pyccku
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,817 
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Post by pyccku on Jan 16, 2022 17:46:50 GMT
We are looking in to trading our minivan for a small SUV. We want something reliable with enough cargo space to carry 2-3 hockey bags. Our short list is:
Hyundai Tucson
Honda CR-V
Mazda CX-5
Toyota RAV4
Since new vehicles are pretty much out of stock everywhere, it's impossible to get a test drive or look at the car in person unless you happen to be at the right place at the right time. So...any peas who have one of the above vehicles, would you mind sharing your experience? We are looking at the 2022 models.
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Post by Skellinton on Jan 16, 2022 17:56:07 GMT
I didn’t like the RAV4 when I was car shopping and it was way more expensive then comparable models.
My mom has the Mazda and loves it. It is super comfy to ride in and the backseat is very comfortable and pretty roomy.
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Ryann
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Love is Inclusive
Posts: 2,620
Location: PNW
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Post by Ryann on Jan 16, 2022 18:09:04 GMT
In 2018 I bought a new SUV and considered the below from your list: Honda CR-V Mazda CX-5 Toyota RAV4 I discounted the Toyota quickly as it didn't use Apple Car Play and I didn't like the digital display. I don't know if those things have changed since then. I test drove the Honda CR-V and the Mazda CX-5. I liked them both - the Honda and Mazda dealerships were next door to each other and owned by the same company. The salesperson had me sit in each vehicle and they walked in circles around it while I tried to keep my eyes on them. The Mazda had significant blind spots compared to the Honda. I could see them almost 100% as they walked around the Honda, with the Mazda not so much. We parked the Mazda and the Honda next to each so I could compare the cargo space in the back. The floor of the back cargo space was a good 6+ inches lower than the Mazda, so lifting things in and out of the Honda would be easier (less effort needed) than the Mazda. I was upgrading from a compact car and was going to a LOT of weekend scrapbooking retreats. I wanted something that would be able to fit all the supplies I like to bring, so not having to lift as high to get things in/out was a big plus to me as some things were very heavy. Those are the two main reasons are why I chose the Honda over the Mazda. I also thought the Mazda center console area was bulky, and preferred the smaller footprint in the Honda. I absolutely love my Honda CR-V and would choose it again. I've been very happy with it! Best of luck in getting what you want, whatever your decision!  ETA: The Honda backseat is SO comfortable! |
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Post by tuva42 on Jan 16, 2022 18:12:31 GMT
We drove a Toyota RAV 4 last week while we were vacationing in Florida. We liked it just fine. I drive a 2013 Lexus RX350 which is about the same size. I LOVE it. We've had it for over 9 years now and I have no thoughts about trading it in. We've spent very little on repairs and it runs just like it did when I bought it. It had the most cargo space I could find in a crossover when we bought it. I had 2 kids who were going to be going off to college and I knew we need the cargo space. I also use it extensively for work.
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Gravity
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,233
Jun 27, 2014 0:29:55 GMT
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Post by Gravity on Jan 16, 2022 18:13:51 GMT
I have a 2018 Honda CRV that I purchased new. I love it. I would buy another one.
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Post by calgaryscrapper on Jan 16, 2022 18:54:29 GMT
A friend had a white mx-5 and was in at least 2 accidents (not his fault). He bought a newer upgraded one. The new one is a bluish like color.
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Post by Lexica on Jan 16, 2022 18:55:35 GMT
Have you looked at anything in the Subaru lineup? I am on my second Forester and love it. I recently needed a bit of work on it and they gave me a new Forester to drive for the day. Unfortunately, I fell in love with it. I now want a new Forester again. Or maybe the outback.
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Post by hopemax on Jan 16, 2022 18:56:46 GMT
My car is a 2019 CX-5. I love it. It's just a fun car to drive. I am short so blind spots between the head rest, the seatbelt, the placement of the windows can be a real problem, but I've had no problems. However, when we were doing research it has the smallest cargo space. Since it's just the two of us that wasn't a deal breaker. But just putting our luggage from traveling in the back can fill it up. If you have more people, and don't have a vehicle that can handle more it could be a problem. 2-3 Hockey bags should be fine, but larger suitcases, it fills up real quick.
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Post by GamGam on Jan 16, 2022 19:00:57 GMT
I have a 2018 Honda CRV that I purchased new. I love it. I would buy another one. This is DH vehicle, and I love driving it. And riding in it. It is so comfortable. My car is a BMW(which I also love), but we travel in the Honda due to the safety features which my BMW does not have. |
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TankTop
Pearl Clutcher
Refupea #1,871
Posts: 4,836
Location: On the couch...
Jun 28, 2014 1:52:46 GMT
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Post by TankTop on Jan 16, 2022 19:02:18 GMT
Not on your list, but I bought a Ford Bronco Sport Outerbanks model.
I freaking love this car so much.
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Post by alsomsknit on Jan 16, 2022 19:08:12 GMT
Bought a 2021 CRV in November. Drove my Escape until she broke.
The center console thing is the worst item on that car. The arm rest is adequate. But, the storage area below it is open, unless you count the flimsy cover that slides closed. It is the dumbest set up I have ever seen in a car.
It is not a car for a short person. In fact, I think the previous owner most likely traded it in on something that sat lower to the ground. It took me a minute to figure out the seat would automatically readjust depending on the fob. The lady who had my car practically sat up against the steering wheel. How she could reach anything from deep inside the rear compartment is beyond me.
It is comfortable and checked off all my boxes, including the color. It’s fun to drive. Still adjusting to turning some of the features off every time I turn the car on. There is an auto shutoff on the engine for stop lights and such. Haven’t figured out if it can be turned off entirely. Sound system is OK. It is the perfect size for the 4 of us. Plus, I will never be asked to drive a group due to its size.
It is far too easy to find myself over 70 mph on the mountain. Flat roadways are even worse. Gas mileage is fantastic, if the roads are flat. I drive over a mountain to work. Most of the 3 miles is mountain. 18 mpg seems to be average just going to work.
I like that it sits up high. Great visually. The interior is comfortable. It is a push button start and has a gear shift. Not a stupid button/wheel to change gears. It isn’t super easy to know what gear you are in without looking at the dash, as the indicators are kind of close on the console. There is a lot of electronics to have issues with down the road.
I was considering ordering a Ford Bronco Sport. Still a little salty over what happened with the Focus. MPG was a fair amount less. Loved the boxy appearance. The leather seats were highly disappointing. Ended up paying more for the used Honda than I would have if I would have ordered the Bronco.
Due to previous experience in trying out a Honda or two, I would have never even considered the CRV. The seats in their supposed luxury vehicles was like sitting on boards. We were on a VW/Volvo lot. DH talked me into just sitting in the CRV. The salesman was awesome in allowing me access to quite a few cars and just standing back.
The CRV is not my Escape. However, I think the CRV is going to be loved just as much in time. Driving her is a pleasure. And, I do not mind paying the car payment. It is MY first car that I am working to pay for.
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Post by kenziekeeper on Jan 16, 2022 19:09:15 GMT
I would add the Ford Escape to your list. I went from an Escape to a CR-V and back to another Escape! I will likely have another or it’s larger sibling Explorer next.
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Post by ~summer~ on Jan 16, 2022 19:14:42 GMT
Bought a 2021 CRV in November. Drove my Escape until she broke. The center console thing is the worst item on that car. The arm rest is adequate. But, the storage area below it is open, unless you count the flimsy cover that slides closed. It is the dumbest set up I have ever seen in a car. It is not a car for a short person. In fact, I think the previous owner most likely traded it in on something that sat lower to the ground. It took me a minute to figure out the seat would automatically readjust depending on the fob. The lady who had my car practically sat up against the steering wheel. How she could reach anything from deep inside the rear compartment is beyond me. It is comfortable and checked off all my boxes, including the color. It’s fun to drive. Still adjusting to turning some of the features off every time I turn the car on. There is an auto shutoff on the engine for stop lights and such. Haven’t figured out if it can be turned off entirely. Sound system is OK. It is the perfect size for the 4 of us. Plus, I will never be asked to drive a group due to its size. It is far too easy to find myself over 70 mph on the mountain. Flat roadways are even worse. Gas mileage is fantastic, if the roads are flat. I drive over a mountain to work. Most of the 3 miles is mountain. 18 mpg seems to be average just going to work. I like that it sits up high. Great visually. The interior is comfortable. It is a push button start and has a gear shift. Not a stupid button/wheel to change gears. It isn’t super easy to know what gear you are in without looking at the dash, as the indicators are kind of close on the console. There is a lot of electronics to have issues with down the road. I was considering ordering a Ford Bronco Sport. Still a little salty over what happened with the Focus. MPG was a fair amount less. Loved the boxy appearance. The leather seats were highly disappointing. Ended up paying more for the used Honda than I would have if I would have ordered the Bronco. Due to previous experience in trying out a Honda or two, I would have never even considered the CRV. The seats in their supposed luxury vehicles was like sitting on boards. We were on a VW/Volvo lot. DH talked me into just sitting in the CRV. The salesman was awesome in allowing me access to quite a few cars and just standing back. The CRV is not my Escape. However, I think the CRV is going to be loved just as much in time. Driving her is a pleasure. And, I do not mind paying the car payment. It is MY first car that I am working to pay for. that’s so funny that you say that about the center console - I sat in one when I was looking at cars and that was the one thing I loved! I saw it as the perfect place to set my purse lol. I did not further consider it though as the external styling of the CRV was just not for me. |
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scrappinwithoutpeas
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,004
Location: Northern Virginia
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Post by scrappinwithoutpeas on Jan 16, 2022 19:16:00 GMT
MIL has a Ford Escape that she loves, and SIL & I both have Hyundai Santa Fe SUVs that we love. (Mine is a 2018, purchased new in 2019.) When I was car-shopping, I tried the CR-V and the RAV-4 and didn't really love either one for various reasons.
ETA: The Hyundai Tuscan is similar to the Santa Fe, just slightly smaller - we were replacing a 12-year old minivan so we went with the slightly larger Santa Fe because I knew I'd miss the cargo space. CR-V was uncomfortable, did not have enough cargo space for me, and I didn't like the styling. I don't remember what it was about the RAV4.
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Post by alsomsknit on Jan 16, 2022 19:19:37 GMT
Bought a 2021 CRV in November. Drove my Escape until she broke. The center console thing is the worst item on that car. The arm rest is adequate. But, the storage area below it is open, unless you count the flimsy cover that slides closed. It is the dumbest set up I have ever seen in a car. It is not a car for a short person. In fact, I think the previous owner most likely traded it in on something that sat lower to the ground. It took me a minute to figure out the seat would automatically readjust depending on the fob. The lady who had my car practically sat up against the steering wheel. How she could reach anything from deep inside the rear compartment is beyond me. It is comfortable and checked off all my boxes, including the color. It’s fun to drive. Still adjusting to turning some of the features off every time I turn the car on. There is an auto shutoff on the engine for stop lights and such. Haven’t figured out if it can be turned off entirely. Sound system is OK. It is the perfect size for the 4 of us. Plus, I will never be asked to drive a group due to its size. It is far too easy to find myself over 70 mph on the mountain. Flat roadways are even worse. Gas mileage is fantastic, if the roads are flat. I drive over a mountain to work. Most of the 3 miles is mountain. 18 mpg seems to be average just going to work. I like that it sits up high. Great visually. The interior is comfortable. It is a push button start and has a gear shift. Not a stupid button/wheel to change gears. It isn’t super easy to know what gear you are in without looking at the dash, as the indicators are kind of close on the console. There is a lot of electronics to have issues with down the road. I was considering ordering a Ford Bronco Sport. Still a little salty over what happened with the Focus. MPG was a fair amount less. Loved the boxy appearance. The leather seats were highly disappointing. Ended up paying more for the used Honda than I would have if I would have ordered the Bronco. Due to previous experience in trying out a Honda or two, I would have never even considered the CRV. The seats in their supposed luxury vehicles was like sitting on boards. We were on a VW/Volvo lot. DH talked me into just sitting in the CRV. The salesman was awesome in allowing me access to quite a few cars and just standing back. The CRV is not my Escape. However, I think the CRV is going to be loved just as much in time. Driving her is a pleasure. And, I do not mind paying the car payment. It is MY first car that I am working to pay for. that’s so funny that you say that about the center console - I sat in one when I was looking at cars and that was the one thing I loved! I saw it as the perfect place to set my purse lol. I did not further consider it though as the external styling of the CRV was just not for me. What did you end up buying? |
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Post by Restless Spirit on Jan 16, 2022 19:28:46 GMT
My small SUV is not on your list (GMC Terrain Denali) but it’s similar in size in the cargo space. We occasionally take our grandson to hockey practice (AAA 14U Youth Travel Hockey) and I’m sure we could easily get 2 or 3 bags in the cargo hold. The only problem we have is with his hockey sticks. They fit sort of diagonally, but barely. He’s over 6’ tall, so his sticks are really long. We mostly end up placing them in the back seat to avoid damaging or breaking them. Those things cost a fortune! Smaller/shorter youth size sticks shouldn’t be a problem.
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Post by Skellinton on Jan 16, 2022 19:36:42 GMT
Have you looked at anything in the Subaru lineup? I am on my second Forester and love it. I recently needed a bit of work on it and they gave me a new Forester to drive for the day. Unfortunately, I fell in love with it. I now want a new Forester again. Or maybe the outback. I love my Forrester. Today is her 2nd birthday! |
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Post by beachbum on Jan 16, 2022 20:36:41 GMT
We have a Hyundai Tucson and we love it. It's comfortable enough for long road trips (just got back home from a 2 week trip). The safety features like the back-up camera, blind spot indicator and the one that stops you if you are about to hit something were things we were looking for. We got pretty much the standard model without all the bells and whistles (DH is not a technology fan!). It's the 2nd hyundai we've had (had a Sonota before this one). We drove a lot of SUVs before we decided on this one - most had whatever it is that idles the engine while you're at a stop - that drove DH crazy.
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Post by ~Tracy~ on Jan 16, 2022 21:10:23 GMT
Not on your list, but I bought a Ford Bronco Sport Outerbanks model. I freaking love this car so much. Same! We have nothing but wonderful things to say about this car! We bought a 2021 Bronco Sport Outerbanks in November. Six weeks later, WE TRADED IT IN AND MADE MONEY on it. We swapped out for the 2022 and it’s the best little SUV! |
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Post by shessoaverage on Jan 16, 2022 21:17:54 GMT
Have you looked at anything in the Subaru lineup? I am on my second Forester and love it. I recently needed a bit of work on it and they gave me a new Forester to drive for the day. Unfortunately, I fell in love with it. I now want a new Forester again. Or maybe the outback. Same. I love my second Forester as much as the first and when it gets too old (7 years now) I'm getting another Forester. |
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Post by Lexica on Jan 16, 2022 21:29:46 GMT
Have you looked at anything in the Subaru lineup? I am on my second Forester and love it. I recently needed a bit of work on it and they gave me a new Forester to drive for the day. Unfortunately, I fell in love with it. I now want a new Forester again. Or maybe the outback. Same. I love my second Forester as much as the first and when it gets too old (7 years now) I'm getting another Forester. My second Forester is a 2004 turbo model!!! And it doesn't even have 100,000 miles on it yet! When I was working and driving it daily, it was only about 25 miles round trip. Then I had a bad fall, was determined to be disabled through the company insurance because I couldn't work my existing job which required sitting all day. The mileage has pretty much slowed to almost a halt now because I only use the car to go to the pharmacy to get my meds once a month. I do plan to start using it more by driving to the harbor to walk my dog more often. Do you other Subaru owners get notes on your car constantly asking to buy it? I am parked in my own driveway and I must get at least a note per week. |
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Post by KelleeM on Jan 16, 2022 21:35:20 GMT
I have a 2020 CR-V. I went from a Kia Soul to the CR-V and find it to be big. I feel very safe driving it and that is a priority for me. I do mostly highway driving and get over 28 mpg. It has tons of room. As someone else said, the backseat is comfortable. I’m short but it really feels roomy.
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Post by katlaw on Jan 16, 2022 21:36:01 GMT
I do not have any of the vehicles on your list (yet) but have been shopping for a similar size SUV. I would recommend adding the Volkswagen Taos to your list to compare.
Right now I have the Mazda at the top of my list.
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Post by bearmom on Jan 16, 2022 21:51:14 GMT
I’ll fourth or fifth the Subaru Forrester. I have 2017 that I love. I sat in a 2021 at an auto show which made me want the newer one. But with less than 40,000 miles, I will have to wait.
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Post by newfcathy on Jan 16, 2022 22:51:26 GMT
We have a 2013 & 2019 CR-Vs that we bought new. Love them!!
The 2019 has significant upgrades from the ‘13. The only thing that I would change would be the color, I like the dark exterior but the black interior is a massive black hole!! 😄. I bought the dealer test model with 5k in miles for a $1,500 discount. It was the only one available.
The eco feature with the shut off at the lights was the first thing that I turned off, soooo annoying. The back up alerts are wonderful, the storage is great.
Took a while to adjust to the keyless fob but now I love it as well.
We have owned many Hondas, ‘89 Civic, a ‘03 Element, a Ridgeline in addition to the CR-Vs. great reliability plus I love the dealership.
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Post by zishisak on Jan 16, 2022 22:53:36 GMT
I have a cx-9 (the 7 seat version of the cx-5)and really like my car, it feels luxurious to me. When I was looking, It was between the Honda Pilot and the Mazda CX-9. This may sound silly but when I sat in the driver seat of the Mazda, it almost felt like a hug, I’m 5’4” and the seat is just perfect for me. Sitting in the Pilot, I felt lost, tons of extra space all around me. Good luck choosing!
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Post by peasapie on Jan 16, 2022 23:08:26 GMT
Have you looked at anything in the Subaru lineup? I am on my second Forester and love it. I recently needed a bit of work on it and they gave me a new Forester to drive for the day. Unfortunately, I fell in love with it. I now want a new Forester again. Or maybe the outback. Agree about Subarus! I'm on my second Crosstrek and DH has a Forrester. We love them. |
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Post by peasapie on Jan 16, 2022 23:09:43 GMT
Same. I love my second Forester as much as the first and when it gets too old (7 years now) I'm getting another Forester. My second Forester is a 2004 turbo model!!! And it doesn't even have 100,000 miles on it yet! When I was working and driving it daily, it was only about 25 miles round trip. Then I had a bad fall, was determined to be disabled through the company insurance because I couldn't work my existing job which required sitting all day. The mileage has pretty much slowed to almost a halt now because I only use the car to go to the pharmacy to get my meds once a month. I do plan to start using it more by driving to the harbor to walk my dog more often. Do you other Subaru owners get notes on your car constantly asking to buy it? I am parked in my own driveway and I must get at least a note per week. And YES I'm getting requests to buy my 2020. There is a lot of demand and not enough used cars. |
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Post by ameslou on Jan 16, 2022 23:48:00 GMT
I bought a CRV new in 2006 .. we still have it .. DD18 drives it now. I think it’s a better vehicle for a small than tall person. I’m 5’2” on a good day - DH is 6’2”. It “fits” me, but DH is less comfortable in it. Of course; it’s closing in on 20 years old 😱 so maybe the interior has changed up 😉
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lavawalker1
Full Member
Posts: 497
Jul 9, 2021 21:41:57 GMT
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Post by lavawalker1 on Jan 16, 2022 23:50:25 GMT
I love my 2014 crv, hoping to replace it soon even though we don’t really need to! Also want to look at the Forrester!
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