Considering a small SUV

[AutoMechanic]

I say RAV4 preferably or a CX-5. I love my RAV4. They are changing the style for 2026 though even though we haven’t seen any at the dealership. I personally like the 2025 and back style better and it’s a great vehicle.

 

[Propflux01]

We test drove probably 8-10 different economy CUVs before buying our CRV. The only reason, and I mean literally the only reason, we didn’t get a CX-5, was because the CRVs rear doors swing 90* and the wife wanted that for car seats. Otherwise, it wasn’t even close for the top two, the top being the CX-5. After the drives, it was Cx-5 or CRV, and the rear doors 90* won.

The CX-5's rear door are 90* also...

 

[bighead2586]

If I was buying in this category I'd look at the Acura RDX. I think it still comes with the k20 turbo and 10 speed like the previous accord generation had. This powertrain is almost alarmingly quick to accelerate and has been pretty reliable from what I've read.

 

[wemay]

Hyundai Kona
Rav4
VW Tiguan

 

[I<3oil]

The CX-5's rear door are 90* also...

The title says “almost 90*”

 

[Quattro Pete]

The title says “almost 90*”

Plus the video is talking about the new CX-5 which isn't out yet, I think.

 

[javacontour]

Thinking about ditching my 19 Accord.
Great car I many ways: insanely good mileage, reasonably quick, drives great, pretty reliable, surprisingly roomy.
The driver assist stuff is VERY well executed (lane keep/assist and adaptive cruise).

But... uncomfortable seats, limited capabilities in winter (does fine with CC2 tires, but I get nervous as the snow increases in SE Michigan), LOW ground clearance, too much road noise.
And I'm a little concerned about the 1.5T longevity.

I don't want a hybrid.

So:
Honda CRV.
Tons of posivies, but:
Expensive, not particularly quiet (apparently the 25 models are quieter), questionable engine longevity (1.5T).

Subaru Forester.
Mechanically looks like a winner.
25 model is quieter and improved in several ways.
But: Sluggish engine, NANNY crap that nags you to watch the road or decides to slam the brakes for no reason, has a giant stupid slow touch screen.
Amazing that what is otherwise a well designed vehicle may be ruined by garbage electronics.

Hyundai Tucson.
Lots of good stuff.
But: really slow basic engine with low mileage. A lot of electronics makes me a little wary. There were a lot of early electronics issues early on. Questionable reliability.
Was quiet on a brief test drive.

Kia Sportage
Similar to Tucson, didn't test drive thought.

Nissan Rogue.
Decent on paper, but read that it has a too much cabin noise.

Mazda CX5.
Test drove several times briefly.
Drove well and was quiet. Decent acceleration. I like the drivetrain's mechanical simplicity.

But: small, narrow, firm seats. Very firm ride (the Accord is firm, yet absorbs bumps well), but I need to do more test drives and bring a pressure gauge, because maybe they were at 45psi...
Also, it is a little smaller than I would prefer, and outward visibility isn't great.

Subaru Outback.
Similar to Forester.

Chevrolet Equinox.
Ugh. Decent on paper...kinda.
Might do a test drive, but it doesn't seem to have any real standout features (poor mileage, not quiet?)

So many choices...

Ultimately it will probably be a coin toss, but any advice is appreciated...!

You mentioned CX-5. I didn't see the CX-50 mentioned. Any reason you've not looked at that?

 

[Astro14]

Buy 4 snow tires and save the cost of a new SUV.

Don’t ascribe to the misconception that an SUV is better in snow than a FWD car - because that snow performance is all about the tires, not the drive system or “ground clearance” that never really comes into play.

I’ll take a FWD car with 4 Blizzaks or Hakapelliittas over any SUV with all seasons. Used to watch fancy AWD SUVs and cars crash in Vermont all the time during heavy snow or icy conditions, while I cruised by on 4 proper winter tires. Yes, even Subarus, equipped with all seasons, would crash. Saw three of them crashed on my road one snowy day.

You want winter performance, get winter tires.

 

[dkryan]

From the start of this thread:

“But... uncomfortable seats, limited capabilities in winter (does fine with CC2 tires, but I get nervous as the snow increases in SE Michigan), LOW ground clearance, too much road noise.
And I'm a little concerned about the 1.5T longevity.”

Get both; the SUV and being in SE Michigan in the winter weather, get the most capability from your AWD system by investing in proper winter tires.

You won’t regret it.

 

[Propflux01]

Plus the video is talking about the new CX-5 which isn't out yet, I think.

Mine is a 2024 and is the same way.

 

[Propflux01]

The title says “almost 90*”

Is this better?

 

[4wd]

Grab a Ford Escape 2.0 awd. They aren’t gonna make them anymore and they are offering great incentives 0 percent 0 payments for 3 months and 0 down payment. Very reliable and tried and true. Ford has been ending all there reliable affordable vehicles the last few years. I grabbed an Edge right before they ended production. It also has the 2.0 ecoboost and it has been perfect. I’ve had the 2.0 in a few others too and they were perfect too. Just stay away from the little 3 cylinder. I’m also in SE Michigan and the awd with Michelin cross climates is awesome.

rented allot of those in Canadian winters - for sure the 2.0L is much better

 

[I<3oil]

Is this better?

There was something about the door, maybe the handle coming into the car more than the CRV but it was harder to get a car seat in. So the wife wanted CRV. Cest la vie. I’ve told her though she doesn’t get much input in the future for vehicles lol

 

[Quattro Pete]

There was something about the door, maybe the handle coming into the car more than the CRV but it was harder to get a car seat in. So the wife wanted CRV. Cest la vie. I’ve told her though she doesn’t get much input in the future for vehicles lol

Yup, no point picking a fight over this. My wife wanted red/black seats, so she got an NX F-Sport. It's a nice CUV, no complaints really. I was suggesting she take the hybrid version instead, but those seats were only available on the F-Sport.

 

[Looger]

No worries folks, I enjoy the spirited discussion.

Regarding snow tires: I certainly could do that, and YES, they are insanely good.

But I've never needed snows and honestly don't love the idea of having to swap them out and store them. I have a thousand other things to handle, and don't need any more.
And, we can go from 2 feet of snow to spring like weather in a single day. My brother in law ground his snows down in 2 seasons.
We don't get huge amounts of snow, I think around 36" per year?
Though...I think we got 92" in 2013.

But the biggest thing is ground clearance. The Accord is so low, around 5.5", that I can't get my long reach low profile jack under the central front lift point without driving up on DIY mini 3" high ramps.
And I have to lower the car back onto them otherwise I can't get the jack out from under the car.
Total PITA.
The car is surprisingly adept in 3-4" of snow, but I worry a little about being caught out in a big snow dump.

Bob

 

[HemiBenny]

We test drove probably 8-10 different economy CUVs before buying our CRV. The only reason, and I mean literally the only reason, we didn’t get a CX-5, was because the CRVs rear doors swing 90* and the wife wanted that for car seats. Otherwise, it wasn’t even close for the top two, the top being the CX-5. After the drives, it was Cx-5 or CRV, and the rear doors 90* won.

This is probably the best example of what to look for. If you’re going to live with a vehicle 24/7, figure out what works for you and what doesn’t work for you.
Research your choice and set up a maintenance regiment based on the vehicle and driving style.

 

[andrew_j]

Buy 4 snow tires and save the cost of a new SUV.

Don’t ascribe to the misconception that an SUV is better in snow than a FWD car - because that snow performance is all about the tires, not the drive system or “ground clearance” that never really comes into play.

I’ll take a FWD car with 4 Blizzaks or Hakapelliittas over any SUV with all seasons. Used to watch fancy AWD SUVs and cars crash in Vermont all the time during heavy snow or icy conditions, while I cruised by on 4 proper winter tires. Yes, even Subarus, equipped with all seasons, would crash. Saw three of them crashed on my road one snowy day.

You want winter performance, get winter tires.

The major advantage of AWD and SUV is easier to get moving in deeper snow or on a snowy/icy hill even with decent all-seasons especially with clearance.

Once moving the winter tires are superior to have irrelevant to FWD, RWD or AWD vehicle as you can stop and turn significantly better.

 

[I<3oil]

Buy 4 snow tires and save the cost of a new SUV.

Don’t ascribe to the misconception that an SUV is better in snow than a FWD car - because that snow performance is all about the tires, not the drive system or “ground clearance” that never really comes into play.

I’ll take a FWD car with 4 Blizzaks or Hakapelliittas over any SUV with all seasons. Used to watch fancy AWD SUVs and cars crash in Vermont all the time during heavy snow or icy conditions, while I cruised by on 4 proper winter tires. Yes, even Subarus, equipped with all seasons, would crash. Saw three of them crashed on my road one snowy day.

You want winter performance, get winter tires.

When we went to Glenwood springs last March, snow on the ground, snow on I-70, we got passed by a brand new Escalade who was driving probably 90 on whatever 22-24” highway tires it had. I was completely dumbfounded by this. Even on big sweeping turns. Blew my mind that someone would even think about attempting that.

 

[dwcopple]

When we went to Glenwood springs last March, snow on the ground, snow on I-70, we got passed by a brand new Escalade who was driving probably 90 on whatever 22-24” highway tires it had. I was completely dumbfounded by this. Even on big sweeping turns. Blew my mind that someone would even think about attempting that.

What's the curb weight of one of those?

 

[SC Maintenance]

The CX-5's rear door are 90* also...

I fail to see how that last 15 degrees of travel helps get in and out. Once the door is open 75 degrees does it matter?