Looking for a new vehicle

[CATI1835]

Looking for a new to 3 year old vehicle to replace my 9 y.o., 200K+ miles Dodge Nitro. I would like a small to medium sized SUV-like vehicle. My considerations are, in no particular order:

Fuel economy
Road noise
Driving comfort on the road
Reliability/serviceability
Seating for 5 adults

I know nothing will match my full sized PU for road comfort, but does anyone have any suggestions? Anything to avoid? Thanks in advance for any input.

 

[2ndAmendmentNut]

I would recommend and suggest you take a look at the Toyota 4Runner. It scores pretty well in all 5 of the important considerations you have listed.

 

[Papa32129]

I second the 4Runner.

 

[BigBill]

I need to look at Toyota I guess.

Looked at subarus today. $23 to $27k. WRX and mustang are around $33k. IDK yet what I want.

 

[Farmer17]

I am in the same market as you and have researched it quite a bit. The Honda CRV, Toyota Rav, and Ford Escape are all good vehicles but I discovered for just a tiny bit more money you can get a larger SUV with a much more powerful V6 engine. The Ford Edge, Nissan Murano, and Kia Sorento are pretty good deals on the used market and only get slightly worse gas mileage than the much smaller SUVs. Look on Auto trader for the above three vehicles and you should find one around 17-19K $ with under 40K miles thats a couple years old and still under warranty.

 

[JJEH]

Give the Dodge Durango a try. We have the R/T and like it very much. Yes, it has some flaws but it does offer what you are looking for. It also comes with a 3.6L.

Other than that perhaps the Explorer? A neighbor has one and they love it.

 

[raisedin99]

Bought a plane jane 2012 Honda Pilot V6 4x4 just over a year ago, everyday mileage is in the 21mpg range and up to 28 on trips Seats 8. If I recall correctly it had 24000 miles on it

Nothing special, just a car, good ride.

terry

 

[CoMF]

Subaru Outback or Forester. They both have all the things you're looking for and retain their value exceptionally well.

Watch the CV boots closely for deterioration around the 5-6 year mark and have the axles rebooted/repacked early to avoid the cost of replacing them.

 

[SW MP15]

Easy!! TOYOTA! TOYOTA! TOYOTA!

 

[BikerRN]

Easy!! TOYOTA! TOYOTA! TOYOTA!

I concur.
Have had Ford, Chevy, Toyota, and Jeep. Toyota easily outshines the others.

 

[Pete99004]

If you look at Toyota, be sure to check for frame rust - they are having serious issues with rust FWTW.

Pete

 

[rond]

Mazda is really nice.

 

[mtelkhntr]

I rented a ford explorer and took a bunch of friends fishing. It had the ecoboost engine and I was blown away by the mileage. Great ride and roomy too.

 

[Rastoff]

What's your dollar limit?

When I get ready for another vehicle, the Subaru Crosstrek is at the top of my list and it meets all your requirements. 30MPG

 

[mtgianni]

I need to look at Toyota I guess.

Looked at subarus today. $23 to $27k. WRX and mustang are around $33k. IDK yet what I want.

That is in line with what I paid for a new Forester last Dec. rather than 3-4 years old. If you want a bare bones Forester you can get one through the Costco auto program for around $22K.

 

[walkinghorse]

Just a Thought

Gurkha Armored Tactical Vehicles Now Available for Civilian Purchase - Off Road Xtreme

 

[kozmic]

My winter and work vehicle is a 2014 Mazda CX-5. I drove most of the small SUVs and this one was the best IMHO.

 

[Faulkner]

I have a 2015 Toyota Venza that we absolutely love. It's a "crossover" vehicle, not quite a SUV, not quite a car. I ordered ours with the V6 and trailer towing package. Hauls a good load and still gets mid to upper 20's in fuel mileage.

 

[johngalt]

I posted a review of my mom's Mercedes GLK, which I like. Not sure what you are looking to spend, it may be a bit more. I have also test driven a Ford Edge. The edge is a nice car, and is less expensive than the GLK. The GLK has a much better engine than the 3.5 V6 in the Edge. I thought the quality of build and materials of the GLK is better also. The GLK is first SUV that I would consider as a replacement for my Tahoe.

 

[cowart]

WRX and mustang are around $33k.

The OP wants ride comfort, so they are both no-gos.