Crossover or small SUV shopping.Which one is most likely to last and be trouble free?

[nsl]

Also wouldn't hurt to be fun to drive.
I'm trying to keep it to the Japanese brands.
Lets see, there is the RAV4, CRV, Forester, and CX-5 that catches my attention.
The CRV and Forester kind of scare me off with the CVT trans, though.
Have read they are all lame in the power dept, but the Mazda CX-5 is fun to drive.
I'll throw in the Kia Sportage with the turbo as I have a slight interest in it.
Now, I plan to keep the car a long time, so which one would you expect to last and not cost like crazy when things do break as it ages?

 

[wingriderz]

Honda any easy 200k miles

 

[ColbyBruce]

We got a 2009 Toyota RAV4, V6, 4WD during the Cash for Clunkers Program. I swapped my beloved 1989 Dodge Raider. The Raider was a great vehicle in VGC but got horrible mileage for what it was. Parts were scarce, anything major had to come from overseas. I got three times it’s value trading it.

We have 130,000 miles on the RAV4 with no issues. Three batteries, three sets of tires, three sets of brakes. My daughter-in-law got a 2017 model back in the summer.

 

[Just another 22 shooter]

Just bought a 2018 Forester in April. The cvt and 4 cylinder engine are paired up very nicely. I get great mileage with what I think is quite adequate power. You won't get pinned to the back of the seat when you want to pass, but you don't feel under powered, either. Got to drive mine in the first snow of the season last weekend and it did great. I think you will be pleasantly surprised if you choose to test drive a Forester; I was..

 

[jejb]

Reliability = Toyota. They are consistently at the top of Consumer Reports ratings in that area. Maybe not as fun to drive as some others, but they will almost never give you any problems over the life of the vehicle.

 

[Old_Cop]

My wife wanted a 2014 RAV4. She loves it, but I never have. The tires were worn out at 34000 miles, the radio/information center quit working at 3 years. Toyota replaced it after being confronted with the number of complaints on YouTube and the internet reporting the same issue. I still haven't figured out the h/ac controls. The wiper and cruise control are the opposite of GM products. It doesn't have a compass. Seems to be a car decontented and built to a price. It is the SLE model.


It does have adequate power and a decent ride. It's kind of sporty and the service is first class. No doubt it will last 200000 miles with ease, it's at 75000 now. I drive a GMC Sierra and prefer larger vehicles.

 

[islamoradamark]

toyota highlander wife loves it kid has a toyota no issues

 

[Ranger17]

My first suggestion it to go out and drive several models/brands. Web based tests and opinions can be fine for general data but take them (like my opinion lol) for what they are worth.

We have owned Crv’s and the wife is on her second Pilot; in fact we have had numourous Hondas and Toyotas in our 3+ decades together with no issues on any of their cars/suv’s.
Though I will add that it is not uncommon to need tires after the factory ones wear out in the 30k range. Regardless of car brand.

As i dont care for driving the larger rides anymore I have a Honda Hrv with the cvt as my daily driver. Took a bit to get used to that trans, but compared to online opinions it is more than fine for acceleration and drivability.

Moral of this story, go drive a Forrester, Crv, Rav4 etc then see what you think.

 

[Collo Rosso]

2016 we gave our daughter our 2010 Nissan altima and went shopping for the wife. She wanted a SUV/crossover thing (stubby station wagon!) and she knew our car buying routine. We test drove the Nissan rogue, Honda CRV, Toyota rav4 and the Mazda CX5. She fell in love with the Toyota. Did all the dealing on line and bought a 2016 rav4 XLE. 2 years later all I've done is change oil and filters. At 10K miles a year it will most likely still be running well past mine and the wife's expiration dates.

 

[dr. mordo]

I'm a firm believer that many small SUVs and virtually all Crossovers and Minivans are under-engineered. They are usually car frames and drivetrains that have a bigger heavier "crossover" or van body laid on top. The extra weight and air resistance kills the longevity of the engine and transmission. I've know far too many people with minivans and crossovers with transmission problems. This absolutely applies to Japanese vehicles as much as American. Just google Honda Odyssey transmission problems for an example.

So, I'd buy the SUV, and I'd be sure it is built on a truck frame with a truck engine and transmission. Or I'd buy a car.

 

[pawngal]

I'm a firm believer that many small SUVs and virtually all Crossovers and Minivans are under-engineered. They are usually car frames and drivetrains

So, I'd buy the SUV, and I'd be sure it is built on a truck frame with a truck engine and transmission. Or I'd buy a car.

The OP is not shopping for a rock climbing 4X4 SUV. Try staying on subject for a change

 

[hoosierone]

We bought a new Honda CRV in 1999. After several years, and zero problems other than normal maintenance, we sold it to our daughter (giveaway price). She drove it for several years and sold it to our college age grandson. He has had zero issues and has just upgraded the sound system as he intends to keep it indefinitely. The car has been garaged since new.

I bought a new 2011 Mazda CX-9 and after seven years and zero problems, sold it to grandsons inlaws. They love it. In April I bought a new Mazda CX-5. Didn't consider the CRV as I'm not sold on CVT transmissions and leery of their new 1500 cc turbo engine. I love the CX-5, it handles like a sports car and has adequate power for my sometimes heavy foot. It is a very well built car.

 

[ladder13]

Toyota RAV4 rear suspension issues are legendary, I had a 2009, Toyota lied like a rug for years. The issue is all over the net.
Dumped it and bought a CX5, a great crossover

 

[Collo Rosso]

I've know far too many people with minivans and crossovers with transmission problems. This absolutely applies to Japanese vehicles as much as American. Just google Honda Odyssey transmission problems for an example.

Odyssey shared its transmission with the accord (V6), pilot (V6) and acura MDX, CL and TL. All had their share of transmission problems, not just the mini van. Our son is driving our old 03' V6 accord with this transmission. Bought new, it's close to 200K miles and still rips down the road just fine. Never had a transmission problem... or any other problem with that car.

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

They are all no go for me. I tow boats.

 

[ShivasIrons]

Anything Toyota or Honda.

 

[Faulkner]

We have been very pleased with my wife's Toyota Venza, which is classified as a crossover. Ours as a 3.5-liter V-6 that makes 268 hp and 246 pounds-feet of torque and easily pulls my Harley hauler. Even with the V-6 it gets 25-27 mpg on the highway (without the trailer) and is very roomy and comfortable.

 

[Farmer17]

I bought a 2012 Toyota RAV4 and it was the most trouble free vehicle I have ever owned. After 195K miles the only repair was new front wheel bearings and I gave it to my daughter and it's still running fine with no apparent problems. I herd the new 2019 RAV4s are even better and are smoother, quieter, more powerful, and get better mileage. My wife was recently wanting a small crossover but she had three requirements: leather interior with heated seats, sunroof, and 6 cylinder engine. She absolutely loved the Mazda CX-5 but it was a 4 banger. She ended up getting a one year old Infinity QX50 with 17K miles and that car will fly! Every time I drive it I get a big smile on my face, I'll just give it a little gas and be going over 100 mph before I realize it. I got really lucky the other day, I was driving it and got a warning ticket for going 17 mph over the speed limit and our local cops NEVER give warning tickets!

 

[Ribwizzard]

I'm going to say it right here and now. Chevrolet has the best powertrains on the planet right now. Absolutely no reason to send your dollars overseas. I'd go down to your local Chevy showroom and take a look at what they have to offer. They will definitely last longer and be cheaper to repair down the road.
Another small SUV to think about is something in the Jeep lineup. If you haven't looked at them lately, you should. Think you may be surprised at what they have to offer these days as well.
Japanese cars are not what they used to be.

 

[ColbyBruce]

Toyota RAV4 rear suspension issues are legendary, I had a 2009, Toyota lied like a rug for years. The issue is all over the net.
Dumped it and bought a CX5, a great crossover

There was a recall on this issue early on. Ours was repaired soon afterwards and we have not had another issue.