Compact SUV Shootout.

[Emancipated]

This segment is hot with so many entries; ranging from the affordable CRV, Rav4, Vibe, Tiguan to the posh class of X3s, RDX, FX35 (?), etc.

This is really about the lower class models. Between what's available out there, what is generally considered the best bang for the buck?

I'm looking at VW Tiguan and at $30k with 4Motion and attractive stylings, I'm thinking of going from a VW Rabbit to this. The family needs a AWD car and I'm beginning to think it's probably time to leave behind the hot hatch mentality at my age.

Are there better options? The RAV4 is also in consideration.

Thanks

[B0000rt]

This segment is hot with so many entries; ranging from the affordable CRV, Rav4, Vibe, Tiguan to the posh class of X3s, RDX, FX35 (?), etc.

This is really about the lower class models. Between what's available out there, what is generally considered the best bang for the buck?

I'm looking at VW Tiguan and at $30k with 4Motion and attractive stylings, I'm thinking of going from a VW Rabbit to this. The family needs a AWD car and I'm beginning to think it's probably time to leave behind the hot hatch mentality at my age.

Are there better options? The RAV4 is also in consideration.

Thanks

I have the 07 RAV4 V6 4WD.. It's not real 4WD in that only the front wheels are driven normally, and the rear wheels kick in when slip is detected. You can lock in the 4WD under 20mph though. I believe most other "4WD" systems in the vehicles in the lower end segment also work the same way.

But anyways, only the RAV4 out of the bunch offers a blazing fast V6, with little compromise in regards to fuel consumption. The interiors of the RAV4 don't compare at all to the CRV, CRV is much nicer, but man, how can you stand that front grill on the CRV..

[ssainani]

i think the tiguan is best in class if you look at all the factors (cost and fuel consumption) -- if you can wait ... there will be a diesel option available too

[spdztr]

I don't know why you threw in the Vibe as a compact SUV since it doesn't really fall in this category.

My suggestion (biased since I own one) would be the Hyundai Santa Fe. If you can find a good deal on one, or import from the US, it's the best bang for the buck. It's roomy, good power, decent mileage (as decent as a CUV can be), and you can get it in 2.7L or 3.3L, with 5sp if you get the 2.7. They're advertising over 900 km per tank on the 2.7L/5sp on the highway. Not too bad, and if your Rabbit was manual, you'd probably enjoy driving the manual Santa Fe too.

[hotweiss]

If you want all wheel drive performance and safety, the Subaru Outback destroys them all.

[Brandon]

If you want all wheel drive performance and safety, the Subaru Outback destroys them all.

Well, if you want a CUV then the 09 Forester should be one of your options. It doesn't need premium fuel (they offer both NA and turbo'd engines) like the Tiguan (which only has the 2.0T). The Forester has a little less power with it's NA engine, but more power with it's turbocharged one.

I THINK that The Tiguan has reactive AWD (fully FWD until slippage) whereas the Forester is full-time.

Based on what my parents paid for their base Forester (they had a trade-in), you should be able to get one for ~$30k all in (they got it for $26.5k with a $3000 trade-in).

Value wise, I think the Forester is better, but the Tiguan looks nicer (inside and out).

For pure cheapness value, did you look at the 09 Ford Escape? It's significantly cheaper than than all the imports (well, except Hyundai, but the Tucson is missing lots of features). If you want a bigger SUV for around the same price range, look at the Hyundai Santa Fe.

[gherikill]

Ford Escape.

[chickenbones]

I vote for V6 Rav4, very good looking car + fastest V6 in class. 4WD is competent enough. The reaons it's FWD most of the time is to save fuel & most drivers are more familiar with the characteristics of FWD.

Second choice would be Hyundai Santa Fe for good value.

[movieman]

You might also want to look at the Suzuki SX4; it has its faults (e.g. sluggish acceleration with the auto transmission), but it did pretty well on snow when we test-drove one last year.

[looniepincher]

The Nissan Rogue would be on my shortlist in this category. It's fresh, it's good on gas, and it's cheaper than RAV4/CRV.

The Forester and CRV would be my other choices.

[bionicbadger]

These might be of interest

motor trend compares 2008 Mazda CX-7 vs 2009 Subaru Forester XT vs 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...son/index.html

or Motortrend compares the Forester to the Nissan Rogue, Honda CRV, Saturn VUE Green Line, Toyota RAV4.
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...son/index.html

They like the subaru forester, Haven't driven the 2009, but the old 08 drives grreat and has excellent visibility especially out the rear, better than probably any other CUV

[fastlayne]

They like the subaru forester, Haven't driven the 2009, but the old 08 drives grreat and has excellent visibility especially out the rear, better than probably any other CUV

The long anticipated diesel Forester will be a great addition to the Canadian market. Too bad it could be a year away.

[Emancipated]

Call me vain, but the Tiguan looks like it cost more than its actual price tag. I don't really like the interior to be honest and the CRV of the three principles has the nicest interior but subdued exterior. I like the fact that the RAV4 V6 is almost as fuel efficient but packs about 70hp more than the VW and over 100hp than the CRV. Having driven four bangers all my life, it's nice to have power at your beckoning.


As for the Rogue, oh man. That looks pretty sad. I just don't see myself enjoy driving something that looks like an Alien(tm) incubator. It looks putrid!

[mafiastyles]

+ rep for the rav4 v6 4wd nice little suv

[seftonm]

I like the Forester. Great small SUV and one of the few which still offers a manual transmission.