Anong pinakamagandang compact SUV

[wren]

I don't think the '06 Legacy wagon is coming to RP, but the Outback is. If you want the best compact SUV, wait for the Forester XT. Biased choice. per your criteria: reability (boxer engine is bulletbroof, it will start everyday), convenience (will seat five comfortably, plus your pet at the trunk), safety (only 5-Star rated compact SUV in US, best AWD system in the world), fuel economy (well 3 out of 4 ain't bad ). I will add performance (quickest, fastest, best handling compact SUV around).

[slamtaz]

the crv is a very reliable & convenient suv, however it is due to undergo major changes to match the changes in RAV4, meaning that if you'll get the current crv, luma na agad ang ride mo in the very near future...

[number001]

the crv is a very reliable & convenient suv, however it is due to undergo major changes to match the changes in RAV4, meaning that if you'll get the current crv, luma na agad ang ride mo in the very near future...

That's true. But in the Philippines, it is expected to come out by 2007. The new Civic came already in the US and look how long it is taking to get here.

[ebojr]

IMO talking about reliability, go for Toyota or Honda. The CRV (Realtime 4wd if available)is a best buy for the buck, in terms of safety, build quality and technology. I have driven a Sorento here in the US (V6, 4wd) and i find the cabin too tight considering its outside dimensions, too generic handling and lots of cheap plastic inside. i'm not sure if Nissan X-trail same as the US X-terra?

[number001]

IMO talking about reliability, go for Toyota or Honda. The CRV (Realtime 4wd if available)is a best buy for the buck, in terms of safety, build quality and technology. I have driven a Sorento here in the US (V6, 4wd) and i find the cabin too tight considering its outside dimensions, too generic handling and lots of cheap plastic inside. i'm not sure if Nissan X-trail same as the US X-terra?

Its not the same. The X-Trail is a compact SUV based on a car platform. While the Xterra is much bigger in size than a X-Trail.

[Camgen6]

New RAV4, CRV, Fortuner, X3, X-Trail...kahit alin

[OTEP]

Medyo masikip talaga Sorento dahil ladder frame siya with all vital components tucked in (nothing dangling below). A Nissan Patrol GQ also has a tiny cabin relative to its outside dimensions due to the frame architecture.

If you are not planning on taking on the beaten path. A front wheel drive cute ute will do.

Or why not just get a station wagon or minivan? They're cheaper and serve virtually the same purpose minus the 'porma' factor associated with SUVs.

[ian_rex]

it depends on your lifestyle.

if you are going rugged, then get a suzuki or a pajero field master or a Nissan Patrol. but i'll put my money with Suzuki still.

but if you are inclined to little or no off-roading then get a soft-roader (CRV, RAV4, Escape, X-Trail)

you can also consider korean makes. Sorrento or Santa Fe. of the two, i prefer the Sorrento in terms of styling.

or get an american made cherokee...

but if you want to be distinguished: get something special: Forester.

[Isuzoom]

Nissan X-Trail for daily use.

[Bry]

Clearly the discussion isn't limited to CUVs, so here's my opinion.

It's a toss up between the new Rav4 and the Fortuner. IMHO you can't go wrong with either one.

[pissword]

kakainquire lang namin ng 2.3L escape matic.. less than 200K ang overall downpayment. not a bad deal

[Bry]

pissword: Take a look at the X-trail din. Payag sila 10% down.

[pissword]

pero lakas lumaklak ang xtrail dba? compared to the escape...

[oldblue]

Hello there! I'm planning to by an SUV. First, I consider the new CRV, then the fortunner and now the Escape. Upon reading your reviews about the Sorento, I feel, I'll go now for the Sorento. Can you help me select what SUV to buy? I"m quite confused with so many brands and good quality they are claiming.

My Criteria for selection is reliability, convenience, safety and fuel economy.

By the way, ano ba and difference ng 1.8, 2.0, 2.4, 3.0 and 3.5 liters engine in terms of fuel economy and power? di kasi ako marunong ng technical matters about engines. MARAMING SALAMAT!!!

kung mag sorento ka, mag Ford Everest ka na lang. this car is becoming more and more popular sa kalsada coz of hard times. and pasok sa mga criteria mo although sa convenience medyo mababa rating nya siguro kung nakasakay ka, pero convenience sa Phil. roads, puwedeng-puwede


the Escape is also good. wag ka na CRV, it doesnt look like a compact SUV, mas malapit ang itsura nya sa mga AUV. Kung Fortuner naman, kwento ko na lang sayo yun kakilala ng mga barkada ng dad ko, winang-wangan sila mag-asawa ng tatlong kotse sa white plains. nun tinanong nya kung ano problema. pinasakay sila sa likod at pinaikot-ikot sa QC habang binabatuk-batukan every now and then, his wife included. this Fortuner SUV is a complete waste of time, effort, money and even endanger your life. hirap na nga orderin, tapos malaki ang chances na mawala sayo parang bula, and demeaning pa. it seems that some carjackers are not satisfied with just taking your car, i-degrade pa pagkatao mo, dahil na din siguro nayayabangan sila kapag naka-Fortuner ka ... imagine naka-slump ka na nga sa likod na takut-takot, tapos take turns pa sila batukan kayo and pati one and only mo.

[Bry]

OT:

oldblue: What happened after? Kinuha ba yung Fortuner? O wala lang?

[Takumi]

I will definitely not recomend the Ford Escape. Huwag kayong masilaw sa promo baka magsisi lang kayo! kABEBENTA KO LANG NG UNIT KO (ESCAPE 4X2 MATIC) last month. Kasi mabagal na, ang lakas pa sa gas considering na 2.0 lang ang unit ko. Nagtanung tanong ako kung bakit ganito ang unit ko sabi nila lemon daw talaga ang escape dito sa pinas. Kung 3.0 naman ang kukunin nyo, mas malakas sa gas. Isa pa kung ito ang kukunin nyo luma agad ang model.

I am now in the market of a new CUV. Mukhang ok ung new Vitara. Can anyone give me an input on this particular model? TIA.

[oldblue]

OT:

oldblue: What happened after? Kinuha ba yung Fortuner? O wala lang?

syempre kinuha, binaba din sila. carjackers kasi na 3 cars with wang-wangs

[niky]

The 2.0 Escape, X-Trail and CRV are ALL gas guzzlers because of the automatic transmission and small engine. The 2.3 Escape has better consumption, all things considered. The 3.0 Escape will likely drink a lot more gas, but you'll have more fun with it.
2.3 Escape: ( ) reliability (unknown), + convenience, + safety, ( ) fuel economy (average)

Admittedly, the resale value is a real problem.

The Everest is the best bet in Ford's fleet. Almost AUV price, SUV size, near-SUV amenities. The engine and suspension aren't the most sophisticated, but it's a real workhorse:
+reliability (Ranger base), +convenience (good size and ability), ( )safety (big body, but not built to US standards), -fuel economy (compared to other diessels).

An alternative would be the 4X2 3.0 Tribute, which is more like a Mazda 6 on stilts. Sort of an Accord fighter disguised as a CUV, sporty handling and power, and looks a little better than the Escape, with better consumption due to lack of 4X4 hardware.
( ) reliability (unknown), +convenience, +safety, -fuel economy (obviously).

The 2.5 X-Trail 250X looks sweet. Good riding comfort and excellent AWD.
( ) reliability, +convenience, +safety, ( ) fuel economy.

The AWD CRV doesn't give you much in terms of off-road capability. Neither CRV will give you good gas consumption, and the traction of the stock tires are HORRIBLE. They break away early and easily, and for many owners, the CRV's tires are often the first time they'll ever hear tire squeal. So for safety, the CRV doesn't really score that high. IMHO, safety doesn't only include body rigidity, but handling, especially as these CUVs are expected to drive like cars, at car-like speeds.
+ reliability, + convenience, ( ) safety (dubious grip), - fuel economy.

The RAV4 is a very good choice. Lighter body, better handling and fuel efficiency. Smaller trunk space compared to most (but wait for the new one!). Good value for money.
+ reliability, ( ) convenience (small), + safety, + fuel economy.

The Fortuner is very nice, but not really a compact SUV, and not even close to the price point we're looking at, especially if you want it NOW... you'll have to pay through the nose to get bumped to the front of the queue.
+ reliability, + convenience, + safety, ( ) fuel economy (depends on version, gas will guzzle, but diesel respectable)

The Hyundai Tucson is a question mark, especially in terms of resale, but I've never heard any owner of a late model Hyundai complain about their vehicle. In fact, many owners of 98-00 Hyundais I've met have been very effusive and enthusiastic about their cars. Hyundai reliability is not a major problem, unless you're talking about the ancient Besta models.
( ) reliability, ( ) convenience (small), ( ) safety (unknown), + fuel economy.

Does the new Vitara still ride on a full frame? I'm not sure. It's an okay choice, and Suzukis hold their value relatively well, as they're 4X4, but you're kind of limited on choices for parts and servicing.

[number001]

The traction of the Bridgestone Duelers H/T mounted on the CRV's 15" rims are notorious for a lot of reasons a tyre shouldn't be (eg. quick wear rate, low grip, excessive road noise, etc). However, the CRV gen 2.5 are now equipped with updated 16" rims with BF GoodRich Traction T/A. Hopefully, the BF GoodRich would make up for the shortcomings of the old Duelers. Since the CRV shares the same platform as the ES Civic, similarities in the handling are apparent but I wouldn't expect the CRV to cover corners in the same manner as the Civic since its higher center of gravity puts it into a disadvantage.

The Ford Everest comes in an attractive price, but I dont know if the amount of interior noise level, previous technology engine, slow steering, high hood, etc can allow it to be considered a compact SUV. For starters, the high hood will make manuevering this truck quite a chore in tight Manila parking spaces and garages. I read the review in motioncars that claimed of the excessive interior noise and lackadaisical engine performance. Overall, I'll get this if I'm based in the province where open roads are abundant and are in disrepair (on some parts). City slickers are better off with a car-based compact SUV.

[larshell]

If you want Diesel Sorento ganda ng ride but if you want Gas Grand vitara nalang.