I would like to purchase a small SUV such as a Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V. I prefer a four-cylinder over the six-cylinder for better gas mileage. I read that the four-cylinder engines are sufficient because they are stronger today than in the past. What do you recommend?
You've read right: Current four-cylinders are plenty powerful for most car buyers and are usually bought in much higher quantities than V-6s. They also get better gas mileage, as you noted. The RAV4s V-6 is actually pretty fuel-efficient considering the power you get. Even so, you probably won't go wrong with a four-cylinder CR-V or RAV4. It should be an easy pick for the CR-V, though, as it's only available with a four-cylinder.
Learn more
The new Jeep Compass or Patriot are really great on fuel.
I would also look at the Saturn Vue XE. Some people complain about its weight, but you really don't notice it when driving. I am seeing more and more on the road and they are one of the best looking small SUV's.
I would look at the Forester as well, because it is more car feeling.
I'm giving the Nissan Rogue a look. It seems really nice and it has some interesting features for a small SUV (paddle shifters, keyless ignition, xenons).
If Toyota puts the 'new' 2.7 I4 & 6 speed automatic from the Venza into the RAV4, that would be class leading in terms of performance/mileage.
Ford is also putting the 'new' 2.5 mazda I4 [it is a substantially overhauled 2.3] into the Ford Escape WITH a 6 speed automatic for 2009.
I'd avoid the Saturn VUE with the four cylinder until it gets GM's 6t40 6 speed automatic. Even the '4x4' V6 model are too tall geared.
http://www.caranddriver.com/content/download/92328/1185287/version/1/file/Mud+Puppies+-+Powertrain.pdf
Doesn't the RAV4 V6 get similiar gas mileage to the 4 cylinder CR-V?
My wife recently got a 2005 Toyota Highlander with a 4cyl and FWD. In that configuration it has more than adequate performance and gets very good mileage both city and highway. It also has plenty of room for three kids and a dog, and anything else she may need to stow on a regular basis.
Scion xB
DL,
Scion Xb is not an SUV. But I like it!
Don't get Saturn Vue - this is German trash, called Opel. Reliability of Opels - BAaaaaD!
Subaru Forester has good AWD but really not in the same league as RAV-4/CR-V - cramped. It is more like AWD station wagon. Even 2009 is not as good as those 2.
Mazda CX-7 - not bad but gas mileage is terrible.
Nissan Rogue - very nice. But it is smaller one. Also Rogue is new - not same quality as RAV-4/CR-V.
Jeeps - last place against RAV-4/CR-V/Rogue/Outlander/... others (Car and Driver 02/2008)
2009 Outlander gets 2.4L 4Cyl - interesting package. Just looks cheap inside.
To me - RAV-4 is the best but I am waiting until they change their rear door to become normal and without a wheel.
Tony, that's not true on the VUE.
First of all, Opel reliability is not bad. If you're referring to past Opel-based cars like the Cadillac Catera...not only do they not make the Catera anymore but they discontinued the similar Opel Omega in Europe a while ago.
If Opels were really that bad, I don't think the Opel/Vauxhall Astra would have been Europe's best selling car in 2006.
Second, the new VUE is still based on GM's Theta architecture, just a newer more updated version.
Third, the VUE has completely different powertrains. The 170 hp 2.4L I4 in the VUE XE FWD is GM's Ecotec, the same Ecotec as in the Aura, Malibu, Cobalt, etc. The XE AWD uses the 222 hp OHV 3.5L VVT V6. XR FWD/AWD and Red Line models both use the 257 hp High Feature DOHC 3.6L V6.
Meanwhile, the Opel Antara uses diesel powertrains and a different,3.2L V6, as well as a 2.4L Ecotec, but tuned differently.
Fourth, the VUE's interior is changed a good deal from the Opel Antara's. The Opel has a higher-mounted radio display with air vents in the center and Opel's own HVAC controls; the VUE has air vents at the top with GM's North American "Black Tie" radio in the middle and different air controls.
BTW that Jeep you're referring to is the Liberty, which you can't get in a I4 and doesn't fit as a choice for the asker of the question.
26cs,
The Jeep I referred was Patriot, not Liberty.
As Opel goes, you need to read some European reviews. As a matter of fact, just a week ago I read one revew where Opel Antara was put against RAV-4 and Nissan..(Forgot name) Opel came in the last place. And then I checked reliability and I found that Opel Astra, for example is 2 times less reliable then Honda accord.
Seriously. Who is buying Opel in Europe? Open in Europe Opel is like Chevy here. They sell a lot, of course, but it is sold to those who can't afford something better. And sinse there are plenty of people in Europe(they don't make as much $$) who can't afford something better (Japanese/ American cars are very expensive there (In Russia RAV-4 can cost north of $40G)), so they buy Opel.
No, it's not the Patriot. Check the C/D review, they tested the Liberty.
That Nissan (the Qashqai) isn't sold here. Like I said, the VUE here isn't just a rebadged Antara. There actually are some differences underneath, namely powertrain (which IIRC has been one of the main points of contention in Antara reviews). It's all based on the Theta architecture.
Obviously some people are buying Opel/Vauxhall products, they have some top sellers. No, they're not like Chevy (not just the products). The Corsa and Astra were the fourth and fifth best selling cars in Europe in 2007, respectively. http://www.bekker-romero.com/best_selling_cars_europe/Best_Selling_Cars_in_Europe_in_2007_Top_Ten_Passenger_Automobile_Models_Sold_on_European_Market.htm
Regarding Opel reliability - as Tony stated it is bad and always has been. They tried that "German Quality" marketing spin when they were selling Opels in Buick Dealerships in the 70s. It wasn't true then, and it isn't today. Of course "reliability" is a relative term, and compared with other German makes Opel might be okay, but compared to the Japanese and most American cars, it's not up to par.
26cs,
you are confusing me, yourself and others.
1. Jeep Patriot, 4 cyl was last at Car And Driver Small SUV Test.
2. People in Europe do buy Opels in good quantities. But it is not a statement for their reliability. In USA, Ford Taurus was a best-seller but it is also was one of the least reliable cars on the road.
One good reason why many people in Europe still prefer european models is because Japanese models have tendency to rust faster. And most of Europe has long spells of pretty bad weather.
Tony,
You'll be waiting a long time for a RAV4 with a different rear door. :)
Regardless of Opel's reliability today, the VUE isn't Opel powered and isn't on some new Opel chassis.
I guarantee you that the Liberty and not the Patriot was the last-place finisher in that test, Tony. See: http://caranddriver.com/reviews/comparison_test/crossovers_and_suvs/mud_puppies_comparison_test/2008_jeep_liberty_limited_4x4_comparison_test
Looks like Tony was correct. I don't think that this is a test that someone who is looking for a small 4cyl SUV is too much interested in. One would think that this question was posed by someone who is going to utilize the vehicle as their daily driver, as opposed to their daily off-roader.
I meant to type 26cs was correct, Tony incorrect. Sorry 26cs.
I am sorry, guys. I was wrong. It was Liberty.
I had is saved in my records as "Patriot" and that was wrong. Now I referenced that and pass the wron info.
LM,
partially you're right. The door will continue to swing but the tire will go away.
www.newcelica.org/forums/showthread.php?t=264067
I would not suggest the Toyota RAV4. It has a really bouncy ride. I like stiff rides but when I went on a 72 hour demo, I have to ride on the bumpiest stretch of Interstate in the state and it was so bad even on the normal stretch, my head was bouncing against the headrest the entire time.
See if your question has already been asked and answered
Your question has been successfully submitted to Ask.cars.com. It will now be reviewed by our editors and we'll answer it soon if we think it's a useful question. You will be notified via e-mail when the answer is posted. Ask.cars.com tackles your questions about new cars and the car-buying process. Unfortunately we can't answer questions regarding:
Have our experts answer any of your questions about new cars.
Don't worry — we won't publish your last name or email.
Try the Mazda CX-7 it is so sporty and cool!