Parents want to buy a small new SUV. Recommendations?

[fuzzybabybunny]

Parents want to buy a new small SUV and it seems like the top three are CRV, RAV4, and Equinox/Terrain. They live in Ohio and freak out at the slightest sign of snow and I've heard that the CRV handles badly in snow so I guess that's out. I heard that RAV4 starts to get super expensive as soon as you start adding options that are available standard on the Equinox like V6. The Equinox also has better gas mileage than either of the Japanese ones. They'll want 4WD.

Any ideas? They are upgrading from a 2000 3-speed Chevy Prism which is a complete POS handling-wise and fuel economy-wise (24mpg).

 

[JulesMaximus]

I suggest they learn how to drive in the snow. Buying decent snow tires for the cars they own now would probably be a much better investment.

 

[soulcougher73]

2009-10 Subaru Forrester. AWD

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

I suggest they learn how to drive in the snow. Buying decent snow tires for the cars they own now would probably be a much better investment.

They are at the age and temperament where they can't learn anything new. And they already have snow tires. They're just very scared, cautious people.

 

[sindows]

Anything Subaru would be a good choice for them. Their AWD systems work great and they're very reliable and if you avoid the turbo versions, will easily beat their EPA numbers.

 

[ecom]

I don't think those SUVs are 4WD. Anyone know if they have center differential locks or front and rear lockers?

 

[boardsportsrule]

the subarus are AWD, which is similiar to 4WD. great in the snow with snow tires from my experiences with a WRX with mucho snow.

 

[brblx]

he wants an AWD SUV, obviously. but the marketing 'tards have started mixing their terms.

the escape 4WD (AWD) is about 22k. i'd probably go for that. otherwise, your options are pretty much already out there- equinox, forester, rav4, crv.

 

[Dr. Detroit]

2010 Ford Escape/Mercury Mariner (Available Hybrid)

2010 Chevy Equinox available 4cyl gets 32mpg Hwy

2010 Subaru Forester

2011 Hyundai Tucson (will be out in a few months and undercuts all mini-ute prices by $2-$4K)

 

[dug777]

Suzuki Vitara? Nissan X-Trail? Presume there are similar small Jeeps with proper 4WD too..

That's if they want 4WD and a low range transfer case If they just want AWD, which I suspect, then any of the softroader options above should be fine, although from memory the Forester came with a low range transfer case and a locking diff at one stage? It may be only AWD now? Anyway, less ground clearance than the Vitara or X-Trail I suspect.

My post was pretty much pointless, the AWD/4WD distinction always gets me going (and even Toyota confuse the issue by calling 'AWD' 'Full-time 4WD' )

 

[kalrith]

2009-10 Subaru Forrester. AWD

This. If they want good handling in the snow, then the Forester wins hands down. The Forester by default has a 60-40 split between the front and rear tires, so even before the AWD adjust the split, it will have good handling. Most (all?) other AWD/4WD SUVs are 100% FWD by default and only put power to the rear wheels after slippage starts to occur. If your parents freak out in the snow, then the slippage that would occur would probably be disheartening for them.

As already mentioned, they need to get snow tires if they really want snow traction. AWD + snow tires > FWD + snow tires > AWD + all-season tires. If they want the best, they'll go with the first option and swap for the snow tires by Nov. 1 every year.

 

[krunchykrome]

Parents want to buy a new small SUV and it seems like the top three are CRV, RAV4, and Equinox/Terrain. They live in Ohio and freak out at the slightest sign of snow and I've heard that the CRV handles badly in snow so I guess that's out. I heard that RAV4 starts to get super expensive as soon as you start adding options that are available standard on the Equinox like V6. The Equinox also has better gas mileage than either of the Japanese ones. They'll want 4WD.

Any ideas? They are upgrading from a 2000 3-speed Chevy Prism which is a complete POS handling-wise and fuel economy-wise (24mpg).

The new CRV does not handle badly in the snow; it actually handles very well. We just got 2 feet of snow here on Saturday. In the peak of the snow storm, I was out running errands while the roads were covered in snow. Cars, SUVs, and trucks were getting stuck all over the place, but my CRV kept going with no problems. I didn't get stuck once, and I felt completely in control the entire time.

I was very impressed with the AWD. I should also mention that I don't have any special tires on the CRV either. They're Goodyear Integrity tires.

 

[StageLeft]

I suggest they learn how to drive in the snow. Buying decent snow tires for the cars they own now would probably be a much better investment.

WIN and THIS and QFT.

If his parents freak out to that degree in snow the best car for them is a fvcking bus.

Come on, I have never driven a CRV but if anybody says it does badly in the snow, just do the right thing and let somebody else drive you around. Please get off public roads.

They are at the age and temperament where they can't learn anything new. And they already have snow tires. They're just very scared, cautious people.

Worst drivers evar are cautious scared people.

The Forester by default has a 60-40 split between the front and rear tires, so even before the AWD adjust the split, it will have good handling. Most (all?) other AWD/4WD SUVs are 100% FWD by default and only put power to the rear wheels after slippage starts to occur. If your parents freak out in the snow, then the slippage that would occur would probably be disheartening for them.

I bet they'd never notice because their white knuckles would be sweating blood as the flakes sprinkle down.

 

[kornphlake]

The new CRV does not handle badly in the snow; it actually handles very well. We just got 2 feet of snow here on Saturday. In the peak of the snow storm, I was out running errands while the roads were covered in snow. Cars, SUVs, and trucks were getting stuck all over the place, but my CRV kept going with no problems. I didn't get stuck once, and I felt completely in control the entire time.

I was very impressed with the AWD. I should also mention that I don't have any special tires on the CRV either. They're Goodyear Integrity tires.

Your skill as a driver and/or common sense is what allowed you to drive around without problems while others were getting stuck, I'd say less than 50% was because of your vehicle.

 

[fleabag]

The OP's parents are SO retarded because of the fact that an SUV doesn't make for safer driving and better handling. All 4WD does is help you when you get stuck, it helps you get moving, that is it! Has nothing to do with turning or stopping, something that is actually most important! Oh and if you think the prizm has bad mileage, wait until you get the SUV!

 

[Bignate603]

The OP's parents are SO retarded because of the fact that an SUV doesn't make for safer driving and better handling. All 4WD does is help you when you get stuck, it helps you get moving, that is it! Has nothing to do with turning or stopping, something that is actually most important! Oh and if you think the prizm has bad mileage, wait until you get the SUV!

Nice to see somebody from an area that gets no snow is such an authority on driving in it.

I can tell you right now that in the snow it's much easier to drive a good 4wd of AWD vehicle than FWD or RWD. For FWD you've only got so much traction, either you can use that to steer or accelerate. Pick one. Good luck if you have to pull away from a stoplight and turn or turn while climbing a hill. RWD cars tend towards oversteer. Trying to steer up a highway onramp while your car wants to go sideways is loads of fun.

 

[cr2250]

The OP's parents are SO retarded because of the fact that an SUV doesn't make for safer driving and better handling. All 4WD does is help you when you get stuck, it helps you get moving, that is it! Has nothing to do with turning or stopping, something that is actually most important! Oh and if you think the prizm has bad mileage, wait until you get the SUV!

Why the fvck aren't you banned yet...srsly

4wd doesn't only help for getting out of a ditch
we used to have an explorer, whenever we kicked in 4wd, traction bumped up substantially...and yes 4wd is different than fwd in snowy conditions
technology can help a human every now and then

 

[cr2250]

The OP's parents are SO retarded because of the fact that an SUV doesn't make for safer driving and better handling. All 4WD does is help you when you get stuck, it helps you get moving, that is it! Has nothing to do with turning or stopping, something that is actually most important! Oh and if you think the prizm has bad mileage, wait until you get the SUV!

Why the fvck aren't you banned yet...srsly

4wd doesn't only help for getting out of a ditch
we used to have an explorer, whenever we kicked in 4wd, traction bumped up substantially...and yes 4wd is different than fwd in snowy conditions
technology can help a human every now and then

 

[brblx]

he's actually somewhat correct. in a traditional 'AWD' car (likely FWD based), the weight of the car is biased toward the front and the front wheels recieve most of the torque. the additional push at the rear wheels might help get you going or assist up a hill, but it's not going to make the car stick to the road any better. transfering torque from the front to the back after the front wheels slip is closing the barn door after the horse. if you break the front tires loose, you have no steering and nearly no brakes, and will thusly crash into a ball of fiery death. or not. but it's nice to be able to point the car in the direction you want to go, and some extra torque at the rear wheels doesn't really help this.

AWD definate helps offroad or in the mud, probably in loose snow. but on packed snow or ice, i'm not seeing it. 4WD, especially with decent diffs, should be better, but it's still all about just not sliding to begin with.

 

[yuppiejr]

Parents want to buy a new small SUV and it seems like the top three are CRV, RAV4, and Equinox/Terrain. They live in Ohio and freak out at the slightest sign of snow and I've heard that the CRV handles badly in snow so I guess that's out. I heard that RAV4 starts to get super expensive as soon as you start adding options that are available standard on the Equinox like V6. The Equinox also has better gas mileage than either of the Japanese ones. They'll want 4WD.

Any ideas? They are upgrading from a 2000 3-speed Chevy Prism which is a complete POS handling-wise and fuel economy-wise (24mpg).

I've driven a CR-V through 2 full Minnesota winters plus a rather significant amount of early snow this year... I've driven it across muddy gravel country roads at 60 MPH without an issue... The vehicle has no issues driving on snow or loose surfaces. The traction control system is superb and I don't mind the car only throwing power to the rear wheels when required to save on gas. I would not count the CR-V out of the cars you look at with your folks.

I don't think you need a V6 in a vehicle this size, other than going VROOM and burning more gas it's not going to help your parents with handling in a daily driver. None of the 4 - banger small SUV's I drove seemed underpowered for normal driving.

Like the other thread regarding a small SUV for a guy's girlfriend I suggest taking a look at Edmunds and compare reviews, their "TCO" (Total Cost to Own) ratings and their "TMV" (True Market Value) evaluations to educate yourself as a buyer before walking into the dealership. I'd have them look at the Nissan Rogue, Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Forester in AWD flavors.

As for domestic versus foreign cars - it's basically a pay now or pay later proposition. While the domestics have improved recently their long term resale and higher average maintenance requirements makes them more expensive to own and operate at least in the segments I have been researching. With the aggressive pricing before the holidays I actually found the purchase price advantage of going domestic a non-issue which really pushed me into the Jap/European makes and models while shopping around for a new midsize SUV.

Lots of good financing out there right now, Honda's doing 2.9%, Toyotas at 3.9% - some good cash incentives on the domestics. I'd have them look at the Nissan Rogue, Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Forester in AWD flavors.

 

[Bignate603]

he's actually somewhat correct. in a traditional 'AWD' car (likely FWD based), the weight of the car is biased toward the front and the front wheels recieve most of the torque. the additional push at the rear wheels might help get you going or assist up a hill, but it's not going to make the car stick to the road any better. transfering torque from the front to the back after the front wheels slip is closing the barn door after the horse. if you break the front tires loose, you have no steering and nearly no brakes, and will thusly crash into a ball of fiery death. or not. but it's nice to be able to point the car in the direction you want to go, and some extra torque at the rear wheels doesn't really help this.

AWD definate helps offroad or in the mud, probably in loose snow. but on packed snow or ice, i'm not seeing it. 4WD, especially with decent diffs, should be better, but it's still all about just not sliding to begin with.

It does help because the total torque load going to each individual wheel is lowered. If it's really slippery it can be a challenge to give the car enough power to keep it moving and still manage to keep it pointed where you wanted, especially when you have to turn.

I grew up in upstate NY, I've driven FWD, RWD, 4WD and AWD vehicles in all kinds of snow. The 4wd and AWD were easily superior even in relatively flat areas. The nice thing about AWD is that you don't have to keep shifting in and out of it like you do with a traditional 4WD if you're going between snowy roads and ones that have been plowed.

 

[dug777]

It does help because the total torque load going to each individual wheel is lowered. If it's really slippery it can be a challenge to give the car enough power to keep it moving and still manage to keep it pointed where you wanted, especially when you have to turn.

I grew up in upstate NY, I've driven FWD, RWD, 4WD and AWD vehicles in all kinds of snow. The 4wd and AWD were easily superior even in relatively flat areas. The nice thing about AWD is that you don't have to keep shifting in and out of it like you do with a traditional 4WD if you're going between snowy roads and ones that have been plowed.

Best of all worlds is full time AWD with a transfer case for 4WD Hi and Lo, like a Toyota Prado (I believe that Landrover did it first on the Defenders, not sure if current gen Discos and Rangerovers are the same/)

 

[Vette73]

Out of those I would say the NEW Equinox/Terrain 4cyl.

But good tires and a good driver are much better then any car/suv/truck will be able to make up for.

My rear drive CTS with hybrid tires on the rear does great in the 15"+ of snow we got in N.VA. My BiLs STS, same car as mine just a little bigger, got stuck due to his driving and tires.

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

Well, I test drove some cars yesterday by myself. Here are my thoughts:

We have a Toyota Echo and it handles awesome in the snow, so my dad isn't discounting lightweight econocars. He wants power doors, windows, cruise control, etc.

1. Honda Fit: everything is great, peppy, the seat configurations IMO are the strongest suit because it is just so versatile. Too bad they are $18,000 with NO bargaining room.

2. Toyota Matrix: Ho-Hum driving experience, average value, little pep.

3. Toyota Yaris: cheap cheap cheap, out of the running, not that much cheaper than the Fit with comparable options. Smallest car by far.

4. Subaru Impreza Hatch: NICE. It's got the most power out of all the cars I tested, traction was great, gas mileage kinda sucks, ride was smooth, traction control. This would be a pretty good car for ME, but not sure about the parents. $20,000 even.

5. Subaru Forester: Got the same engine as the Impreza so it's not too peppy IMO. Decent. Very smooth. Traction Control.

6. Chevy Equinox: Very smooth, very isolated cabin, traction control, automatic transmission sucks and shifts slowly and sloppy. Good room though. Better gas mileage comapred to Subaru. $25,000 for an AWD. We have a GM card (-$1000), currently own a non-Chevy car (-$1000) and plan to forfeit the 60-day money back guarantee (-$500), so $2500 in discounts.

 

[MikeMike]

Well, I test drove some cars yesterday by myself. Here are my thoughts:

We have a Toyota Echo and it handles awesome in the snow, so my dad isn't discounting lightweight econocars. He wants power doors, windows, cruise control, etc.

1. Honda Fit: everything is great, peppy, the seat configurations IMO are the strongest suit because it is just so versatile. Too bad they are $18,000 with NO bargaining room.

2. Toyota Matrix: Ho-Hum driving experience, average value, little pep.

3. Toyota Yaris: cheap cheap cheap, out of the running, not that much cheaper than the Fit with comparable options. Smallest car by far.

4. Subaru Impreza Hatch: NICE. It's got the most power out of all the cars I tested, traction was great, gas mileage kinda sucks, ride was smooth, traction control. This would be a pretty good car for ME, but not sure about the parents. $20,000 even.

5. Subaru Forester: Got the same engine as the Impreza so it's not too peppy IMO. Decent. Very smooth. Traction Control.

6. Chevy Equinox: Very smooth, very isolated cabin, traction control, automatic transmission sucks and shifts slowly and sloppy. Good room though. Better gas mileage comapred to Subaru. $25,000 for an AWD. We have a GM card (-$1000), currently own a non-Chevy car (-$1000) and plan to forfeit the 60-day money back guarantee (-$500), so $2500 in discounts.

FYI, i believe this is true about the equinox, but it is a learning transmission... it will adjust to how your parents drive the vehicle and shift as necessary...