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Hyundai Santa Fe vs Toyota RAV4 vs Mazda CX-7 vs Ford Edge

811 messages,  Last post on Sep 15, 2008 at 10:40 AM

You are in the Hyundai Santa Fe Forum.

What is this discussion about? Hyundai Santa Fe, Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-7, Ford Edge, Honda CR-V, SUV

Messages Page 62 of 82

#605 of 811 Re: Try the blind test drive.....not literally. [chuck68516] by philmo

May 02, 2007 (6:46 am)

Replying to: chuck68516 (May 01, 2007 7:29 pm)
I don't care if it's 500 or 50 pounds heavier -- you can feel the porcine characteristics of the Edge when you test drive it. The Santa Fe, Rav-4 and especially the CX-7 are all much more nimble. As you suggest: test drive them all. I have.
 
While out of scope of this forum, I'm keen on testing the CX-9 with the same engine as the Ford but getting much better reviews with regard to drivetrain performance by virtue of the Mazda 6-speed transmission. And on the Mazda one assumes they'll include an adult-mode manual selection. A non-trivial feature when driving mountain roads in snow and ice.
 
At the end of the day, with last night's news reports of fuel hitting $4/gallon this summer, I'll wait to see what shows up in the showrooms for 2008. The use of our old Grand Cherokee will be greatly curtailed this summer. At least we have options with other vehicles and can leave the SUV when we truly need the U, as in Utility.

#606 of 811 Re: Try the blind test drive.....not literally. [philmo] by vbbuilt

May 02, 2007 (11:17 am)

Replying to: philmo (May 02, 2007 6:46 am)
I'm guessing you have the wherewithal to purchase and own more than one vehicle, one a utility and another that gets great gas milage. Yes? That gives you best of both worlds.
 
My question: what if you can only afford ONE vehicle? Criteria? It has to be new, it has to have cargo capacity, be able to tow 3,000 lbs, have nimble handling, carry more than 5 adults, achieve decent gas milage, has an luxury interior (leather, NAV, power everything).
 
What would you purchase?
 
 
 
Vince.

#607 of 811 Re: Try the blind test drive.....not literally. [vbbuilt] by hardhawk

May 02, 2007 (11:36 am)

Replying to: vbbuilt (May 02, 2007 11:17 am)
GMC Acadia or Buick Enclave fit the bill for what you are looking for.

#608 of 811 Re: Try the blind test drive.....not literally. [vbbuilt] by philmo

May 02, 2007 (1:11 pm)

Replying to: vbbuilt (May 02, 2007 11:17 am)
"...what if you can only afford ONE vehicle? Criteria? It has to be new, it has to have cargo capacity, be able to tow 3,000 lbs, have nimble handling, carry more than 5 adults, achieve decent gas milage, has an luxury interior (leather, NAV, power everything).
  
"What would you purchase?"
 
I'd add ground clearance to the criteria checklist.
 
It would have to be the Santa Fe though I'd rather have it without the third row seat. There's some nifty hidden storage in the compartment where the seat folds when configured without that option.
 
It has the highest cargo capacity in this group. Ties the CX-7 for clearance. Tows 3500lbs. Has a 45"+ wide liftgate (not barn door). Arguabley the best interior -- especially with night driving. Uses regular gas.
 
As I've said in past postings, if I had to buy today I'd get the Santa Fe. But there are too many interesting things in the pipeline for 2008-9. As long as I can wait I will.

#609 of 811 Re: Try the blind test drive.....not literally. [vbbuilt] by piast

May 02, 2007 (2:21 pm)

Replying to: vbbuilt (May 02, 2007 11:17 am)
1. Mitsubishi Outlander
2. Hyundai Santa Fe
3. Volvo XC90

#610 of 811 Re: Try the blind test drive.....not literally. [philmo] by chuck68516

May 02, 2007 (2:27 pm)

Replying to: philmo (May 02, 2007 1:11 pm)
None of these vehicles (SMALL SUV's) seat MORE THAN 5! Maybe you could get 6 toddlers jammed in there. I am 6'4" tall and weigh 210lbs and that definitely played a factor in my vehicle purchase as it has my whole life. The smaller foreign suv's just don't seem to agree with my stature. The numbers may lie but I didn't feel nearly as comfortable in the Santa Fe, Rav4 or the CX-7 as I did in the Edge. But my overall point is GOOD LUCK GETTING IN THE 3rd ROW OF ANY VEHICLE IN THIS CLASS! My gym bag won't fit back there! I also got the Edge because it doesn't have a 3rd row cargo bin (notice I didn't say seat).
You have to go up to the CX-9 sized vehicle to get a 3rd row seat someone could actually sit in.

#611 of 811 Re: Try the blind test drive.....not literally. [chuck68516] by joe97

May 02, 2007 (6:36 pm)

Replying to: chuck68516 (May 02, 2007 2:27 pm)
I was very comfortable in the Santa Fe and its 3rd row, slightly less in the RAV4.
 
By the way, the Santa Fe is no small SUV.

#612 of 811 Re: Try the blind test drive.....not literally. [hardhawk] by vbbuilt

May 03, 2007 (4:20 am)

Replying to: hardhawk (May 02, 2007 11:36 am)
Oh, one more thing to add to criteria...
 
Tops in reliability statistics. Generally, American car manufacturers are at the bottom of the barrel. I don't want to have to be in the shop more than on the road.
 
Vince.

#613 of 811 Re: Try the blind test drive.....not literally. [vbbuilt] by akirby

May 03, 2007 (5:46 am)

Replying to: vbbuilt (May 03, 2007 4:20 am)
Tops in reliability statistics. Generally, American car manufacturers are at the bottom of the barrel.
 
Bulletin - it's not 1985 anymore. The Fusion is more reliable than both the Accord and Camry. No reason to think the Edge will be any worse.

Messages Page 62 of 82

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