“We’re looking to replace my wife’s 2007 Infiniti FX35. Hopefully there are some non-luxury mid-size SUVs worth purchasing.”
Take a look at Mazda SUVs, luxury values at non-luxury prices. Also, Mazda is one of the few non-luxury SUVs which doesn’t use CVT for transmissions.
We've been looking at Maxda's CX-5/CX-50 series, so that sounds like a good starting point.
Interesting you should mention the CVT transmission. When test-driving vehicles back in 2007, my wife and I compared the 2007 Nissan Murano with the 2007 Infiniti FX35. The reason we went with the FX35 was because my wife hated the CVT transmission.
Not an SUV but I have a Mazda 3 turbo with AWD.
It makes 250 hp and comes with paddle shifters.
Mazda has moved to competing with Buick and Acura because they are a small company and can’t go toe to toe with Honda, Toyota or Hyundai on the low price range.
So glad to get rid of my old German car.