Past 5 years of small SUV

[lancerplayer]

What small SUV in the past 5 years has proved to be the "best"?

I'm toying with the idea of getting rid of my Accord for a smaller SUV. Since putting several hundred miles on a 2012 Toyota Rav4, I have come to like the feel of being higher up and bigger overall feel. The Rav4 I drove averaged 24 MPG in mixed driving, but had too harsh of a ride for my taste though. I would want something more smooth and refined.

Is there a clear winner in this category? Is there one to avoid? Just looking for something reliable, easy to maintain as a DIYer, smooth, and "boring" (I drive easy).

 

[Balrog006]

Originally Posted By: lancerplayer
What small SUV in the past 5 years has proved to be the "best"?

I'm toying with the idea of getting rid of my Accord for a smaller SUV. Since putting several hundred miles on a 2012 Toyota Rav4, I have come to like the feel of being higher up and bigger overall feel. The Rav4 I drove averaged 24 MPG in mixed driving, but had too harsh of a ride for my taste though. I would want something more smooth and refined.

Is there a clear winner in this category? Is there one to avoid? Just looking for something reliable, easy to maintain as a DIYer, smooth, and "boring" (I drive easy).


Do you like your Accord? It's ride?

Get a CRV is the answer to above is yes. It's been the best selling Compact SUV for the last several years. Will beat the RAV4 mileage and it's a Honda-can't really go wrong there.

 

[4wd]

The Car Pro (radio show) has really been talking up the new Ford Edge ...

 

[BigBuck]

If you go with the crv, just listen on a cold start for vtc actuator noise which an updated part is available for. And the '15 models had vibration issues, for which there is a fix as well.

 

[RooflessVW]

We just replaced our X3 with a new XC60, and we're totally smitten.

 

[ejes]

I know it might be a surprise with some of the rag reviews, but my wife and I have had a Cherokee for a year now and we love it. It is a limited with the v6 and AWD (Active Drive I). We get about 25 combined and about 28-29 highway. We bought a Rav4 new in 2007 and passed that down to our daughter and replaced it with this Jeep. It has a far better ride and is much quieter inside. Probably to be expected a little bit given it is 8 years newer with regard to newer design and tech. The Rav is a v6 too. I would say it is a little snappier, but the Jeep's 3.2 is more refined. The 9 speed transmission and the stop/start are really the only things a have a little bit of an issue with. All and all, I would buy another one. I've even considered getting a Trailhawk for me since this limited is the wife's daily driver. The Rave is going strong with 150k on it. I just replaced the shocks and struts. It has a minor, slow oil leak, but I bet it has another hundred or two thousand in it. It has been a good vehicle for what it is. We didn't buy another Rav and went with the Jeep after a lot of debate. I boiled down to two things. We still wanted a V6, which Toyota did away with, and we wanted a full size spare tire, which Toyota also did away with.

 

[Quattro Pete]

The XC60 is very nice. Volvo makes super comfy seats.

 

[RazorsEdge]

Originally Posted By: 4WD
The Car Pro (radio show) has really been talking up the new Ford Edge ...


As well they should,it's a very nice vehicle.

 

[crazyoildude]

If you are looking for something new i would look at Hyundai or Kia they have hands down the best warranty around and are great vehicles..
They are not cheap anymore but you get more for your money

 

[Nick1994]

Originally Posted By: crazyoildude
If you are looking for something new i would look at Hyundai or Kia they have hands down the best warranty around and are great vehicles..
They are not cheap anymore but you get more for your money
+1

Hyundai Tucson looks like a nice car, not a bad price either

 

[4wd]

Must be part of the dumping process since lower than others on consumer affairs ...

 

[RedOakRanch]

My wife and I checked them all out 18 months ago and like the Forester best, but my heart wasn't convinced. Took a test drive of the odd looking Outback and fell in love, perfect for our family in every way!

 

[SLCraig]

I would buy the CRV myself in the small SUV segment, but based on your saying the Rav4 rode a bit rough, I'm not so sure. Historically Hondas ride a little more firm than their Toyota competitors. Although the current CRV rides smoother than it's prior generation does for sure.

 

[GenSan]

Subaru Forrester XT would be on my list for a small CUV.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gGZNLDyuFE

 

[crazyoildude]

4wd what do you mean part of the "dumping process" ??

 

[thunderfog]

Our CX-5 has been flawless.

 

[SR5]

Originally Posted By: thunderfog
Our CX-5 has been flawless.

And they look good too

 

[RazorsEdge]

Originally Posted By: thunderfog
Our CX-5 has been flawless.


Since people are talking about the CX-5,anyone here own a CX-3?

 

[JTK]

Originally Posted By: lancerplayer
What small SUV in the past 5 years has proved to be the "best"?


Best in terms of what? Everyone is going to have a different take on that. The good thing is virtually every automotive brand has one or more small SUV/CUVs to choose from. If "best" doesn't mean lowest cost or "best" MPGs, the sky is the limit.

I find our 2016 Forester base model to ride smooth and quietly. It fits 5 of my family easily and gets 32mpg tank/tank for me with my work commute. Lots of cargo space when you need it, plus AWD. It cost me $23K +TTL when new. To me, all that is hard to beat.

 

[Al]

After owning a Forester for 9 years and 165K miles... I would certainly check others. Mainly the RAV4 and CRV. But I would guess the Forester (for me) would be hard to beat. Then again I really don't ever expect to have to replace it in my lifetime, now that I am putting cheap miles on my Chev Spark.