Personal Picks: Small SUVs, part 1
This blog space gives us the opportunity to further explore our monthly magazine test groups, allowing the staff to complement the formal reports by sharing their personal insights and experiences. We're admittedly a little behind on digging in to the February-issue test group, so without further adieu, here's our picks, pans, and insights on the Chevrolet Equinox, Honda CR-V and Element, Jeep Compass, and Saturn Vue Hybrid.
Tom Mutchler: Logic vs. emotion. These two qualities play off against each other in most car purchases. And I have to say that they affect what I would choose as a small SUV. Logically, I'd go with the Honda CR-V; it feels more substantial and comfortable to me than the slightly higher-scoring Toyota RAV4. The CR-V does what most families need it to do and it does it very, very well.
If I let emotions speak up though, I can't help thinking about the Subaru Forester 2.5XT Sports in our test fleet. (We'll report on it in the May issue of the magazine.) The only Forester model currently available with ESC, the 2.5XT Sports is a blast to drive, with a turbocharged engine, fun handling, and unparalleled driver visibility. Yes, it's loud inside, slurps premium fuel, lacks curtain air bags, and the nearly $28K MSRP sure doesn't match the old ad slogan: "Subaru: Inexpensive and built to stay that way." But when this bright blue box is on boost...
Gabe Shenhar: I have fond memories of the previous-generation Honda CR-V. I chose it as a vacation car to the beaches of Rhode Island in the summer of 2005. My boys' bikes fit in it standing up while still leaving room for four. It was practical and comfortable, and it even looked good in its boxiness. Somehow, though, I haven't gotten used to the looks of the new one yet, but it's a better car in many ways.
But since we tested the Toyota RAV4 V6, no small SUV matches that overall package for me and CR's ratings (available to ConsumerReports.org subscribers only). The "RAV6" -- as we call it around here--is quick, handles relatively nimbly, and rides comfortably enough. In fact, I think it drives better than some Toyota sedans. It also has more rear seat room than the Jeep Commander. Dashing from 0-60 mph in 6.7 seconds, it also out accelerates the big V8 Hemi-powered Commander...who would have ever guessed THAT would happen? And the real kicker is the RAV gets 22 mpg overall on regular-grade fuel. So my unequivocal choice in this growing class is the RAV4 V6.
Gene Petersen: Small SUVs are really not that small anymore, particular the good ones like the Toyota RAV4. I like the Subaru Forester -- it happens to be my family car -- but, admittedly, there are times I wish it was a bit roomier inside. The new Honda CR-V seems ideal to me: spacious interior, easy access, and economical operation with a smooth four-cylinder engine that gets a respectable real-life 21 mpg. It's the practical choice for most small (typical) families. I don't mind that it loses some cargo space by gaining a sleeker appearance and I much appreciate the disappearance of the school bus-style driving position of the previous model, as well. I think it's a perfect family vehicle for me, my wife, and son to drive considering it has solid predicted reliability, good crash-test results, and standard electronic stability control.
Mike Quincy: I'm torn between the fun and comfortable Toyota RAV4 V6 and the vastly improved Hyundai Santa Fe (undergoing testing now). The Santa Fe feels a bit more substantial to me; the RAV4's doors shut with a tinnier sound. Our Santa Fe weighs 4,345 pounds, compared to 3,750 pounds for the RAV4 V6. The RAV's lower weight and higher horsepower (269 hp vs. the Santa Fe's 242 hp) makes it feel lighter on its feet and, arguably, more fun to drive. And crunching the financials doesn't bring a clear winner, either. A Santa Fe Limited with the Touring and Premium packages stickers at $30,295; a similarly-equipped RAV4 V6 Limited only costs an extra $388. I dunno...I guess the Santa Fe, um, looks a little better. How's that for a scientific evaluation?
