Which compact SUV to buy?

[perrys]

Just wanna hear some opinions/stories from you guys (if you like SUVs). Im interested in "powerful" ones only...

[BAFalconXT]

Ford Territory, 6 or turbo. Not much bigger/same size as above and is more powerful.

[Falcon Coupe]

You missed the Turbo Territory, easily more powerful than any on that list.
Come to think of it, the base model is too.

[Fordman1]

Territory is not a compact SUV.

My pick and that of most of the 'experts' is the x-trail (especially if you want to take it a bit off road).

It'll be interesting to see how good and 'when' the Ford Iosis X is released.

[jdg]

Try the upcoming Toyota Kluger in August. 200kw V6 To give you an Idea, that’s the same motor used in the Lexus RX350, which has achieved a 0-100 time of 7 seconds flat! The same motor also acheives mid 7's when it is used in the Aurion. Plus the Kluger will give you a bit more space than the Rav. (To make a direct comparison) Certainly dont go for the Captiva...I think you would be less than Captivated!

CX-7 is good also. Its quite powerful for a 2.4, and the luxury model is especially nice. Theres also a CX-9 due for release a bit later on with a 6 cyl.

[outback_ute]

Escape & Tribute are too old now, CRV & X-Trail only 4cyl, don't like the CX7, would probably go for an Outlander over the Rav4 although the new V6 will make it pretty quick. I haven't really been following them closely but the Suzuki were always better offroad, the current model doesn't have a separate chassis any more (I think) but still retain decent offroad ability.

[fou_bleu]

CX7 is a great car!

[perrys]

Sorry guys for not including Territory, but its just too big for my needs. I am seriously considering Rav4 V6 (instead of the bigger Kluger), since its the most powerful compact SUV outthere (200Kw). It feels special!

[Eaturbo]

CX7 Luxury, have driven and with spec level its hard to beat, 6spd auto Bose sound, leather , sunroof. And it does handle like a sports car which is more than i can say for the rest.

[Steffo]

Escape. In black. It just looks awesome. Friend of mine's parents have a Tribute V6 Luxury and its a great car, but it doesn't have the nicer looks of its re-badged Escape twin IMO.

[Fairlane]

Outlander or Rav 4 here. Escape/Tribute is nice but just to old, 4 speed auto's is a bit beyond it- They are very nice drive otherwise, but yeah too old.

[Falcon Freak]

Anything on that list but the Captiva.

FF

[Bearman]

How about the Hyundai Tucson?? Can get them in V6 at the moment for just under $30K drive away with 5 year unlimited km warranty.

12 months ago I visited a mates panel shop. There was one of these Hyundais in being repaired from a shunt up the rear. The panel beater said a truck had it's way with it and he thought it'd be an insurance write-off. The insurance company decided to repair it. When he stripped off all the damaged panels he was suprised at how well the rear structure stood up and was also suprised at how well built they were.

Another mate is a sub-agent for a rental car mob. He has had 2 of these at his disposal and he thinks they're great. Drive well, have enough grunt, well built and great value. He has used a couple of these to make sure he didn't get a fluke one. He's looking at buying one himself as a daily runabout. His main job is an engine builder and is a muscle car nut so he understands cars.

There you have it, 2 very credible recommendations for a car that is one of the cheapest options. I'd get one myself based on this.

[mean & green]

i know its getting old and its not on the list but the xt forrester (the turbo) is a pretty good thing have driven a few forresters and they go well ,and there is no end to the mods available for them if thats your thing ,look good in black too!!

but as a pick of the list go the cx-7 very hot(but you will get a xt cheaper and its nearly as good)

[TUF_302]

If you had seen the car show a few weeks back you would no that a XF Fairmont ghia with an EFI motor can go anywhere a RAV4 does, and almost go anywhere a Landcruiser does lol!

[Polyal]

I agree, the CX7 is a very sexy car, SUV or not. They have class and presence, I would get one of those over a Terry any day.

But its not quite a compact.

[SpoolMan]

Honda CR-V auto 2.4L brother just got one, outstanding finish inside and after looking at 5 different models brands its the class leader in mid sized SUV's, IMO.
haggle hard $34,000 drive away for the auto base model, 7 spoke alloys $1500...nice looking unit..

[S3SR]

3 door pajero? that would be awesome and its compact
or a landrover small and compact go almost anywhere a cruiser or offroad 4x4 would, but a bit more class

i went mazda CX-7, cause the rest look like crap, arent as functional, or is a holden/daewoo.

in all honesty id go and check them all out, you need an SUV becuase you need the space to carry and power to haul but dont want a truck...so id go and see how the seats fold down, how far the doors open out, how much room in the car, the way the boot is designed to access it, towing capacity vs power figures, fuel econ and other things, then check whats parts cost..just go straight to spare parts section...

then price wise vs power vs features vs looks and feel

[perrys]

CX-7 is very very nice, but the fuel comsuption is terrible and some interior bits are very cheap (though the overall interior design is very sleek). The price of CX-7 is a little steep, too. I am waiting to see Rav4 V6's pricing.

[naddis01]

I voted for the CX7 but I would also consider an Outlander out of those cars.

[XR8-260]

Either the CX7 or the RAV

[Yaw]

If you manage to narrow your list down to the Escape or The Tribute, Go the Tribute.
Until the current model both were made in Japan, The current Escape is made in Tiawan. I think you will also find like I have with my Escape that Mazda parts that are interchangable are usually a lot cheaper than the Ford Part.

2 examples of this:
Radiator Tank From various Ford dealerships ranged between $250-$310
Exact same part from Mazda rec retail was $173.00 which I got at $130.00 trade price because they kept me waiting at the counter...I did not even ask for a further discount.

Inside Door handle assembly from vairous Ford Dealers between $150.-$190
Exact Same part from Mazda was $91

[Dave_au]

FYI CX-7 is a 17L/100 slurper for fuel. If you can live with the consumption then its a good car. Otherwise the Outlander or Rav 4

[QualityCounts]

I'll take the V6 Rav4 anytime. The CX-7 looks nice but it requires premium unleaded fuel, weighs 1771 kg, doesn't have a telescopic steering wheel, has a space saver spare and has inadequate storage. The V6 Rav4 weighs less (around 1650 kg) and has the same powerful but frugal 3.5L V6 engine found in millions of Toyota and Lexus vehicles worldwide. Plus it has downhill and hill start assists.

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au...-13232,00.html

[FTGAutosalvage]

out of all these cars i think the outlander VRX is the pick of the bunch.
the list of standard equipment on them is outstanding.fridge, dvd,side airbags,leather,bluetooth,ect. and at a very fair price.

when we bought the Turbo Tezza our second choice was the outlander. well not really first choice was a volkswagon touareg but only 5 seats.

The turbo Tezza has been a fantastic car, prolly the best family car i have owned. you should consider this a an option aswell.

[AWD Chaser]

Rav4's roll to easy. Not just my opinion, but NRMA's, and experience from 3 mates who rolled theirs (well, one of them was their parents car). I don't see why the Territory is too big... Half of these cars (listed) are the same size...

[AU-MUSTD]

Ford escape= old an well and truly outdated.
Holden captiva= brilliant and well suited to my needs. Goes well off road and tow's a decent load daily withoput fuss.
Honda crv=excellent car and quality but sadly only 4cyl and no 7 seats
Mitsubishi outlander=very expensive for leather v6 and rear suspension cope's very poorly at towing and 7 seats look like 1950's designed cardboard bench.
Rav 4= unknown at the present time.
Mazda tribute= Great 10 years ago. Same as escape.
Mazda cx7= Cant stand the god awfull styling. Great quality but poor fuel consumption.
Suzuki vitara= Great style, quality, decent off road but poor outdated v6.
New xtrail= Too much like outdated model style wise. Nissan questionable on quality.
If your budget is good then my pick would be the new freelander for style and off road abilty but no 7 seats. Also the subaru tribeca if you can get past the wierd style.

[SpoolMan]

Has anyone looked at the Nissan new Xtrail 2.5L there was one thing that let this car down having the speedo in the centre of the dash instead of directly in front of you makes it hard to look at.
I am surprised its allowed to be there to me its not safe, it turned us off the the car all together.
I have been told they do this so they can use the same dash board on the left hand drive Country's.

[Polyal]

Originally Posted by AU-MUSTD

Also the subaru tribeca if you can get past the wierd style.

I think they look great, odd yes, but atleast its different. But I like the CX7 aswell....

[apolloxbgt]

Originally Posted by mean & green

i know its getting old and its not on the list but the xt forrester (the turbo) is a pretty good thing have driven a few forresters and they go well ,and there is no end to the mods available for them if thats your thing ,look good in black too!!

but as a pick of the list go the cx-7 very hot(but you will get a xt cheaper and its nearly as good)

Anouther vote for a Suby here.
I have a h6 outback and love it.A forester is in the class you are looking at and the xt turbo will have the fun factor you want.