Hey all-

I've begun the search for a compact CUV for my mother. She's 69, and we will be replacing her aging 2003 (or 2004?) Infiniti FX35. Its been a really good vehicle, has about 160,000 miles on it. She doesn't drive enough nowadays to make it worthwhile for her to spend the money on a luxury branded vehicle anymore. I had thought about an NX, but it just doesn't make sense.

She wants an SUV for security in weather, and she likes the high seating position. Something in this class is perfect for her I feel.

Today I test drove the Mazda CX-3 and CX-5. I liked both. The CX-3 is a fun little vehicle, reminds me a lot of the Mazda 3 which is no accident. I think she would like it actually, but if she's driving our twins anywhere its a little small for getting them in and out. She doesn't like driving the Sedona because its so big.

The CX-5 I really liked a lot. It feels very premium (as the CX-3 does) and has all the features she's used to, the premium feel she's used to, and has a lot of other safety features I think she will benefit from, blind spot monitoring, cross traffic alert, availability of crash avoidance technologies, etc.

I plan to check out the Hyundai Tuscon, the Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue and that might round it out.

Any other thoughts or suggestions? I don't want to get too far above $30,000.

 

No Toyota RAV4?

 

I'm not overly impressed with the new Rav 4...

 

My brother has a relatively new Kia Sportage and loves it, though its rather plain interior might not be up to your tastes. The Tuscon you plan to look at is done on the same general platform. Consumer Reports gives it good reliability ratings.

 

I saw the Sportage at the show, its a little too "youthful" I think. The Sorrento would work, but I think its a little bit too big...

 

My parents had a previous gen Sportage, then a 2012 RAV4 followed by a 2013 RAV4 and have loved them all.

Consider a Nissan Rogue or am I remembering correctly that you are not a CVT fan?

 

I'm not a CVT fan but she likely wouldn't even notice the difference.

 

We went through a similar selection process recently and choose the Buick Encore as DD for my wife.

Ride quality, NVH and interior which can match much more expensive cars. Very easy to drive. It does have a small back seat so you will have to gauge if that works for your use.

 

get her a Golf R400

 

My dad is about the same age and is in the same boat, but he's had a prior RAV4 (and many other Toyotas past) and will look no further than Toyota a '16 RAV4 Hybrid.

Rogue: Out for me due to Nissan's questionable reliability with their CVTs and the 2.5L 4 cyl.

I assume reliability for the long-haul is an implied key requirement, for which case I'd stick to these:

CX-3/CX-5: I like these vehicles and if your mom has some sporty pretensions, solid pick of the group thanks to the great handling and fuel efficient engines.

HRV: roomier than the CX-3 or GM Trax/Encore and refined, fuel-efficient.

CRV: best overall in refinement and ride quality with excellent interior room for its size.

A couple final ones to consider if she wants to blend less with the crowd is the Crosstrek or Forester though not sure about reliability.

 

Yeah, I would vote Toyota RAV4 or Honda CRV if long-term reliability is a factor. Both are nice and comes down to other factors in regards to features, personal preference in regards to looks, ride and ultimate price.

The only downside to that Honda is the obligatory timing belt/water pump service every 90-105k. Actually, I'm not sure if the Toyota is a belt or chain now that I think about it, so that issue may be a wash.

But, that Honda does have a CVT I think? It's actually not bad from what I hear as they are putting it in their Acuras as well and have become more refined and durable from what I've read, but if that is a concern, then definitely weigh that factor.

My friend's wife has a GMC Encore and it looks neat and actually drives fairly nice, but it just feels really claustrophobic inside and it seems smaller than the others I mentioned.

 

I agree with you that the Mazda's are great options, and with the CX-3 being a bit too tiny for normal back seat usage, even for babies/children.

The Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, as long as you keep the options in check, would be under $30,000 and would be like a half size up from the others, but not quite as big as the Sorento that you mentioned.

 

The Santa Fe I like a lot, I will have to price it out to see if it can be had with the equipment and all she's going to want for that price point.

 

? I think you made a typo here. There is no such thing as a GMC Encore. It is either a Buick Encore or GMC Terrain....and they come off different platforms.

 

Take a look at the Juke (if you are ok withe the styling). Is pretty preppy for a small car. Also, if you have some time, wait for the Scion TNGA based HR-V fighter, which i think will go on sale this fall.