Newish Small SUV - What's the best option for long term ownership

[Doozer]

They'll need to drive to tell. People, especially non-car people, often end up completely surprising you with what they like.

I wanted a Rav4 for the wife's next car, but she vetoed it immediately after the test drive. She's not a "car person" but hated the engine, felt it was underpowered. Numbers were comparable across the board for most models, but she hated driving it. We got a Rogue.

I know this is an anti-Nissan fan forum, but honestly the Rogue gave her everything she wanted, price was better, she felt the engine was peppier, she's much happier with it.

The Rogue was recently rear-ended and she has a Rav4 rental while her car is in the shop, and it just confirmed that she still hates the engine and doesn't like driving it.

Just my .02

Whoever is owning the car really needs to test drive, because you'll be amazed at the comments you hear from people who aren't "into" the car stuff. What makes them happy about cars can be amazing.

[Darell_n]

I’m shopping for the same size of vehicle in the next month, short list is a CX-5 (lots) / CX-50 (rare) or an Outback Wilderness. Was considering an EV for the last while, finally noped out as we tend to keep the wife’s car for 10 years. Maybe yes if Tesla makes another big price chop.

[rage2]

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They'll need to drive to tell. People, especially non-car people, often end up completely surprising you with what they like.

I wanted a Rav4 for the wife's next car, but she vetoed it immediately after the test drive. She's not a "car person" but hated the engine, felt it was underpowered. Numbers were comparable across the board for most models, but she hated driving it. We got a Rogue.

I know this is an anti-Nissan fan forum, but honestly the Rogue gave her everything she wanted, price was better, she felt the engine was peppier, she's much happier with it.

The Rogue was recently rear-ended and she has a Rav4 rental while her car is in the shop, and it just confirmed that she still hates the engine and doesn't like driving it.

Just my .02

Whoever is owning the car really needs to test drive, because you'll be amazed at the comments you hear from people who aren't "into" the car stuff. What makes them happy about cars can be amazing.

Sounds just like my MILs story.

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Yup. Went through a car buying process for the MIL a couple years ago. Finalized on the Nissan Rogue and the RAV4 from looking at #'s. I loved the RAV4, drove like a car. I hated the Rogue, CVT made it drive like a sponge. She chose the Rogue because it was so smooth. The sponge feel was preferred. I was blown away.

[max_boost]

My gf is also team rogue. She loves hers.
I thought it was okay.

[ercchry]

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I dunno I rented a latest-gen RAV4 last year and the ride on it sucked donkey balls.

Did you drive it at more than 80% of the speed limit? You’re not supposed to do that

[ShermanEF9]

I have friends that were set on getting a rav4 until they rented an escape for a weekend. After that they couldn't go back. Same story. Engine was rough, interior felt dated, felt like the rav was a lot of money for what you got, even in higher trims.

[ThePenIsMightier]

With the Escape, the key benefit is the touch screen. It's only 8 menus deep to turn the heat up, or release your own seatbelts.
#Safety

[rage2]

Rav4 is a touchscreen and wireless CarPlay too. Believe it was updated this year. The older one was also touchscreen but it looked old and dated. I have it in our sienna.

[Nufy]

Wife picked up a Honda HRV last spring and really enjoys it.

AWD, a little less cargo space than a CRV but a bit cheaper as well.

Passenger compartment seems to be the same size.

[tirebob]

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I have friends that were set on getting a rav4 until they rented an escape for a weekend. After that they couldn't go back. Same story. Engine was rough, interior felt dated, felt like the rav was a lot of money for what you got, even in higher trims.

I had a 2019 Escape bought brand new. Loved it until just before 60,000km the short block had to be replaced. Then at 65,000km the head had to replaced. Then at 75,000km the turbo had to be replaced. I got rid of it and got an NA 2022 Rav4 and so far it has been solid...

[cyra1ax]

I have a CX-50 GT, it's a nice vehicle. Drives like a go-kart which is awesome, but the gas mileage is terrible. Partially due to me having a lead foot, partially with how the gas pedal is programmed, it's way too easy to get into boost and go for smiles per gallon.

[jwslam]

Unpopular opinion but Kia Souls are super roomy in the front seats... and the way the doors open in that boxy style are just so good for old people swinging their legs in

[Xtrema]

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Unpopular opinion but Kia Souls are super roomy in the front seats... and the way the doors open in that boxy style are just so good for old people swinging their legs in

Korean 4 bangers and long term ownership doesn't belong in the same sentence.

[tonytiger55]

Honda CRV.
The Rav 4 is a second choice but the ride will be too hard for elderly. Body hurts. I know mine does. Do a long drive in the Rav 4 then get into a CRV. You will feel the difference.

The vehicles may cost more. But that's the difference where you save on long term maintenance and reliability.
Other option would be the luxury arm (Lexus and Acura).

If you are going down the Mazda route, then find a reputable mechanic for their input. But if you are spending that much money, why not spend a little more and get the Rav4/CRV?

Its like buying rice. Indian/Asian people are gona buy the premium Basmati/Jasmin rice regardless if its on sale or not. We buy it because we know its good shit. The slightly cheaper brands of these are the people who drive Mazda's.
But then there are people who are gonna buy the cheap crappy rice to save $7.79. These are the people the drive Ford's, Nissans and Hyundai's. But every time one eats that cheap rice for the months to come, its exciting at first. Then the suffering comes... One spends hours making a delicious curry. Only to be served with cheap rice... The horror...But one can take comfort that they saved $7.79 with every mouthful as the tears roll down.

If you are not sure, go to the parking lot of a TNT grocery store and look at the vehicles parked there.

On side note for funnies. Ask your parents what kind of rice they eat and see if that correlates what kind of car they end up buying. Science yo.

[r3ccOs]

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Honda CRV.
The Rav 4 is a second choice but the ride will be too hard for elderly. Body hurts. I know mine does. Do a long drive in the Rav 4 then get into a CRV. You will feel the difference.

The vehicles may cost more. But that's the difference where you save on long term maintenance and reliability.
Other option would be the luxury arm (Lexus and Acura).

If you are going down the Mazda route, then find a reputable mechanic for their input. But if you are spending that much money, why not spend a little more and get the Rav4/CRV?

Its like buying rice. Indian/Asian people are gona buy the premium Basmati/Jasmin rice regardless if its on sale or not. We buy it because we know its good shit. The slightly cheaper brands of these are the people who drive Mazda's.
But then there are people who are gonna buy the cheap crappy rice to save $7.79. These are the people the drive Ford's, Nissans and Hyundai's. But every time one eats that cheap rice for the months to come, its exciting at first. Then the suffering comes... One spends hours making a delicious curry. Only to be served with cheap rice... The horror...But one can take comfort that they saved $7.79 with every mouthful as the tears roll down.

If you are not sure, go to the parking lot of a TNT grocery store and look at the vehicles parked there.

On side note for funnies. Ask your parents what kind of rice they eat and see if that correlates what kind of car they end up buying. Science yo.

I last drove a CX-5 from years ago and hated it. However the latest gen with CX-5/50 w/ the 2.5 turbo and 6 speed auto, I think offers an almost Q3/Q5 level of creature comfort and driving performance, yet cheaper than utilitarian leveled CR-V/Rav 4.

However reliability... Nissan and Mazda are maybe a step above a Ford/GM.

I really liked the Ford Escapes since the 2nd Gen using the Ecoboost. However that US made 2.0 version for many years would have full on block issues (hoping the latests have solved that in the Maverick/Bronco)

If they actually have, the Bronco/Maverick isn't a bad choice neither

[msommers]

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Indian/Asian people are gona buy the premium Basmati/Jasmin rice regardless if its on sale or not.

This changes everything I thought I knew.

[suntan]

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Did you drive it at more than 80% of the speed limit? You’re not supposed to do that

lol I thought it was just me.

[riander5]

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I had a 2015 and man I miss that thing. Dinan stage 3 FBO was something else in that little thing. I love my BMWs though, so I am bias.

Haha I appreciate how fun a stage 3 X1 might be... but not exactly what the old folks are looking for here

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I'd vote for an NX300. Have enjoyed ours - usual toyota/lex quality & comfortable. Hate the trackpad in the previous gen, but it's manageable.

Good to know, I had an IS250 (last gen) and the infotainment was terrible. But it will still be better than the fiat500 its replacing.

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*snip*

100% they will need to drive and make the choice. I'm just trying to narrow it down to 3-4 winners instead of them going off the board.

For reference they drive a 2011 dodge dakota and a 2012 fiat 500 right now. Not exactly class leaders in their day, and they are god awful cars. I'm hoping to prevent them picking the worst car on the market again.

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Sounds just like my MILs story.

Haha thats hilarious. My younger brother has a 5-6 year old rogue. It's not bad, but it's certainly not great either.

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Unpopular opinion but Kia Souls are super roomy in the front seats... and the way the doors open in that boxy style are just so good for old people swinging their legs in

Yea I'm steering them away from Korean cars for long term ownership. Not worth the risk despite the great packages / options they all come with.

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*snip*

We are white, and yes we use china lily for soy sauce.. so that mean's they'll probably end up with a Ford

[killramos]

There is nothing really wrong with an escape or bronco sport

[riander5]

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There is nothing really wrong with an escape or bronco sport

Bronco sports were pretty middle of the pack in all the car review / comparisons (for whatever they are worth)

An Escape is probably worth tossing in for a test drive with the rest of the lot forsure.