I have a 2017 Escape (2.0 AWD, sport appearance package). I like it a lot, though I’m biased…
my only experience with a Tiguan is in the Q3 version - had it as a rental a couple weeks ago. It was more of an econobox than I was anticipating, but not bad. media center/controls could have been better, reminded me of my 08 A4.
A friend of mine just got a new Escape and for the money they are also a great value. TBH if I was buying a small SUV the only choices in my mind would be the GM or Ford. I think she paid like $20-22k for a Fwd turbo Nicely optioned one. Looks and drives nice.
Probably not as old as your dad would like but my wife had a 2016 honda hrv that she loved. Nothing fancy but rode just as nice in the winter as it did in the summer.
Edit: apparently i should’ve read your post. Just saw he’s not a honda fan lol sorry
Understood. My buddy just picked up a 24mo/10k lease on a 2017 for $2900 out the door. Blowing out the old ones.
Mine was super cheap as well, but even w/o my discount it would have been ~$300 down and $135 a month (~$3500 total).
This was with no certificate and no GM card plus up. I’m sure there will be employees driving these for free.
Any thoughts on Tuscon or Sportage? He looked at a couple of those today.
My wife drives a Forester XT and loves it. It does have the cvt but it’s actually really nice to drive. Very smooth and good torque down low.
I’ve driven a metric ton of sportages as rentals (I travel a lot) and for what they are I actually like them.
Went out today and test drove a handful to get an idea. Just a collection of my thoughts here for my own record and for anyone else who may share similar or contrasting opinions.
2012 and 2014 Forester: There’s actually a noticeable difference between these two despite the subtle styling changes. The metal just seems sturdier on the '14 compared to the '12 and the ride height is definitely higher. The '14 just felt a bit more refined and really the only con against it was its CVT. In this case, we might just make an exception here. Both offer great visibility thanks to their design. While not a true SUV, the '14 felt closer to an SUV than the '12. And because of this, I am definitely leaning toward this for my dad just because it would be the most similar transition from his Matrix.
Mazda CX-5: This felt the largest overall from inside among the SUVs we tested. The ride was almost comatose. Very comfy, felt slow but had a leisurely feel to it that I could see my dad appreciating. As far as SUV styling goes, I think this is among the better looking ones and also gets the best fuel economy of the bunch. Honestly, if the Forester were not a contender right now, I think this would be the winner.
Toyota RAV4 (2013+): This actually turned out to be the most disappointing. It was not that it performed poorly though. I’d say this was one of the sportiest rides of the group. The steering felt tight, acceleration was easy, and offered possibly slightly better visibility than the CX-5. It felt very big when I first sat in it but as the ride went on, it gradually felt a bit smaller with how it handled. However, the seats my dad did not like at all. He needs something firm with larger side bolsters for his back. The lack of comfort inside coupled with the sportier feel I think has eliminated it from contention for my him.
Honda CRV (2012+): This kinda fell in between the CX-5 and RAV4 for ride characteristics, sportier than the CX-5 but not to the extent that the RAV4 was. This will remain a contender along with the Sportage and Tuscon.
Kia Sportage (2010-2015) & Hyundai Tuscon (2009-2015): The appeal to both of these is their smaller size. My dad was a fan of their seats, both had nice rides while not feeling bulky. The CRV, CX-5, and RAV4 all felt like you’d expect an SUV to drive. The Sportage and Tuscon offered something closer to the likes of the Forester but still in an SUV format.
So now it’s a matter of figuring out whether the Forester is the right way to go or if an actual SUV would be better. Price and mileage of course will also factor into this but hopefully selection will be wide enough in the next couple of months as lease turnover and trade-ins make their way to the lots as new models roll out. Ideally he’s looking to keep the mileage under 60k (lower the better of course) with a target price around $15k. That will be difficult likely for a Forester or CX-5 but he’s not in any hurry just yet. The CRV, Sportage, and Tuscon will likely stay on the back burner for now in the interim.
Wound up driving down to Pittsburgh at the end of September to pick this up. Simple base model 2014 Forester with only 40k, no frills but my dad actually prefers that. So far he’s very happy with it. Saw some oil spots below the car after we got home, wound up having two crush washers on the drain plug thankfully.
edit- I forgot photobucket sucks so that may not be showing up, but this link I think should work
I feel like if I ever get a car with a current style CVT, that I’ve pretty much totally given up on life.
Glad you’re dad got a good car though! Subies are a good car to have in WNY. What kind of real world fuel economy have you got with it? The drive back should have got you some decent highway mpgs.