Article Comments: Small AWD SUVs Comparison

151 messages, Last post on Mar 30, 2007 at 4:39 PM

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What is this discussion about? Mazda CX-7, Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Santa Fe, SUV

Article comments for Comparison Test: Small All-Wheel-Drive SUVs - We've gathered three such vehicles for this comparison: the all-new 2006 Toyota RAV4, the 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe and the 2007 Mazda CX-7. It'd be uncomplicated to call these three "mini SUVs," but when they're loosely based on midsize sedans Toyota Camry, Hyundai Sonata and Mazda 6, it'd be more correct to call them midsize crossovers. (more)

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#52 of 151 Darth Vader Grey CX-7 GT w/ Tech. Pack by nmk Oct 04, 2006 (1:51 pm)
Tami: Have a look at the optional front pebble/rock/bug deflector or what ever that mask is called. Put that on and you have a very striking looking front end, especially if the vehicle is black or dark grey. In fact, I do agree that the front end needs a more stark look and one way is to move the license plate position to the side and get that mask.
#53 of 151 Re: Cute Utes [miamitami] by joe97 Oct 04, 2006 (5:02 pm)
Replying to: miamitami (Sep 01, 2006 3:41 am) 2007 Santa Fe has now XM standard (on all trims). Replies to this message: vbbuilt (Oct 05, 2006 1:57 am) joe97 (Oct 05, 2006 4:00 am)
#54 of 151 Re: Cute Utes [joe97] by vbbuilt Oct 05, 2006 (1:57 am)
Replying to: joe97 (Oct 04, 2006 5:02 pm) Now, if they would only had Navigation. Then I might have opted for the Santa Fe. Oh well, Mazda rules! Vince Replies to this message: joe97 (Oct 05, 2006 4:00 am)
#55 of 151 Re: Cute Utes [vbbuilt] by joe97 Oct 05, 2006 (4:00 am)
Replying to: vbbuilt (Oct 05, 2006 1:57 am) Not from the factory (yet) but they do have ones you can purchase from Hyundai Mobis (supplier) and have them installed. Considering other markets (espeically the domestic S. Korean market) have had Navi for years now, bringing over the unit is no problems at all - but, there are reasons Hyundai has not introduced Navi for the US market. Bottom line, you will see it sooner or later, when the time is right.
#56 of 151 Re: Cute Utes [astegman] by fonefixer Oct 11, 2006 (8:56 am)
Replying to: astegman (Aug 30, 2006 11:08 am) What has your experience been with the CX-7 so far and maybe you could report back about the MPG?
#57 of 151 Re: Cute Utes [vbbuilt] by fonefixer Oct 11, 2006 (8:59 am)
Replying to: vbbuilt (Aug 30, 2006 2:44 pm) What has been your overall impression of the CX-7 driving experience and could you report on the MPG? Replies to this message: vbbuilt (Oct 11, 2006 9:08 am)
#58 of 151 Re: Cute Utes [fonefixer] by vbbuilt Oct 11, 2006 (9:08 am)
Replying to: fonefixer (Oct 11, 2006 8:59 am) There's a specific CX-7 discussion group devoted to MPG. You might want to check there, review the postings, and if necessary, re-ask your question. Vince.
#59 of 151 Sante Fe: Go test drive this vehicle! by scion1969 Dec 02, 2006 (10:51 pm)
I just got back after spending the day driving and evaluating small SUVs, and I have to say I came away overly impressed with the Santa Fe Limited. My heart has been set on the new Rav-4 since it debuted the new body style. I didn't think anything would dissuade me from the Rav. I love the looks and it has a great engine. So I began with the RAV, and I was really disappointed. I'm 5'10" and I felt cramped in the drivers seat. My legs were not stretched out to where I'd be comfortable for a long road trip. I have 3 kids and the back seat was entirely inadequate, as the 'middle' seat was hard, no cushion to it. The available 3rd bench is WORTHLESS. Disappointed, I went to Honda. Not a CRV fan, but the car has been getting rave reviews, so what the heck. I'm not sure what Honda was thinking, but I HATE the looks of the CRV. It reminds me of a turtle from the front. Just a bizarre shape, not sporty. Looks like someone squashed a minivan. I do not like the rear extended tail lights at all. The interior was better suited to my family than the RAV 4 but I wasn't thrilled with the lack of a V6 engine option. I'm not spending 25k on a car with that many negatives. Hyundai was next. I really like the styling of the new SF. Looks like a RAV 4 from front and a Lexus SUV in back. I test drove the Limited with Touring option and all the works. I am a Honda/Toyota guy and I'm admittedly biased from Hyundai's early years in the States. I am a member of JD Power and Associates and kept reading about how Hyundai's reliability and quality has been rapidly improving. Well after test driving the SF I believe it. The ride was quiet, even on the freeway at high speeds. Acceleration was excellent, with no slowdown on steep grades. I spun the car in a circle in the parking lot and the turn radius was tight and excellent. And best of all, the 3rd row bench had plenty of room for my two sons. My wife commented on how comfortable the 2nd row ride was. Overall we were both more than happy with the SF, and it shot to the top of our list of next vehicles. Never EVER thought I'd own a Hyundai, but after reading rave reviews from owners and professionals, as well as marks for high quality, I've been won over. After reading this article, I'm going to give the CX-7 a chance. However I don't see the option of a 3rd row seat, so chances are the CX-7 won't meet my needs. Too bad, looks like a fun vehicle. Replies to this message: vbbuilt (Dec 03, 2006 12:07 pm) piast (Dec 03, 2006 1:31 pm) pelican19 (Dec 07, 2006 8:54 pm) piast (Dec 08, 2006 7:59 am) and 3 more... kp58 (Dec 30, 2006 10:20 am) cxrabbit (Dec 30, 2006 11:14 pm)
#60 of 151 Re: Sante Fe: Go test drive this vehicle! [scion1969] by vbbuilt Dec 03, 2006 (12:07 pm)
Replying to: scion1969 (Dec 02, 2006 10:51 pm) I hate to complicate your buying decision - if you can hold off your purchase until early 2007, what not look at the CX-9? Look up the reviews on edmunds.com and you'll also find other reviews by googling CX-9. Vince.
#61 of 151 Re: Sante Fe: Go test drive this vehicle! [scion1969] by piast Dec 03, 2006 (1:31 pm)
Replying to: scion1969 (Dec 02, 2006 10:51 pm) You may want to check redesigned 07 Mitsubishi Outlander. The interior in both cars received four stars in MT SUV of the Year contest, (RAV4 got three). Personally I think they are pretty close in material quality with Santa Fe being slightly more attractive, (except for fake wood) and the Outlander more sporty looking. Fully loaded Outlander, still being cheaper, tops Santa Fe with: paddle shifters, navigation system, Xenon headlights, keyless start system and 650 W sound system. With the same safety features, more rear leg room(39.6in) and cargo room(39cu.ft) in Outlander with two rows of seats trim, same towing (both 3500lbs), same warranty it is coming down to personal taste. When compared to Rav4, except for straight line acceleration, Mitsu and CX7 are better in agility and handling, with better interiors, again Dec MT. There is one of many good Outlander reviews, this one from Cars.com "..The automatic transmission is almost as smooth as the new CR-V's, while the engine provides considerably more power. The combination is far superior to the RAV4 despite the Toyota's higher horsepower figure, and the Outlander is a better highway companion overall.... the Outlander handles steeply banked highway onramps with superb control and minimal body lean, giving the driver a sense of confidence not found in many SUVs — compact, car-based or otherwise. The ride was also car-like. Bumps were softly muted and road noise was minimal...Available with an optional manual four-wheel-drive system, the Outlander is one of the more affordable four-wheel-drive SUVs on the market, ... Surprisingly, the new Outlander seems to outclass its competitors on just about every front" Replies to this message: pelican19 (Dec 07, 2006 8:54 pm) piast (Dec 08, 2006 7:59 am) pelican19 (Dec 09, 2006 10:42 am) and 2 more...