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SUVs Crossover SUV Comparison
7133 messages, Last post on Dec 04, 2009 at 9:03 AM
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Drove an '09 Santa Fe Limited today. The ride was smooth (probably smoother than the Murano I drove) and handling was OK but certainly not inspiring. Acceleration felt a little sluggish compared to the Murano (and compared to my '01 Pathfinder). The transmission seemed hesitant to downshift. I was impressed with the 3rd row for a vehicle this size. Not that 3rd row is a requirement for me on this vehicle, but I think it's dumb that if you want both leather and 3rd row, you HAVE to get either Nav or DVD ent. I think you can get the 3rd row without Nav/DVD in the SE trim but that's cloth seats only. The Infinity stereo sounded good once I adjusted it to my liking. I'm also very surprised that a rear view camera is not an option on this vehicle, even with navigation. Having been spoiled with one on my Acadia, I don't think I'll own another CUV/SUV without one. Could always add an aftermarket double-din nav radio with backup camera - might be a fun project. Right now though I think I'd rank the Murano ahead of the Santa Fe on my list. I definitely want to drive the Venza (ok who am I kidding - I want to drive about 5-6 more vehicles at least).
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Replying to: griesemer1 (Mar 26, 2009 11:52 am) |
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Replying to: loach (Apr 10, 2009 7:37 pm) What else? You already mentioned the Venza. You may find it a bit soft, with isolated steering feel, as is common with many Yotas. Maybe a Subaru Tribeca while you're at it. 5 passenger models actually cost less than the 3 row models, do, and the new 3.6l has more power and now runs on regular octane. Keep us posted.
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Replying to: ateixeira (Apr 14, 2009 9:09 am)
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Replying to: loach (Apr 14, 2009 9:50 am) I test drove one but hated the electric PS. This coming from a Toyota owner. 
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We're looking to buy something larger than our Saturn for a family of four. Plus, we like the versatility of compact SUV and don't want a minivan. We live in Michigan, so winter driving is a consideration. Southern Michigan though, so winters not too bad, but there is some snow, and occasionally a lot. In many ways we prefer the Forester. Better visibility and manual available. But my wife thinks the Toyota will have better reliability and lower maintenance cost and longer life. True? Forester rides betters. Rav4 v6 is awesome and smoother than 4 cylinder, but that inflates price and lowers gas mileage. A little more legroom in Rav4. Don't like the side-swinging tale gate, but like the full spare. What do you think? Pros/Cons? Is 4wd/Awd worth it? Occasionally it would be nice, but most of the time not necessary. Are Toyotas cheaper to own and maintain?
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Replying to: pilgrimjs (May 17, 2009 6:12 pm) We have an 09 Forester X Limited (non-turbo) and an 07 Sienna V6 with that same 2GR engine and U151E transmission. Subaru wins the AWD battle by a long shot. I looked in to the Sienna AWD and reviews for the AWD system were only so-so and it mandated run-flat tires I didn't want, so I passed. We previously had owned a 98 Forester and the AWD system on that was excellent (overall reliability was also). CR rates them very close, RAV4 by a nose comparing automatics, but their 5 speed manual Forester averaged an amazing (for them) 25mpg. That's nearly as good as the Escape hybrid's 26mpg, and much better than either with automatic. I don't like the swing-out door on the RAV4 - you need a lot of room to open it plus it opens the wrong way (blocking the curb). That forced us to look at a Sienna and a Highlander. Maintenance costs should be about the same. We actually got a Chase Subaru card and you can earn Subaru Bucks to pay for service, so to be honest I'm actually more concerned about the Sienna in that regard. The V6 is a gem, the best selling point when we got our van. Love it. Fast, yet efficient. It made Ward's 10 best engines list and for good reason. Surprisingly, though, the 4EAT on the Subaru is actually a lot more responsive than the 5EAT on our Sienna, which hesistates a bit to drop a gear. So the Forester responds sooner but the Sienna is quicker once you get going. I'd say get a Forester and then sign up for a Chase Subaru credit card to hedge your bets and offset any fears of higher service costs, but IMHO that's a myth. If you do get the RAV4, get the V6, which is nearly as efficient at the 4 banger yet more powerful. It should be a hoot to drive. CR actually rated the Forester XT (turbo) higher than the RAV4 V6, FWIW, but no manual is available on that model. Good luck with either one. |
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Replying to: pilgrimjs (May 17, 2009 6:12 pm) The Toyota has handled everything three Canadian winters could throw at it and I'm pleased with its AWD performance (and I came from a Subaru before it, so I've tried both). The penalty for AWD on the RAV4 is so low (1-2 mpg) that I wouldn't even consider going with FWD in a northern climate. I don't know about in the US, but in Canada the Forester would cost more to maintain simply because its service schedule requires more frequent servicing than the RAV4. However, this isn't in itself a good reason to choose one vehicle over another, in my opinion. I'd rather pay more to maintain the vehicle I actually prefer to drive than save on service but regret the purchase. Both Toyota and Subaru are known for a quality, long-lasting product. I'd recommend going with the one that suits you and your wife better without being overly concerned about a small difference in cost of ownership, if one even exists in your area.
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Replying to: cbmorton (May 18, 2009 6:38 pm) I just wish they'd pick a nice, round number like Toyota does. It is MUCH easier to remember 5/10/15 vs. 3750, 7500, then 11250. We put a sticker on the top of the inside windshield as a reminder on the Subie. cbmorton: does your RAV4 have the service reminder light? That's pretty nifty. You never forget. It's something that every automaker should add. One thing, though: the 2GR V6 uses a cartridge type oil filter that I find to be a pain in the neck to change. I'm not even convinced it's better for the environment because you have to use rags to clean the case every time you change the oil, and you discard 2 rubber seals and a plastic bit used to drain oil from the filter itself. Also, auto parts stores around me don't stock that filter, so I had to order them in bulk from a Toyota dealer online. The Forester has a spin off filter you can get anywhere that takes 1/4 of the time to swap out. A non-issue if you're not a DIY-type like me.
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