Advice on small SUV/Crossovers - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

BEANZ · 08-19-2007, 07:00 PM

I am currently in the market for a new vehicle, we are considering smaller SUV's and Crossovers. Just looking for anyones pro's and con's. The vehicle needs to be able to haul a tent trailer and accomidate one car seat and a second one soon. Considering-Pontiac Torrent~CR-V~Saturn Vue~Mitsubishi Outlander(I think thats it)~Ford Escape~Rav 4.

Any thoughts or others to look at would be awsome.
Thanks

peter12 · 08-19-2007, 07:24 PM

For a cheaper price, like under $30 000, you might want to consider the Toyota Matrix. You might have to get the full horsepower upgrade in order to pull a trailer though.

metallicat · 08-19-2007, 07:38 PM

I've been looking a little bit recently at the Infinity FX35. Used from 03-05 are a little expensive, around 35-40k, but damn are they ever nice. Something to consider if you are looking at that price range.

Fozzie_DeBear · 08-19-2007, 07:58 PM

IMO The Rav 4 with a V6 is a solid choice

Another option you may want to test drive is a Volvo XC70 [gently used], a turbocharged engine (fairly zoomy), good cargo capacity, uber-comfortable and VERY VERY safe...If you don't need the 4wd the 2.5T (2wd) will be good too.

Displaced Flames fan · 08-19-2007, 08:02 PM

We have a Ford Escape with the V6. We love it. Plenty o' room and nice power. We've taken it on 1500 miles+ trips 3 times and have no complaints.

14 · 08-19-2007, 08:03 PM

I was looking at the same vehicles in May. On a whim drove a Murano. Best of the bunch and the rates they have now are fantastic. I got in one for less per month than a Mazda CX-7, CRV and Rav and it is a better vehicle for what you get. I pull a trailer and it has tons of bells and whistles that are standard. Best vehicle purchase I have ever done. Highly recommended.

Dan02 · 08-19-2007, 08:31 PM

For towing i think you're looking in the wrong market. Last time i saw one of these guys towing a tent trailer was down by radium. It was 2am there was over 100 cards stuck behind him as he road the brakes super slowly down the hill, brakes smoking the whole way as he went.

edit. was a Rav4 or CRV

Dion · 08-19-2007, 08:43 PM

I also own an Escape. Wondeful vehicle that handles nice on the road.

Took mine out to Creston and Nelson a few weeks back. Nice quiet ride.

Best vehicle i've ever owned.

Ohhhhh and Ford is having their employee pricing plan. Did this a few years ago and saved $4000 off the MSRP.

henriksedin33 · 08-19-2007, 08:52 PM

I'd go with the CRV from that list.

Delthefunky · 08-19-2007, 09:00 PM

The CRV is nice, i've driven my parents, the Pilot is real good too. They're really capable off-road, the CR-V more then the Pilot. Depending on the size of trailer the Pilot has a lot more oomph.

I-Hate-Hulse · 08-19-2007, 09:14 PM

Pontiac Torrent - Pretty good if it's like the equinox.

CRV - Nice vehicle, great interior, bit on the small size for cargo, but the worst is the gutless engine. 0-60 in 10 seconds.

Vue - Is supposed to be great, I'd definately test drive one. Good cargo capacity if it's the same as the Acadia.

Escape - good for it's time but I think it's close to the end of it's model cycle. If not, it should be, I can't recall the last major redesign.

RAV4 - More cargo room than the CRV, the hot rod of the bunch with the V6 (0-60 in 6.1 sec), but a somewhat odd interior and I hate the tire on the tailgate.

Murano / FX - cargo room is lacking with the sloping rear, and isn't it due for a makeover soon?

RAV 4 with a V6 gets my vote right now.

BEANZ · 08-19-2007, 09:20 PM

Thanks for all your thoughts, this is a real challenge. Most rating guides on line seem very baised IMHO. I forgot about The Murano completely, glad you mentioned it 14.

Whats the back seat like one the Ford Escape? Im 6'4 so drive with the seat all the way back.

The trailer we pull is a new tent trailer. It weights around 2400lbs loaded. These vehicles all should pull around 3500lbs, from what I can tell.

Thanks again!

Anyone driven the Torrent it looks good and is well priced.

Dion · 08-19-2007, 11:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by I-Hate-Hulse

Escape - good for it's time but I think it's close to the end of it's model cycle. If not, it should be, I can't recall the last major redesign.

Just did one this year for the 08 models

Dion · 08-19-2007, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BEANZ

Thanks for all your thoughts, this is a real challenge. Most rating guides on line seem very baised IMHO. I forgot about The Murano completely, glad you mentioned it 14.

Whats the back seat like one the Ford Escape? Im 6'4 so drive with the seat all the way back.

The trailer we pull is a new tent trailer. It weights around 2400lbs loaded. These vehicles all should pull around 3500lbs, from what I can tell.

Thanks again!

Anyone driven the Torrent it looks good and is well priced.

Lots of room for a 6'4 driver. Just make sure you get one (XLT Model) with the 6 way power seats. And if you're going to tow, make sure you have one with a transmission cooler.

I-Hate-Hulse · 08-19-2007, 11:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dion

Just did one this year for the 08 models

True, but I'd call that more of half a redesign. Definately refreshed the exterior and interior styling (although not exactly groundbreaking) but the powertrain and chassis's the same.

Beanz, check out the new Ford Edge - that's where Ford's put their time and limited capital this model cycle.

HalifaxDrunk · 08-20-2007, 06:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by I-Hate-Hulse

Beanz, check out the new Ford Edge - that's where Ford's put their time and limited capital this model cycle.

Also check out a Ford Freestyle, it is a "crossover" I have a '06 and love it. I'm 6'2" and have more than enough leg room. They seat either 6 or 7. Mine (6 seater) has 4 captains chairs and 2 more seats in the back. The captain chairs are handy in that my dog can stand on the floor between them and not walk on our baby son. All seats (except drivers) fold down to make a large level cargo area.

You may be able to find a great deal on one as Ford is doing a redisign and is going to release the new '08s labeled as "Taurus X".

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Freestyle

GrrlGoalie33 · 08-20-2007, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BEANZ

Anyone driven the Torrent it looks good and is well priced.

I've never driven the Torrent, but have been in one. More than enough cargo space for two girlie girls to have their hockey equipment plus all assorted luggage for a weekend away without having to use the back seat. And for the back seat, really roomy and the drive in the back seat is pretty smooth.

Table 5 · 08-20-2007, 09:12 AM

If youre still looking around, please consider a hybrid as an option.

VANFLAMESFAN · 08-20-2007, 09:19 AM

Put me down as another Escape owner.....I love my car, no real problems with it, looks sharp and drives nice.....

Mr. Ski · 08-20-2007, 09:44 AM

I drove a brand new Escape as a rental all around Vancouver and Vancouver Island last month. Wan't expecting to especially like it one way or the other, but it left me very impressed.

It was the Limited model and was both great on gas, very powerful feeling, and great in handling. Also very comfortable for my 6'2" frame. Was great fun to zip around the island on the twisty roads with the all the windows down, the moon roof open, and the Sirrius radio blasting.