I'm looking at the larger end of the compact SUV body type or a smaller medium size SUV to buy. Might buy new as I'd prefer a 1 y old low Kms car for the warranty and not really seen a lot out there.
Not looking at any American manufacturers, and not looking at the higher priced options either (no Audi or BMW or Benz models). I want the room in the back for two large dogs, some rear seat space for luggage and travelling **** and comfort up front for me and the wife. Don't need a third row of seats.
Went to look at a Subaru Forester and was pleasantly surprised for what you get for the money. I'm not big into the jellybean style of the newer SUVs and the boxy Forester has amazing visibility and a decent amount of space. Anyone have one? Anyone know anything about the turbocharged 2.0 boxer engine in them?
Looked at VW Atlas....nice build, OK price but it's pretty big. Price gets up there if you want a sunroof etc. Toyota Highlander was very nice but similar to the Atlas although you get all the new camera/radar based safety stuff as standard. Toyota Highlander has the separate rear opening glass which is awesome for dogs though.
Mazda CX5 was too small in the cargo area (sloped rear hatch door cuts off some headroom), CX9 was nice but again, adding some nice comfort options pushes the price up. I'd want leather, heated seats and a moonroof...decent stereo and nav.
Hyundai Santa Fe Sport seems just about right too. Nicely kitted out for the price. Anyone got one of these and can chime in?
I'm still just looking and need to go back for some test drives. Any opinions? I'm looking for low cost of ownership, reliability...and if I'm honest...I also like gadgets. Driveability is also important and I want AWD.
Not looking at any American manufacturers, and not looking at the higher priced options either (no Audi or BMW or Benz models). I want the room in the back for two large dogs, some rear seat space for luggage and travelling **** and comfort up front for me and the wife. Don't need a third row of seats.
Went to look at a Subaru Forester and was pleasantly surprised for what you get for the money. I'm not big into the jellybean style of the newer SUVs and the boxy Forester has amazing visibility and a decent amount of space. Anyone have one? Anyone know anything about the turbocharged 2.0 boxer engine in them?
Looked at VW Atlas....nice build, OK price but it's pretty big. Price gets up there if you want a sunroof etc. Toyota Highlander was very nice but similar to the Atlas although you get all the new camera/radar based safety stuff as standard. Toyota Highlander has the separate rear opening glass which is awesome for dogs though.
Mazda CX5 was too small in the cargo area (sloped rear hatch door cuts off some headroom), CX9 was nice but again, adding some nice comfort options pushes the price up. I'd want leather, heated seats and a moonroof...decent stereo and nav.
Hyundai Santa Fe Sport seems just about right too. Nicely kitted out for the price. Anyone got one of these and can chime in?
I'm still just looking and need to go back for some test drives. Any opinions? I'm looking for low cost of ownership, reliability...and if I'm honest...I also like gadgets. Driveability is also important and I want AWD.