Updated: Top Ten SUV Alternatives
Thursday November 13, 2008
I'm not a big fan of SUVs, but even I had to think twice about updating this list. Demand for SUVs is down, which means there are some great deals to be had, and modern SUVs and CUVs are more car-like than ever. Frankly, the latest crop of SUVs is pretty impressive. But even the best SUVs have their drawbacks -- when it comes to ease of parking, fuel efficiency, and the good ol' fun-to-drive factor, cars are hard to beat. So once again I've picked ten cars that do typical SUV chores -- hauling people, hauling stuff, and getting through lousy weather -- as well as, and often better than, SUVs. Check out the list: Top Ten SUV Alternatives. -- Aaron Gold
Comments
Aaron, as commented in to the article regarding the future and what’s coming in 2009, I have to ask what is your take on the recent news of GM product shuffling?
http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2008/autos/0811/gallery.gm__product_plans/index.html
I for one am very happy to see the Volt and Camaro are not getting delayed, though the plug-in hybrid Vue would have been great to see sooner rather than later. I suspect the falling gas prices may further push that one back or even off the calendar entirely, which would be a shame.
What do you think?
I really like your list with the Fit and the Suzuki at the top, depending on weather. But having recently driven a Caliber for a couple of days, the only list I’d put that thing on would be the “Back To The Drawing Board” list!
I recently rented a Kia Rondo for a trip from NE Ohio to Philadelphia because it was the only car with satellite radio at the rental agency. I was really surprised how roomy it was, and it cruised the PA turnpike at 70+ with no problem. It was a darn nice ride and, with the space versatility, would be ideal for a young family – hey, for an older family (my wife and I are late 50’s) as well. We both were presently surprised!
Glad to see the Jetta and other wagons on the list. Americans rightly turned away from wagons as defined by the Pontiac Safari and Ford Country Squire. The automakers could have redesigned and preserved the wagon concept by to slimming it down, sporting it up, and improving car quality all around. Instead, they fell for the siren’s song of ever larger trucks and SUV’s and are now reaping the fruits of this genetically inferior tree.
I’m with Don, I ended up with a Caliber as a rental and I turned it back in knowning I’d never want one of my own.
Good list except for the Caliber. It really is just a bad car. I would have replaced that with the Versa. Hey if the Fit is on the list so should the Versa, or maybe the Matrix/Vibe. It also is pretty roomy with a good amount of cargo space and alot better to drive than the Caliber.
Best SUV replacement, a Sprinter!
I am so glad you put the E-class wagon on the list… if I had the means there would be an E63 wagon in my driveway (and if they imported it the M5 Touring I would have them both… his and hers?)
Good list. I think for people who actually *need* SUV or pickups, this is a great time to get them. The rest, you just have to ask them what % of time they use the whole cargo space? Or the passenger room? SUVs are no longer the status symbol they once were. Best point you can make is show how much money in gas they would save (even at current prices), even if you rent a truck/van or buy a trailer for those “odd jobs”.
The Taurus has got to go. No sedan is a good replacement for a SUV. Replace the Taurus with the Toyota Matrix. The list is pretty good otherwise.
I agree with LWATCDR as far as the Matrix/Vibe. Its newest version is really pretty sharp. As for the more upscale, the last time I was in Europe, I rented a 3 Series BMW wagon…what a great all around performer! I rarely see them here, but I admit I do envy the owner. If I was relegated to one car for our family…that would be it! I see one in Aaron’s future, with his family and new puppy.
Good list. I agree the Taurus should be removed. Add the Subaru wagon family. I have a manual shift LegacyGT wagon. If you want fun factor while hauling stuff, this is it. My dog doesn’t really appreciate the spirited driving sitting in the way back though. Sorry pooch.
I think you can keep the Taurus. I have a Dodge Intrepid and yes I think it is a good replacement for many SUV drivers.
People of left full sized cars to old people and rental companies which is really a shame.
My Intrepid can carry five people in comfort and carry a HUGE amount of luggage. or just stuff in trunk. Some allow the seats to be dropped and then you can fit some very big packages in them.
I would like to see the Hyundai Elantra Touring added to the list. You liked it and gave it a largely positive review when you tested it, Aaron.
I would probably have listed the Volvo V70 wagon because it’s priced lower than the Mercedes E-Class and has about the same amount of room.
Re, Taurus: It stays. Here’s my thought process: One reason people buy SUVs is for cargo and luggage space. The Taurus has a big back seat with easy access (ever notice how small the footwell openings are on some SUVs?) As for luggage space — the volume of SUV (and wagon) cargo bays is always big, but those measurements go right up to the roof. But is that useable space? You can pack an SUV/wagon to the gills, but as a wagon owner, I usually don’t pack much higher than the top of the back seats if I can avoid it; anything higher blocks visibility and becomes a potential projectile in a crash. The Taurus’ trunk is 100% useable — not only because its a sedan, but because Ford put some thought into the shape of the trunk and went to the expensive of fitting non-intrusive hinges. I think this picture tells the whole story. And those are some biiiiiiiiiiig suitcases. I know, I carried ‘em. (You’re welcome, Erica.)
Ross, the Legacy wagon would be on the list, except Subaru discontinued it. As of 2008, it’s either the Legacy sedan or the Outback wagon. Sad, but true.
Don, et al: I considered the Vibe; it actually has a bit more storage space than the Caliber, also has a hard plastic load bay, plus standard ESC and optional all-wheel-drive. Hmm, now that I think about it, why did I use the Dodge instead of the Vibe? Hmmm. Although… if I substitute the Vibe for the Caliber, the Taurus will be the first car on the list — and then you guys will crucify me!
— Aaron
DFI: I’m taking a wait-and-see attitude. I almost posted a blog entry about this a couple of weeks back, then I didn’t. GM has a cash crunch, and they might be thinking back to the oil crises of the early 70s. Remember, there were actually two seperate shortages, and what did American buyers do between them? They went back to big cars. Gas prices are dropping, and it looks like Americans may be doing the same thing. Check out this article. I’m hoping they won’t delay the Cruze — if it’s as good as the Malibu, they could see some serious growth in the compact segment. — Aaron Gold
If the Big 3 come to the taxpayer with hats in hand, I believe that this new president shall take the opportunity to tie such funds directly to funding fuel efficient and alternate fuel vehicles ONLY. We got suckered by the bankers giving them almost unrestricted funds (which Obama supported as well)last month, but I’m sure he nor Congress will allow a repeat. Get ready for the R&D Departents of those companies to start looking into green alternatives like never before. If prices get too low, than an additional gas tax will pay for Obama’s infrastructure rebuilding/massive employmrent plans. One way or another get used to 3 buck gas.
I wouldn’t own a single one of these butt-ugly cars. Give me good ole SUV but maybe one that gets better gas mileage than my Denali.
BTW-Many people buy SUVs to pull a trailer. Most of these won’t pull anything or if they can it’s 1,000 lbs? I can think of a lot of cars that I’d rather have than this list.
Volvo S60 AWD
BMW 328XI
Chrysler Minivan
Accord
Civic
Audi A4 quattro
I could go on but why?
C
PS.. The only thing the Ford Taurus is good for is warming up the crusher at the demo yard.
I have to agree with some of Chuck’s thoughts on this one…
If you want a car buy a CAR.
If you need to carry a load or pull a trailer and are not picky about wind and rain get a truck.
But if you want room for 6 or more humans to breath in, storage, ease of loading and all the power to pull something, buy a real SUV not a cramped wanta be morphed car.
On another note Buying A GM product now would scare the hell outa me. The what if game is this.
1.What if GM does not get FED funds to bail it out???
2.Will the company get sold off and broken up into individual brand name lines ??
3.BIG question is warranty and repair parts on the existing brand cars and trucks. How would that be honored if at all???
4.Would you buy a GM product today knowing the unknown fate of the company. The current belief today is we need to help out the big 3 but most do not believe a bailout bill will pass congress at this time so where does that leave the potential buyer of GM products??
What are your thoughts on these issues ?
Fl. Allen,
I concur with your sentiment, “if you want a car, buy a car” or for hauling stuff get a truck. The problem is most people don’t buy what they need, but buy according to trends and fashion. Seriously, how often each day do you see some young woman(20) driving a 4×4 Denali? You can almost bet that that car is mostly about driving around town in a big vehicle that’s safe and “I can see above the cars better”. You can bet that thing hasn’t been used as a people hauler or cargo hauler but for a couple of times. But daily it drives around, getting 10mpg, carrying that one person, driving the price of fuel up and adding a disproportionate share of pollution.
If we all drove what we needed, we would be all better off. However Henry Ford said it best, “BIG CARS…BIG PROFIT” so you can’t blame marketing depts. to go for the soft target(creating desire in the most profitable product). That is why regulation is sometimes required to help put some reality back into the equation. I believe our gov’t is finally getting this and shall give a helping hand…But with a large dose guidance in which way the market can go. This of course will be coupled with punitive measures for those companies that don’t get on board.
Most SUV owners seem to forget that your average minivan offers more storage room, less cost, better mileage, and often better safety. This idea that they have more storage or passenger room is a myth.
A Dodge Grand Caravan has more storage space than a freakin’ Suburban, for goodness sake. And is certainly easier to load (with people or just plain old stuff) than an SUV.
It’s too bad so many people can’t see past this “stigma” and give minivans a chance. Yes, if you need to tow something, you may want a different choice, but a minivan is a overall a far better family vehicle than an SUV.
Johnster — Sorry, forgot to answer this the first time. I think the Hyundai Elantra Touring is very, very promising — but I want to wait until a) I’ve had a more thorough test drive and b) it goes on sale to the public. — Aaron
There are only two of the models you have listed that I would even consider, and only one I could realistically afford. The Benz E-class is a very nice car, but way too much money. The VW is the only one I could afford that I might even want to drive. The Caliber sucks!! Even if it does cost less than $20.
Aaron, Great list, the wife and I love wagons. However I must agree with those that didn’t like the Dodge Caliber, I wouldn’t recommend that thing to anyone. I have rented them on more than one occasion (second time it was all they had) and disliked it immensely. Apparently I am not alone on that.
I was sad to see that the only Subaru that made it was the Imprezza, I think that the Forrester and Outback would appeal to people that think they “need” an suv more than some of these others. Oh yeah, and the Matrix/Vibe ought to be there too.