Hey Scotty, hope you can shed some insight. I want to buy a brand new SUV but I don't know which one I should go with. My only requirements are that it be under $30,000, either automatic tranny or cvt, all-wheel drive, at least 180 horsepower, and at least 25 mph city. Can you help me out? Thanks!
I say, … just grab a RAV-4. There is no other SUV, at this junction in time, that is better.
F.S.
Thanks but I've heard that the rav4 has transmission reliability issues... Is that not true?
It’s not true, … trust me! Problem with RAV transmission is this, transmission is so called “adaptive". It adopts to your style of driving. It’s true, … it adjusts its parameters so those are synchronized with your style. No trouble at all! Trouble starts, however, if you let someone drive for a while, … someone who drives outright differently than you. This results in re-adaptation to a new driver, … and when you get your car back, you will notice the difference. No fear, however, the transmission will quickly realize that you are back at the wheel, … and will re-set itself back to your liking in not too long of a distance driven. That’s it!
F.S.
I've never heard of this before... Very interesting! What do you think about the Mazda CX-30?
Mazda is OK, … lot more engaging to drive! RAV is more of the appliance. Good appliance is good to own! Mazda has, just perhaps, best interior. It’s smaller. You can get it with turbo, … but I would pass it and get a RAV, that is, if I needed an SUV. I don’t, ‘10 Honda CRV still serves me fine, … lots of life in it still. At my age, … it may just end up to be my last car.
Anyway, new RAV (… starting with ‘19 model) has been now proven to be a reliable, popular vehicle, … you will see at least two or four new RAVs at every controlled intersection in my city, every time you are stopped for a red light. The engine is most complex, transmission is complex, "vectoring" AWD is complex, … but all seems strong, economical, trouble free. I have been maintaining one for a family member now for about 1-1/2 years. No issues at all after some 40,000 km since new. I have few acquaintances who own new RAVs. No troubles reported from them. fwiw
F.S.
Thank you once again. Your input is appreciated.
I second the RAV-4.
Rav4. It is just an adventurous vehicle- it is something that you want to go places with and bring your family and all the gear you want with 4wd without ever breaking down and the new engines are awesome with the 203 horsepower- way better than the 190hp crv. It also has a real transmission with speeds rather than the cvt crv transmission that is quite boring. The new 8sp automatic is actually pretty fun to drive and I think they have fixed transmission issues fro the 2019 rav4.
Thank you.
I’d go with the RAV4 hands down.
Along with the RAV4 already mentioned, I'd also like to add the Mazda CX-30.
The new generation RAV4 in 2019 did have transmission issues they mostly figured it out now I personally find the last generation pre-2018 ones to be better but if you want new I guess it can be a good SUV.
I want to stick to the CX-30 as a good choice as well though.
Thank you!
Although it breaks your 180 horsepower rule, I would also want to include the Honda HR-V. Its a crossover smaller than the CR-V but larger than the Fit (same class as the CX-30 and Toyota CH-R).
Those cars are very well made. The CR-V is too but the CR-V had a 1.5 Turbocharged engine which makes it prone to problems more than the HR-V.
Honda HR-V or CR-V
Which one do you prefer?