Personal picks: Small SUVs, part 2

Continuing our staff's personal insights into the August-issue small SUVs test group. (Read: Personal Picks: Small SUVs, part 1.)

Gabe Shenhar: I really like the new turbocharged Subaru Forester 2.5XT Limited. The car marks a big step forward over the original Forester, which is not something that can be said for every redesign these days. The new Forester provides effortless acceleration, a great ride, lots of room, a quiet cabin and lots of agility. As soon as I brought it home for the first time, I showed it to my wife and made sure it fit in the garage. It would really make a nice family vehicle for us, with enough rear seat room for two growing boys—which wasn’t the case with the original Forester. But after we finished testing it, I realized that it only got 20 mpg overall (on premium to boot). The excitement suddenly waned, which is too bad.

That brings me back to the Toyota RAV4. I’ve always had a soft spot for the RAV4, ever since it pioneered the segment in 1996. Although the design is two years old now, the current generation is still a standout. It looks good, rides and handles well, has many thoughtful interior features, and is roomy inside without being bulky. Even with the V6, I won’t have to feel guilty -- it gets 22 mpg on regular. Being quick, smooth and quiet, is the icing on the cake. So, if I were shopping for one of these today, the RAV6, as we call it here, would be my top contender.

Mike Quincy: I’m in three-row seat mode right now. Every car I look at or envision taking a permanent spot in my garage has to have this feature. Why? Well, like most households, if Mom’s happy, everybody’s happy. (Likewise, if Mom’s not happy… well, you get the picture.) Mom’s not too happy right now. See, we have two small boys who like to bring friends with them when they go places. My wife drives a Camry sedan. To keep everybody safe, all the kids ride in the backseat. Hence, with two boys and only three seating positions, only one can bring a friend. Also, Mom wants a dog. And Mom wants to build a garden. And Mom likes to buy antiques. So we need a vehicle that does everything: carry people, dogs, stuff. We don’t need to go off-road and, with a set of winter tires, we don’t need AWD. And, like everybody these days, it has to get good fuel economy and can’t break the bank. She’d love a Toyota Highlander Hybrid, but they’re simply too pricey (nearly $40,000 with the third row).

What’s the best choice here? The Mazda5. It’s not a minivan, it’s not an SUV, and it’s not a wagon. But it can get done what Mom wants in her hectic life. Even a top-level Grand Touring model tops out at $24,000 (thousands less than most in the small SUV group when popularly equipped), and still gets 23 mpg overall. Exciting to drive? Well, she’s been driving that Camry for several years, which isn’t exactly a carnival on wheels, so the Mazda5 will likely feel like a new beginning. So, as it turns out, this isn’t exactly my personal pick, but it’s the pick for domestic harmony.

For more on this small SUVs group, read the road tests and watch our review videos.

Comments

[Cale]

Thanks to your excellent Forester video. I'm really glad you tested the the manual transmission-equipped Forester and think it looks like a real standout in a segment that's dominated by automatic transmission models. The Forester 2.5x, with the 5-speed manual, has got Incline Start Assist (hill assist) that could very well get my wife driving a manual for the first time (it's very hilly where we live). Standard stability control, 24mpg on regular and the cargo capacity of our 00 Outback makes this Forester look like a standout. A bonus is that the weight reduction (250 lbs less than our Outback) would add pep and make this Forester very satisfying to drive and own.

[CharlesP]

We test drove the Mazda in November 2006 and decided against it. While capable enough, it had some faults that killed it. First and worst, the back seat got a resounding thumbs down from our 10 year old within 5 seconds of his sitting down. Killed it right there, we have 3 boys and need the seating! Next, lack of power- it really needs a 5 speed manual to get the most out of the engine. Other faults- sunroof almost useles, the opening was so small. Not so great gas mileage (mid 20's). Couldn't quite get a comfortable driving position, I'm 5'6" and my wife is 5'2". We ended up with a Chevy Malibu Maxx, the back seat is HUGE and the handling/power/value was better.
Just beware of the Mazda's 3rd row, it's torture, even for kids.