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Post by Cupcake on Feb 15, 2024 16:47:33 GMT
It’s time to pass my current SUV on to my daughter. I am currently driving a 2017 Kia Sportage and love her, but my daughter’s 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe (originally mine) is getting a little long in the tooth. 😉
Features I currently have that I really want to keep: AWD Heated and ventilated front seats Heated steering wheel Power moonroof Power lift gate Apple CarPlay Adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support
Here are the ones I’m looking hard at:
Kia Sportage (both regular and hybrid) Hyundai Tucson (regular and hybrid) BMW X1 (heading to test drive one today) Honda CR-V-Sport Touring Hybrid
I test drove the Audi Q3 and Q5 and thought I would love them but I was surprised that I didn’t. They had some quirks in the interior layout that annoyed me.
I’m a librarian so have already consulted Consumer Reports to narrow this down. ☺️ If you’re driving a 2023/2024 model of any of these, share what you love and don’t love about them!
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Post by littlemama on Feb 15, 2024 16:49:28 GMT
I have a Subaru Forester that I love so so much. DS bought a Kia Sportage Hybrid last summer and he also loves it. I do think the Subaru is the better car between the 2, but the Sportage Hybrid is a good car.
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Just T
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Jun 26, 2014 1:20:09 GMT
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Post by Just T on Feb 15, 2024 16:54:05 GMT
I just bought my second Ford Escape, and I LOVE it. For the first time in my life, I have heated steering wheel, heated seats, remote start. Those things have been so fabulous this winter. I've only had the car for 5 weeks, and I am so spoiled that I hope I never have to drive a car again without those things. It also has a wireless charging pad which is pretty cool.
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Post by Cupcake on Feb 15, 2024 17:02:36 GMT
I have a Subaru Forester that I love so so much. DS bought a Kia Sportage Hybrid last summer and he also loves it. I do think the Subaru is the better car between the 2, but the Sportage Hybrid is a good car. I live in New England and have no idea why it didn’t occur to me to check out a Subaru. 🤣 I have a coworker who bought one last year. I’ll add it to my list, thanks!
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Post by Cupcake on Feb 15, 2024 17:03:52 GMT
I just bought my second Ford Escape, and I LOVE it. For the first time in my life, I have heated steering wheel, heated seats, remote start. Those things have been so fabulous this winter. I've only had the car for 5 weeks, and I am so spoiled that I hope I never have to drive a car again without those things. It also has a wireless charging pad which is pretty cool. Once you have the heated steering wheel and seats, they are impossible to give up! I don’t have wireless charging in my current car but most of the new ones seem to have it so I’m looking forward to that. I’ve never had remote start but my car is in a garage most of the time so I guess I’d only use it at work. That would be pretty nice on a cold day…
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scrappinmama
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Post by scrappinmama on Feb 15, 2024 17:04:43 GMT
We're shopping for new cars as well. My top 3 are Subaru Forester, Honda CRV and Toyota Rav4. All three do well in crash tests. You would be surprised how many cars failed the side impact crash test.
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smartypants71
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Jun 25, 2014 22:47:49 GMT
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Post by smartypants71 on Feb 15, 2024 17:09:21 GMT
I have a 2023 Genesis GV70 in the Sport Prestige trim. I freaking love it! It is so comfortable - the seats actually massage you. It has all the features you mentioned and more.
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Post by lucyg on Feb 15, 2024 17:09:45 GMT
I have a 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime and I love it. Next choice would probably be a Subaru Forester.
ETA I did not get the top-level package because it involved the all-glass roof which I didn’t want. But therefore I gave up a few other features I would have liked. Mostly I miss the memory seat position thing (forget what it’s called). People are always changing my seat distance (because I’m so short) and I have to figure it out each time.
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Post by ~summer~ on Feb 15, 2024 17:12:05 GMT
Have you looked at the Toyota Venza? It’s similar to the RAV4 but a bit “nicer” (in my opinion)
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Post by stingfan on Feb 15, 2024 17:14:20 GMT
We have the BMW (older model). BMWs are somewhat notorious for oil leaks and this one is no exception. My dh is constantly fixing something on that car.
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Post by Basket1lady on Feb 15, 2024 17:19:32 GMT
I have a BMW X3. It’s by far my favorite car that I’ve owned. I was looking for good visibility—I have a hard time seeing pedestrians when making left turns in DH’s Jeep. I feel like the sight lines are very good in the X3. The seats are very customizable too. It’s big enough for the two of us to take a trip with the dog and the backseat is a good size for adults.
We went to Carmaxx and sat in about 40-50 cars one day to decide on the make and model that we wanted. When I went to a dealership, it was taking them 15-20 minutes to “go get the keys” each time we wanted to sit in a different vehicle. It was maddening!
I personally think a heated steering wheel was blessed by the gods! I’d never have a car without one now.
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compeateropeator
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Post by compeateropeator on Feb 15, 2024 17:36:37 GMT
Another Subaru Forester owner here. I am on my 2nd. My parents are on their 5th. And my brother (who has had Toyotas up until this point) just passed off his highlander to my nephew and got a Forester.
Subaru is changing up the style of the Forester and I know nothing about the 2024. I have a 2021 and my parents and brother have a 2023, which does have a few things that I wish I had.
I have the middle package of the Premium. So not base model but not all the bells and whistles either. So I really can’t tell you what all of the packages and options Subaru has . I have heated seats and my parents’ also has a heated steering wheel. Not sure if it is cooled also?
The automatic lift hatch/back I don’t have or have a button and really wish I did. I think my parents have a button. I would check on that option.
Apple car play…check. We joke that that is the only reason my brother bought his and I don’t think it is all a joke. 😆
Power moonroof. Yup and it is big. I love how much glass/light the forester has. A big windshield and great visibility.
The seats also are Adjustable with lumbar support.
One of the best cars I have had for winter driving. I also heard that the 2024 has backseats that fold flat. Not sure if that is true, but I would love that. Now they have that little slope when folded down. It turns on a dime and I really like my Subaru. However, at least not mine 😄, they are not a luxury car so if that is what you are looking for I am not sure it is the best fit. They are a great all around and all purpose vehicle, IMO.
I hate buying cars. 😆. Good luck with your quest. I hope you find exactly what you want.
ETA - I have alway purchased an add on/after market car starter for my cars and did not with this one as you can get the app on your phone and start it that way. It is a pretty cheap deal (or something the dealer will often throw in for the first year and you can see how much you use it). I live in New England, don’t have a garage and when I was having to go into work I was leaving at midnight and definitely wanted a warm car to get into on those frigid winter nights. The remote start and the heated seats were my saving Grace. 😆
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Post by busy on Feb 15, 2024 17:51:05 GMT
I have had an X1 as a rental car a number of times and I do not like it. It feels cheap, the handling and acceleration are subpar, and in general it just isn’t enjoyable to drive. The X3 isn’t much bigger and is a lot nicer to driver IMO.
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huskergal
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Jun 25, 2014 20:22:13 GMT
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Post by huskergal on Feb 15, 2024 17:54:31 GMT
I loved my Mazda CX5. They now have the CX50.
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compeateropeator
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Post by compeateropeator on Feb 15, 2024 18:12:19 GMT
I loved my Mazda CX5. They now have the CX50. When I got my first Forester it was between it and the CX5. I truthfully thought I would get the CX5 because I was trading in my Mazda3, which I loved but was just not conducive to my winter driving needs. I needed some with AWD and a high clearance. I would have probably would have been happy with either but got a better deal on the Subaru and then was a convert for the next one. I will say my little Mazda definitely had a little more zoom zoom zoom than the Subaru. 😆
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compeateropeator
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Post by compeateropeator on Feb 15, 2024 18:26:17 GMT
One more addition from me, sorry my first post is so long. As was discussed in a previous thread, if having a spare tire is important to you (many do not now I guess) the Forester does still have one. For me in Vermont and where I drive that is important and something I need to remember to check on in the future when buying a new car.
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huskergal
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Jun 25, 2014 20:22:13 GMT
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Post by huskergal on Feb 15, 2024 18:31:26 GMT
I loved my Mazda CX5. They now have the CX50. When I got my first Forester it was between it and the CX5. I truthfully thought I would get the CX5 because I was trading in my Mazda3, which I loved but was just not conducive to my winter driving needs. I needed some with AWD and a high clearance. I would have probably would have been happy with either but got a better deal on the Subaru and then was a convert for the next one. I will say my little Mazda definitely had a little more zoom zoom zoom than the Subaru. 😆 I tested the Forester, the CRV, the RAV4, the CX5 and the Rogue. The Rogue felt like driving the truck. The Forester was too much of a "mom" car for me. This was my first time actually buying a new car for me without having to consider hauling kids, etc. I didn't like the RAV4 at all. My dh already had a CRV so I wanted something different. Plus the CX5 has the most beautiful red paint job. It won in the end. I am now driving a CX9 because I needed more space since I have a granddaughter that I have to haul around. It is a great vehicle, but I don't love it like I did the CX5.
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Post by scraphappy0501 on Feb 15, 2024 19:39:59 GMT
I have a 2022 BMW X5 which I love immensely and haven't had any issues with it. However, I had an X1 as a rental a few weeks ago when I was on a business trip. I thought the finishes were cheap-feeling compared to the X5. Acceleration was fine but braking was very abrupt-feeling (it was hard to brake smoothly). The road noise was way louder than the X5. As commented in another post, I'd look at the X3 if you're considering a BMW.
Edited to add: I read another poster's comments about the Mazda CX vehicles. That reminded me that I had a CX (I think it was the CX5) for a rental on a December business trip and I was impressed by its features, how it drove, etc. I would consider buying a Mazda if I was in the market for a new vehicle.
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Post by Lexica on Feb 15, 2024 20:05:34 GMT
I will jump on the bandwagon and recommend a Subaru. I am on my second one and while it is older, I still love it and it runs beautifully.
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naby64
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Post by naby64 on Feb 15, 2024 20:29:04 GMT
I don't have the years you wanted but I do have a 2019 Forester Sport. My ODS has the 2018 Outback and DH has a 2015 Outback.
Mine has the moonroof, heated seats, Android Auto but I think it also has Apple Carplay? I'm not sure as ODS and I are both Android users. It seems that is an option on the infotainment screen. No wireless charging. Yes, I do have a power liftgate and I have a button that will shut and lock the car from the liftgate. DH and ODS do not have that button.
The driver seat is power adjustable with lumbar support. The passenger is manual. I can lay the back seat downs and they are almost flat. Off by maybe 2 degrees. I will say between my Forester and the Outback, there is just a tad bit more storage ability in the Outback.
I will most likely only have Subarus from here on out. May not be new when I buy them but they will be at the top of the list.
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Post by littlemama on Feb 15, 2024 21:34:33 GMT
I don't have the years you wanted but I do have a 2019 Forester Sport. My ODS has the 2018 Outback and DH has a 2015 Outback. Mine has the moonroof, heated seats, Android Auto but I think it also has Apple Carplay? I'm not sure as ODS and I are both Android users. It seems that is an option on the infotainment screen. No wireless charging. Yes, I do have a power liftgate and I have a button that will shut and lock the car from the liftgate. DH and ODS do not have that button. The driver seat is power adjustable with lumbar support. The passenger is manual. I can lay the back seat downs and they are almost flat. Off by maybe 2 degrees. I will say between my Forester and the Outback, there is just a tad bit more storage ability in the Outback. I will most likely only have Subarus from here on out. May not be new when I buy them but they will be at the top of the list. I knew there was someone here with the same year and trim as mine! 😂😂 I dont have the power liftgate though.
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purplebee
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Post by purplebee on Feb 15, 2024 21:52:58 GMT
I just traded my 2017 Tucson in on a 2024 Subaru Forester. I’ve had it since January 2 and the more I drive it, the more I like it. I did like the Tucson, nothing wrong with it, I just wanted a brand new car that I will pay off before I decide to retire in the next few years. I did not care for the body style on the ‘24 Tucsons.
I bought the Premium level Forester in Autumn Green, it has black cloth seats. Power lift gate w/lock button, heated seats, heated mirrors, Apple CarPlay. And a bunch of other new technology that I am still learning, as with all new cars these days. Comfortable and responsive to drive. No turbo, but much zippier than the turbo Tucson.
As I said in the other car thread, I am hoping that this will be my last new car.
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Post by ntsf on Feb 15, 2024 22:42:36 GMT
kias have more catalytic converters stolen... my mother in law had foresters for years, was in several bad wrecks in them (not her fault) and she came out without a scratch.
I have an impressa and dh has an outback.
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Post by Cupcake on Feb 15, 2024 23:36:51 GMT
Have you looked at the Toyota Venza? It’s similar to the RAV4 but a bit “nicer” (in my opinion) I did drive a Venza and was really surprised by it, but the fact that the sunroof/moonroof doesn’t open was a no go for me. They told me it was because of the roof design. I need that ventilation!
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Post by whipea on Feb 16, 2024 1:42:29 GMT
Have you considered the Volvo XC40, XC60 or XC90? I think they are both available in AWD and I know the XC90 has all the features you listed and probably the XC60 has them too.
I am on my second Volvo, just picked up my new XC90 mild hybrid last night. Had non-hybrid XC90 and found it very dependable, peppy and solid. Lots of space too. I actually fit a bathtub in a packing box in my previous Volvo. If you don't need a larger SUV the XC60 and SC40 are nice too and the XC40 and XC60 come in a way better selection of colors than the XC90. Have fun car shopping!
Oh, and the sunroof control is so cool. You just slide your finger along the switch and it opens or closes.
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ModChick
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Post by ModChick on Feb 16, 2024 3:54:36 GMT
I have had an X1 as a rental car a number of times and I do not like it. It feels cheap, the handling and acceleration are subpar, and in general it just isn’t enjoyable to drive. The X3 isn’t much bigger and is a lot nicer to driver IMO. Yes to everything you said!! I had an X1 and loathed it. Very happy day when I traded it in for my Mini Countryman hybrid.
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peppermintpatty
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Jun 26, 2014 17:47:08 GMT
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Post by peppermintpatty on Feb 16, 2024 13:45:08 GMT
Subaru Forrester is okay but costly to maintain (not great as far as safety features - they are very outdated) and any extras will cost a lot. the new RAV 4 looks great. I would like to get that one CRV - I have a 2018 and hopefully the newer ones don't have all the recalls and issues that mine had. 2018 was a really BAD year for CRV's. Things they fixed in 2017 they broke again in 2018 and then fixed again in 2019. No I'm not kidding.
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Sarah*H
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Post by Sarah*H on Feb 16, 2024 13:51:09 GMT
This is really timely because I'm in the exact same situation - getting ready to give my 2015 Santa Fe to my daughter and DH & I are going to the auto show tomorrow to see what is out there. I thought for a long time that I wanted the CrossTrek but I've decided it's too low to the ground so this thread is very helpful I used to have a Forrester and loved it but for some reason, I haven't looked at them since. But it seems like I should do that tomorrow!
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Post by lily on Feb 16, 2024 13:52:35 GMT
Cadillac XT4 I know people hear Cadillac and think $$$ but it really is not any different in price than some of the other SUV's. And it rides like a dream!
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Post by alsomsknit on Feb 16, 2024 15:46:59 GMT
I am quite happy with my CRV! Hate the center console/arm rest. Dumbest set up ever.
Our friend has a Volvo that is slightly larger than the CRV. Love it! Nice ride and fun bells and whistles. This was a departure from his usual Volvo station wagon.
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