I don't have any experience with the newer stuff, as my newest cub is 2014. If you like a rider (not a zero turn), then the XT2 LX42 looks like a well suited mower for your duties of mowing the yard. However, I did read that out of 7 reviews, 3 of them were bad ones. Seems the electrical components aren't what they should be, particularly the starter switch module. The front end also looks like a Transformer (BumbleBee).
If you plan on moving gravel, mulch, dirt, (probably not snow in your area), or other heavy duty lawn work (hauling wood, rock, etc.), then you may want to go with a tougher one, like the XT3 GSX series.
Cub Cadet 123