AWD, Towing, RELIABLE!!!

Member2091

Hello!

I am getting ready to replace my current (but horrible) vehicle. A 2008 Jeep Patriot. I won't get into the reasons I am getting rid of it...

Ok, $25000 give or take a grand or two, 5 seats (wife and two kids), needs to fit a hockey bag, needs to be able to have ski racks installed on the roof. AWD or 4WD, some tech gadgets, heated seats are a must, towing my utility trailer (roughly 1500lbs) would be great, transmission doesn't matter....

The key for this purchase, after the horrendous experience with my Jeep is RELIABLE. $10K in 7 years is ridiculous and I do not want to go through that again.

A few vehicles that have piqued my interes so far:

2014 Ford Escape Titanium
2014 Hyundai Tucson
2014 Kia Sportage
2014 Buick Encore
2014 Mini Countryman
2014 Honda CR-V
2015 Honda HR-V

Any and all suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!!

Preferred Bodystyle(s): Coupe

Car Needs: Daily commuter / Family transporter / Towing or hauling

Need minimum of 5 seats

Will consider both new and used cars
Maximum mileage: 50000
Maximum age: 2 years

Maximum price: C $ 25000

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In terms of reliability, the Ford and the Mini might be a bit much of a gamble.

The Encore has been very reliable so far, but I'm not sure about towing with it. Marginal power even when just moving itself.

Either Honda should be very reliable. I just personally find the CR-V boring.

We don't have much data on the Hyundai or Kia, but either should be okay. The Kia is available with a turbocharged engine, if you want something quick.

All of this said, your best bet could be a Mazda CX-5 with the 2.5-liter engine (offered since 2014). Sporty, reliable, and fuel efficient. The 2013s and base trim 2014s had a weaker 2.0-liter engine.

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Response from Member2091

8:02 am June 30, 2015

Thanks for the response Michael!

I've started looking at the CX-5. I've also added the Mitsubishi RVR to the list. Any thoughts?

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The RVR is sold as the Outlander Sport in the U.S. I didn't like how the Outlander Sport handles much at all. But you might have a different impression.

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In your list I would put Sportage in first pick ... Ford reliability isn't perfect, and MyFordTouch is tricky and main concern for long term reliability and costy to repare.

Tucson is a bit different in handling than Sportage ... the last is more sportier and his AWD more responsive. Have also a look to 2015 Sorento wich his in fire sale since 2016 is in concessions ...

For your other choices if it's not the reliability, it's the towing that fails your needs ! Except CRV but you will get less for the same price ...

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Response from Member2091

7:01 am July 4, 2015

Thanks for the response! I am looking at the Sportage. The Sorento is a little big for what I am looking at.

I have also added the Subaru Crosstrek to the list. It's hard to find reliability info it, so if anyone has any comments re: the Crosstrek, I'd love to hear them.

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