Need advice: Subaru Tribeca vs. RDX vs. CR-V

[smartcdn]

everyone - post what you think.

[vek]

I have an RDX. Its been a disappointment. The turbo lag is annoying, the gas mileage is beyond horrible, and I curse myself for getting a car that requires premium fuel.

The CRV is a little underpowered, but a decent little SUV.

If I was to do it again, I'd import a Tribeca or get one from Multiline.

[B0000rt]

Where's the RAV4 in this comparison?

Available V6 for that thing? 3rd row seating option for kids?

My only complaint is cheap interior.

[mau108]

I wouldn't say the rdx is a big disappointment. Yes the fuel economy sucks balls for a car of its size and it is missing some stuff you can find on cars similarily priced.

But overall I like the car (own one).

Definately take the RDX and Tribeca for a spin.

On paper thoe RDX owns the Tribeca in almost every way (weight, torque, with a 500 dollar flash in hp as well :P, looks, fuel economy) but the rdx is missing alot of features that should be standard on all "higher end" vehicles.

Such as passenger power seats, auto dimming rear view (I heard the 08 got it standard), heated steering wheel, memory seats.

[rays101]

Make sure you test drive ALL the vehicles you are considering.

I test drove an RDX earlier this year. On paper, it sounded like the perfect vehicle for me and when researching, this was initially my number one choice. The RDX is a sporty car so it has a stiff suspension (which some people like). I was driving a BMW 330 at the time and the RDX is MUCH stiffer ride, but the benefit is good handling for an SUV. Also, for a luxury vehicle it has a reasonable amount of wind noise on the highway. My wife and I both looked at each other when I was on the highway as we were surprised by the amount of wind noise. The RDX did have a modern and very nice interior and included a lot of excellent features esp. with the tehnology package. If they had a less stiff suspension and quieter ride, I would have bought it. But others love the handling and don't mind the stiffness so try it out.

My brother test drove the CRV and also mentioned it was stiff. He and his wife were nauseated by the end of the test drive. This did get very good safety rating. One concern is 4 cylinder engine if you want power.

I also test drove the RAV4 V6. Definitely has worse handling but softer ride than the RDX but this car really moves in a straight line with its powerful V6 (same engine as in the lexus rx350) but as someone mentioned, the interior even on the top of the line model is several levels below RDX and is not luxurious at all. I also hated that this had a back swinging door with tire on it which opened into traffic if you are parallel parking.

I haven't test drived the tribeca.

It ultimately depends on what you want... luxury, handling, sportiness, power, quietness and which you value more than the others. One person's choice is not the same as another.

[nolimtzel]

where is the x3?

[chickenbones]

Tribeca is more or an MDX sized SUV not a RDX small SUV. Totally different cars for different purpose.

RDX = Sports "Sedan" with elevated seating. Tribeca = Family SUV with 7 seats.

X3 is more of a RDX competitor than the rest of the SUVs you listed. Between RDX & X3 I would pick the X3, except X3's looks.

[leung_jai]

CR-V is not even in the same grade as RDX and tribeca...u could prolly get another 10k secondary car if u end up with the CR-V.

Tribeca will be my choice since its the only one that offers FULL TIME REAL AWD along with ESP . In theory it should be on of the safest vechicle drivetrain combination. Not to mention it has one of the BEST DESIGNED interior, sthg like a plane's cockpit. Also this ride is kinda rare if u want a lil bit of individuality. The RDX and CRV are all over the street.

[smartcdn]

thanks to all so far...

yes, i guess i could include the RAV4 V6.

the only problem - and this could change - is the pricing rebates.

RAV4's only get $2,000 rebates, right?

CR-V's get $4,000 rebates (so around $35,000 for Navi version)

RDX's get $3,000-$4,000 rebates (so around $39,000)

Tribeca's get $8,000 rebates (so around $35,000)

For the tribeca, i am not looking at the 7-seater, just 5 seater

[Azxster]

The RDX is pricey... you could save up and get the MDX.

I'd go for the V6 RAV4.

[new_vr]

CR-V is not even in the same grade as RDX and tribeca...u could prolly get another 10k secondary car if u end up with the CR-V.

Tribeca will be my choice since its the only one that offers FULL TIME REAL AWD along with ESP . In theory it should be on of the safest vechicle drivetrain combination. Not to mention it has one of the BEST DESIGNED interior, sthg like a plane's cockpit. Also this ride is kinda rare if u want a lil bit of individuality. The RDX and CRV are all over the street.

Since you highlighted the FULL TIME REAL AWD along with ESP I am interested in knowing how it's better then Acura's SH-AWD?

[bionicbadger]

For the tribeca, i am not looking at the 7-seater, just 5 seater

3rd row seating in the tribeca is a joke. Only younger kids can sit back there for any trip longer than 10 minutes, and they are the least safe seats so you probably wouldn't want to stick your kids back there. The only reason to get the 7 seater is for the rear air-conditioning, but thats not worth the extra $ from the 5 seater.

[B0000rt]

We should go back to the start, what's your price range? $35-39k?
*$8,000 cash credit offer is for cash customers only and is available on 2008 Legacy 2.5GT Sedan 8A1GT/8A2GTV and Wagon 8B1GT/8B2GT, 2008 Outback 2.5XT/3.0R models and 2008 Tribeca 8S2CC

Hmm is the base model the 8S2CC stock code?

Imo, the CRV front looks too ugly to even consider it.. (Unless you get Black)

[ygtgxi]

get a subaru tribeca from van bortel! I wish I have the money to even consider a brand new sparkling car

lucky you

[redflower]

You may want to consider the Nissan Rogue also. It's in the same class as the others you mentioned.