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He doesn't want a passenger car because he wants something higher up that is easier to get in and out of.
Oh, OK.
I think the OP is a she.
So basically what the OP needs is a compact SUV or crossover that's more or less a dolled-up compact car with more ground clearance. Budget of up to 40K. Won't do Chevy, Jeep, or Chrysler. Subaru not luxurious enough, CX-5 doesn't have enough power. Toureg. Edge. Audi Q5. Mazda CX9, Nissan Murano/Infiniti QX50 are out for inadequate fuel economy and/or out of budget. That doesn't leave many options.
Maybe the Mini Countryman with the 1.6T? Fiat 500L? Perhaps a stripper Mercedes GLA or BMW X1?
If the CX5 is out because some people say it's underpowered, hard to imagine the Countryman wouldn't be as well.
Maybe, but the turbocharged countryman has a flatter more usable torque curve. It's also about 300lbs lighter. But I'm really not sure how much difference it makes for long-distance commuting though. Both will have plenty enough passing power out on the highway when needed.
SUV's, by their nature are usually not super exciting to drive. They're called "utility" vehicles for a reason. You mentioned you thought the Toyota and Honda felt cheap inside? You're then bumping up into luxury SUV range and jumping out of your budget. Heck, a Highlander limited is over 40 grand. Land Rovers are nice as well as Audi and BMW, but I'd hesitate to own without a factory warranty. Maybe define your needs and wants and start test driving. You still need something to comfortably seat 5 so you can cart everyone around when the kids come home and you all want to visit Grandma.
I'm thrilled with my 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. It comes with so many features and it's still much less than the Q5 we were considering - and bigger too!
im honest that I wanted something that was between a car and suv but had decent mpg and power. I got that in my v6 venza. a 6'6 guy fits in the backseats fine and they also recline a bit too.
my mom loves it over her lexus rx350 because its easier to get in and out than her lexus. Its based on the same platform, but for less money. Sure some parts are cheap, but that's why it costs less than the RX. you can get a venza nowadays for under 40k fully loaded too.
I believe that would be the limited trim line and that gives you a glass roof/panoramic roof with sunroof, HID, navigation, backup camera, leather seats,heated seats.
also on the newer models of venzas: seat memory for 2 drivers, so you can set one for you and one for your husband (I wish my '11 had that).
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