[Off Topic] 2016 Midsize SUVs
Evolved Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 700
Likes: 22
From: Pittsburgh
too many people that arent farmers, landscapers, or contractors that have giant pickup trucks ... for no good reason.
if i ever buy anything that wont fit in the OS, i rent the Home Depot truck for $19.99.
...and what CottageLifer said about Jeeps. my buddy was a service manager at a Jeep dealer and told me NEVER to buy one.
Thread Starter
Evolved Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 2,740
Likes: 27
From: Out towards the countryside of Dallas, TX (USA)
based on the G37 i bought last year, check out an Infiniti QX70?
same reliable 325hp V6 and 7speed auto, good looks, some nice luxury thrown in (around-view backup cam, heated/cooled seats, etc)
i bought mine CPO - 2 years old, low miles for almost 1/2 price of a new one.
only con might be the mpg, but the 325hp makes you forget that.
...
same reliable 325hp V6 and 7speed auto, good looks, some nice luxury thrown in (around-view backup cam, heated/cooled seats, etc)
i bought mine CPO - 2 years old, low miles for almost 1/2 price of a new one.
only con might be the mpg, but the 325hp makes you forget that.
...
I've dealt with infiniti on a intimate level..
I respect their engines for sure, but the rest of the vehicles I'm a bit more hesitant on. specifically their sheet metal, they roll those things extra extra thin.
There is no CVT in the QX70 but this car is more of an SUV on steroids. Very little practicality is offered.
@mRVRsport: If you could rank your values that you are looking for we could offer a more focused opinion. I doubt that this list below is really your true ranking of values:
1. More cabin space
2. Xenon headlights
3. AWD
4. No CVTs, preferably
The reason ranking is important because you have to be willing to sacrifice a category that is ranked lower. You will not find a car that is the best in every category. For example HID headlights are not really a match for a requirements like safety, reliability, affordability, driving dynamics/performance, fuel economy, firm vs. comfortable ride, appearance etc. Some of those above are relatively objective while others are dependent upon whom you are asking? My advice: do not let your emotions swing your decision. The honeymoon ends quickly and if you choose the wrong car you may get stuck with it for many years.
If reliability is ranked high on your list than the Jeep is an absolute no-no. Acura RDX was not ranked high either in this category by Consumer Reports. Mazda's NA Skyactiv engines are proven to be OK but we do not know anything about the ones equipped by turbos.
If you plan to keep the car for only a couple of years then reliability may not be so important (although time spent in the dealer is also money and frustration).
How much bigger of a cabin/cargo space would you need? For a family of four you do not really need a three-row SUV unless you ride often with the in-laws as well. Buy a car for 363 days/year and find out how to solve your needs for the remaining 2 days.
Good luck for your choice.
@mRVRsport: If you could rank your values that you are looking for we could offer a more focused opinion. I doubt that this list below is really your true ranking of values:
1. More cabin space
2. Xenon headlights
3. AWD
4. No CVTs, preferably
The reason ranking is important because you have to be willing to sacrifice a category that is ranked lower. You will not find a car that is the best in every category. For example HID headlights are not really a match for a requirements like safety, reliability, affordability, driving dynamics/performance, fuel economy, firm vs. comfortable ride, appearance etc. Some of those above are relatively objective while others are dependent upon whom you are asking? My advice: do not let your emotions swing your decision. The honeymoon ends quickly and if you choose the wrong car you may get stuck with it for many years.
If reliability is ranked high on your list than the Jeep is an absolute no-no. Acura RDX was not ranked high either in this category by Consumer Reports. Mazda's NA Skyactiv engines are proven to be OK but we do not know anything about the ones equipped by turbos.
If you plan to keep the car for only a couple of years then reliability may not be so important (although time spent in the dealer is also money and frustration).
How much bigger of a cabin/cargo space would you need? For a family of four you do not really need a three-row SUV unless you ride often with the in-laws as well. Buy a car for 363 days/year and find out how to solve your needs for the remaining 2 days.
Good luck for your choice.
I would also add also:
5. high ground clearance (at least 8")
6. a bit more Performance
7. towing capability (at least 1,200lbs)
8. Appearance/Looks
I agree with you on sacrifice (in those categories of what you really want)
But, we do have specific needs that Must be met And we are willing to pay (more$) accordingly.
i dont know why more people dont understand this concept.
too many people that arent farmers, landscapers, or contractors that have giant pickup trucks ... for no good reason.
if i ever buy anything that wont fit in the OS, i rent the Home Depot truck for $19.99.
...and what CottageLifer said about Jeeps. my buddy was a service manager at a Jeep dealer and told me NEVER to buy one.
too many people that arent farmers, landscapers, or contractors that have giant pickup trucks ... for no good reason.
if i ever buy anything that wont fit in the OS, i rent the Home Depot truck for $19.99.
...and what CottageLifer said about Jeeps. my buddy was a service manager at a Jeep dealer and told me NEVER to buy one.
When one's single or just starting a family, not much cargo room is needed..
However, with us expecting our 2nd child soon and everything that comes with that, ie: Two strollers or at least Double-Wide strollers, more camping gear, bigger ice chest, bigger tents, in general more stuff to have to haul around (all at once) when we go out to the woods or picnics.
Our little OS's hatch area is just too small (when all the seats are utilized) to accommodate everything we need or any other CUV in this size.
It's just better/more-convenient for us to have a larger vehicle.
We can get a van, but that's just not us at this point (yet). Perhaps if/when we have a 3rd child, but I don't foresee that happening any time soon.
**********************************
Well, okay!
I guess imagine a clearer testimony than from a Jeep service Manger..
We definitely won't be getting a Jeep.
ESPECIALLY, with what just happened to that poor guy - Anton Yelchin.. RIP.
What a horrible way to go.
Gees.
Last edited by mRVRsport; Jun 23, 2016 at 06:30 AM.
Evolved Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 700
Likes: 22
From: Pittsburgh
I understand that the OS is great for daily driving and you would rent a truck as you need -
When one's single or just starting a family, not much cargo room is needed..
However, with us expecting our 2nd child soon and everything that comes with that, ie: Two strollers or at least Double-Wide strollers, more camping gear, bigger ice chest, bigger tents, in general more stuff to have to haul around (all at once) when we go out to the woods or picnics.
Our little OS's hatch area is just too small (when all the seats are utilized) to accommodate everything we need or any other CUV in this size.
It's just better/more-convenient for us to have a larger vehicle.
When one's single or just starting a family, not much cargo room is needed..
However, with us expecting our 2nd child soon and everything that comes with that, ie: Two strollers or at least Double-Wide strollers, more camping gear, bigger ice chest, bigger tents, in general more stuff to have to haul around (all at once) when we go out to the woods or picnics.
Our little OS's hatch area is just too small (when all the seats are utilized) to accommodate everything we need or any other CUV in this size.
It's just better/more-convenient for us to have a larger vehicle.
i would say bang-for-the-buck, you can't beat the big O. all the features you need and great warranty. just lacking exciting performance, but its adequate.
used, maybe a 2014 Subaru Tribeca. 256hp NA 6cyl, but not the best mpg (if that is important ...)
Thread Starter
Evolved Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 2,740
Likes: 27
From: Out towards the countryside of Dallas, TX (USA)
I would, seriously! if there is a minivan out there (2016-17 model) that's:
AWD
xenon headlights
~8" ground clearance
Good looking
Plus, when you consider-
that once you've decided to go ahead and spend around $30K+ of your hard earned dollars on a vehicle, it better have most if not all of what you want, right?
AWD
xenon headlights
~8" ground clearance
Good looking
Plus, when you consider-
that once you've decided to go ahead and spend around $30K+ of your hard earned dollars on a vehicle, it better have most if not all of what you want, right?
Last edited by mRVRsport; Jun 23, 2016 at 12:06 PM.
Thread Starter
Evolved Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 2,740
Likes: 27
From: Out towards the countryside of Dallas, TX (USA)
understood - i wasn't directing that at you, just ranting in general (and more to pickup truck owners who never haul or tow anything!)
i would say bang-for-the-buck, you can't beat the big O. all the features you need and great warranty. just lacking exciting performance, but its adequate.
used, maybe a 2014 Subaru Tribeca. 256hp NA 6cyl, but not the best mpg (if that is important ...)
i would say bang-for-the-buck, you can't beat the big O. all the features you need and great warranty. just lacking exciting performance, but its adequate.
used, maybe a 2014 Subaru Tribeca. 256hp NA 6cyl, but not the best mpg (if that is important ...)
I think we can live with anything that can provide around 22+ MPGs City (minimum), that's good enough for us.
For some reason... I'm just not drawn to the Subarus.
We shopped their vehicles when we looked before and just weren't all that impressed. And, the salespeople were a turn off.
Evolved Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,032
Likes: 14
From: Western Canada
I would, seriously! if there is a minivan out there (2016-17 model) that's:
AWD
xenon headlights
~8" ground clearance
Good looking
Plus, when you consider-
that once you've decided to go ahead and spend around $30K+ of your hard earned dollars on a vehicle, it better have most if not all of what you want, right?
AWD
xenon headlights
~8" ground clearance
Good looking
Plus, when you consider-
that once you've decided to go ahead and spend around $30K+ of your hard earned dollars on a vehicle, it better have most if not all of what you want, right?
Thread Starter
Evolved Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 2,740
Likes: 27
From: Out towards the countryside of Dallas, TX (USA)
2016/17 Toyota Sienna AWD with body kit. The 8" clearance might take work though. Highly reliable and decent looking. I had an AWD Grand Caravan and it was awesome (if somewhat repair prone). If you have kids, their stuff (bikes, strollers, cribs etc.) ie easily hauled in the back. As much as people decry minivans, if you have a couple kids they are unbeatable. But I am glad I'm done with that phase in my life! LOL
Well, I may end up in a minivan But I'm going to resist as long as I can!
Wish me luck
Evolved Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 700
Likes: 22
From: Pittsburgh
Kia Sorrento? they did just edge out Porsche on J.D. Powers survey to take #1.
ground clearance is only 7.3", but meets all your other criteria.
http://www.caranddriver.com/kia/sorento
i was never crazy about their looks (and the fact that they are everywhere - i like my cars to be somewhat oddball ... ), but the new ones aren't too bad looking.
ground clearance is only 7.3", but meets all your other criteria.
http://www.caranddriver.com/kia/sorento
i was never crazy about their looks (and the fact that they are everywhere - i like my cars to be somewhat oddball ... ), but the new ones aren't too bad looking.
Thread Starter
Evolved Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 2,740
Likes: 27
From: Out towards the countryside of Dallas, TX (USA)
Kia Sorrento? they did just edge out Porsche on J.D. Powers survey to take #1.
ground clearance is only 7.3", but meets all your other criteria.
http://www.caranddriver.com/kia/sorento
i was never crazy about their looks (and the fact that they are everywhere - i like my cars to be somewhat oddball ... ), but the new ones aren't too bad looking.
ground clearance is only 7.3", but meets all your other criteria.
http://www.caranddriver.com/kia/sorento
i was never crazy about their looks (and the fact that they are everywhere - i like my cars to be somewhat oddball ... ), but the new ones aren't too bad looking.
I know I've whined about Hyundai/KIA before, especially back in 2013 about that year's models.
BUT, man I had to take my own foot out of my mouth when I saw that new Sorrento (a couple of months back)!
The look was really distinctive and I had to stop and stare at it for abit. (before realizing it was a KIA. but still.) Its appearance in person was Really good. Well, guess it's time to go and test drive one now and rethink how I feel about the Brand and their vehicle(s).
Will give some hard honest feedback afterwards.
Thread Starter
Evolved Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 2,740
Likes: 27
From: Out towards the countryside of Dallas, TX (USA)
2016 KIA Sorento Limited AWD
I'm adding this puppy to the list of considerations:
Exterior Measurements
WIDTH 6 ft. 2.4 in. (74.4 in.) HEIGHT 5 ft. 6.5 in. (66.5 in.)
LENGTH 15 ft. 7.4 in. (187.4 in.)
WHEEL BASE 9 ft. 1.4 in. (109.4 in.)
GROUND CLEARANCE 7.3 in.
Regular unleaded
FUEL TANK CAPACITY 18.8 gal. RANGE IN MILES (CTY/HWY) 357.2/470.0 mi.
EPA MILEAGE EST. (CTY/HWY) 19/25 mpg
Weights and Capacities
MAXIMUM TOWING CAPACITY** 3500 lbs. MAXIMUM PAYLOAD** 1243 lbs.
EPA INTERIOR VOLUME 146.4 cu.ft. GROSS WEIGHT 5247 lbs.
CURB WEIGHT 4004 lbs. ANGLE OF APPROACH 16.9 degrees
ANGLE OF DEPARTURE 21.0 degrees CARGO CAPACITY, ALL SEATS IN PLACE 38.8 cu.ft.
MAXIMUM CARGO CAPACITY 73.5 cu.ft.
DriveTrain
DRIVE TYPE All wheel drive TRANSMISSION 6-speed shiftable automatic
Engine & Performance
BASE ENGINE SIZE 2.0 L Turbo CAM TYPE Double overhead cam (DOHC)
CYLINDERS Inline 4 VALVES 16
VALVE TIMING Variable
HORSEPOWER 240 hp @ 6000 rpm
TORQUE 260 ft-lbs. @ 1450 rpm
TURNING CIRCLE 36.4 ft.
Exterior Measurements
WIDTH 6 ft. 2.4 in. (74.4 in.) HEIGHT 5 ft. 6.5 in. (66.5 in.)
LENGTH 15 ft. 7.4 in. (187.4 in.)
WHEEL BASE 9 ft. 1.4 in. (109.4 in.)
GROUND CLEARANCE 7.3 in.
Regular unleaded
FUEL TANK CAPACITY 18.8 gal. RANGE IN MILES (CTY/HWY) 357.2/470.0 mi.
EPA MILEAGE EST. (CTY/HWY) 19/25 mpg
Weights and Capacities
MAXIMUM TOWING CAPACITY** 3500 lbs. MAXIMUM PAYLOAD** 1243 lbs.
EPA INTERIOR VOLUME 146.4 cu.ft. GROSS WEIGHT 5247 lbs.
CURB WEIGHT 4004 lbs. ANGLE OF APPROACH 16.9 degrees
ANGLE OF DEPARTURE 21.0 degrees CARGO CAPACITY, ALL SEATS IN PLACE 38.8 cu.ft.
MAXIMUM CARGO CAPACITY 73.5 cu.ft.
DriveTrain
DRIVE TYPE All wheel drive TRANSMISSION 6-speed shiftable automatic
Engine & Performance
BASE ENGINE SIZE 2.0 L Turbo CAM TYPE Double overhead cam (DOHC)
CYLINDERS Inline 4 VALVES 16
VALVE TIMING Variable
HORSEPOWER 240 hp @ 6000 rpm
TORQUE 260 ft-lbs. @ 1450 rpm
TURNING CIRCLE 36.4 ft.
Evolved Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,032
Likes: 14
From: Western Canada
I looked at the KIA. Frankly, the build quality is awful, but great value for price. Back to the minivan: as the kids grew older an AWD van was awesome for heading up fire roads to shuttle mountain bikes. And camping trips.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post