AWD SUV Opinions

scesfiremedic · #1 03-12-2019, 12:29 PM

I’m looking at buying a new or maybe few years old All Wheel Drive SUV and there’s just too many choices. I’m looking at Acura MDX (pricy!), new Kia Telluride, Honda CRV, and Toyota RAV4. Crash worthiness is important, fuel economy, towing capacity (tow a 1000 lb touring bike), and I want fully featured Apple CarPlay, all the bells and whistles. So far I’m leaning towards the Kia Telluride.

Anyone have opinions or recommendations?

JB_AOL · #2 03-12-2019, 12:58 PM

First off, you're comparing (fairly large) midsize suvs (MDX, telluride) to compact suv's. Decide what size you want, and compare apples to apples.

Next, go test drive them all and decide for yourself.

Aside from the kia (which is an unknown), they all are reliable, and all stand up to the same crash tests.

If it was me (and using the cars on your list)..

New RAV4 Trail, no question.

jpohlic · #3 03-12-2019, 01:49 PM

I've been looking at the small 2019 SUV's lately and towing capacity is a factor for me. Most of them like the Honda CRV, Toyota RAV4, and Hyundai Tucson are only 1500 lbs, the Nissan Rogue is even less at 1100 lbs. There were a few that were higher, the Toyota RAV4 Trail edition and the Ford Escape 2.0 EB both had a 3500lb tow rating, and the Jeep Cherokee with the 3.2 V6 can tow 4500 lbs.

I'm leaning to the RAV4 Trail but you can get the Jeep with a locking rear diff which would be nice.

pinelakeperch · #4 03-12-2019, 01:53 PM

I just bought a new VW Tiguan and am happy with my purchase thus far. Happy to answer any questions you may have.

Douglas N · #5 03-12-2019, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jpohlic

I've been looking at the small 2019 SUV's lately and towing capacity is a factor for me. Most of them like the Honda CRV, Toyota RAV4, and Hyundai Tucson are only 1500 lbs, the Nissan Rogue is even less at 1100 lbs. There were a few that were higher, the Toyota RAV4 Trail edition and the Ford Escape 2.0 EB both had a 3500lb tow rating, and the Jeep Cherokee with the 3.2 V6 can tow 4500 lbs.

I'm leaning to the RAV4 Trail but you can get the Jeep with a locking rear diff which would be nice.

We have a 2019 Toyota RAV4 Trail. It is rated to tow 3500 lbs, however they don’t have an OEM hitch yet, and I doubt there are any aftermarket options available at this time. We don’t intend to tow with ours anyhow, but I’m happy to have the extra transmission cooling that comes with the extra towing capacity.

fordtruckin · #6 03-12-2019, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jpohlic

I've been looking at the small 2019 SUV's lately and towing capacity is a factor for me. Most of them like the Honda CRV, Toyota RAV4, and Hyundai Tucson are only 1500 lbs, the Nissan Rogue is even less at 1100 lbs. There were a few that were higher, the Toyota RAV4 Trail edition and the Ford Escape 2.0 EB both had a 3500lb tow rating, and the Jeep Cherokee with the 3.2 V6 can tow 4500 lbs.

I'm leaning to the RAV4 Trail but you can get the Jeep with a locking rear diff which would be nice.

Was in the same spot 2 years ago. Girlfriend at the time liked the rav4 but I wasn’t a fan. I liked the escape she thought it was a bit too big. We settled on a Jeep cherokee. To date the thing has been rock solid! One warranty recall issue with a wiring harness which was fixed painlessly. I like the tow capacity and Jeep 4x4. My girlfriend is now my wife and when it’s time to replace this one we will most likely get another one! Great fuel mileage solid on the road in snow and rain plenty of room for us. The only complaint is the set up of the window defrost, it doesn’t get quite all of the side windows.

Oh and the Cherokee is NOT the same as the Grand Cherokee.

saskbooknut · #7 03-13-2019, 07:16 AM

Small sample size but, real world experience -

My Subaru Forester - nothing to fix 3 years
friend's Subaru Forester (Cranbrook) - nothing to fix 5 years
Hunting Partner's Subaru Forester - nothing to fix 7 years

Get a pattern here ?

sns2 · #8 03-13-2019, 07:29 AM

I was very impressed by the Subaru Outback on a test drive.

theoldguy · #9 03-12-2019, 02:02 PM

We just bought a slightly used Mazda CX-5. Love it after trying others in the same category. You might be surprised. We don’t tow so not sure on that.

saskbooknut · #10 03-12-2019, 04:49 PM

Have 3 year old Subaru Forester which fits my needs perfectly. Tows an Aliner trailer well. 7 to 8 l/100 km highway- 12 / 100 km towing trailer. Has served well deer and bird hunting.
I had a Nissan X-Trail before the Subaru - friend who bought it is still driving it as his daily beater.
I think that 3500 towing capacity for a Ford Escape is a mistake or a deception. Escape has a very good reputation with friends.
I rented a Grand Cherokee in the US and hated it. Not a Jeep fan.

elkhunter11 · #11 03-12-2019, 05:03 PM

If reliability and resale value are important, Toyota and Honda are among the better choices.

scesfiremedic · #12 03-12-2019, 05:11 PM

I like the reliability of the Toyota and Honda lines.

I was not aware of the Toyota RAV4 Trail Edition. Nice looking and featured with 3500lb tow rating and very good fuel economy ratings. Worth a look, but wow, $42,000+ price tag!

sns2 · #13 03-12-2019, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scesfiremedic

I like the reliability of the Toyota and Honda lines.

I was not aware of the Toyota RAV4 Trail Edition. Nice looking and featured with 3500lb tow rating and very good fuel economy ratings. Worth a look, but wow, $42,000+ price tag!

For the same ish $ you can get a honda ridgeline or pilot. I have a Ridgeline Sport and there is not many options it does not have. Worth a look.

If you want resale and real world reliability, Consumer Reports does not lie. Honda or Toyota.