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I am looking into similar models, OP, so keen to see the continued feedback and how this plays out.
I think the Highlander is the best bet, but I'd prefer something smaller like a Santa Fe or Edge.
For a while I thought about Volvos, but from what I've read and having long-term affordable reliability in mind, have ruled it out. Outbacks, etc. are a bit smaller than I'd like.
I just bought a new highlander hybrid. Got a great deal, over $9000 off msrp. I was trying to buy a rav4 hybrid but it he dealers wouldn’t move much on them. The highlander was a much better value, in addition to the 306hp v6 vs the 219hp 4cylinder in a the rav. Leather, power heated seat(s), lift-gate, mud flaps all standard on the xle highlander, it’s a $1290 convienance package option on the rav 4 with no leather or power passenger seat in the rav 4. The highlander has plenty of power, great gas mileage and very good reliability.
The new VW Tiguan
Still rated as a compact but has the cargo and back seat seating space of a mid size. 73.5 cuft of cargo space with seats down which rivals many of the mid size offerings, more than all of the ones you bring up but the Passport.
Ours has been problem free(for the year and a half we've had it) and has a 6 year/72k warranty now
This is best option for that budget.
If money is not an issue, the best available option in midsize SUV is the Porsche Macan turbo.
While at dealer also look at the CR-V. Daughter is on her 3rd 3 year lease CR-V (2013, 16, 19) No troubles, roomy inside, good power and mileage.
thanks. in this category, id probably just stick with the forester. the only thing i want is some more horsepower. i see the mazda cx5 has an upgraded engine but that would require me to get the grand touring reserve trim. the 280 hp engine is standard on all trims. id rather have a base trim higher level car than a fully loaded lower level car. i dont want any fancy stuff, just the more powerful engine.
Yeah, we have test driven the Santa Fe, Edge, and VW Tiguan so far. They each have their strengths and weaknesses. Next up is the Sorento.
Interested to know what you liked/didn't like about them, I'm still on the fence.
When test driving I liked the 2018 Santa Fe and really liked the way the 2017-2018 Edge drove, have not tried the new 2019 model and don't care for its looks.
I can say that I really disliked the way the Sorento drives, ruled that out immediately.
Interested to know what you liked/didn't like about them, I'm still on the fence.
When test driving I liked the 2018 Santa Fe and really liked the way the 2017-2018 Edge drove, have not tried the new 2019 model and don't care for its looks.
I can say that I really disliked the way the Sorento drives, ruled that out immediately.
The engines in the Santa Fe and Sorento and garbage (unless you get a Sorento V6). Just do a little research on the Theta II lawsuits.
i looked online and saw that the highlander would cost me around the same as the passport. things i dont prefer about it is the length (highlander has 3rd row i dont need/want) i want a shorter car and height (highlander is a couple of inches lower).
i think the length will disqualify it since i parallel park a lot and a few inches can sometimes make a difference between finding a spot or not. passport seems on paper to be the best fit for what im looking for. i may have a chance to test drive one this weekend. ill report.
i looked online and saw that the highlander would cost me around the same as the passport. things i dont prefer about it is the length (highlander has 3rd row i dont need/want) i want a shorter car and height (highlander is a couple of inches lower).
i think the length will disqualify it since i parallel park a lot and a few inches can sometimes make a difference between finding a spot or not. passport seems on paper to be the best fit for what im looking for. i may have a chance to test drive one this weekend. ill report.
i test drove the passport last weekend. aside from the more advanced technology, my current 2016 subaru forester was a more enjoyable drive for me. the additional horsepower wasnt something i could feel when driving so i was disappointed with that.
i think next ill test drive the mazda cx5 with the turbo engine. maybe that will be a better fit.
If you plan on towing a boat or camper, then you want to check tow ratings.
I owned 3 SUVs that are no longer made. They were 2WD which was fine since I have not driven in snow for 46 years and I don't go 4wheeling. Simple requires less maintenance. They did a good job towing my small travel trailer up and down the mountains.
The CUVs/SUVs that I see now tend to be short on cargo space.
Roof racks are handy to carry bulky things.
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