SUV Recommendations?

[s0me0nesmind1]

Looking to spend ~$20k, but willing to go to mid 20's if it has good bells and whistles for a used SUV.

General Direction for what we want:
1. Japanese brand. Right now I'm willing to consider: Honda/Acura, Toyota/Lexus, Hyundai, Mazda, Kia (Yeah, I know they are Korean - but willing to consider them as well)
2. High Reliability. The less often they need repairs, the better.
3. High Safety for family driving.
4. High MPG - mid 20's for city - at or above 30 for highway
5. A "nice to have" would be a car that allows for someone like myself to be able to do my own repairs if desired... Instead of making everything so convoluted that you have to take EVERYTHING in to the dealer to fix even the most simple things.


So with that said, anyone here have general recommendations?

When browsing auto-trader, I see that brands like Hyundai and Kia are WAY cheaper than your Honda/Toyota (as low as $12 - 15k for a recent used one) - but I've also heard that they have made a TON of progress in reliability over the recent years to the point where there isn't a big difference. True? False?

 

[jlee]

SUV or crossover? Lexus GX470 / GX460 does everything on that list except fuel economy.

 

[Brainonska511]

How big does it have to be? If I had to go out and buy a new or used car tomorrow, I'd probably try to find a Kia Niro (crossover SUV style) - great EPA gas mileage (40+ mpg in city and highway), seems like it has a good assortment of bells and whistles, good IIHS safety ratings, and is certainly big enough (though, other people may have differing definitions on this front).

 

[s0me0nesmind1]

Whoops, doublepost

 

[s0me0nesmind1]

How big does it have to be? If I had to go out and buy a new or used car tomorrow, I'd probably try to find a Kia Niro (crossover SUV style) - great EPA gas mileage (40+ mpg in city and highway), seems like it has a good assortment of bells and whistles, good IIHS safety ratings, and is certainly big enough (though, other people may have differing definitions on this front).

SUV or crossover? Lexus GX470 / GX460 does everything on that list except fuel economy.

Crossovers are just smaller SUVs that have less height, right? Yeah I'm thinking full SUV - Not a gargantuan 3rd row seats SUV, but a decent mid-size.

This has REALLY bubbled up from having to go on trips with 2 kids (1 toddler, 1 baby) and trying to fit 2 large suitcases in the trunk, along with a stroller and car seats.

 

[Brainonska511]

Crossovers are just smaller SUVs that have less height, right? Yeah I'm thinking full SUV - Not a gargantuan 3rd row seats SUV, but a decent mid-size.

This has REALLY bubbled up from having to go on trips with 2 kids (1 toddler, 1 baby) and trying to fit 2 large suitcases in the trunk, along with a stroller and car seats.

I think it tends to vary from crossover to crossover. Some are more akin to smaller SUVs, whereas some are more akin to slightly higher wagons.

 

[thecoolnessrune]

Yeah, GX470 / GX460 are really good, though in all honesty with the description you're giving, a minivan would do what you're asking for way better. Minivans are amazing, and I'd rather have a current gen Chrysler Pacifica at 20K than any 20K 2 row / 3 row crossover.

 

[ponyo]

The best midsize ICE SUV is Lexus GX460. But gas mileage is horrid. But if you can live with terrible gas mileage, you won't find better ICE SUV.

 

[mindless1]

RAV4 comes closest to what you've described.

 

[fralexandr]

The rav4 hybrid has pretty amazing mpg, but is a bit over budget. Honda is releasing a cr-v hybrid which is also a bit over budget.

The older gen rav4 hybrid is available in your price range, but not as amazing on the mpg side.

I'm driving a kia niro, and other than being a meh drivers car it is a great people mover. Not sure about the trunk space though.

The kia soul should check all of those boxes.

 

[s0me0nesmind1]

The best midsize ICE SUV is Lexus GX460. But gas mileage is horrid. But if you can live with terrible gas mileage, you won't find better ICE SUV.

Yeah that's why I'm willing to go hybrid as well.


Also fuggin Lexus' are expensive. I'm wondering if I can get the same equivalent features (leather seats, etc.) out of an upgraded RAV4

 

[jlee]

Yeah that's why I'm willing to go hybrid as well.


Also fuggin Lexus' are expensive. I'm wondering if I can get the same equivalent features (leather seats, etc.) out of an upgraded RAV4

Used Lexus GX for Sale in Haledon, NJ - CarGurus

Save $7,631 on a used Lexus GX near you. Search over 5,900 listings to find the best Haledon, NJ deals. We analyze millions of used cars daily.

www.cargurus.com

 

[s0me0nesmind1]

Used Lexus GX for Sale in Haledon, NJ - CarGurus

Save $7,631 on a used Lexus GX near you. Search over 5,900 listings to find the best Haledon, NJ deals. We analyze millions of used cars daily.

www.cargurus.com

2010, 110k miles for nearly $17k lol. Yeah, thats exactly what I'm talking about.

The wife wants a more newer model as well with some of the more recent features. Looking to get 2014 or newer, ideally more towards 2016.

Ultimately Lexus' just doesn't look like it will be in the price range - especially if I can get damn near the exact same in a RAV4

 

[ponyo]

2010, 110k miles for nearly $17k lol. Yeah, thats exactly what I'm talking about.

The wife wants a more newer model as well with some of the more recent features. Looking to get 2014 or newer, ideally more towards 2016.

Ultimately Lexus' just doesn't look like it will be in the price range - especially if I can get damn near the exact same in a RAV4

lol. RAV4 is not near the exact same as GX460. There's a reason why GX and LX hold their value. There's no substitute for Land Cruiser. Maybe when Tesla Cybertruck comes out Land Cruiser will have some real competition.

 

[jlee]

2010, 110k miles for nearly $17k lol. Yeah, thats exactly what I'm talking about.

The wife wants a more newer model as well with some of the more recent features. Looking to get 2014 or newer, ideally more towards 2016.

Ultimately Lexus' just doesn't look like it will be in the price range - especially if I can get damn near the exact same in a RAV4

lol, you can't.

You may be able to get the features you want (leather seats etc) but it's not remotely the same vehicle. Given what you've described your needs to be a RAV4, RX330/RX350, Mazda CX5, Honda CRV, etc are likely more up your alley. Toyota / Lexus are woefully behind in tech (Android Auto / Carplay etc) so keep that in mind too.

 

[s0me0nesmind1]

lol, you can't.

You may be able to get the features you want (leather seats etc) but it's not remotely the same vehicle. Given what you've described your needs to be a RAV4, RX330/RX350, Mazda CX5, Honda CRV, etc are likely more up your alley. Toyota / Lexus are woefully behind in tech (Android Auto / Carplay etc) so keep that in mind too.

Good to know, thanks!

Of the options you listed, who do you think has been keeping up well tech wise? One of the req features the wife wants is remote start with a smartphone... Namely because shes spoiled with her current BMW, and 2nd because she likes warming/cooling down her car ahead of time.

 

[thecoolnessrune]

Good to know, thanks!

Of the options you listed, who do you think has been keeping up well tech wise? One of the req features the wife wants is remote start with a smartphone... Namely because shes spoiled with her current BMW, and 2nd because she likes warming/cooling down her car ahead of time.

If you want that feature built in to the Rav4, that's only the 2019 and up models with Entune 3.0 (and the yearly Connectivity Services Subscription), and at least Audio Plus in the cabin (so XLE and up, or Hybrid). Probably not gonna find that in your 20K Budget either. Of course, there's always third party.

 

[manly]

I'd say Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4. I believe the current CR-V is way better reviewed over the past few years than just about anything, but you can't beat Toyota reliability. Your challenge is that SUVs depreciate slowly, and $20k may be a little limiting. The thing is that if you want the newest tech, you need to get a current model (which can still be a few years old). Anything from before MY2017 will have ancient tech.

jlee was referring to Toyota infotainment. There are other technology factors, assisted driving and safety are ones to look at.

I'd go with the 2017 CR-V, which was the first year of the current model. I don't think Honda Sensing was standard yet, so you'll have a hard time finding it optioned in a used car. The RAV4 had lackluster reviews vs. class leaders, so I'd mostly rule it out completely unless you're opening your budget up to MY2019. Even the 2017 Korean crossover SUVs had better reviews, although you'll give up a little in fuel efficiency.

Remote start and circulating the cabin air are two entirely different things. I agree that the latter is super useful in warm months.

 

[s0me0nesmind1]

I'd say Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4. I believe the current CR-V is way better reviewed over the past few years than just about anything, but you can't beat Toyota reliability. Your challenge is that SUVs depreciate slowly, and $20k may be a little limiting. The thing is that if you want the newest tech, you need to get a current model (which can still be a few years old). Anything from before MY2017 will have ancient tech.

jlee was referring to Toyota infotainment. There are other technology factors, assisted driving and safety are ones to look at.

I'd go with the 2017 CR-V, which was the first year of the current model. I don't think Honda Sensing was standard yet, so you'll have a hard time finding it optioned in a used car. The RAV4 had lackluster reviews vs. class leaders, so I'd mostly rule it out completely unless you're opening your budget up to MY2019. Even the 2017 Korean crossover SUVs had better reviews, although you'll give up a little in fuel efficiency.

Remote start and circulating the cabin air are two entirely different things. I agree that the latter is super useful in warm months.

You seem like you understand what I'm going for at least from a... financial perspective - namely, something that is reliable, solid built - yet still gives me the most "bang for my buck".

What would you say is worthy of plopping down money for (from an SUV perspective) regardless of my budget?

 

[OILFIELDTRASH]

My wife has a 17 Honda crv. It's an EX model. Has the Android Auto in it. Not sure of carplay because we use Android only. It's got about 40k miles on it now. It's had a computer glitch that a reset seemed to fix and the button for the gear indicator broke off and was fixed under warranty. It's got a ton of storage. Seats are okay up to about a couple hours. Definitely not a good vacation vehicle due to comfort. Leg room is a little lacking and seat comfort is meh. Engine has good pep. There are recalls for some engines collecting gas in the engines because it not burning completely. They extended the warranty on the engines. Being a Honda it has very well thought out storage. Every nook and cranny was accounted for. I'm big into vehicles and have compared it extensively vs the RAV4. The newest RAV4 (19 and up) is comparable but the previous gen was a solid step behind.

 

[ondma]

I would very strongly suggest looking for Android Auto (or car play if you have an iphone) and adaptive cruise control. I have a newer car with both, and they are fantastic.

 

[s0me0nesmind1]

Forum's thoughts on Mazda? I'm seeing them much more reasonably priced that Toyota/Honda, but reliability index's seem to indicate they are right on par. Anything I'm missing that would steer me away from them?

 

[ondma]

Forum's thoughts on Mazda? I'm seeing them much more reasonably priced that Toyota/Honda, but reliability index's seem to indicate they are right on par. Anything I'm missing that would steer me away from them?

Mazda CX5 is a very good choice. Slightly less room and power than CRV or RAV 4, but good ride and sporty handling (for an SUV) and a conventional automatic rather than a CVT. Good reliability also I believe. If one wants something smaller, the CX30 is sweet also, but just came out, so used models would not be available. Even used CX5s are expensive in my area though. My only complaint with Mazda is that the entertainment system does not have a touch screen. You have to control it with a knob on the console. Seems like a minor complaint, but a big negative to me.

 

[manly]

Forum's thoughts on Mazda? I'm seeing them much more reasonably priced that Toyota/Honda, but reliability index's seem to indicate they are right on par. Anything I'm missing that would steer me away from them?

I haven't driven these cars, so my opinion is as good as the next guy's. I have been researching compact SUVs for a while. Mazda CX5 gets high marks for drivability, and is in the upper quartile of reviewed cars in this class over the past few years.

I'm not a big fan of Lexus/Toyota styling, so I would personally choose CR-V (like I said, prior model RAV4 does not stack up well to any of the class leaders anyhow). CR-V has very good cargo room, if that matters to you. If you want Honda Sensing, you'll probably need a MY2018 EX. Note that nowadays Honda has what's considered average reliability. I would not be nervous about Hyundai/Kia reliability. On average, cars are much more reliable than ever; even if you get average or above average reliability, you're highly unlikely to get a clunker.

Narrow down your list to about 3 choices, and go test drive them.

 

[OILFIELDTRASH]

My wife's 17 Honda CR-V ex has Honda sensing. Lx was the only model that doesn't have it.
As far as Mazda we looked at Mazda at the time we bought the crv but didn't buy it. I can't remember what it was we didn't like. I'm partial to Honda even though they aren't the same quality as they once were. If you read the reviews I don't really think anything else was close to the CR-V when the refreshed model came out in 17. Honestly I always end up with either Ford or Hondas. I could tell you tons about either of those.