Small SUVs...,

[jags77]

I am looking for one of those small SUVs. I have a little car now but there isn't enough space for my work things.

These are the contenders:
Mazda Tribute
Honda CR-V
Hyundai Santa Fe
Hyundai Tucson
Chevrolet Equinox
Ford Escape
Toyota RAV4

The factors more important for me are:
price- looking to be under 25,000 which these cars are about
mileage
4 wheel drive, not AWD where it is contantly on, guzzling gas
decent sized engine
safety (airbags for when the kids come along in 2 years)
some accessories such as cruise control although i rarely use it, somewhat roomy interior, keyless entry, power windows and locks, 1 disc cd player

Any experiences with these small suvs? THANKS.

[blackcat77]

I know it's not on your list, but do NOT get a Kia -- a friend of our's bought one and sold it a couple months later because he was so unhappy with it.

[d-quik]

The CRV is nice from personal experiences. kinda boring though

[Cotterik]

Id take the RAV4, we rented one on holiday, good car

[Rockefella]

Don't flame me, but the Santa Fe is a worthy option, I know from personal experience. (as long as you don't get the base model, get most of the options if you get the car.)

[gbrown37]

from that list id say escape or equinox, but some other suggestions are nissan xterra/ pathfinder, 1-generation-ago ford explorer (always liked those), subaru, (dodge magnum but thats not really suv), lexus rx, bmw x3, benz ml, there are more

what about a small truck? (frontier/ colorado/ canyon/ old tacoma (the new ones are a lot bigger), ranger, etc)

[d-quik]

those arent small yo

[my porsche]

escape, pr get a used X5 4.4, you can get a 2000 X5 for $26,000 average, pretty quick, pretty roomy, extremely luxurious, nice ride, looks good

[QuattroMan]

I am looking for one of those small SUVs. I have a little car now but there isn't enough space for my work things.

These are the contenders:
Mazda Tribute
Honda CR-V
Hyundai Santa Fe
Hyundai Tucson
Chevrolet Equinox
Ford Escape
Toyota RAV4



Any experiences with these small suvs? THANKS.

if your going to use it for off road to go with toyota rav4

[Doza]

Don't buy a Hyundai, It's only a Kia in disguise. I'd go with the Toyota or the Chevy. The CR-V lacks enough kick for most people who don't currently collect Social Security. The Toyota or Chevy will also have the highest resale if you don't include the CR-V. Although I'm a Chevy guy, I'm leaning toward the RAV4 as it is a more tested model. The Equinox has a 3.4 Liter engine which I haven't seen in any Chevy before, so it's reliability is up in the air. If I were in your position though, I'd just buy used, or some sort of wagon.

[jags77]

I'm in NY so am looking for something that handles well in the snow. I don't go off-roading so that's why I thought not to look at the Xterra.

I was considering the Subaru Outback but is that too girly? Hope this doesn't offend anyone. (I'm a girl but don't want a girly car).

I wish I could afford the Lexus RX - way out of my price range as is the BMW and the Mercedes. I've had a pathfinder- it was fine. But looking for a smaller and less expensive car.

So what I'm leaning towards is
Mazda Tribute
Subaru Outback
Toyota RAV-4
Chev. Equinox

I'm worried about going with a Hyundai. They make me nervous. I would consider the CR-V but only is 4 cyl and my friend test drove it and said the seats seem "too thin" if you get what that means.

[Koenigsegg_CC]

Can't go wrong with the Subaru for reliability and looks

[henk4]

I was considering the Subaru Outback but is that too girly? Hope this doesn't offend anyone. (I'm a girl but don't want a girly car).

At least the Outback does not pretend to be a truck, but just an honest attempt to offer 4-wheel drive advantages with reasonable interior space, without the need to climb into the car.

[DasModell]

the outback seems to be a nice car . with some 4x4 capabilities . just like the Volvo V70XC . i'd prefer a car like those to a SUV .

[Slicks]

Yeah, look into a wagon too, like a wrx wagon.

Also look at the Chevy Blazer, great SUV.