From 2009 to 2014, you could buy a crossover from Infiniti with coupe looks and a 5.0-liter 390 HP V8. This is the rare FX50 and QX70 5.0.
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.
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.