Which of these three small SUVs would you pick?
 

My wife and I are considering a small SUV to replace my Jetta TDI. There about a 50/50 chance of doing this and it would be no sooner than six months from now.

We're looking for something that is fun to drive, has decent power and torque, has four wheel drive on demand (or full-time), is dependable, has good storage space, and has decent gas mileage.

I've narrowed it down to three choices with approx prices in our area:

1. 2011 Toyota RAV4 4x4, 3.5L V6, RAV4, 5-Speed Automatic $27,500

2. 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander GT S-AWC V6 $30,200

3. 2011 Subaru 2.5 XT Premium $27,000 (though the price would likely be a bit higher because I'd want a sunroof.)

Do you really need a SUV? Think about it; you will hate driving one of those things if you are used to driving real cars.

Over here, the most popular in terms of SUV's are as follows:Honda, Mitsubishi, Toyota, Subaru

I truly had no idea these were so expensive. I mean they are pretty expensive for what they are.

How much are you getting for the TDI?

I did a quick NADA lookup for the TDI and it gave me an approx value of $12,000. It's in great shape, so I could probably get a bit more.

Because they are very popular with the soccer mom crowd.

How about a Toyota Tacoma Access Cab? I'ts tough, well finished, and has room inside the back for an extra rider or to store your stuff.

Yeah, that is a concern. I do love the drive of German cars!! That's the appeal of the Mitsubishi, because it seems to be marketed towards drivers. But as a homeowner, we're always looking for space to throw items from Home Depot and such into the back of the Jetta and finding ourselves a little short on storage space.

But the biggest reason is the snowstorms that we're getting here in the NE. The four wheel drive would be a big help.

This being a Mercedes forum.....I would say to hold off until the GLK250 CDI comes out later this year.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/featured-cars/288661-report-mercedes-benz-glk-diesel-way.html
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/featured-cars/292831-report-mercedes-benz-c-class-diesel-coming-2012-a.html


(Whether or not they sell a stripped down version to keep the prices in the low 30s has yet to be seen)

I owned a jeep for a while because I thought I needed it, I hated driving it the entire time I owned it. Do the math and figure out how many times you can have your stuff delivered from home depot (an or rent a truck) for the cost of one of these things.

I hate to break this to you, but VA isn't in the northeast. I probably get five time as much snow as you do, and I certainly don't need a SUV. My 4matic works just fine in anything short of a real blizzard (when you should stay home anyway).

Personally, I will never buy another new vehicle. The initial depreciation is ridiculous on these types of vehicles. If you must buy one, look for a late model used one for half the price.

I would say Toyota, as the 3.5 gives you good power without having to deal with a turbo (Subaru).

I can't imaging spending more than $30,000 or so on a new car, so MB is out of the equation. But a decent wagon with 4WD would be a good option.

I agree that you've got a lot more snow out there in CO. The biggest thing we deal with here in the "southern" NE is fact that it doesn't get cleared as quickly. Then there's the other drivers.

I remember my E-320 with a good set of snow tires was like driving a tank in the snow!!

Can you send my about $15,000 to cover the difference between our price-point and the MB? :D

OK, if not a SUV, which 4WD Wagon under $32,000 would you recommend?
 

If it's not a SUV that we should get, which of the 4WD wagons would you recommend? I've always loved wagons, they have more storage space than sedans, and they're still fun to drive!

Interesting review of the Cayenne by Warren Brown in Sundays Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/04/AR2011020402462.html