What New Mid-sized SUV Should I Get?

[Solid Lifters]

I'm looking to get a new car for the family. My oldest son just turned 16 and he's going to need his own vehicle. He'll get mine. I would like your suggestion and any help you guys can offer. This is what I'm looking for.

• Mid-sized SUV
• Under $25,000
• 4 Door
• GPS Unit
• 4cyl 175+ Horse Power Engine
• Roomy Front Seat Interior (I'm 6'9" and 360lbs.)
• High Safety Rating
• 2012-2013 Year Model

I was taking a good look at the Kia Sorento. Not a bad looking vehicle but it might be a bit too expensive.

 

[Doog]

For this kind of criteria the options are pretty limited as far as new cars go; they've all gotten so expensive! The only other midsize SUV I know of that isn't a Sorento for under $25k is the Hyundai Santa Fe. It starts at about $23k, has a 175 hp four cylinder, and is supposed to be pretty safe. Other than the Sorento and the Santa Fe, that's about it as affordable midsize SUVs go. Hope I helped!

EDIT : I just remembered, there's also the Chevrolet Equinox, which also starts at $23k. It's a little bigger than the Santa Fe, and has a little more power; 182 horsepower from its four cylinder. Personally, I'd go for the Equinox, it's more modern, costs the same, is larger, and, according to Chevrolet, should be good for 30 mpg on the highway. But if the Equinox is too feminine, there's also the GMC Terrain, which is the same vehicle, but with more masculine styling. It starts at around $25 thousand.

 

[astrosdude91]

The new Explorer seems like an all around great vehicle. The MSRP may be a bit more that you might want, but I'm sure if you shop around, you might be able to make a deal under $25,000. If you want a little more ruggedness, the Nissan Xterra and Toyota FJ Cruiser can both be had for around 25k. Though, those only come in a V6.

Coincidentally, I did find this on the Ford website for under $25,000.

 

[Solid Lifters]

For this kind of criteria the options are pretty limited as far as new cars go; they've all gotten so expensive! The only other midsize SUV I know of that isn't a Sorento for under $25k is the Hyundai Santa Fe. It starts at about $23k, has a 175 hp four cylinder, and is supposed to be pretty safe. Other than the Sorento and the Santa Fe, that's about it as affordable midsize SUVs go. Hope I helped!

EDIT : I just remembered, there's also the Chevrolet Equinox, which also starts at $23k. It's a little bigger than the Santa Fe, and has a little more power; 182 horsepower from its four cylinder. Personally, I'd go for the Equinox, it's more modern, costs the same, is larger, and, according to Chevrolet, should be good for 30 mpg on the highway. But if the Equinox is too feminine, there's also the GMC Terrain, which is the same vehicle, but with more masculine styling. It starts at around $25 thousand.

Great suggestion on the Equinox. Never thought of that one. I already thought of the Santa Fe. Not a bad vehicle. I'll take a peek at the GMC Terrain.

Thanks for the suggestions! 👍

The new Explorer seems like an all around great vehicle. The MSRP may be a bit more that you might want, but I'm sure if you shop around, you might be able to make a deal under $25,000. If you want a little more ruggedness, the Nissan Xterra and Toyota FJ Cruiser can both be had for around 25k. Though, those only come in a V6.

Coincidentally, I did find this on the Ford website for under $25,000.

I really like the Ford Escape. The Explorer EcoBoost 4 Thing-A-Mabob is not bad either, but a bit too tiny in the leg room area. Also, I don't care for the center console of the Explorer.

I'll look into the Nissan Xterra, but I'm not a fan of their vehicles. I already looked into the Toyota FJ but ruled out since it doesn't have 4 doors which is something I listed that my new vehicle MUST have.

Thanks for the suggestions, though. I appreciate the help!

 

[Beeblebrox237]

Well, when we bought our Elantra, there were a ton of Sante Fes on the lot, so you might be able to get a better price at the dealership. I would recommend going to car dealerships and test driving each of the cars to see if they fit your requirements, especially considering your height.

 

[ShortAznGuy]

Ahhh, I remember when I turned 16 and took my dad's car. He bought a BMW X5 though. I'd suggest a Honda CR-V, Toyota Rav4, or a Subaru Forester. I have no idea if they are within the price range but they've built a reputation for themselves as reliable SUV's.

 

[motortrend]

A couple of people in my school have Sorentos (which means they are probably fue efficient and good insurance wise) , and they both like them from what I've seen. I also see them pretty often on the road, so they must be good. They are not my cup of tea, don't really like the looks and it's a big too big for me but it looks like a really nice SUV.
Given tthe budget I'd probably take a look at the forester, but that's me and the Sorento looks like a good option.

 

[YSSMAN]

Great suggestion on the Equinox. Never thought of that one. I already thought of the Santa Fe. Not a bad vehicle. I'll take a peek at the GMC Terrain.

The Equinox and Terrain are generally great crossovers, they should have gotten rid of most of the reliability issues that the original models had. The thing to keep in mind is that, to get the best fuel economy, you have to drive incredibly slow. Other than that, I can't think of too many issues day-to-day. Between the two, I'd have the Terrain. I prefer the look of the GMC inside and out, and from what I understand, they hold their value pretty well.

Thing is, Ford is building this:

For about $25K, you can get a 2013 Ford Escape SE EcoBoost that's front-drive, with Sync, and all that stuff. Aside from the Mazda CX-5, this is the best-looking, best-driving, and likely one of the most fuel-friendly crossovers out there.

 

[Cale]

The GM twins are the roomiest inside.

 

[BobbyBRAKEaNek]

GMC Terrain and the Ford would be at the top of the list for me.

 

[Slash]

The Equinox and Terrain are generally great crossovers, they should have gotten rid of most of the reliability issues that the original models had. The thing to keep in mind is that, to get the best fuel economy, you have to drive incredibly slow. Other than that, I can't think of too many issues day-to-day. Between the two, I'd have the Terrain. I prefer the look of the GMC inside and out, and from what I understand, they hold their value pretty well.

Thing is, Ford is building this:

For about $25K, you can get a 2013 Ford Escape SE EcoBoost that's front-drive, with Sync, and all that stuff. Aside from the Mazda CX-5, this is the best-looking, best-driving, and likely one of the most fuel-friendly crossovers out there.

That looks just about as safe as the Bronco II.

 

[MedigoFlame]

Would a "wagon" be under your consideration? My parents are actually under the same exact situation right now. (I was actually thinking of posting a thread for this, but looking through yours, you have the same requirements as my parents. Apart from the height, they're pretty short) Possibly a Subaru Outback? But I guess not with your height... :/

 

[Doog]

I just went over to the Consumer reports website to find the 10 best cars for tall drivers. One of them is the Subaru Forester, which is a little smaller than the other SUVs, but starts at $20k, which leaves plenty of room for loading it up with options, or walking away saving $5k. It's also a Subaru, so you get their neat boxer 4 cylinder producing 170 horsepower, all wheel drive, and good reliability and resale value. The only bad things are that it is on the small side, measuring 179.6 inches from bumper to bumper, and the transmission is a 4 speed automatic. Subaru claims 27 mpg highway, so that's about 23-24 mpg in real driving. Not bad.

 

[Solid Lifters]

Well, when we bought our Elantra, there were a ton of Sante Fes on the lot, so you might be able to get a better price at the dealership. I would recommend going to car dealerships and test driving each of the cars to see if they fit your requirements, especially considering your height.

I like the Santa Fe, but the wife doesn't. I'm not even gonna try to convince her. Don't want that job. I'll suggest she check it out, but that's all that's going to happen.

Ahhh, I remember when I turned 16 and took my dad's car. He bought a BMW X5 though. I'd suggest a Honda CR-V, Toyota Rav4, or a Subaru Forester. I have no idea if they are within the price range but they've built a reputation for themselves as reliable SUV's.

The Toyota Rav4 is too small. My mom has one. Although, it's a 2003-04 model, I've seen them on the lot. Too small. Plus, it's for grannies.

The Equinox and Terrain are generally great crossovers, they should have gotten rid of most of the reliability issues that the original models had. The thing to keep in mind is that, to get the best fuel economy, you have to drive incredibly slow. Other than that, I can't think of too many issues day-to-day. Between the two, I'd have the Terrain. I prefer the look of the GMC inside and out, and from what I understand, they hold their value pretty well.

Thing is, Ford is building this:

For about $25K, you can get a 2013 Ford Escape SE EcoBoost that's front-drive, with Sync, and all that stuff. Aside from the Mazda CX-5, this is the best-looking, best-driving, and likely one of the most fuel-friendly crossovers out there.

Yeah, I like the looks of the new Escape. Plus, Ford really did their homework and added and changes things that former Escape owners wanted. However, it's a Ford and I haven't had great luck with them. The wife has one she still loves, so it might be our next vehicle.

The GM twins are the roomiest inside.

Yeah, I read that. Also, that's the only thing great about it. I read how customers are having problems with the vehicle. Plus, Chevy is run by greedy, corupt idiots. Don't really want to support that, but if it comes down to owning the best vehicle, I'll throw that crap out the window.

Would a "wagon" be under your consideration? My parents are actually under the same exact situation right now. (I was actually thinking of posting a thread for this, but looking through yours, you have the same requirements as my parents. Apart from the height, they're pretty short) Possibly a Subaru Outback? But I guess not with your height... :/

I looked at the Outback online. I'll check one out at the lot. Looks like a nice vehicle but a bit on the small size. Thanks for the suggestion.

I just went over to the Consumer reports website to find the 10 best cars for tall drivers. One of them is the Subaru Forester, which is a little smaller than the other SUVs, but starts at $20k, which leaves plenty of room for loading it up with options, or walking away saving $5k. It's also a Subaru, so you get their neat boxer 4 cylinder producing 170 horsepower, all wheel drive, and good reliability and resale value. The only bad things are that it is on the small side, measuring 179.6 inches from bumper to bumper, and the transmission is a 4 speed automatic. Subaru claims 27 mpg highway, so that's about 23-24 mpg in real driving. Not bad.

I like the Forester, but doesn't have great options like the others. However, aftermarket items are available. Don't like the idea of a aftermarket GPS unit. They get stolen so easily and quickly here in SoCal. Just ask my sister and brother. From their mistake, I know to get a built in unit. They've had thier units stolen or lost more than a teenager eats fast food.


Guys, I can't thank you enough for the suggestions. You guys are great! 👍

 

[Cale]

Dodge Journey?

You'll prolly be able to get a great deal on one, and the interior is now near or at the top of the class, and arguably the best Nav UI.

 

[AequaMundi]

If you don't mind a 6 cylinder check out some left over (2011) Cherokees. Huge deals and very luxurious for the price.

 

[Carlos]

Seen the CX-5 from close yesterday, good looking car. But I'd go for the Ford Escape..

 

[YSSMAN]

Yeah, I like the looks of the new Escape. Plus, Ford really did their homework and added and changes things that former Escape owners wanted. However, it's a Ford and I haven't had great luck with them. The wife has one she still loves, so it might be our next vehicle.

The only thing I'd be worried about is that it is the first year for the 1.6L EcoBoost in the US, and there is no telling how things will work out. That being said, they've been doing them for a little while in Europe, so I'd assume most of the major flaws have been knocked out. Other than that, I think this is using the Powershift gearbox, which I'm personally not a fan of, but some people like it better than others.

Definitely worth a drive either way.

Plus, Chevy is run by greedy, corupt idiots. Don't really want to support that, but if it comes down to owning the best vehicle, I'll throw that crap out the window.

What's wrong with GM? Considering the major changes that the company has gone through in the past three years, everything is ten shades better than it was ten years ago.

 

[CodeRedR51]

What's wrong with GM? Considering the major changes that the company has gone through in the past three years, everything is ten shades better than it was ten years ago.

I'd bring that down to about ~3 years ago.

 

[Slash]

At least Ford didn't have to get bailed out because GM didn't know what the hell they were doing. Ah well. Don't build off this I'm not in a mood to get in a Ford vs Chevy war.

 

[Smart_Roadster]

I don't know much about American-market cars, but I hear good things about the Toyota FJ Cruiser. It might be a bit small though.

 

[Eunos_Cosmo]

Cx-5 ftw

 

[Doog]

I don't know much about American-market cars, but I hear good things about the Toyota FJ Cruiser. It might be a bit small though.

Problem is is that it's only got two real doors, it's not good for taller drivers (according to Consumer Reports), and I hear that it has horrendous visibility.

 

[YSSMAN]

At least Ford didn't have to get bailed out because GM didn't know what the hell they were doing. Ah well. Don't build off this I'm not in a mood to get in a Ford vs Chevy war.

Ooops, I forgot everyone here in Michigan is Indoctrinated and are thankful for the turnaround that stabilized and otherwise saved our economy.

 

[hawkeye122]

Look for a 2006-2009 Toyota 4Runner Sport Edition V8. Brilliant, brilliant cars.

Oh, you want a 4 cylinder? I've heard good things about the FJ Cruiser, and the Explorer might not be a bad one either. Honda Pilot?

 

[Cale]

Look for a 2006-2009 Toyota 4Runner Sport Edition V8. Brilliant, brilliant cars.

Oh, you want a 4 cylinder? I've heard good things about the FJ Cruiser, and the Explorer might not be a bad one either. Honda Pilot?

Of those, only one has a 4 cylinder, and it's the optional engine.


Still check out the Journey.