my 2 is now off warranty and I did not relish the prospect of having two expensive BMWs to maintain over a longterm ownership.

[leftoverture]

Originally Posted by dradernh

I owned Volvos off and on between 1972 and 2014. Their chairs beat any other automotive seats I've sat in. Those in my 1966 122S (aka Amazon) were a revelation in '72. They had insane support and comfort for the era, and I'd enjoy sitting in one right now.

Well, depending on the OP's wife' condition, she could have my experience. Most people say Volvo's seats are the most comfortable, and for many people they probably are. But I have an issue in my hip and ended up selling my S60 because I couldn't sit in it for longer than 20 minutes most days. Seat comfort, especially when you have a medical issue, is something you just can't rely on anyone else's opinion about. And for some of us, there is no test drive long enough to reveal how a seat might work day in and day out. So I would say if seat comfort is the biggest factor, you better do every bit of due diligence you can.

[msej449]

Rolls-Royce Cullinan, obviously:



This, surely, is going to be comfortable enough?

[leftoverture]

Originally Posted by msej449

Rolls-Royce Cullinan, obviously:



This, surely, is going to be comfortable enough?

Well I, for one, would be willing to try it out and see!

[dradernh]

Originally Posted by leftoverture

Well, depending on the OP's wife' condition, she could have my experience. Most people say Volvo's seats are the most comfortable, and for many people they probably are. But I have an issue in my hip and ended up selling my S60 because I couldn't sit in it for longer than 20 minutes most days. Seat comfort, especially when you have a medical issue, is something you just can't rely on anyone else's opinion about. And for some of us, there is no test drive long enough to reveal how a seat might work day in and day out. So I would say if seat comfort is the biggest factor, you better do every bit of due diligence you can.

I agree with all of that, especially that medical issues can make the choice more complicated.

A friend recently solved a lower back problem by placing some sort of roll under his thighs just behind his knees. He has long legs and a car with a relatively (for him) short seat, and when driving his pelvis was rotated(?) in a fashion that made his back hurt 24X7. A physical therapist asked to see him seated in his car and then made the suggestion that made a noticeable difference in his day-to-day living.

[Ugly Kar]

I test drove a Macan S, the SUV that is supposed to drive like a sports sedan. Well it wasn't at all. Very disappointed. The Volvo's drive well, and the XC60 hybrid definitely has some firepower, but Volvo still ranks pretty low in reliability.

This may seem silly, but I like the looks of the new KIA Seltos. it looks like and SUV should look.

[Unicorn123]

albertw,

Sorry to hear about your wife's back difficulties. As many have pointed out, this is a bit of a tricky situation.

Based on your notes, it sounds as though there are two issues; the height of the seat (presumably getting in and out of the vehicle, and perhaps the height of the beltline of the vehicle when she is in it), and the design of the seat if I understand correctly.

This said, it seems to me that part of the exercise here, if she is up to it, would be for her to try a few different vehicles and see how she fits. If she can "feel" her discomfort coming on rather quickly, this could be a good litmus test. It might help if she clearly understands the root cause of her discomfort; this would help guide you as well. As *drader* pointed out, it may be something as "minor" as a rolled up cloth strategically placed, which I have used myself.

Regarding suggested vehicles, I would not recommend my wife's former X5 (E53). The newer ones are likely better and the suggested X3M would likely solve the height issue and would be a bit of a hot rod. My wife now has the dreaded Audi Q5 TDI, which I adore. I say dreaded as Audi's are generally condemned on this forum.

The Q5 handles well, pulls like a locomotive and gets good fuel economy. Steering is numb as a fence post, but in "Sport" mode, is bearable. It is also exceptionally comfortable and I have driven 11-12 hours straight (really) in it (remember, no need to refuel at 20 gallons and 37 mpg) without feeling like crap. I typically have to stop at 2 hour intervals due to lower back pain and sciatica. Not in the Q5. My brother has a SQ5 and a Q5 V6 and loves them both. Very reliable and well built.

Best wishes for your wife's good health and good luck in your search. Back problems stink!

[aerobod]

Originally Posted by Ugly Kar

I test drove a Macan S, the SUV that is supposed to drive like a sports sedan. Well it wasn't at all. Very disappointed. The Volvo's drive well, and the XC60 hybrid definitely has some firepower, but Volvo still ranks pretty low in reliability.

This may seem silly, but I like the looks of the new KIA Seltos. it looks like and SUV should look.

Must have been an issue with the Macan S you drove such as tyre pressures way off or previous kerb hopping experiments. We bought the 2021 Macan S based on it being the best to drive for an SUV (but still no sports sedan), we opted for conventional suspension and 19” wheels which makes it slightly less sharp than with air suspension and larger wheels, but better suited to gravel roads and longevity.

We drove all the competitive SUVs to it and from a driving experience it was clearly top in its size class (excluding the Alfa Romeo, which was as good to drive, but problematic from a fit & finish and reliability perspective). The X3 M40i was next, but had poor ride on anything but smooth surfaces. The Q5, XC60, Evoque and GLC43 were all more minivan like from a driving perspective.

[dradernh]

Originally Posted by Ugly Kar

Volvo still ranks pretty low in reliability.

Volvos were once as reliable as an old tractor. You could beat the tar out of them and the car would ask "Is that all you have?"

Those days are long gone, of course, hastened by cars becoming much more complex and, I suspect, by Volvo's relative lack of profitability when compared to the true luxury marques against which they compete.

[albertw]

Thanks for a lot of interesting, thoughtful comments!

I'm especially interested in the varied evaluations of the Macan, as I had assumed it would be far ahead in driving satisfaction. If the CX5 is not enough better in that regard than our RAV4, I need to do a very extensive test drive of the Macan before deciding it is worthwhile to make the change.

I had been wondering about the Koreans, as they have shown they can make a car (Stinger / G70) with excellent driving dynamics. I will put the Sportage on my list based on the recommendation.

The warning about the seats in the CX5 is helpful, as are the recommendations about the seats in the Volvo. Since there were a lot of detailed suggestions about back issues, I should say that her problem is muscular, not structural. Many of her muscles are prone to spasm when required to maintain tension - mainly small muscles that fine tune motions. That gets excruciatingly painful if she can't change position to relax the muscle involved. Unfortunately there is very little known about this (and plenty of quackery on the internet). The only practical treatment outside a pain clinic is massage plus stretching, which is not a cure and isn't much help on a long trip if the problem is the seating position.

Every year we take a trip with several 600 mile days and the RAV4 does not aggravate any muscles. If I can't find something that is as benign for her without driving like a '60s truck, we'll have to keep the RAV. Sadly it is one of the best selling SUVs (top seller in Canada, I think), so clearly the majority of people are happy with how it drives and there is little incentive for other manufacturers to do better. Which is why I started my search with a query on this forum. Thanks again!