After 1-2 years of researching various CUVs, I’ve decided to go with another Ford Escape, placing an order this afternoon. It is supposed to be built in January and arrive early March.
I hope it will be as trouble-free as my 2006, but I know that may be wishful thinking. The 2006 has 183k mostly trouble free miles. I have maintained it well but it is not been babied.
Top contenders were CX-5 turbo, RAV4, and VW Tiguan.
I owned a 2013 CX-5 that I put 90k mechanically trouble free miles on, but the infotainment was horrible and I didn’t like the way my knee hit the center console. Unfortunately, my knee still hits the console on the 2020 so I reluctantly crossed it off the list.
The RAV4 was another top contender, mainly for Toyota reliability and I’m actually partial to its looks. I rented one for a week. It probably would have been the practical choice, but it just doesn’t excite me. It also doesn’t have a high-output engine option.
I also rented a VW Tiguan for a week and I must say I really liked it. Of course I had deep reservations about VW reliability, not to mention the bad reputation of the local VW dealer. If it had been offered with a high-output engine I probably would not have been able to resist.
I also wanted a replacement with similar towing capability (3500 lb) which will allow me to pull my trailer with ATV or small tractor. It will also give me the flexibility to sell the Tundra in the future should I want/need to.
In the end, tow capacity won out leading me to the Ford Escape. I wasn’t crazy about the styling at first but it has grown on me. Hopefully it will be a good vehicle. You’ll definitely hear from me if it’s not
I hope it will be as trouble-free as my 2006, but I know that may be wishful thinking. The 2006 has 183k mostly trouble free miles. I have maintained it well but it is not been babied.
Top contenders were CX-5 turbo, RAV4, and VW Tiguan.
I owned a 2013 CX-5 that I put 90k mechanically trouble free miles on, but the infotainment was horrible and I didn’t like the way my knee hit the center console. Unfortunately, my knee still hits the console on the 2020 so I reluctantly crossed it off the list.
The RAV4 was another top contender, mainly for Toyota reliability and I’m actually partial to its looks. I rented one for a week. It probably would have been the practical choice, but it just doesn’t excite me. It also doesn’t have a high-output engine option.
I also rented a VW Tiguan for a week and I must say I really liked it. Of course I had deep reservations about VW reliability, not to mention the bad reputation of the local VW dealer. If it had been offered with a high-output engine I probably would not have been able to resist.
I also wanted a replacement with similar towing capability (3500 lb) which will allow me to pull my trailer with ATV or small tractor. It will also give me the flexibility to sell the Tundra in the future should I want/need to.
In the end, tow capacity won out leading me to the Ford Escape. I wasn’t crazy about the styling at first but it has grown on me. Hopefully it will be a good vehicle. You’ll definitely hear from me if it’s not
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