NGPR: Recommend your SUV/crossover

Mrs. Mo · September 2010

I currently have a Jeep Liberty but am looking for something else. I like the way it drives but just do not like how high up off the ground it is as it makes driving on a highway with sharp turns difficult ( high center of gravity = pulling and greater chance of a roll over). It didn't pass the state's inspection this month and instead of pumping $ into fixing it, I want to just get something else ( more is wrong with it than just what needs to be fixed to pass). Due to IF treatments draining my bank account, I need to get a used one vs. buying new.

I like having a cargo area vs. a trunk, so I'm looking for either another SUV or a sporty wagon type of body. Preferably something with 4WD capability as I want the added security in the snow. Also, nothing too long, like a Suburban.

Soooooo, what would you recommend?

PirateGirl04 · September 2010

I have a Honda CR-V and I love it. Its AWD but switches to 4WD when needed. I have had it for 2.5 years and love it!

catahoulatte · September 2010

Awesome, I can't wait to see what everyone else recommends. We are in the process of test driving and selling my car. I am leaning towards a Nissan Murano-great reviews and I LOVED it when I tested it.

MySweetBaboo · September 2010

I have/had a Jeep Liberty, dh drives it now and I just got a Jetta. I know it isn't an SUV, and I thought I would hate going to a car, but I LOVE IT!! It has so much cargo space, it is ridiculous! I swear I cn fit more in it than I can the Jeep! Plus the backseat is very roomy! two carseats and another adult could fit comfortably! The gas mileage is great, I am spending about 40 a week as opposed to $100+ in gas.

alison2379 · September 2010

I love, love, love my VW Tiguan.

I was originally in the market for a Honda CRV, and was buying it when we were just engaged, so it was on my dime as we hadn't merged finances yet. DH talked me into upgrading - The Tiguan cost more, but was such a better investment of a car for my personal needs both then and going forward.

lolliM · September 2010

I have a Toyota Rav 4 sport that is 4w drive and I ADORE it! There is so much interior room, but when you are driving it, it doesn't feel huge. I think people are always surprised when they sit in the back and there is massive amounts of head and leg room. We only ever get Toyotas---the gas mileage is awesome and it handles so well in really bad weather (which we get a lot of different---crazy rain and even snow and ice). GL!

SassyBookWorm · September 2010

I have a Saturn VUE with AWD. I love it!! It's great to not have to switch over to 4WD, the cargo space is amazing, and it's great on gas. I'm getting between 22-26 MPG. Plus, they're really reasonable use (which is how we bought it) and the insurance was so much cheaper!

Good luck!!

steff13914 · September 2010

I just bought a new vehicle last night!! While it may not meet all of your requirements, I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a small SUV. We got a 2009 Ford Escape Limited for a really great price. It handles like a car and gets great gas mileage. It's not 4WD, but I think that is a feature on some. I am absolutely in love with it. I could go on and on about all the nice things on it, but I'll spare you!

Before we found the Escape, we test drove a Dodge Journey. This was a really nice SUV with an extra thrid row of seats in the back. It drove smooth and looked really good on the inside, but I just couldn't get over the way it looked on the outside. To me, it looks like a minivan. Knowing you have a Jeep, I'm not sure you'd like the body style either, but it's definitely something you should check it out.

Whatever you decide, I hope you really love it. Happy hunting!

P.S. Check out edmunds.com. They have awesome reviews and tell you what the average price for certain cars is for your area.

mrsbaker1128 · September 2010

Mrs. Mo:

I currently have a Jeep Liberty but am looking for something else. I like the way it drives but just do not like how high up off the ground it is as it makes driving on a highway with sharp turns difficult ( high center of gravity = pulling and greater chance of a roll over). It didn't pass the state's inspection this month and instead of pumping $ into fixing it, I want to just get something else ( more is wrong with it than just what needs to be fixed to pass). Due to IF treatments draining my bank account, I need to get a used one vs. buying new.

I like having a cargo area vs. a trunk, so I'm looking for either another SUV or a sporty wagon type of body. Preferably something with 4WD capability as I want the added security in the snow. Also, nothing too long, like a Suburban.

Soooooo, what would you recommend?

YGPM!

MySweetBaboo · September 2010

Oh edmunds! good tip Steff!

We tested the Traverse and I really liked the Equinox. I really like the Traverse, we rented one to drive to DC/MD last Christmas and it was heavenly!

capitalB · September 2010

Our Subaru Forester has been awesome. 140,000 miles and aside from regular maintenance, no issues.

cantalopes24 · September 2010

If you like your Jeep I recommend looking at a Patriot. I looked at Libertys when I got my Patriot and ended up getting the Patriot bc it is soooo much lower to the ground. IMO and experience its the perfect height for getting baby in and out, just sayin' Wink

It also gets great gas milage for an SUV and was the best selling SUV in its price point when I bought.

JavaVino910 · September 2010

My sister has a subaru outback and loves it! I'm pretty sure its AWD.

btaylor19 · September 2010

I have an 06 Ford Escape and I love it! It drives like a car, but I have a much better view of the road. I didn't go with 4wd, but it is an option. I live in MN and even without the 4wd it handles the winter just fine.

DaisyJanie · September 2010

We really like our Kia Rondo, it is somewhere between a crossover and a wagon. Rides like a car, and my husband likes that it has a lot of headroom. The seats fold down for a lot of storage.

If we had a little bigger budget, I probably would have looked at some Subarus, I really like those.

Mrs. Potter · September 2010

I have a Hyundai Tucson, and I love it. It's roomy, has lots of safety features (airbags) and was way cheaper when we bought it (used). Never had any troubles with it (knock on wood), and it gets about 25 mpg. Mine is only 2wd, but you can get 4wd.

Temp878586125009588 · September 2010

I have an older (2003) Toyota Highlander and I love it. I don't like how the newer ones are bigger though. But mine drives great and I feel like it is just the right level of height off the ground.

marriedfilingjointly · September 2010

MySweetBaboo:
Oh edmunds! good tip Steff!

We tested the Traverse and I really liked the Equinox. I really like the Traverse, we rented one to drive to DC/MD last Christmas and it was heavenly!

I test drove the Traverse a couple weeks ago and I'm in love. Unfortunately, the used ones aren't much cheaper than the new ones. I hope the price comes down in the next 5 years or so; I'd love to get one when we have kids.

I really like the Volvo station wagons. I've never owned one, but my boss at my old job had one and I rode with her a lot. She loves it. And it's not wagon-y looking, it's a decent looking car. It has tons of space, too.

Mrs. Galas · September 2010

I just got a Ford Flex and love it...has so much room. I had an Explorer and hated it.

Mel2000go · September 2010

PirateGirl04:
I have a Honda CR-V and I love it. Its AWD but switches to 4WD when needed. I have had it for 2.5 years and love it!

I also have a Honda CR-V, which I absolutely love. I had it for about 4 years and never once had any problems with it.

Mrs. Mo · September 2010

Wow, thanks ladies ! I have a ton of research to do now !

Mrs. Mo · September 2010

mrsbaker1128:
Mrs. Mo:

I currently have a Jeep Liberty but am looking for something else. I like the way it drives but just do not like how high up off the ground it is as it makes driving on a highway with sharp turns difficult ( high center of gravity = pulling and greater chance of a roll over). It didn't pass the state's inspection this month and instead of pumping $ into fixing it, I want to just get something else ( more is wrong with it than just what needs to be fixed to pass). Due to IF treatments draining my bank account, I need to get a used one vs. buying new.

I like having a cargo area vs. a trunk, so I'm looking for either another SUV or a sporty wagon type of body. Preferably something with 4WD capability as I want the added security in the snow. Also, nothing too long, like a Suburban.

Soooooo, what would you recommend?

YGPM!

Right back at'cha !

jinx75 · September 2010

cantalopes24:
If you like your Jeep I recommend looking at a Patriot. I looked at Libertys when I got my Patriot and ended up getting the Patriot bc it is soooo much lower to the ground. IMO and experience its the perfect height for getting baby in and out, just sayin' It also gets great gas milage for an SUV and was the best selling SUV in its price point when I bought.

I bought my first Patriot in 07 just a week before we found out we were expecting DD. I loved it so much that I just traded it in on a 2010. As long as Jeep keeps making the Patriot I will keep driving it. It is perfect for getting children in and out, has front and side curtain airbags and now comes standard with privacy glass (which I like living in the hot hot hot south). It has a roomy cargo area and will easily transport any kind of baby gear you can think of. Not to mention that used you can find a nice one for around 13k! Patriot is definitely the way to go.

DreamChaser246 · September 2010

DH has a Subaru Forrester and I have a Subaro Outback, we LOVE our cars. Subarus all have all wheel drive, great safety, great center of balance (they will tell you about the boxer engine if you go in). And.... I just got 38 miles to the gallon driving back to LA from Vegas.... Can't beat that!

LinAv · September 2010

I have a 2009 Pontiac Vibe. I love that I get great gas mileage on it (31mpg), it's low to the ground like a car, but it's considered a "wagon". It's got a lot of storage for transporting stuff, but we think it'll be a great family car. They also keep their value pretty well. I had a 2006 that was totaled, it was 2 years old at the time, and I got $1500 less than what I paid for it from the insurance company. Pontiac shut down due to the economy, but I'm sure you can still find new ones (or even used ones) at a good price.

branmuffin2112 · September 2010

DreamChaser246:
DH has a Subaru Forrester and I have a Subaru Outback, we LOVE our cars. Subarus all have all wheel drive, great safety, great center of balance (they will tell you about the boxer engine if you go in). And.... I just got 38 miles to the gallon driving back to LA from Vegas.... Can't beat that!

This!!!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE Yes

SarahRuthG · September 2010

LinAv:
I have a 2009 Pontiac Vibe. I love that I get great gas mileage on it (31mpg), it's low to the ground like a car, but it's considered a "wagon". It's got a lot of storage for transporting stuff, but we think it'll be a great family car. They also keep their value pretty well. I had a 2006 that was totaled, it was 2 years old at the time, and I got $1500 less than what I paid for it from the insurance company. Pontiac shut down due to the economy, but I'm sure you can still find new ones (or even used ones) at a good price.

THIS! I have a 2003 (!) Vibe and LOVE LOVE LOVE it! I had a Subaru Forester before it and this car has just as much storage space and drives so much better. I'm sad it's getting older and already told DH when it dies I want to look for another - side note, the newer ones they were making before shut down DO NOT always have AWD.

soontobe05 · September 2010

LolliM:
I have a Toyota Rav 4 sport that is 4w drive and I ADORE it! There is so much interior room, but when you are driving it, it doesn't feel huge. I think people are always surprised when they sit in the back and there is massive amounts of head and leg room. We only ever get Toyotas---the gas mileage is awesome and it handles so well in really bad weather (which we get a lot of different---crazy rain and even snow and ice). GL!

This is me too!

CamJack mom · September 2010

I have a Chevy Traverse adn LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!1

Hope that helps. The third row seating is amazing and it drives like you are on a cloud.

mdiblasi10 · September 2010

Oooo, I am in the market for a mid-size SUV too. I drive a HUGE diesel truck right now. I am leaning towards a used Infiniti FX35. They have an AWD model as well. I also like the Mazda CX-9, if you want a 7 passenger. They have great reviews too. Good luck!

jillybean1012 · September 2010

I have had 2 Honda CRVs and me and my hubby love them!!

crt0323 · September 2010

I just went from a sedan to a Yukon, not the xl though. I LOVE it! Not the greatest on gas mileage but the space and safety are worth it and luckily I work only 5 minutes from home. Test drive one and you'll fall in love. Also, I think they are still offering 0% interest.

MelAnn51 · September 2010

btaylor19:
I have an 06 Ford Escape and I love it! It drives like a car, but I have a much better view of the road. I didn't go with 4wd, but it is an option. I live in MN and even without the 4wd it handles the winter just fine.

I have an 03 Escape, and I also love it for the same reasons.

dbone31 · September 2010

I just bought a 2010 Ford Escape and I LOVE it!! It was model-year-end because the 2011's were coming out, so we got a good deal on it. I went from driving a 2000 Olds Alero to my Escape and it's such a difference. It's only getting about 20 MPG though. The length is actually shorter than my old car and I love being higher up off the ground! It has 4WD, microsoft SYNC (hands-free voice commands for your phone and ipod) and other little features that i never thought i would need but i love! it came with 6 free months of Sirious satellite radio too

brookelynpaisley · September 2010

I have a Murano AWD. I love it, can't say enough good things.

MommyWannaB10 · September 2010

We just bought a 2008 Ford Edge. Ours isn't AWD, but I LOVE LOVE LOVE it! We tested a few others, but I thought the Edge drove the best & it has a lot of room. Plus, the sirus sattelite radio, hands free SYNC, USB connection for Ipod...

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