OT: Purchasing a new SUV
- Thread starter RU31trap
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I know it is not on your list but the Mazda CX-5 is worth a look as well. Not sure about the Subaru but the RAV4 > Rogue IMO.
Rogue is going to have more usable cargo room.
The cx5 is definitely worth the look. It has been getting a lot of good reviews.
The cx5 is definitely worth the look. It has been getting a lot of good reviews.
The RAV4 is awful. The wife had one for a couple of years and couldn't wait to be rid of it.
To be honest, the segment that you're looking at is generally utilitarian. They're vehicles bought by people who are primarily concerned about utility more than performance and are heavily influenced by price.
Since all three of your choices come equipped with a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) - a device known to be the most heinous, diabolical piece of mechanical engineering ever created - I'd say choose the lesser of the weevils and go with the Crosstrek. Subaru builds a damn fine vehicle.
If you want to expand the scope of your search, definitely look at the CX-5, as mentioned above.
Haven't driven the Crosstek before, but I'll say this, Subaru makes great vehicles - great quality, great engines, amongst the industry's best safety ratings for all of their vehicles, and the best damned AWD system in the business. I'll probably be purchasing a Subaru SUV when I start having kids.
I used to have an Impreza WRX which was a beast of a sedan.
I used to have an Impreza WRX which was a beast of a sedan.
I bought my daughter a used Rav4 to go back and forth in college. What surprised my is that it did not have 4 wheel drive. We did think to even ask as it is called a Rav4. They do make 4 wheel drive versions (maybe it is AWD) but we just assumed it had it. Anyway my stupidity. That said it has generally been pretty reliable without any major work needed. Think it is about 7 or 8 years old now and we have had it 5 and it still runs fine.
I have the CX5 and love it. I would definitely take a look at it. I found it gives you more space then those and much better performance.
If you want to go cheaper I have a used 2002 GMC Envoy with a dented hood 173,000 miles and power steering which doesn't work under 1000 RPMs. It also need new shock, struts and sway bar links.
If you're considering an SUV for cargo space, you should consider the Honda Accord with s nice roomy trunk.
I have driven Rogue and Muranos via rentals, both good cars. Murano is a 6 cylinder upgraded version of the Rogue. I have driven CX-9 from Mazda for a long time; good cars. CX-5 is the smaller version. I rented a fully loaded Jeep Cherokee recently and was impressed.
I'm also in the early shopping days for a new SUV. I have a Suburban my kids use to bang around town that is long in the tooth and not really great for highway driving anymore. And given my recent speeding ticket in my current daily driver, I need to get myself a large SUV to force me to drive slow on the highway.
I've formed a bit of a crush-from-afar on the new Mercedes GLS450. Is not much more than a new, well-optioned GMC Yukon XL would be, but would be way more comfortable and would last forever.
I'm going to swing by a local dealership and check it out in person, maybe give it a test drive.
Anyway, you might consider looking at a pre-owned Lexus or Mercedes SUV. They can be pretty decent values after a two year lease and tend to be well taken care of by their owners.
I've formed a bit of a crush-from-afar on the new Mercedes GLS450. Is not much more than a new, well-optioned GMC Yukon XL would be, but would be way more comfortable and would last forever.
I'm going to swing by a local dealership and check it out in person, maybe give it a test drive.
Anyway, you might consider looking at a pre-owned Lexus or Mercedes SUV. They can be pretty decent values after a two year lease and tend to be well taken care of by their owners.
Anybody have any thoughts or experience with the Toyota Highlander Hybrid?
Looking to get out of my Audi Q5 TDI Diesel that is wrapped up in the VW/Audi Diesel Gate. Maintenance costs are insanely high. Waiting for word on what they will be paying owners for the 3.0L engine. I am a fan of diesel vehicles and was considering the Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited Diesel, but no Jeep and Dodge are accused of manipulating software on diesel vehicles.
Looking for a medium sized SUV (or larger) with better than 25 MPG mileage. Toyota Highlander Hybrid fit the bill.
Looking to get out of my Audi Q5 TDI Diesel that is wrapped up in the VW/Audi Diesel Gate. Maintenance costs are insanely high. Waiting for word on what they will be paying owners for the 3.0L engine. I am a fan of diesel vehicles and was considering the Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited Diesel, but no Jeep and Dodge are accused of manipulating software on diesel vehicles.
Looking for a medium sized SUV (or larger) with better than 25 MPG mileage. Toyota Highlander Hybrid fit the bill.
No Honda CRV? We got one certified pre-owned about 4 years ago and have been thrilled with it. Were also looking at the RAV and Forrester really hard too. Good luck!
Wow. I have an '04 Honda Civic with 168K. Needs some engine mounts and water magically appears in my center console after it rains (can't find the leak!). Thought I was pushing a beater, LOL
Honda's infotainment systems are now solidly a generation behind current state of the art. They get no props for being cheap.
I'm giving my daughter my car tomorrow. This is forcing me to buy a new car. Not thrilled with the idea but I guess it's part of life.
Just understand that a lot of the vehicles in the segment aren't long-haul comfortable for men of average size and above. The Mazda and Subaru have better seats than either the Honda, the Nissan or the Toyota (hands down worst in class) but if you spend a lot of time in your vehicle you might want to consider something else entirely.
I would personally look at a used luxury SUV. You can negotiate (4 year old) fully loaded SUV's with original MSPR's in the mid 50's for around $25K+. Go take some for a test drive at least. We have an older, fully loaded Acura MDX (2011) that we love. We're actually looking for a reason to buy a new SUV since we've had ours for 5 1/2 years and my wife likes new cars, but we see no reason to do so. Our car still drives and looks like a new car.
You're 100% spot on regarding the Toyota's seats. They were hard and the head rest was in an awkward position.
The 2017 crv seats are heads and shoulders more comfortable to sit in than my wife's 2016 crv (at least in the showroom). I'd put it, and the cx5, as considerations.
Bought a Rogue in Oct. Retired so not a lot of daily wear and tear involved. Drove it up to NJ for T-Day and found it to be very comfortable and good on gas. Don't need a "look at me show piece" just something reliable and comfortable and it fits the bill.
Note: Prior vehicle was an Altima kept for 11 years all others Olds just point of referrence
Note: Prior vehicle was an Altima kept for 11 years all others Olds just point of referrence
Really have to disagree with this. I recently got rid of a Subaru Forrester which I bought based on what I thought was an impressive test drive and what I thought was a reputation for quality. What I ended up with was a car that proved to be unreliable after about 3 years and poorly designed from a driver control perspective. The radio and climate controls were hard to see when driving (and too dim to see in bright sunlight), and difficult to use without taking your eyes off the road.
Subaru built a reputation because all their vehicles were 4WD. But now that most other manufacturers offer 4WD versions of similar vehicles, there isn't really anything advantageous about Subarus.
If you're looking at a Crosstrek, you are looking at a moderate-priced utilitarian crossover. So look at it from that perspective. On the test drive you should look for adequate pep and handling (knowing it is not a performance car). You also want to look for good visibility front, back and sides. Are the controls easy to use and adjust while driving. Is cargo space adequate.
I think you will find that Subaru's fail compared to the alternatives.
I just got a 2017 pilot and it has Apple car play (has something for android too) + Honda Link. I don't think anyone really needs more than that IMO.
Colleague at work has a new CRV and he is very unhappy with it. Some sort of known noise problem that the dealer will not address. I can get more details next week. Would avoid the CRV and RAV4.
Opted against getting another SUV, having had Isuzu Troopers, Honda Pilots and CRVs in the past. Just picked up a 2017 Toyota Tacoma crew cab w/long bed, in a 4x4 "Off Road" config. 6 cyl/278 hp/Auto. Put a matching Leer cap on it, so it has an SUV appearance. Really liking this vehicle. Seats 5 (-ish). But can carry lots of gear, and can go anywhere, in any conditions. "Crawl" and multi-terrain features are neat. OP, you may want to have a look at this model should you visit a To-Yo-Ta dealership.
Just purchased 2017 Honda Pilot and love it. The 2017 CRV has been completely redesigned and looks great with upgraded standard features.
If you like GMC, I loved the new Acadia, and have always liked the Terrain. Just be sure to get 6cyl and all wheel drive. Terrain is being completely redesigned for 2018
If you like GMC, I loved the new Acadia, and have always liked the Terrain. Just be sure to get 6cyl and all wheel drive. Terrain is being completely redesigned for 2018
Anyone have an opinion on the Hyundai Tucson since it's in the same class as other vehicles being discussed ?
Research your choices with Consumer Reports. It's objective. They don't accept any ad dollars from manufacturers. I've never gone wrong with them. They will give you the lowdown on your choices including the vehicles strengths and weaknesses.
Even though many here will give you their personal opinion, you need more objectivity and then go out and test drive the ones you're most interested in.
They're overvalued in the CPO market, IMO. Damn good vehicle, but you have to really want one. OP is value shopping.