Mid-size SUV recommendations

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justincredible's avatar

justincredible

Nick Mangold

32,056 posts
Mar 6, 2017 8:40 AM
I am sort of in the market for a new vehicle and am currently leaning towards a mid-size SUV. I currently drive a 2009 Outback, which I like a lot, but it's a manual and my wife cannot drive it and has no interest in learning to. It's inconvenient not having two cars we can both drive so I am looking to upgrade. I love the newer Outbacks but want to look around before making a decision. We just bought her a Subaru Crosstrek last year, which we love, but their warranty isn't great so I want to shop around a bit.

Anyone have any experience with the Mazda CX-5, Nissan Rouge, Hyundai Santa Fe or anything similar?
Mar 6, 2017 8:40am
SnotBubbles's avatar

SnotBubbles

Master of teh QQ

4,492 posts
Mar 6, 2017 9:09 AM
Jeep Grand Cherokee. I've owned 3 and will be getting my 4th in a few months probably.

They seriously are the best SUV you can buy. Great handling, smooth ride, won't ever need the 4-wheel drive, aesthetically pleasing and overall a great vehicle. Warranty is also one of the best in the business if I recall for SUVs.

I'd encourage at least taking one for a test drive.
Mar 6, 2017 9:09am
G

gut

Senior Member

15,058 posts
Mar 6, 2017 9:15 AM
I like the looks of the new Grand Cherokee....although they don't exactly have the best quality history in the segment. I have a friend who had a couple, and had issues with both. Is $1000 in repairs over 6-7 years acceptable? I don't know.

I also really like the Audi Q5. Probably my favorite in the segment right now. The Lincoln MKX, or the cheaper Ford Edge (which is basically the same vehicle) are good choices, as well.

Had a Nissan Murano as a rental not long ago. I did like the interior and how it drove, but don't care all that much for the styling.
Mar 6, 2017 9:15am
G

gut

Senior Member

15,058 posts
Mar 6, 2017 9:17 AM
I like the looks of the new Grand Cherokee....although they don't exactly have the best quality history in the segment. I have a friend who had a couple, and had issues with both. Is $1000 in repairs over 6-7 years acceptable? I don't know.

I also really like the Audi Q5. Probably my favorite in the segment right now. The Lincoln MKX, or the cheaper Ford Edge (which is basically the same vehicle) are good choices, as well.

Had a Nissan Murano as a rental not long ago. I did like the interior and how it drove, but don't care all that much for the styling.


Honestly, I'd strongly recommend looking at a used Ford Edge for the price conscious.
Mar 6, 2017 9:17am
Crimson streak's avatar

Crimson streak

Senior Member

9,002 posts
Mar 6, 2017 9:21 AM
The women just bought a cx-5. She absolutely loves it. The new CRV's are very nice as well. If you want to spend a little more the Acura RDX is definitely a great option


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Mar 6, 2017 9:21am
justincredible's avatar

justincredible

Nick Mangold

32,056 posts
Mar 6, 2017 9:21 AM
I like the looks of the Grand Cherokee, but by the time I would add in all of the extras I want I think it would end up being out of my desired price range.

I do like the Edge a lot, as well. I will definitely test drive an Edge and Escape.
Mar 6, 2017 9:21am
justincredible's avatar

justincredible

Nick Mangold

32,056 posts
Mar 6, 2017 9:25 AM
I forgot to mention that my basic requirements are AWD/4WD, roof racks so I can throw a canoe on top, and built in navigation. My upper limit would be around $40k. The Outback that I like is the Touring package and it runs about $37k. Once I add in the extended warranty I'll likely be around $40k. If I could find something with a great warranty closer to $30k I'd be very happy.
Mar 6, 2017 9:25am
G

gut

Senior Member

15,058 posts
Mar 6, 2017 9:26 AM
justincredible;1839846 wrote:I will definitely test drive an Edge and Escape.
I've driven the Escape and there's no comparison to the Edge.

And stay away from anything with "eco" engine modes - have had several rental vehicles with something like that and they all were problematic.
Mar 6, 2017 9:26am
G

gut

Senior Member

15,058 posts
Mar 6, 2017 9:30 AM
justincredible;1839847 wrote:I forgot to mention that my basic requirements are AWD/4WD, roof racks so I can throw a canoe on top, and built in navigation. My upper limit would be around $40k. The Outback that I like is the Touring package and it runs about $37k. Once I add in the extended warranty I'll likely be around $40k. If I could find something with a great warranty closer to $30k I'd be very happy.
I just did a search and saw a used Edge for $25k with leather seats (probably would not cost you more than $600 to add a roof rack, if you wanted).

In that price range, you could also look at a certified pre-owned Audi Q5. People also rave about the BMW X3, but I hate the looks of it.


I've never wasted my money on an extended warranty. IF you have a problem 3+ years after buying (covered on typical dealer warranty), you're break even is going to be like $1500 in repairs.
Mar 6, 2017 9:30am
iclfan2's avatar

iclfan2

Reppin' the 330/216/843

6,360 posts
Mar 6, 2017 10:06 AM
My wife has a CRV and I like it. Has roof rack (have to add the rails), AWD, probably navigation (we don't have it), and Honda reliability. Bought it new and 2013 and have not had any problems yet.

I bought the extended warranty on my new truck because I like the piece of mind. And under $2k for 10 year/ 100k miles seemed like nothing over 5 years of payments. I'm more concerned with the touch screen or electronic items going bad than the actual truck drive train itself.
Mar 6, 2017 10:06am
justincredible's avatar

justincredible

Nick Mangold

32,056 posts
Mar 6, 2017 10:15 AM
iclfan2;1839851 wrote:I bought the extended warranty on my new truck because I like the piece of mind. And under $2k for 10 year/ 100k miles seemed like nothing over 5 years of payments. I'm more concerned with the touch screen or electronic items going bad than the actual truck drive train itself.
This is why we bought the extended warranty with my wife's Crosstrek. It is fully loaded with adaptive cruise control, lane drift warnings, rear obstacle detection, etc. It's so fully loaded with computers and sensors that are probably more likely to give out than the actual mechanicals of the car.
Mar 6, 2017 10:15am
W

Wally

Senior Member

481 posts
Mar 6, 2017 10:21 AM
Oldest son had a Hyundai and didn't really like it-but he lived in Vegas at the time so I don't know what his issues were or if he just traded in on a van because he needed the space with 2 kids.

Youngest has an Edge and likes it but thinks it's underpowered.
Mar 6, 2017 10:21am
power i's avatar

power i

Senior Member

1,296 posts
Mar 6, 2017 10:37 AM
I've had my Rogue for 2 years and love it. I got it loaded for $35 with everything you need plus moon roof, leather and not just a back up camera, but an overhead back up which I love.
Mar 6, 2017 10:37am
justincredible's avatar

justincredible

Nick Mangold

32,056 posts
Mar 6, 2017 10:38 AM
What is an overhead backup?
Mar 6, 2017 10:38am
CenterBHSFan's avatar

CenterBHSFan

333 - I'm only half evil

6,115 posts
Mar 6, 2017 10:39 AM
I bought a brand new Jeep Compass in 2012 and have never regretted it. Came with a great warranty, rebates.
Now, I live up on a ridge where they just added guardrails on the road last year (lol), so in winter, that Jeep was the best vehicle that I've ever had in my life as far as reliability and traction going up and down the hills. It's not as big as a Cherokee, so saving some extra gas money, there, but it looks good and again, never had to have it serviced for anything except for routine maintenance like oil changes.
Mar 6, 2017 10:39am
bases_loaded's avatar

bases_loaded

Senior Member

6,912 posts
Mar 6, 2017 10:52 AM
justincredible;1839855 wrote:What is an overhead backup?
If you have to ask, you can't afford it.
Mar 6, 2017 10:52am
S

superman

Senior Member

3,582 posts
Mar 6, 2017 10:58 AM
You're an outdoor guy. Go ahead and get a Jeep Wrangler unlimited.
Mar 6, 2017 10:58am
justincredible's avatar

justincredible

Nick Mangold

32,056 posts
Mar 6, 2017 11:05 AM
superman;1839858 wrote:You're an outdoor guy. Go ahead and get a Jeep Wrangler unlimited.
I like Wranglers, but I don't like their fuel economy. I'd like to get an old CJ at some point.
Mar 6, 2017 11:05am
Crimson streak's avatar

Crimson streak

Senior Member

9,002 posts
Mar 6, 2017 11:41 AM
justincredible;1839847 wrote:I forgot to mention that my basic requirements are AWD/4WD, roof racks so I can throw a canoe on top, and built in navigation. My upper limit would be around $40k. The Outback that I like is the Touring package and it runs about $37k. Once I add in the extended warranty I'll likely be around $40k. If I could find something with a great warranty closer to $30k I'd be very happy.
The fully loaded Mazda CX-5 runs around 30k. It's excellent on gas too. Usually around 30-35 mpg. You could get a left over 16 brand new for probably around 27-28.


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Mar 6, 2017 11:41am
Ironman92's avatar

Ironman92

Administrator

49,363 posts
Mar 6, 2017 12:17 PM
justincredible;1839837 wrote:I am sort of in the market for a new vehicle and am currently leaning towards a mid-size SUV. I currently drive a 2009 Outback, which I like a lot, but it's a manual and my wife cannot drive it and has no interest in learning to. It's inconvenient not having two cars we can both drive so I am looking to upgrade. I love the newer Outbacks but want to look around before making a decision. We just bought her a Subaru Crosstrek last year, which we love, but their warranty isn't great so I want to shop around a bit.

Anyone have any experience with the Mazda CX-5, Nissan Rouge, Hyundai Santa Fe or anything similar?
I have a CX7....good vehicle

The RAV and CRV are very reliable

I tested a Rogue and a Murano...loved the look but did not like either and especially for the price
Mar 6, 2017 12:17pm
Ironman92's avatar

Ironman92

Administrator

49,363 posts
Mar 6, 2017 12:18 PM
New grand Cherokee are very nice inside and a good ride...don't think they are worth the price compared to others
Mar 6, 2017 12:18pm
S

Sonofanump

Mar 6, 2017 12:31 PM
We will be in the market for one in three years, the obvious choice for us would be CRV, I could see wife preferring Acadia.
Mar 6, 2017 12:31pm
S

superman

Senior Member

3,582 posts
Mar 6, 2017 1:15 PM
justincredible;1839859 wrote:I like Wranglers, but I don't like their fuel economy. I'd like to get an old CJ at some point.
Gas mileage does indeed suck.
Mar 6, 2017 1:15pm
salto's avatar

salto

Senior Member

2,611 posts
Mar 6, 2017 1:27 PM
4 Runner
Mar 6, 2017 1:27pm
Belly35's avatar

Belly35

Elderly Intellectual

9,716 posts
Mar 6, 2017 1:56 PM
Mitsubishi Outlander ...... worth a look ....

wife was looking a few months ago at a possibility of a SUV She has a Honda Accord that is getting up in mileage, still run great and drive smooth ... we will keep it (back up) but she wants something new..
Mar 6, 2017 1:56pm