Compact SUVs

[nash031]

Did a bit more digging into dimensions. The CR-V is four inches longer than the X1 overall, a little bit wider, and 2 inches taller. So we're not totally crazy in thinking it was bigger, but perhaps it's seeing that compared to the X1 vs. comparing it side-by-side to the HRV (which is almost a foot shorter, 2 inches narrower and an inch less tall) shows that the CRV isn't much bigger than the "class" we like. The Lexus (already more or less ruled out) are somewhat bigger, overall, but with less cargo capacity.

Looking at all the specs in spreadsheet form against each other maybe opens the door to the Mazda CX-5 as well, as the CX-3 just lacks useful space.

Thanks for the push to compare with the spreadsheet. I think it's informative.

 

[samclem]

Keep us informed on how things go. We've found that driving a vehicle (especially parking it and getting a feel for outward visibility) helps us evaluate how "big" it really feels. Vehicles of similar size and weight can have decidedly different feels.

 

[pb4uski]

Did a bit more digging into dimensions. The CR-V is four inches longer than the X1 overall, a little bit wider, and 2 inches taller. So we're not totally crazy in thinking it was bigger, but perhaps it's seeing that compared to the X1 vs. comparing it side-by-side to the HRV (which is almost a foot shorter, 2 inches narrower and an inch less tall) shows that the CRV isn't much bigger than the "class" we like. The Lexus (already more or less ruled out) are somewhat bigger, overall, but with less cargo capacity.

Looking at all the specs in spreadsheet form against each other maybe opens the door to the Mazda CX-5 as well, as the CX-3 just lacks useful space.

Thanks for the push to compare with the spreadsheet. I think it's informative.

I went through a similar exercise when we bought the Outback in that DW wanted a Forester. To look at them they seem similar in size except the Forester is more boxy and perhaps a bit smaller.

Outback had 4" longer wheelbase, 9" longer overall, 2" wider and 2" lower. Interior (headroom, legroom, et al) were all within an inch or so of each other and clearance was about the same. So we went with the Outback because we liked the styling better and it is a tad larger and seems to ride a bit nicer due the the longer wheelbase and is a couple hundred pounds heavier.

 

[Texas Proud]

I went through a similar exercise when we bought the Outback in that DW wanted a Forester. To look at them they seem similar in size except the Forester is more boxy and perhaps a bit smaller.

Outback had 4" longer wheelbase, 9" longer overall, 2" wider and 2" lower. Interior (headroom, legroom, et al) were all within an inch or so of each other and clearance was about the same. So we went with the Outback because we liked the styling better and it is a tad larger and seems to ride a bit nicer due the the longer wheelbase and is a couple hundred pounds heavier.

One thing to remember is that a few inches here and a few there can make a car much bigger.... it is really surprising how much volume you can add by making the car a couple of inches wider...

 

[nash031]

One thing to remember is that a few inches here and a few there can make a car much bigger.... it is really surprising how much volume you can add by making the car a couple of inches wider...

You can really see that looking at the HR-V vs the CR-V and the X1. Part of our limitation is garage space. We'd like to keep both cars in there, unlike most of our neighbors who park one in the street and one in the garage. But as mentioned, she's also petite so no desire for a land yacht either (thankfully!).

 

[Silver]

I don't see the Mazda CX-5 mentioned yet. We are also currently looking to replace our 2005 Nissan Murano and seriously considering the Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring SUV.


Edmunds Automotive ranks it pretty high and says "The Honda CR-V is the only other alternative to receive an Edmunds "A" rating and matches the Mazda CX-5 for price and fuel economy. The CR-V beats the Mazda for cargo capacity but can't compete in overall performance."


Edmunds.com Review is under road tests.


Anyone have any experiences with this Mazda? We are fairly certain it's the one we'll purchase.

 

[braumeister]

seriously considering the Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring SUV.

Although I'm a dyed-in-the-wool CR-V owner, I was introduced to this car a couple of months ago when DW had it on her short list. Although she ended up getting an HR-V, I was extremely impressed by the CX-5. I'll likely consider it when I'm ready for a new one in a few years.

 

[lhamo]

We really like our ford C-max hybrid. Ticks all the boxes (including leather heated seats in SE trim!) except the 4wd option. With the current low gas prices hybrids can be bought much more cheaply than just a little while ago.

+1

I bought a C-Max in August 2015 and love it. Getting about 42mpg with mostly stop and go city driving. The seats are adjustable and sit quite high, and the windshield is huge and has great sightlines -- much better than the Prius X, which made me feel even shorter than i am.

 

[mystang52]

I don't see the Mazda CX-5 mentioned yet. We

Anyone have any experiences with this Mazda? We are fairly certain it's the one we'll purchase.

My daughter has had her CX 5 for a year now and loves it. She has my 2 young grandchildren, so 2 car seats and adequate room in the cargo area makes for a practical car. And the gas mileage is good and car handles well.

 

[samclem]

I don't see the Mazda CX-5 mentioned yet. We are also currently looking to replace our 2005 Nissan Murano and seriously considering the Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring SUV.

Mazdas in general do have a reputation for being fun to drive. CR says 74% of 2016 CX-5 owners would buy the car again, and it has a predicted "very good" reliability.

For the 2016 CR-V: 72% would buy again, predicted reliability: "Average (reported reliability of the CR-V took a hit with the 2015 redesign, in prior years it was "Excellent")

For the 2016 HR-V: They don't have sufficient owner feedback yet.

Some folks don't much like Consumer Reports, but I think their info is worth considering, along with everything else.

 

[kannon]

Over the last 13 yrs we have had 4 Foresters, 1 Outback, and two Mazda's.

Love the Foresters visibility and safety. That's why we got them for our teens. Wife graduated from the Forester to the Outback - more plush, quieter, comfortable.

Lesson learned for us at least Subaru's are expensive to maintain. The 2003 and 2007 Foresters ate cash with many repairs, including engine replacements. I think the engine remains the same today so be careful on engine oil leak/head gasket issues.

I drove the Mazda's in the family. Currently drive a 2014 AWD GT CX-5 - it was my retirement car gift and by far the nicest car I have ever owned. Safety big factor. But also it's fun to drive. Driver sits high for good visibility in front but side and back visibility are nowhere near the Forester. Not issue for experienced driver and standard back up camera. Just enjoy driving it, great gas mileage, and fun, fun fun.

Good luck with your selection. I only considered top picks by Institute of Hghway Safety crash tests. Your list is a good list.

 

[Marc]

I bought a 2010 Mazda CX-7; I am really pleased. In 2013 they replaced with CX-5 which is a foot shorter and gets better gas mileage. I am not in market for new car for at least five years; however, I really like the CX-5.

Marc

 

[REWahoo]

I bought a 2020 Mazda CX-7;

Wow, the auto manufacturers are getting really aggressive in getting their newest models on the market...

 

[Car-Guy]

Wow, the auto manufacturers are getting really aggressive in getting their newest models on the market...

I thought you needed a Delorean to travel into the future.

 

[nash031]

Update to this:

We're getting closer to the final stages here. Probably looking at a June/July purchase. We're down to two of the originals and a new addition that's out of the "compact SUV" class:

- BMW X1 - the luxury entrant. Very nice, but is it worth $10K more than...
- Honda HRV - still concerned about the touchscreen UI, but love the capacity. Took a big hit this weekend when we went and looked at the 2016

- Toyota Prius Four.

DW entered this process wanting, essentially, a four-door hatchback with good cargo capacity, good fuel efficiency, and a sportyish look. We saw a 2016 Prius and thought it looked cool, so we went and checked it out.

While it's more expensive than the HR-V to get what we want on it, the 5-year CTO is about the same thanks to getting nearly double the gas mileage of the Honda. The interior is also nicer than the Honda, even considering the ridiculous Stormtrooper steering wheel and center console trim.

It may have not only squeezed the HRV out (depending on when the 2017 comes out and if they fix the touchscreen climate control issues), but it's opened our eyes to more of the hybrid class that's around. Coming soon:

- Hyundai Ioniq
- Kia Niro

Both of those promise close to Prius gas mileage, with reviews saying the Hyundai interior is the most "car like" instead of quirky. The Niro may be right in the wheel house as a hybrid well over 40 mpg, the right look and enough space to meet needs.

The question is: can we hold out until those come out? We have a pretty fixed timeline for a purchase, with August probably being the absolute latest we can go (and also being a good time to move on the 2016s), and I don't know that either the 2017 Ioniq or Niro will be for sale by then.

I have brought up the C-Max hybrid to her again as I recall all the recommendations here, but I think the bubble styling is going to kill that option as it did the previous Prius models and the current V.

 

[tmm99]

I haven't read the whole thread so this may be an non-issue ..

Things may be better now but how do Prius fare in snow and rain? I don't see Prius here in Ontario, Canada -where I live.


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[nash031]

I haven't read the whole thread so this may be an non-issue ..

Things may be better now but how do Prius fare in snow and rain? I don't see Prius here in Ontario, Canada -where I live.

We live in San Diego for now, so not much of an issue.

That said, it is a consideration. I prefer an AWD vehicle as there's a good chance we'll move after four years or so. That said, all of the options we're down to are either FWD or have AWD available, so I think they're going to be fine.

If we do move in a few years, it won't be to someplace that gets boatloads of snow. Most likely the farthest north will be someplace like Nashville, TN. And we'll be purchasing another vehicle to replace mine sometime in that time frame as well so could opt for larger/AWD then too.

 

[cyber888]

The Audi Q3 or the Mercedez GLA-250 are nice small compact SUVs. I think they are priced around $35K+.

 

[nash031]

The Audi Q3 or the Mercedez GLA-250 are nice small compact SUVs. I think they are priced around $35K+.

Those were both ruled out. Audi for style/expense (like the BMW better). Mercedes for size - too small. Mercedes was ruled out for same reason as the Mazda CX-3, Lexus CT200h, etc.

 

[RunningBum]

Is ground clearance important? The Subaru Crosstek is basically an Impreza that sits higher, and costs a bit more. It seems to me that Subaru has made big strides in the last few years. My son loves his 2013 Impreza and I love my 2014 Forester.

 

[aja8888]

I don't know if service cost means anything to you but a BMW could put you in the poorhouse. Of course, you are OK until the warranty runs out.

 

[nash031]

Is ground clearance important? The Subaru Crosstek is basically an Impreza that sits higher, and costs a bit more. It seems to me that Subaru has made big strides in the last few years. My son loves his 2013 Impreza and I love my 2014 Forester.

Not really a concern. We like the CrossTrek (I'm a fan of Subaru and will immediately have the Outback in my finalists in a few years when it's my turn), but we like the HRV a bit better in that genre. I like the way the CrossTrek looks in part because it rides higher, but in this instance I'm only 49% of the vote!

I don't know if service cost means anything to you but a BMW could put you in the poorhouse. Of course, you are OK until the warranty runs out.

That is a concern. I'll do the bulk of the routine maintenance (in the case of the BMW after the four year maintenance inclusion runs out), but reliability is certainly a check in favor of either the Honda or the Prius, and repair costs would favor those two as well as the Hyundai and Kia should we delay long enough to see their hybrids come online.

Reliability is a chief reason why the Fiat 500X never got serious consideration... that and the fact that it's markedly smaller, though not quite as small as the CX-3 and GLA.

 

[target2019]

We went with 2016 Honda CR-V AWD EX. Spouse drives it each weekday a few miles to the train. Loves it.

 

[YVRRocketSurgery]

I know the CX-5 has been ruled by the OP but just to add to some of the comments in the thread on it for Silver...

We purchased a 2014 CX-5 GT AWD w/ 2.5L engine and quite like it overall. Love the handling and drivability of the car. We test drove the 2013 version with 2.0L engine and it was a bit too wimpy. The 2.5L engine makes all the difference. However, we find the fuel economy is just ok for an SUV and definitely lacking compared to its sticker specs. We've owned our CX-5 for 3 years (it was release spring of 2013) and have just done regular maintenance. It's held its condition well with nothing broken or really worn.

If we had to do it over again, the CX-5 wouldn't be a slam dunk but it would be near the top of the list.

We checked out the CX-3 at an autoshow and agree it's a bit too small and would have liked a bit more elevation.

 

[nash031]

I like the Mazda SUVs a lot. They'll get a look when it's my turn too.