So I split my year about 50/50 on the farm and in Calgary, including lots of trips down the highway in the summer (3 hours each way). My farm truck is great, but the thing guzzles gas at 22L/100km and is a clumsy oaf getting around parking lots, so with gas prices where they are I'm thinking about buying a second vehicle just for highway and Calgary driving.
The wish list:
- AWD for snowy/icy highways (top of the list).
- Best fuel economy I can find within reason. I'd be happy with anything in the 12L/100km range or better (I figure 6L would even make the payment).
- Hatchback or compact SUV with room for two 100 lb dogs in the back.
- Highway comforts (cruise control, ride quality, comfort for 6' 230lb me) - prefer SUV over hatchback for this reason, probably.
Budget is negotiable, in my mind I'm thinking up to $30K. Definitely don't want to go above $40K all in, especially if wheat prices keep getting crushed .
So for ideas:
- Corolla Cross - Fits the budget (well, MSRP anyway). Not sure on availability. Love me a Toyota, but wasn't planning on going new.
Rav4 Prime - Probably zero availability (and quite a bit over budget).- Rav4 Hybrid - Holds value well
- Focus RS - Hard to find. Also over budget.
- Mini Countryman All4 - Don't know a thing about them, also never really cared for Mini's.
- Golf R/Jetta/Golf Alltrack - Gotta go high miles for AWD to get the price down.
Crosstrek - Seems like it checks all my boxes, kinda girly though.- WRX - No hatchbacks? Not really my style anyway.
- Ford Escape - Easy to find, fuel economy maybe could be better?
- CRV - Price is right. Pushing it on cab space for the dogs (but lots of these probably are).
Any other cars I should be thinking about? Any thoughts on the listed ones? Any advice?