The Murano definately has the edge on on-road handling, if the US spec is in any way similar to UK. My uncle was given a test drive when they were new and he thought it was great đź‘Ť
I think my wife's 1st-gen CR-V has a towing capacity of 1000 pounds, which is approximately one jet ski and trailer. Mind you, I've never seen a CR-V tow anything more than a tiny U-Haul.
The 3rd-gen CR-V is presently at 1500 lbs regardless of powertrain options (according to their website). Classy, Acura-like interior, doesn't feel like driving a bus compared to the 1st-gen, but you get a clowny-looking, nearly-Ssangyong Rhodius exterior.
I'll note that I've driven 960+ miles in one day in the old CR-V, and I wasn't fatigued.
Wow. I did 850 in my car the other day and wasn't fatigued, but I don't know if I'd be able to say the same after another hour and half on the road. Then I did 750 the next day. Then 200 the next day. THEN I was fatigued. BTW I have a friend who has a second-gen CR-V and that, too, feels like a bus.
^ The Xterra seems like a good choice the SE model seems fine. The Off Road model (my fave) will be too rough for the folks
-> I know you guys would hate me for, but I recommend the Honda Ridgeline RTX.
^ It has a tow package built in, can tow 5000 lbs, has a decent ride, and handles well for its size and purpose. Plus Honda is having some incentives on it.
Anyone have any experience with Murano's? Other then being ugly as sin I don't know anything else about them. They have a 3500lbs towing capacity and "decent" fuel mileage.
The "new one" or the "old one," they're radically different if you ask me. I wasn't a big fan of the old one, I thought it looked odd and really showed they should have made an Altima wagon to start. This new one however, well, I like it very much. Its a good size, pretty fast, and seems to not be too much of a gas-hog. That being said, going around the segment, beggars can't be choosers, so you're likely looking in the low 20 MPG range on average.
What about the Mazda CX-7 or the CX-9?
I'd say they're the best-looking CUVs out there, perform quite well, but my guess is that they leave a bit to be desired in the "comfort" level of it all. Of course I'd say its relative, it wouldn't bother me, but to parents who are likely in (or nearing) their 50s, that would be a bigger deal.
If I was to go out tomorrow and buy something capable, I'll give you the short list:
- VW Passat 3.6 Wagon
- Volvo V70
- Dodge Magnum R/T (yes, I know the interiors are horrible, but I still like them)
- Nissan Murano
- Mazda CX-7
^ It has a tow package built in, can tow 5000 lbs, has a decent ride, and handles well for its size and purpose. Plus Honda is having some incentives on it.
For something inexpensive getting good fuel mileage, the best cars you are going to get will probably come from Japan. The Mazda would certainly be a good look, and you might also take a glance at a Pilot or Murano.
On the topic of wagons, maybe a Scooby or Jetta Diesel might work out, You can probably tow something with those if you throw a hitch on. And then there are the roof racks for anything (like a ladder) that you can't fit inside.
The Americans are probably going to be your cheapest bet for something without any frills or whatever though. I don't know anything about the Escape but I would guess it would make for a pretty solid vehicle.
0.o froidian slip? who is this car supposed to be for again?
the scooby may be expensive but when was the last time that you've seen a used scooby for sale at bottom prices? i've been looking for one actually and the only ones that i could afford are like 1988's
A Passat 3.6 4MOTION could probably handle the job easily, but thats going to break the bank (most-likely). I know you can get a Volvo V70 for a little bit less, that could be worth looking into.
As far as the domestics are concerned, I'd likely give the Saturn VUE XR a look, and I hear the Dodge Journey is actually a halfway decent crossover.
But then again, Passat + boat= Incredibly low cool factor. An Outback always looks tough, with the '98 model ('97?) being pure win, I love 'em so much!
But anyway, since they're looking for a new car, such an Outback wouldn't be an option...
I love Passats, but hanging a boat behind them? That makes you look like a 70-year old fishing guy
You're not going to find much that can tow worth a damn with "decent" fuel economy. Hell, CUVs designed not to pull things still barely manage 20 MPG on average.
