I’m ready to replace my Nissan Rogue. I used to start my search with Consumer Reports, but they have stopped including the drive type in their listings. Here are my specs:
must haves: AWD, heated seats, comfortable for 5’ 4" driver
wants: new safety features like blind spot warning, auto climate-control, >30 mpg, good safety and reliability, peppy handling, good visibility
budget: up to roughly $32,000
I have discovered that the Volvo seat bed is too long for my body. Asian cars tend to fit me well – I think because I’m not that much smaller than the average Asian male. For the last go-round, I loved the Subaru Forester in theory, but found it noisy and uncomfortable for my 50-minute commute. One of the other Subaru models (Outback maybe?) had an annoying high-pitched whine. The Honda CR-V wasn’t peppy enough, but the interior was beautifully designed. I was definitely looking for a small SUV last time, but I’m willing to go with a sedan since I’m done playing moving van for my kid. I like the higher driving position of an SUV, but I recently rented a Hyundai sedan that averaged 40 mpg. I’m willing to trade off sitting higher for 10 more mpg. (I currently enjoy getting ~29 mpg with my Rogue.)
Hybrid or electric cars.
The options you’ve listed will increase your prices tri-fold.
Go to any of the auto web sites like Edmunds. com They should be able to give you cost estimates and options packages.
I would try models again, cars change over the years, and for example both the forrester and outback have undergone changes. There are other crossover models as well out there that have AWD, that might fit your bill (the Subaru Crosstek comes to mind). One thing to note, despite the EPA ratings saying otherwise, AWD vehicles IME are more likely than not to do worse than the EPA ratings, AWD, though better than the old 4WD, has a cost associated with it. For I believe has a Fusion AWD that may be worth looking at, other makes have AWD on their cars now. If you seatch on cars.com or Edwards.com you can search for cars with AWD, and then see what may match your criteria. If a vehicle is doing 40mpg with AWD, likely it is a hybrid, or it has a way small, underpowered engine, I think that may be a pipe dream.
5’2"
I just bought a Mazda CX-5, including the “old lady” package, which includes radar cruise control, blind spot warning, backup warning AND backup camera. It theoretically gets 30 mpg highway but I’m not quite getting that. AWD. Heated seats. It has a small turning radius, which I really care a lot about. Very easy to park. Have had several passengers and all have commented on how smooth it is. Didn’t really expect smooth as a commentary, but it is. It’s responsive, but it’s also not harsh to drive.
I love my Suburu Outback. I found it has a markedly smoother ride than the Forester. Also love still having a little cargo space. It has al lof the things you are looking for. Mine has the larger engine and is very peppy.
Another plug for the Mazda CX-5! I was looking for the same safety features/requirements and ended up with the CX-5. It’s my first Mazda, and I’m very happy so far!
I test drove both Subarus a year ago and opted for the Forester. I’m taller than you, so maybe that’s part of the comfort thing. I love how easy it is to see everything around me. To me the outback drove more like my mother’s station wagon. The Forester has Great visibility all the way around. But then my commute is short and in heavy traffic at less than 50 mph. Needing to see other lanes is more important than road noise. Everyone is different.
The safety features are great but every blessed time I drive down my long winding cul-de-sac it beeps because I am headed directly at my neighbors’ oversized brick mailbox. Yes, but the road curves! I’m not going to plow into it! The next generation of this software needs to have an “over-ride in this location - no beep” feature.
Just realized I need to move the saying "every blessed time " to the other thread…used in this instance to replace those words that would involve these symbols #}%€*&$ in the comics.
You’ll find that CC land really is love with Subarus. And they were part of what convinced me to buy mine - a Forester!
It may not be the quietest car (being honest, I don’t really notice - guess it’s not important to me) but after driving all other Subarus it was the winner for me. I like that the seat sits me up “straighter”. The visibility around the entire car is excellent. Heated seats pretty easy to find on models. Gas mileage is probably better than I expected.
I bought a Subaru Outback 2016 last August. I have over 17000 miles on it, probably 2/3 short stop and go drives, 1/3 highway. I get about 25-27 in town, 30 on the highway. Heated seats front and back, dual climate control front, climate control in back. Most of the features I don’t use: sunroof: hate it, fancy sound system: only listen to a few stations (sirius xm), backup camera: usually prefer my eyes. Love the trunk area, but I still drive a kid around with all her stuff. Passengers say the back seat is incredibly comfortable.
I opted for the Outback over the Forester based on the interior room. 6’5" son can easily fit in the back seat with enough head room and leg room, plus the trunk space was bigger.
There were no defects on this car and the only services it has had are the oil changes.
@1214mom my Volvo S60 is going to need a new engine…2012. I am not sure I would recommend Volvo to anyone …unless they pick up the tab for my car repair. The service manager is advocating on my behalf.
You can google…2012 Volvo S60 burning oil to see the gory details.
Subaru checks off all of the boxes in your requirements. A loaded Forester would run you around $35k before any haggling. Great vehicles (we own two), and no “high-pitched” whine that I have noticed.
My daughter is in the market for a new car. She is considering the RAV4 or Honda CRV. Subarus are too hard to get and nothing much for deals ( probably because they are in such high demand )
One of my sisters is on her 3rd RAV4 and loves them. I have a Landcruiser with a lot of bells and whistles. This is my second one and it is awesome.
