best 4x4 or awd suv for senior (ish) couple--must get awesome fuel mileage-dependable

Member5997

I am looking for an all purpose vehicle. This will be our retirement vehicle. It has be have a low cost of operation so it must be extremely reliable and durable, has to get very good fuel mileage and be able to tow probably a utility trailer with an atv or two. We like to have all the bells and whistles- heated seats, steering wheel, awd or 4x4-(preferred), back up camera, navigation, easy entry and exit. I really like the idea of gas electric but hard to find with what we want. good insurance rating. We are in Northern Ontario so dealership access is important as well.
We are just starting to look because we still have a few years lease on our truck which we are not keeping. I feel it is important to start looking now because vehicle education takes a long time and I do not want to leave it to luck to find a good one.
We have looked at the Dodge Journey but I am not convinced about the feel of it. Right now of interest to me are the Hyundai Tuscon Kia Sorrento or Sportage- the Subaru Forrester or Crosstrek- Toyota Rav4 and maybe the HondaCRVortheGMC Terrain.

Priorities: Reliability & durability / Fuel economy / Interior styling

Preferred Bodystyle(s): Sedan / Minivan / SUV

Car Needs: Daily commuter / Family transporter / Errands about town / Long trips / Towing or hauling

Primary Driver(s): Senior driver / Short driver

Need minimum of 5 seats

Will consider both new and used cars
Maximum mileage: 35000
Maximum age: 2 years

Maximum price: C $ 30000

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The 2016 Subaru Legacy Limited with the 4 cylinder engine and eyesight is the obvious choice for you. Read Consumers Reports on the vehicle.

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Maybe outside of your wheelhouse, but have you looked at the Chevrolet Colorado?

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I also like the current Legacy, but for some reason Subaru doesn't rate it for towing. They don't rate the Impreza for towing either, but the Crosstrek (same thing raised a couple inches) is rated to tow 1,500 lbs. The Crosstrek is offered in hybrid form, but the improvement in fuel economy isn't worth its higher price.

For a little more power and space, the Forester is also a good bet.

The GM, Hyundai, and Kia models aren't as fuel efficient as the Subarus.

One that is that you might like is the Mazda CX-5--if there's a dealer in your area.

Toyota recently introduced a hybrid version of the RAV4, but the RAV4 doesn't drive nearly as well as the Subaru or the Mazda. The benefits of a hybrid also depend on the type of driving you do. The more frequently you must stop for a light or traffic, the more sense they make.

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I think you should look at the Mitsubishi Outlander. Comes in a range including the new electric hybrid model. they seem to be pretty reliable, the ride hight isn't too high, which will make it easier to get into. I like the tailagate flap as it makes a nice ledge to sit on, however you will have to get a special towhitch to address the tailgate.

The cars come very well spec'd with everything your had in your list. Not sure if you can get a brand new one with your price range in the spec you require, however you could probably get one that is a couple of years old.

PHEV version has 5 seats, however in the deisel or petrol versions you can get a seven seater.

i have found that mine reliably gets between 40 - 45 MPG (UK Gallons) with ease; and that is with the wider more low profile tyres. The PHEV version gives you around 32 miles per full charge which makes it an interesting commuting option if you fall within that mileage.

Even though it is a reasonable size SUV, it really doesn't feel like it, and it drives really well.

The worst con is probably around its clearance, but if you want serious bush, then most of your suggested options aren't what you need.

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For half of your $30,000 target for easy getting in and out for senior look at a US $16,000 2017 Buick Encore. Our 2013 was a great car and at 60 mph highway drives we got 39 mpg...with AWD. Nothing will touch this efficency with gasoline and AWD. Plus Buick are smooth riding and amongst the quietest in it segment and segments above it.

Or step up to the slight bigger Buick Envision. Our Premium is seeing 39+ on the higbway and rides even smoother and quieter than the Encore.

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