CP

Hi,

My better half drives an old Odyssey (128k miles) and a RX 330 (78k miles). We will be ridding the Odyssey in the next few months. We will seriously think about her next car when the RX gets closer to 100k miles, say in the next 18 months or so.

She likes high seating positions so it will be an SUV. She does 90% town and short trips (4-5 miles to the gym, groceries, etc.). In that sense it is hard on the engine. I am thinking a smaller (than the RX) SUV for easy parking etc. Ideally we get a hybrid because of her trip characteristics: optimal town mileage and short trips. The RX 450H and Highlander H are great cars but the mileage is only so so. (6 cylinder) Our RX 330 only gets about 18 MPG given her use right now.

Today the only small hybrid SUV on the market is the Ford Escape, a non-starter for me. I know both the Audi Q5 and the RAV4 will have 4-cylinder hybrids later this year as 2012 models.

The RAV4 is a no-brainer. Time tested durability even for a first year model. Light weight, probably gets 35 MPG in town and 32 highways. But the cabin quality and appointments are only so so.

The Audi Q5 will be a totally different class. May cost double the RAV4 but that is not an issue. But I don't know if it is smart to buy the first model year of an Audi hybrid. I know Audis are more reliable now than say 15 years ago, but that could still be a money-pit down the road.

For folks here who have Q5 or RAV4, please educate me on their virtues. Or if there is another candidate we should consider, please share. Oh, she does not like diesels, so TDIs are out.

We typically keep our cars for over 10 years, so this could well be her last ride. I want to make sure that she has a great car. She deserves it.

Thanks for the education as always.

CP

mooty

for ur use, mini cooper S would be perfect
Q5 too big
RAV4 nah

CP

John,

Mini is too low and too small. She equates size to strength/safety. RAV4 is a little small per her reception.

CP

jlb_94611

I thought of a used RAV4 for a Tahoe beater but the runaway acceleration thing changed my mind. Prob will go to a used Subie.

user 70801213

VW Tiguan. Build quality and the excellent chassis and engines from the golf. Want more time to drive one other than dealer test drive? National rental car has them in some locations. if you want mileage, you can get a diesel. the engines are clean burning and no smoke. direct injection and lots of sound isolation keep the noises down. I have a diesel golf. we get 40-45 mpg. no batteries.

mongrelcat

JM993

Oh yeah!!!!

Pong, I know it costs (a lot) more, but as you said "she deserves it." FWIW, I'll hopefully be getting my wife a 6 cyl Cayenne is 3-4 years.

Cheers,
Joe

Norske

I just bought a Honda Crosstour for a DD. I like it a lot. Good gas mileage, 4WD, Solidly built. Very reasonably priced. It's not small and handles very well.

Paul K

Mini Countryman?

CP

Yes, the Cayenne Hybrid is in the running. It is a bit big for a DD though.

CP

dcdude

What's your issue with the Escape? It gets great consumer reviews:
http://www.edmunds.com/ford/escape-h...r-reviews.html

Does it even need to be an SUV? Does she plan to tow, ski or off road?

Less hybrid choices, but otherwise, a wagon is a better choice for a car guy or his better half...

ryano

I have a Q5 and love it. Its not as large as a cayenne but big enough to do most things. Perfect SUV size IMO. Very nicely outfitted as well. I have the 3.0 and it is FAST too.

CP

Ryan,

What year is your Q5? For 2011, they have a turbo-charged 4-cylinder (2.0T) version. That by itself may do the job. My worries is that mostly short trips will kill the turbo in no time. But then we are very light-footed drivers, will likely not hit boost much.

We rented A3s while in Eurpoe. Just loved the interior and the ergonomics. Really comfortable seats.

Chuck,

Yes, it HAS to be a SUV (high seat height is a MUST). I do my car guys thing with my Porsches. She is not into fun-to-drive etc. She just likes to be pampered between point A to Point B in a safe car.

My BIL has a Ford Escape. The interior is ......meh.....

CP

e9stibi

If you can wait; There will a Q3 that uses the Tiguan platform. They just started production and I expect it in the US in 2012.

http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/07/a...gins-in-spain/

I have read a comparison test between Q3 and Q5 in the last Autobild (Germany) and the feedback was very good. This car is perfect if you look for high seating position, compact SUV (size like Tiguan), fuel efficiency with a 4 cylinder diesel and Audi "luxury".

skywachr

My experience is once you get a woman in an suv you will never get her out regardless of age. My wife stared her suv life in a Suburban which my daughter inherited in high school. Both now still drive suv's. My daughter wanted a Honda Pilot for gradation from college and loves it. It would get my vote for what you're looking for as well.