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Article Comments: Small AWD SUVs Comparison

154 messages,  Last post on Mar 29, 2010 at 10:32 PM

You are in the Toyota RAV4 Forum.

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

Messages Page 16 of 17

#143 of 154 Consumer Reports Ratings by pjack

Mar 05, 2007 (10:39 pm)

Also in the Market for a small SUV. RAV4 is at the top of my list after driving the V6. I drive an 2005 Acura TL and need more room. I'd swear that the my TL has nothing on the performance of the RAV. After just reading my Consumer Reports it turns out that the 0-60 time is the SAME (6.7 seconds. The TL is every bit a sports sedan. While driving the RAV, I had a little grin on my face when I realized I wouldn't necessarily have to give up performance for more room. Consumer Reports has the RAV ranked first in the small SUV category and is the only non-hybrid SUV to get an excellent overall ranking. The Santa Fe finished 2nd and CRV 5th after the RAV4 with the 4 cyl and the Subaru Forester. For some reason the CX-7 was rated with the mid-size (don't know why as it's smaller than the RAV)but it finished 21st!! I'll still drive the Santa Fe, but I am strongly leaning toward the RAV. Already have prices at $400 above invoice and I got that online. I'll pay less and get free oil changes once I get into it at the dealer. Anyway, I know a lot of this is personal choice, so good luck to everyone with their choices.

#144 of 154 Re: Consumer Reports Ratings [pjack] by vbbuilt

Mar 06, 2007 (5:56 am)

Replying to: pjack (Mar 05, 2007 10:39 pm)
I'm sure you'll be very satisfied with your choice! I'm just wondering if you considered other sources for your info? Consumer Reports provides lots of info, but they're not the only source. In my research for the CX-7, I also read Road & Track, Car and Driver, Edmunds, Motortrend, even Playboy. Did you know that the CX-7 was Playboy's 2007 Car of the Year?
 
The point being, is that you have to consider many diverse opinions. Consumer Reports was luke warm to the CX-7 but there were many other magazines that went ga-ga over the car. One almost gets "information overload" when trying to decide.
 
Vince.

#146 of 154 Re: Consumer Reports Ratings [vbbuilt] by pjack

Mar 06, 2007 (8:53 pm)

Replying to: vbbuilt (Mar 06, 2007 5:56 am)
I have read a few different sources. I happen to rely a lot on Consumer Reports because it includes reliability ratings along with customer satisfaction. I've owned Toyota's before and couldn't be happier with the reliability. Car and Driver also listed the RAV as a top 5 truck and the best small SUV. Like I said, some of this is very much a personal choice and doesn't necessarily make certain choices bad ones. Even listed at #21 the CX7 is still rated "very good". Just gives you an idea of how difficult these choices can be when you have choices of 30-40 SUV's rated very good or above. I may just have to check out Playboy's opinion as I certainly agree they know how to pick 'em!!!I'm sure the wife will understand...

#147 of 154 Re: Consumer Reports Ratings [pjack] by carlitos92

Mar 06, 2007 (9:46 pm)

Replying to: pjack (Mar 06, 2007 8:53 pm)
"I may just have to check out Playboy's opinion as I certainly agree they know how to pick 'em!!! I'm sure the wife will understand..."
 
YES! FINALLY I can truthfully say "I only got that magazine for the articles..."

#148 of 154 Re: Consumer Reports Ratings [carlitos92] by defreitasm

Mar 14, 2007 (9:07 pm)

Replying to: carlitos92 (Mar 06, 2007 9:46 pm)
They wear very few articles in Playboy

#149 of 154 Re: Consumer Reports Ratings [defreitasm] by nmk

Mar 15, 2007 (5:14 pm)

Replying to: defreitasm (Mar 14, 2007 9:07 pm)
They wear very few articles in Playboy: LOL

#150 of 154 getting my money's worth by kmg222

Mar 30, 2007 (4:59 pm)

I am in the market for a small SUV with nice features (audio controls on the steering wheel, moonroof, MP3 player, leather seats, etc). However, the most important feature is safety!!
Is there a good one out there that I can lease for approx. $350/month with zero down?

#151 of 154 Re: getting my money's worth [kmg222] by joe97

Mar 30, 2007 (5:39 pm)

Replying to: kmg222 (Mar 30, 2007 4:59 pm)
Crash safety ratings:
 
NHTSA (Front Driver/Front Passenger/Front Side/Rear Side)
 
Santa Fe: 5/5/5/5
CX-7: 5/5/5/5
RAV4: 5/4/5/5
 
Safety features-wise, all are fairly even with perhaps the Santa Fe having the edge with the addition of standard active head restraints.
 
Having had extensive experience in all three, I would say all three are pretty good. The one with the most bang for my buck - Santa Fe.
 
Get a test drive of all three and determine which one would fit your needs.

#152 of 154 Anyone still reading here? by biancar

Mar 29, 2010 (9:42 am)

I'm also in the market for a small to mid-size SUV or crossover. I want to be able to carry two dog crates, luggage, husband and myself at minimum; might be nice if there would be room for other passengers as well. Because of the dog crates, I would prefer it if the back seats fold absolutely flat.
 
Fuel economy, NAV, leather seating, also are must-haves. Fun to drive would be a good thing. Comfortable to drive is a must.
 
I loved the Infiniti EX35 but it's probably too small for our needs.
 
Anyone have any suggestions?

Messages Page 16 of 17

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