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Compare the CX-9, Veracruz, Pilot, Acadia, Outlook, Enclave and Freestyle

7147 messages,  Last post on Dec 05, 2009 at 5:13 PM

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What is this discussion about? GMC Acadia, Hyundai Santa Fe, Ford Taurus X, Toyota RAV4, Nissan Rogue, Honda Accord Crosstour, Dodge Journey, Car Buying, Car Comparisons, SUV

#6868 of 7147 Re: Test drove '09 Murano [volkov] by loach Mar 27, 2009 (4:03 pm)
Replying to: volkov (Mar 27, 2009 3:42 pm) Yes and no on the space - my '01 Pathfinder definitely has a lot more cargo space, but passenger space seemed prettty similar. The Murano's raked rear definitely eats up some cargo space. I don't have a sunroof in the Pathy so hard to compare headroom.
#6869 of 7147 press request by kirstie_h HOST Apr 03, 2009 (11:36 am)
A reporter wants to interview someone who drives a 3-row crossover, has kids and plans to drive the vehicle to a vacation destination instead of taking an airplane. If this describes you, please respond to jfallonedmunds.com by Monday, April 6, 2009 and indicate your vehicle's make and model. Thanks, Jeannine Fallon Coporate Communications Edmunds.com
#6870 of 7147 '09 Santa Fe by loach Apr 10, 2009 (7:37 pm)
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). Replies to this message: ateixeira (Apr 14, 2009 9:09 am) loach (Apr 14, 2009 9:50 am) ateixeira (Apr 14, 2009 10:00 am)
#6871 of 7147 Re: Compare the CX-9, Veracruz, Pilot, Acadia, Outlook, Enclave and Freestyle [griesemer1] by tjeff Apr 13, 2009 (6:51 pm)
Replying to: griesemer1 (Mar 26, 2009 11:52 am) We have both a Ford Freestyle and a GMC Acadia in our family. And both met our buying criteria: excellent, class-leading vehicles made in the U.S. by U.S. companies.
#6872 of 7147 Re: '09 Santa Fe [loach] by ateixeira Apr 14, 2009 (9:09 am)
Replying to: loach (Apr 10, 2009 7:37 pm) Drive a Ford Edge if you want to sample a domestic, too.   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. Replies to this message: loach (Apr 14, 2009 9:50 am) ateixeira (Apr 14, 2009 10:00 am)
#6873 of 7147 Re: '09 Santa Fe [ateixeira] by loach Apr 14, 2009 (9:50 am)
Replying to: ateixeira (Apr 14, 2009 9:09 am) I definitely plan to drive the Edge, Venza and probably the Tribeca. The 2010 Outback looks intriguing as well, as does the 2010 Equinox. As an Acadia owner, I was also interested in the GMC Terrain until I saw the pictures - hate the squared off fender flares on it. Replies to this message: ateixeira (Apr 14, 2009 10:00 am)
#6874 of 7147 Re: '09 Santa Fe [loach] by ateixeira Apr 14, 2009 (10:00 am)
Replying to: loach (Apr 14, 2009 9:50 am) The Saturn Vue is its softer-edged cousin, if you like those.   I test drove one but hated the electric PS. This coming from a Toyota owner.
#6876 of 7147 Forester 2.5x or Rav4? by pilgrimjs May 17, 2009 (6:12 pm)
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? Replies to this message: ateixeira (May 18, 2009 10:15 am) cbmorton (May 18, 2009 6:38 pm) ateixeira (May 19, 2009 8:09 am) cbmorton (May 19, 2009 11:13 am) and 3 more...
#6877 of 7147 Re: Forester 2.5x or Rav4? [pilgrimjs] by ateixeira May 18, 2009 (10:15 am)
Replying to: pilgrimjs (May 17, 2009 6:12 pm) We actually own both, well, sort of.   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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