What car to buy - Boring family hybrid edition

[ExtraSlow]

It's probably time to replace the wifes Honda Odyssey. Have had it since 2012, it's been good, we like it, but probably time.
Wife likes stuff that uses less fuel, and will get warm feelings from a hybrid. Wife also doens't think the van is boring to drive. Kids are older, so don't need the massive cargo capacity, but still occasionalyl will put four of us into this vehicle for a weekend trip.

One our recent trip to Scotland, we had a Mazda CX50, and that was an OK size. Nothing smaller than that for either cargo or passengers. 2 rows is fine.
Kind of hate doing the "walk into the dealership and talk to the bros" thing. Trying to get most of our thinking done at home and then drive 2-3 cars and move forward.

Since we like our current Honda, obviously Honda CRV Hybrid is at the top of the list. Reviews are good, economy is good, size is good and price is fine. top trip Hybrid is $51k, that's fine. Don't want to be stretching a lot higher than that.

Obviously the Hyundai Tuscon and Kia Sportage are options. More "features" usually than the honda, probably a hair cheaper. There's stories about being less reliable.

Toyota Rav4 is a clear option. I just hate that it's a taxi, which bothers me more than it probably should. It's pretty much the same as the CRV in Specs, isn't it?

If one doesn't need hybrid, the Subaru Outback is closer to the wagon look that I prefer. Probably boring as hell.

So, thoughts?

[killramos]

Lexus NX

[ThePenIsMightier]

Used Lexus RX.

I borrowed a Tucson for a few weeks recently and at 83,000km it was more worn out than my 15yo Lexus at triple the mileage.

[npham]

I think you'd want at least an RX. The NX would be pretty tight for your family. A buddy that I golf with swears by his GV70, a used one is probably in the right price range.

[bjstare]

I have heard nothing but negative stories from every person I've known that's owned a Korean car (all have had major drivetrain issues; transmission slipping and engine grenaded on two separate cars <100k km).

I probably wouldn't buy a new Honda, I also know a couple people that have had contemporary CRVs with major problems. Sure, it's anecdotal, but it's something I never heard about older Hondas.

+1 for Rav4. The reason they are cabs is because they go forever; if you want to not feel like an Uber driver, just check some more option boxes... or get the Lexus NX. Used Lexus RX is also a great recommendation. That is a very nice car to spend time in.

[SJW]

We're in the same boat with our 2013 Highlander. Great car but you guys know how it goes.

I will only shop for Toyota, Lexus, Honda.

[killramos]

The TX is also pretty damn nice if you want extra space. Supposedly the third row is actually usable as well.

When I threw NX out it was because CRV’s and RAV4’s were being discussed. NX is the most analogous size to those.

If you want bigger then RX or TX are good considerations.

[gpomp]

Cayenne or Trackhawk or tuned X3

[SJW]

How's the Acura RDX? She's looking at that one.

[G-ZUS]

CRV for sure! You selling the Oddy?

[403ep3]

Bought an RDX recently and it's horrible on gas.. waiting on the Grand Highlander Max and will trade it in for that
Other vehicle is a boring Venza hybrid, but it's a good commuter to downtown every day

[ExtraSlow]

I have to admit the Savage Geese review of the CRV is pretty compelling. Makes me want it.

RDX seems like the right kind of vehicle. But in all the "specs" it's worst than the CRV. Less cargo space, less passenger space, Bigger exterior size (somehow), worse fuel economy, costs more. I have no doubt it drives nicer too bad they don't sell it in a hybrid. That seems important for this user.

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Other vehicle is a boring Venza hybrid, but it's a good commuter to downtown every day

Yeah Venza is smaller than it looks. too small for us in this case.

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CRV for sure! You selling the Oddy?

Yeah, might be passing it down to a family member or trading it in. Don't think it'll end up being availible for beyond.ca folks, but who knows.

[403ep3]

RDX is a "fun" drive, but doesn't have enough room for our growing family. Once you add the stroller in the back then there isn't much room for anything else.

[XylathaneGTR]

My old man just picked up a new CRV touring hybrid about a month ago. Needed to downsize to a smaller city vehicle that can handle the dog and me mum. Cross shopped between a Rav4 and a Nissan - but Nissan was quickly dropped due to age and problematic legacy (e.g. shit transmissions in the last few gens). Rav 4 interior felt much more plasticy and "cheaper" than previous models, while the CRV was actually pretty comfortable and "plush" for its class. Another family member scooped up a CRV about a year ago, too, for whatever that's worth. Lead-time was about a month.

So yeah, keep the CRV as a contender if you're looking for something small-midsize, and if you want something with a few more creature comforts in that size range, I'd say an NX is a solid bet too.

[R-Audi]

Would a regular Highlander be too big?

[Ukyo8]

This is the family hybrid you are looking for, kids can be strapped to the roof

https://youtu.be/t72Q5JKevMY?si=--UCTjaypQSOS2FX

[ExtraSlow]

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Would a regular Highlander be too big?

I should probably consider this in the mix. We don't "need" three row, but a smaller three row is an option.

[phreezee]

I just shopped the Grand Highlander and the wait is 24-26 months with a waitlist of 40+. There's a stop sale due to the curtain air bag recall, so the TX (being the same car) cannot be delivered until around November.
The only Toyota you can get in less than 6 months is a Corolla.
The 2.4L turbo would be underpowered in the TX350 IMO. The TX 500h I test drove was great but not worth $91k compared to the top Grand Highlander with the Hybrid Max.

Test drove the top Pilot and it was good and did everything you need, the complaints were the small screen and the V6+transmission just felt meh.

Test drove the MDX A-spec and I liked the driving feel over the Pilot, but hate that dash and shifter.

Currently have an Outback and it was a great reliable car that does everything for a family of 4, but sadly it was written off on August 5th hail storm.

Ended up with an RX 350. The sales person really talked down the hybrids saying they only save 10% in the real world, and after the price difference, any gas savings is a wash. When I drove the TX 500h, the gauge read 12.2L/100km to give you an idea.

[tonytiger55]

ES, drive the Toyota, Honda and Lexus with the Wife.
They don't drive the same. The Toyota is more of a harder ride.
I find the Honda more comfortable and the Lexus is dull as hell. But I have found women like the Lex and Toyota over the Honda. In other cases they prefer a Nissan over those three... I don't get it either.

[90_Shelby]

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Cayenne or Trackhawk or tuned X3

Great choices, should also consider the new 992.2 GTS hybrid.