Which SUVs do you recommend that have good fuel economy, a smooth and quiet ride, and excellent reliability? I am looking in the price range of $23,000 to $30,000. Thanks!
There are plenty of good SUVs in this price range. With your requirements of a smooth and quiet ride, we’d point you in the direction of small or midsize SUVs, including the Honda CR-V and Hyundai Santa Fe. We’re not pitting the CR-V against the Santa Fe — they’re both good choices for under $30,000 — but if you require more interior and cargo room, check out the Santa Fe.
The Santa Fe is larger than the CR-V — classified as a midsize SUV — and offers an optional third row for two additional passengers — small ones, anyways. Fuel economy for the Santa Fe ranges from 17-18 mpg in the city and 23-24 mpg on the highway depending on which of the Santa Fe’s engine, transmission and drive type (front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive) you choose. The Santa Fe scores an average reliability rating from Consumer Reports.
The CR-V has an especially quiet and refined interior that blocks out almost all road and wind noise. There’s only one engine and transmission available, giving an estimated 20/23 mpg city/highway in the front-wheel drive version and 20/27 mpg in all-wheel-drive models. Consumer Reports ranks the CR-V “Excellent” in reliability, its highest rating.
For larger SUVs than these two, the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander have base prices in the high $20,000s and do everything you require, but you’ll quickly surpass the $30-grand mark with taxes, destination charges and simple options.
We’ve accumulated many hours of driving time in the CR-V and Santa Fe. You can find expert reviews and staff driving impressions below.
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The 2007 CR-V was the absolute NOISIEST car I have ever owned. That was the main reason I only kept it 11 months. At about 50-60 mph, the road and wind noise grew insane. And the weak, weak, weak stereo did nothing to cover it up. (At 70 mph, forget it...)
"...blocks out almost all road and wind noise." Probably the most amusing thing I've read all day. When looking for a potential replacement (got an '08 Altima 2.5 SL), I took every test drive onto the interstate, even for just a few seconds, to see how each car sounded at speed. I'll always be a big Honda fan, but I loathed driving that CR-V.
PS- They mention Consumer Reports praising the CR-V's reliability. However, they ALSO mentioned the road noise as a major "Con."
uhmmm ... Murano, anyone??
Jan,
the question was about SUV with Good fuel economy. Murano wouldn't be in such category. Murano's fuel economy was major flaw in the new model according to professional reviews from Edmunds.com
Joe B,
1990 Civic with 1.5L and 4spd manual was the nosiest car I had. Lucky for me, back then highway speed still was 55mph, so I didn't have to push it to 65. With 65-70 mph that car felt like you-re just about to lift off. I mean the noise. The car was super stable at high speed. I took it to 90mph few times but I thought the engine just going to fly out of its mounts.
Get a low milage pre-owned X3 absolute luxury! All the room you need (more then X5). Just can't compare the ride to other cars above. Only down side is super unleaded gas. But get safety, luxury, space, and hold your value!
The RAV4 is supposed to receive an upgrade for 2009 model year.
Hopefully Toyota will commonize the powertrain with the new Toyota Venza, 'new' 190hp 2.7 I4 with 6 speed auto, and 2gr-fe 3.5 V6 with 6 speed auto. (V6 takes European mid-grade fuel, 95RON, so use US mid-grade at a minimum)
The Saturn VUE is decent, but avoid the 2.4 as it is saddled with a 4 speed auto, unless it is enhanced for 2009. The 3.5 pushrod V6 engine has a 6 speed auto, and moves the front drive model with authority. The 3.6 V6 has plenty of gumption, too much for front drive alone. The mileage isn't the best though because of a heavy curb weight.
Ford is upgrading the Escape/Mariner/Tribute for '09 also. 6 speed automatic for a 225+hp 3.0V6 & new 2.5 I4.
GM also has the 3.6 V6 and 6 speed automatic in the Equinox Sport & Pontiac Torrent GXP, but they are sportier than their base models so the ride may not be as smooth as desired.
With 65-70 mph that car felt like you-re just about to lift off....lol
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Just yesterday I've red small SUV test in the "Car and Driver" magazine.
Results were these:
1. RAV-4; 2. CR-V; 3. Rogue; 4. Outlander(4cyl)
5678-Tucson, Saturn, Escape and something else 9. Patriot.....
I was surprized they didn't have CX-7 there.
Ride-vise, looks like Outlander was on top. It had just sligthly lost to Rogue in the handling department but it was the most quiet one.
RAV-4 was a winner. It also had best fuel economy over 800mi - 23mpg. Interestingly, it has 4spd auto while CR-V with 5spd auto only made 21mpg.
so, I recommend you to read "Car And Driver", jan or feb 2008 issue.