Which crossover SUV should I buy?

We currently have a minivan and are switching to an SUV-CUV. We want a luxury vehicle that can seat two kids (as well as the two adults), AND has the added space for the once-a-year ride to the vet for our Irish wolfhound. We really like the Infiniti EX35 and the Volkswagen Tiguan, but can't figure out what vehicle really is most superior. (My husband is completely against the Nissan Murano, and considers the Buick Enclave a possibility as well). Which is the best?

Mindy, Maitland, Ontario

If you’ve narrowed your choices to the Infiniti EX35 and Volkswagen Tiguan, there really isn’t any “superior” vehicle between the two. It will honestly depend on what you need. The EX35 has more luxury options, and it’s sportier and more expensive than the Tiguan, but the Tiguan is slightly taller and has more interior and cargo volume, which would be advantageous for carrying your ginormous Irish wolfhound.

Some of the Cars.com editors have noted that the EX35’s rear seats are on the smaller side, and the specs show that its legroom is 7.3 inches less than the Tiguan. This tidbit’s importance also will depend on the size of your kids, and how often they’ll be in the back seats. When you test drive these vehicles, be sure to bring the family. 

Going from a minivan to a compact SUV is going to be a dramatic change as far as the cargo capabilities. You might be able to get by with the smaller SUVs, but the much larger Enclave will make that switch less painful because the Buick has cargo capabilities and size dimensions that are similar to a minivan. 

See our expert reviews – we’ve reviewed all three of these vehicles – to get an in-depth look at each vehicle’s strengths and weaknesses, and where it fits into the marketplace.

Learn more

Answered by Joe Bruzek on August 13, 2008 in What Car Should I Buy? | Permalink

Comments

How about waiting to see if/when Nissan updates the EX35 to EX37.
The 7 speed automatic upgrade from 5 speed auto pays dividends in mileage.

Buy the Buick it is almost perfect better than any Jap
name car I have a Lexus RX320 it is junk. The Buick is better. I drive the Buick my wife drives the Lexus

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