Small SUV or Crossover

[Minnie]

I need a reliable vehicle and mine has moved past that point....

We live in the country and have a driveway that drifts snow where my car often gets stuck in the winter.

Since I need to replace my vehicle I've decided to go either with a 4x4 or all-wheel drive - but I currently drive a Ford Focus - so small SUV or small Crossover is what I'm looking for

Any owners of this type of vehicle out there? Suggestions of which one, why, and new or used would be highly appreciated!

Thanks!

 

[S. C.]

Chevy Equinox!

 

[Golf4food]

I would look into:

Subaru
Hyundai
Ford

 

[MomofKatie]

My parents live in the mountains of N GA- they get occasional snow and have to deal with steep grades all the time. Dad has a Subaru wagon (Impreza Outback Sport) that he really likes. AWD, good gas mileage, and it doesn't have the big, boxy SUV look or high center of gravity.

 

[georgina]

I just replaced my 2001 Subaru Outback with a 2011 version. The newer ones are almost as big as a small SUV, with higher clearance. I have owned Subarus for 20 years and love the AWD.

 

[debster812]

Add me to the list of Subaru fans! I just re-acquired my 2004 Subaru Forrester from DH, because he got a new car. I am SO happy to have it back.

We actually plan to buy another Forrester when this one dies.

 

[bookgirl]

Ford Escape, I believe it has a four wheel drive option but both of mine are front wheel drive, has the engine and weight to haul and travel rough terrain plus mine was a dream on the ice and snow, but still looks good, has nice extras, and is affordable.


I sold my 10 year old Escape (to my brothers girlfriend as a dog/going to the lake vehicle) when I bought my current Escape. It looked really good, they age well. I will tell you that the 2011's are a little more good looking than my sporty old one but it still makes it around just fine and I"m not worried at all about driving it down around my dad's lake place or putting it out on the road this winter.

 

[schmitty]

I need a reliable vehicle and mine has moved past that point....

We live in the country and have a driveway that drifts snow where my car often gets stuck in the winter.

Since I need to replace my vehicle I've decided to go either with a 4x4 or all-wheel drive - but I currently drive a Ford Focus - so small SUV or small Crossover is what I'm looking for

Any owners of this type of vehicle out there? Suggestions of which one, why, and new or used would be highly appreciated!

Thanks!

Was the focus not able to get through the snow? If it could, just get another Focus, the 2012 Focus is completely redesigned so you could probably get an 2011 for real cheap if you wait.

 

[Minnie]

Was the focus not able to get through the snow? If it could, just get another Focus, the 2012 Focus is completely redesigned so you could probably get an 2011 for real cheap if you wait.

Stuck toooo many times in our driveway - I'm done with the compact cars.

Definitely want to buy a small SUV or Crossover - just trying to decide which one

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

We have an Audi Q7 but they make a smaller Q5. We got the diesel engine and I average 27 miles to the gallon. Towing the trailer with 2 Mini's I still average 17 mpg. It handles like a dream and I had no issues in the snow last winter, and we have a steep driveway.

 

[tvguy]

We are in the process of moving our fleet at work from Explorers to Escapes. We have 6 now. First 4 are Hybrids, we do some much freeway driving that we discovered (like almost all hybrid owners ) that the extra cost wasn't worth it. Our last 2 Escapes are 4 cylinder, non-Hybrid. Much cheaper, and same freeway gas mileage, and cheaper insurance. All are 4 wheel drive. Very nice vehicles. We run the Explorers 250,000 miles, hopefully the Escapes will match that.
Only thing I know about Subaru's is one of our competitors bought a few, okay in the snow, but just not tough enough body hardware for fleet use. They actually had a tailgate fall off one of their Foresters on the freeway. But we are in and out of the tailgates a 12 times a day, and our vehicles are often run 16 hours a day, 7 days a week, far greater use than regular consumers.

 

[Brit17]

Stuck toooo many times in our driveway - I'm done with the compact cars.

Definitely want to buy a small SUV or Crossover - just trying to decide which one

Ford Edge would be my first choice ... Honda CRV would be my second choice ... our family has one of each and we are very happy with both ...

 

[kirbydog48]

I have a Toyota Rav4. Love it! When there's a huge pile of snow at the end of my driveway from the street plow, my Rav just sails right over it. It's fun to drive; very peppy, and I have the 4 cylinder. Would highly recommend.

 

[JoiseyMom]

Chevy Equinox!

I second this one! I love mine!

 

[mrodgers]

Snow tires snow tires snow tires.

Last winter I had a 94 Honda Civic. Had snow tires (first time I ever had a car with snowtires) and it went better than my wife's 4WD Ford Escape.

I've driven real 4Wd (Ford Escape is not actually true 4WD) for 15 years. I always had off-road tires since I did off-road, but when I acquired the little Honda with snow tires on it for a short time through quite a bad winter, the tires are definitely the key.

4WD/AWD is far more useless without good tires than a regular FWD/RWD with snow tires. I have just cheapies (not so cheap at $109 each) on the Escape (actually a Mazda Tribute, but same vehicle) and it is horrible in snow.

 

[stevenpensacola]

Honda CRV.

There's a reason it has been the top selling vehicle in its class for the past few years.

 

[DeniseinNS]

I have a Hyundai Santa Fe and LOVE it!!! I change vehicles quite often (usually every 2 years) and this is my favorite vehicle that I'v ever driven!!!! It's pretty good on gas as well.

 

[golfgal]

Rav 4
Honda Pilot
Honda CRV

They all get pretty good gas mileage for a small SUV-28 mpg is what everyone I know that has one reports getting. The Honda Pilot is the best bang for the buck getting good gas mileage AND having seating for 8.

 

[luvmythree]

I sold my Nissan Armada last December and bought a Ford Escape. I'm SO glad I did!!! My Escape is awesome in the snow! I live in the snowy mountains of Utah and the Escape has never had a problem getting me where I need to go. I love the gas mileage, the price to buy it and it's reliability. Drove through 17 inches of snow last weekend and never worried a bit!

 

[Amy]

Subaru!! I just LOVE my 2007 Forester!