Personal picks: Small SUVs

Small is the big word these days. Many people are surviving on less, buying less, and downsizing. But small doesn’t have to mean uncomfortable or compromising when it comes to living with a small SUV. In fact, some even offer a token third-row seat and nominal towing capacities–some can handle up to 3,500 pounds.

And if fuel economy is a chief deal maker, one model–the Mercury Mariner Hybrid (twin to the Ford Escape)–got an impressive 26 mpg overall in our tests. However, what might be the deal breaker here is that it cost several thousands more than most competing models. (Ours rang in at $36,615.)

Here are our picks for this category:

Mike Leung: The V6 Toyota RAV4 has been a perennial favorite of mine since its debut, because of the wonderfully flexible engine that mates good acceleration and performance with very reasonable fuel economy.

New to my list is the VW Tiguan. The 2.0T engine is really good and handling is similar to a GTI. My only reservation about the Tiguan is VW’s spotty reliability and their higher cost to own.

Between the two vehicles it’s a tough call which one I would prefer, but they’re both at the top of my small SUV list.

Rick Small: There are many small SUVs today with many new ones showing up. It’s a rapidly expanding market with growing popularity. They do have many advantages over the older truck-based models, with improved handling, smoother rides, and greater fuel efficiency. They are also very roomy for their size and have folding rear seats, adding to their usefulness.

Overall, I like the Honda CR-V and Hyundai Santa Fe, which are both much improved over their earlier versions. And while the CR-V’s fuel economy is good, it can’t tow too much. I need a 3,500-pound towing capacity for my boat, so that leaves the four cylinder models off my list. The Santa Fe and Toyota RAV and Mitsubishi Outlander offer V6s that will tow what I need. Of these, the Outlander is the sportiest of the group and it fits my 6’ 3” frame the best as well–although my wife complains about the lack of leg room on her side, so I guess Outlander’s off my list.

The RAV is a good choice but I don’t like the right-hinged rear cargo door; a hatchback design is much more user-friendly. Also, the RAV’s seat comfort is not that great for taller drivers.

In the end, my favorite is still the Nissan Murano, which can be a bit more expensive but is quicker, bigger and sportier than most of these and manages a decent 19 mpg. The new 2010 Chevy Equinox looks interesting and could be good competition here. We’ll be testing it as soon as it’s available.

Mike Quincy: I think the Mariner/Escape hybrids have faults (expensive, noisy, not a wonderful ride), but I’m mostly dazzled with their fuel economy. I’ve mentioned it before in several blogs, but I’m a total sucker for a lengthy cruising range–and these hybrids clock in at 435 miles before the low-fuel light starts to glow. That’s impressive enough for me that I can forgive many of the SUV’s other downsides. The 4-cylinder RAV4 also has excellent fuel economy and only 10 few miles of range (and it cost a WHOLE lot less), but I absolutely hated the seats in our tested base model. Even a short drive made me feel that I was about to fall off the front edge of the seat–ours didn’t have a seat cushion tilt adjustment. The upscale RAV4 leather seats are much better, but opting for the Limited trim line bumps up the price considerably (especially with the V6). So if I’m going to go small with an SUV, I’m leaning toward big fuel economy.

Comments

[Steve]

Re: Small and Quincy,

I'm a tall driver with a base 2006 4cyl Rav. I have absolutely no issues with the seats, and neither has anyone else who has ridden in my Rav.

Have the seats been redesigned since 2006, or are you just super picky about seats?

BTW, I echo the praise for the Rav, though I wish the V6 was offered when I bought my I4 (January 06, V6 wasn't offered until a few months after that). The expansive room is noteworthy, as I am 6'3" and can "sit behind myself". I barely fit in the front seat of a CRV, let alone get in the back seat behind the driver. Just not possible in the Honda.

[Rick Small - Consumer Reports]

I'm the tallest of the test engineers and find the RAV seat cushion too short for thigh support and the angle of the seat cushion could use more angle adjustment which would also help thigh support. We also have shorter drivers that would like more thigh support also so it is not just tall complaints. It is not uncomfortable; it just could be better.