Hi Scotty, my girlfriend was recently in an accident that totaled her 2016 Honda HRV. She wants to replace it with the same because she liked the space, how the car drove (a bit underpowered for my taste), and low cost-of-ownership. With used car prices inflated so much right now, I recommended buying a new one despite diminished buy-side negotiating power on new cars because of the current supply shortage.
My question is this: is there a better subcompact SUV on the market close to that price point, that checks the boxes above?
I've looked at reports on Hyundais and other vehicles in the segment, but don't know what's sponsored content and what's legit, so I thought I'd reach out to someone who will give a straight answer. She'd like the car to last, so reliability and total
In my mind, it’s really two choices for subcompact to buy (for longevity): Honda HR-V and Mazda CX-30. The Toyota CH-R is just too tight inside. For the Mazda just avoid the trim package that has cylinder deactivation (see brochure for the appropriate model year): but the engine in the Mazda (2.5L naturally aspirated I4 with the 6-speed regular automatic is true and tried and an excellent combo). Have her test drive one and see how she likes it compared to the Honda which is also good (thankfully it also has a naturally aspirated I4 engine, but I am not a fan of CVTs.). Avoid all other brands especially Hyundai Motor Group Products.
Thanks!
Honda HRV, Toyota CHR, Mazda CX30, and whatever the Subaru one is called would be my top choices.
If she can wait, I highly recommend waiting for the 2022 HRV.
The Subaru one is called Crosstrek.
Thank you!
Yes. Unless you are paying cash, the new ones have a much lower finance rate than used.
Our daughter just bought a new 2021 LX AWD for 25,200. That includes everything tax/title/license/financing/6% tax.
The new one has more cushion in the seats. Updated, smoother CVT and suspension. A little more sound deadening.
If she can drive a manual, the Crosstrek sounds nice..
I'll be teaching her at some point
There are some good ones and bad ones. The ones I would look at that are good are:
Honda HR-V (If you don't mind the buzzy nature of the engine, it's very practical, reliable and stylish)
Toyota CH-R (If you just want the style and longevity)
Mazda CX-3 (Same reasons as the CH-R)
Mazda CX-30 (Very practical and upscale)
Subaru Crosstrek (The one I would personally pick, especially since you can get a manual unlike the others, although maybe the CX-3 has one)
Don't buy the following:
Nissan Rogue Sport (feels low quality inside and for some reason feels more outdated than older Nissans, plus CVTs in those are a gamble)
Toyota CH-R (If you want the space, CH-R is too small inside)
Mazda CX-3 (Same reasons as the CH-R)
Hyundai Kona (Probably this biggest POS of all the subcompact SUVs)
Kia Seltos (Already having engine problems and I have heard horror stories of their "IVT" CVT transmissions breaking under 10 000 miles)
Ford Ecosport (Too small, low quality inside, and the EcoBoost engines are garbage)
VW Taos (its a new model, wait for it to be out for longer)
