New SUV Hunt, Narrow Down Choices

sandikosh wrote: ↑You will need to go one size higher to a Pilot/Highlander/CX9. Those dogs will suffer in the cargo area with the back seats up in those small cuvs.

AstulzerRSX wrote: ↑ I literally JUST shopped this segment, here's the lowdown on why you might want to buy one of the 3 listed, and downsides to them.

- CR-V: Buy this if you're looking for an all rounder with good space, tech, and engine.
Downsides include 1st year production glitches that seem to affect the digital dash.

- CX5: Buy this if you're prioritizing sport, style and luxury. Hands down the best cabin, and premium exterior styling. Super sporty and connected feeling drive.
Downsides include poor equipment and safety tech for your money, and the current engine is a bit weak ALTHOUGH the diesel is coming soon.

- RAV4: Buy this if you are looking for a hybrid, or want the safety tech at the lowest price possible.
Downsides include cheap af plastic in the interior, and rather crashy over bumps. While it gets good on the IIHS Small Overlap Driver's side crash test, it gets poor result on the passenger side.

For you, I'd probably look at the RAV4 Hybrid, or CR-V.

Your mixed feelings are correct:
- Santa Fe: Outdated and outgunned in every aspect by its competitors.
- Rogue: Recently updated, but CVT issues and Nissan build quality are always a question mark.

CuriousJack wrote: ↑ Not to minimize your enthusiasm but it will be faster for you to search the thread....tons of info about this...in no time you will be able to pick your vehicle...no need to wait for answers here...

tebore wrote: ↑ If you're comparing this segment it's the Tuscan that's the competitor. The Sante Fe is the midsize unit.
The Tuscan is brand new for 2017. It's got some teething issues in the DCT and turbo Unit. It's basically the best Gen 1 Tiguan that isn't a Tiguan. But it's pricey.

My Money is on the CR-V then the Tuscan.

Swerny wrote: ↑ exactly, this topic gets discussed pretty much weekly.



There's no such model as a Tuscan.

Hyundai does sell a Tucson however.

tebore wrote: ↑ If you're comparing this segment it's the Tuscan that's the competitor. The Sante Fe is the midsize unit.
The Tuscan is brand new for 2017. It's got some teething issues in the DCT and turbo Unit. It's basically the best Gen 1 Tiguan that isn't a Tiguan. But it's pricey.

My Money is on the CR-V then the Tuscan.

For the OP tho. These CUVs are quite small for 2 80lbs dogs and 2 car seats. You'd want to be looking at something the size of the Pilot or Highlander. My Money again on the Pilot unless you want the Hybrid. The Atlas and CX-9 are worth a look too but the Atlas is the initial release so I'd wait. The CX-9 is a great all round SUV, but I'd give the Edge to the Pilot because of the available V6 or else the CX-9 wins in all categories.

Notable Mention for the Mid/Full SUV is the Ford Explorer. If you can get it during Ford Employee Pricing it's good value. The only downside is the current design is more than half a decade old (released 2010 for MY2011) and you can feel it aging when you compare it to the current contenders, it's still very competitive so it's a testament to Ford's design. Rumor is 2019 we'll see a new model, taking styling cues and engineering bits from the new Expedition.

onslaught192 wrote: ↑ not to hijack, but im in the same boat as you are......going through the buyback on my TDI

test drove the new Tiguan...feels just like my jetta (but bigger obviously) and is the front runner so far

going to try out the CX-5 Gas (but would wait for diesel equivalent if i like it), CR-V and possibly the Q5 as well.

AstulzerRSX wrote: ↑ How did you find the 2.0T in the new Tiguan?

Review seem to indicate that it's a turtle of an engine - 9 seconds to 60, 5.1 second 30-50, 6.5 second 50-70.
For reference, the Tiguan 0-60 and 30-50 is slower than a Versa.
The CX-5 does 0-60 in 7.6, 30-50 in 4.3, and 50-70 in 5.3.

tebore wrote: ↑ As you discovered on paper the new Tig is a boat compared to the old. VW took everything about the old Tig that made it a fav and tossed it, looked at the Rav 4/HIghlander and said ok how we do make a Mexican/German version of that?

While the Koreans took the Old Tig and said hmm we can rebadge that in to a the Tuscon.

Paraphrasing here but you get the gist.

AstulzerRSX wrote: ↑ If the Tucson offered AEB on lower trims, and either didn't have a sketchy DCT with 1.6T or had a 2.4 that was fast enough to not need flat footing everywher, it'd be my absolute pick. It struck me as very refined in the interior, ride, noise, and handling.

The CR-V just seems to have a strong yet reliable powertrain combined with the active safety tech across all trims, making it an easier recommendation for families where safety is key.

tebore wrote: ↑ That it is.
As I mentioned in the 2017 CR-V before being derailed by Pete_Coach was I wished they offered a choice for more power. Since the CR-V is larger than ever, some more pep to help tow, lug around the family with enough luggage would be nice. The 2.0T + Transmission should be an option from the Accord, and tow package to be able to pull 3000/3500 lbs would be ideal.
The new CR-V is about the same size as the original Pilot and that offered a sweet V6. The new HR-V occupies the space the old CR-V left behind.

AstulzerRSX wrote: ↑ I actually really enjoy the Honda CVT - it appeared to be quite responsive, had stepped gears when appropriate while doing CVT things when it would be best (light/full throttle), but the engine is just 'appropriately quick' for its size... would be really great if it had another 10-20hp.

tebore wrote: ↑ That it is.
As I mentioned in the 2017 CR-V before being derailed by Pete_Coach was I wished they offered a choice for more power. Since the CR-V is larger than ever, some more pep to help tow, lug around the family with enough luggage would be nice. The 2.0T + Transmission should be an option from the Accord, and tow package to be able to pull 3000/3500 lbs would be ideal.
The new CR-V is about the same size as the original Pilot and that offered a sweet V6. The new HR-V occupies the space the old CR-V left behind.