New/Used small/mid sized SUV recommendation for me - yet another thread!! (vehicle, 2014)

[cassiebrighton]

Hi guys,

How are you? This is Cassie...Cass. So, I am looking for a new/used SUV, either a small or midsize.

I am currently driving a compact hatchback car and feel a bit stuffy in there, and maybe my knees also are a bit cramped...although I am only 5ft 5 inches.

I like the idea of sitting up a bit...i.e. a higher ground clearance as well, and if possible a high seat to floor clearance.

I do not plan to tow any vehicles or transport large items etc. It is just me and my brother who will use it at this time...but you know, I may meet someone and my family may grow!

I am in Houston, TX....I do not need to deal with snow clearance

My daily commute round trip is about 50 miles - about 2/3 on the highway.

One car I looked at was the Subaru Forester 2014 and that is on my list...but am looking for other suggestions too for a SUV that is:

1) Good value for money
2) No unnecessary maintenance hassles - I am no mechanic!
3) Good gas mileage
4) Safe
5) Aesthetic - I prefer something that looks tough
6) Long lasting

Any thoughts guys and gals?

Hugs,
Cass

[Hemlock140]

The Forester is a great option, we considered it before buying a 2014 Escape that we love, now at 7,500 miles since September and two long road trips. The Forester just seemed too much like a station wagon and we didn't like the feel of the CVT transmission. The Forester has almost an inch more ground clearance but we have been off road and the 7.9" seemed fine. We looked also at the CRV and the RAV4 but they both seemed overpriced. Our Escape was listed at $28K+ but we got it for just under $23k. The 2013 had many problems which is why we waited for the 2014 but we also got an extended warranty at about half the retail price as part of the deal.

[BeauCharles]

Looks aside, the Subaru Forester, Mistubishi Outlander and Mitsubishi Outlander Sport are the only three smaller SUVs that passed the IIHS's new small overlap crash test and earned a "Top Safety Pick +" rating.

[Mandalorian]

Take a look at the Honda CR-V. It is pretty mechanically simple. The Ford Escape is nice, but has less cargo room due to its shape and has a more complex drivetrain.

[Praxis]

RDX or Escape

[bmwguydc]

You may also like the Subaru XV Crosstrek, which is not as large as Forester, based on the Impreza. The CR-V and RAV4 are leaders in this class, and both are simple, easily maintained vehicles that can rather easily achieve high mileage. Both also have excellent resale value, which is not the same case with some other competitors in the small crossover segment.

[ranger17]

OP, we have a crv (picked up a Honda certified used 2012) which meets most of your list of requirements; aesthetically it's fine as most in this class do look a bit similar, i wouldn't ever say it's tough looking lol but overall it is a nice vehicle. And even with our awd version we've clipped over 30 mpg and on our trips north (loaded down and driving thru the mountains, and in Wi snow) we never dropped below 28+/- mpg's for an average. I'd assume the front driver version may add a couple to those #'s.

[cassiebrighton]

Hey!

Thanks for the input. One of my concerns is seating...I am looking for a vehicle that has comfortable seating...which includes the actual seat itself.

Features like power seat adjustment and lumbar support are also great! I do not need leather.

I know the Subaru Forester mid trim has these features...but I am open to any brand.

How would you rank (in terms of overall value, comfort, safety) between the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV 4, Subaru Forester and Ford Escape...for comparable models....

Thank you!
Cass

[arjo]

The Mazda CX-5 probably ticks all of your boxes. I've heard nothing but good things about it and it gives the other players in the segment a run for their money.