Mid-size SUV

[SCCO9803]

What do some of you have or would you suggest for a good mid-size SUV for use in the outdoors? I am planning on buying a different vehicle and have decided on a mid-size SUV. I want something that will pull a small boat and is roomy enough to hall a few outdoors/ camping things. Please give me your opinions on what would work good for recreation.

Thanks in advance.

[Hemlock]

I've owned two GMC Jimmy's and loved them both. I'm now eyeing up a GMC Envoy. I really don't need anything bigger. Two kids, and pulls a 21' Aluminum boat just fine.

[Valv]

I haven't tried it yet very well, but if I was in the market for a small SUV a Jeep Liberty CRD (2.7l turbodiesel) will be my choice. Check it out....good power and very economical.

[Jeremy airjer W]

Here it comes

Take a look at a Toyota 4 Runner. Excellent fuel economy, well built, Plenty of towing capacitie, lots of room for the family, and outstanding quality to name a few.

[Doonbuggy]

What a great time to be looking for an SUV. As mentioned the 4Runner is a great choice, albeit pricey, but tough to beat Toyota engineering.

Here are some ideas:

Nissan Pathfinder. The base XE model is well equipped and can be had for around $25k new. Includes 270hp and standard third row seating if that's of use. The V6 in this engine is simply the world's best. Nissan uses a variation of it in almost every vehicle it sells. Consider it a 250,000 mile engine. (I would avoid Wayzata Nissan, fyi).

Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo. Can be had new for under $23k. This vehicle normally lists around $29k. Heavily discounted. Not sure how powerful the 3.7L V6 is though.

Best value: 2005 Ford Explorer XLT. These sticker for over $30k and you can get one with low miles (i.e. 15,000) for around $18k or so.

Other choices to consider: all new Nissan Xterra (265hp in a smaller package), Nissan Murano and Mitsubishi Endeavor which are both based on car platforms but can still adequately tow a small boat.

If it's my money I get the Pathfinder, maybe the Murano although it's a bit more in price. Good luck!

DB

[Jarrod32]

A couple years ago, I was looking at the same vehicles that have been mentioned above. At one point, I was convinced I would go with either a Grand Cherokee, Explorer, or maybe a Durango. Ultimately, though, I went with a new Dodge Dakota quad-cab. I really like the Dakota quad-cab (not much that you can't do with the quad-cab truck that you can with an SUV...and a lot of things you can do with the truck that you can't with the SUV). Just a thought...take a look at the mid-size four-door trucks (Dakota, Tacoma)...I was happy I did.

Side note...Ford's 4.0 L V-6 is a really good engine...I had one in an Explorer before I bought the Dakota; Dodge's 3.9 L V-6 just doesn't have the pulling power of the comparable Ford motor (although it is fine for my 15' aluminum boat). Just some thoughts...and that Ford V-6 is a flex-fuel engine, as well.

[Fisher Dave]

I had to go through this not long ago for my family after they got broad-sided in their previous Suburban.

I shopped around for them and checked out many different vehicles when they had the same needs with space and towing capacity.. and enough room for when they *went up north* with 4 people and 3 large dogs... but still small enough to be drivable in the cities...

The Dodge Durango ended up fitting the bill the best. We found a 1999 for $8K off the lot. It has been a very good truck... no shortage of power with the 5.3 (318) V8.

Depending on what you want to spend... Jeep cherokee series trucks are very nice.. the ugly Liberties are the old square body cherokee replacement.. still capable.. but, ugly.

Chevy Trail Blazers are extremely nice trucks but carry a heavy price tag.. I have a couple friends that own them and they are about perfect... but expensive.

As others stated.. the Toyota's are a good truck.

I would just be sure you dont go too small on a vehicle.. when you go camping.. the 4th passenger shouldnt have to have the sleeping bags in their lap because the cargo area is full.

[TSCTSC]

I think I would go for a Toyota 4Runner. But I would choose the V8 and the sports suspension. The suspension can be a little soft and rolls a little too much for my liking tho'.

Another option is to consider the turbo Subaru Outback or Forester.

[DrKen]

I'm on my 4th jeep in 20 years. Bought my first in 84 and i can say they are very dependable machines. I use mine extensively for hunting and fishing and my current one has 150,000 miles on it with no major problems to date. Still runs great. That said, I only buy the 4.0 liter straight sixes, these are a very durable engine which are easy to maintain, i prefer the selec-trac transfer case for ease of use around town in the winter and my wife can't blow up the case then. I average 19-20 mpg in town driving which is a as good as the new small diesel. These are a relatively reasonably priced suv and very durable. Hard to beat in the long run. However, my son has a Trailblazer with the straight six and it sure is nice. With the kids grown, i will get a full size pick-up next and I sure hope chev puts this motor in the 1/2 ton. Lots of good suv's out there from all makers. Tough choice.

[bucketmouth64]

I bought my first suv in 2000 ('98 Explorer). I had a few in mind and went to test drive several models. I felt cramped in a Jeep, Trail Blazer didn't seem right with being able to see out the windows while driving. Anyway, when I got into the Explorer I instantly knew that was the vehicle for me. It felt roomy, the sight lines were good and I felt secure in it. My point is go test drive all that interests you and start the elimination process. You will know when you sit in the one you will get. At least that's what worked for me. Good luck in your search. You should get a real good low price for one.

[federline]

I, too, am intrigued by the Jeep Liberty CRD (diesel). I've had diesel before, so I'm partial to 'em, but the specs on this thing are impressive: 5,000 lb towing capacity and 300 lbs of torque is just wild for such a small 4x4 that gets 21 city / 27 hwy for fuel mileage.

[Valv]

I think these days buying a SUV is a tought decision, Everybody makes 1 or 2 or more models.

Even SAAB and Porsche have their own, what's next Lamborghini and Ferrari ????

[Jeremy airjer W]

Valv, Lambroghini has already had a couple of SUV's. The Cheetah in the late 70's and the LM series starting in the early 80's. Do a google search, they are impressive vehicles!

[Valv]

Airjer, I knew about them, I am from Italy.

I meant currently.

And actually they had only 1 SUV the LM 002, Cheetah was a car.

They do make tractors and ag equipment....

[lawdog]

Cheyv Trailblazer and if you want the third seat the EXT version.

With employee pricing from GM, this is an absolute steal right now. Better half drives one and its a nice ride!

[CASTnBLAST]

Lotta people mentioned the 4Runner which is a very dependable rig.My wifes is for sale if your interested.

[Northlander]

I know of 2 people with Chevy Trailblazers and they both say their gas mileage is terrible in them.

[Jeremy airjer W]

Same thing with the Liberty northlander, lots of people complaining of poor fuel economy.

My bad valv, I know the cheetah was a prototype (I think there was only one made before they started on the LM's)but it looks like an suv (kind of an Italian inspired Hummer). I dindn't realize they considered it a car.

[CASTnBLAST]

Sold the 4Runner today...you loose

[FullTilt]

There's a good article in Consumer Reports within the last month or so that covers a few of the SUV's mentioned. The diesel Liberty did not get the reviews I expected. From what they said, the performance and fuel efficiency is not what it should be when compared to the gas option. Especially considering the huge cost difference (I think $5,000 for the diesel). They were big on the Nissan. I have a Durango with the 360 V8. It has plenty of power and plenty of room. However, the gas milleage is insane, I have actually seen the onboard milleage indicator read 6 miles to the gallon when towning a 17' boat on the freeway against the wind. Also, if you're thinking about a Durango have the ball joints checked thoroughly. It's about $1,300 to do both sides and all the factory Durango ball joints in the original style are bad. They've only recalled a couple years, I think 2000-2002 but they're all bad. Mine is a '99, didn't fall under warranty for the repair and the really funny thing is, when I asked if they were the same ball joints as original I was told they had been improved since the vehicle was new. Be aware, there are Durangos sitting on the lot that need new ball joints.

[jltimm]

I drive a 1997 Toyota Tacoma,and on a recent trip to Canada I got 17-18 mpg pulling a Lund 1660 Pro-V loaded fully with all the camping gear to last a 5 day trip.I know that is not a midsize SUV,but the Toyota 4 runner uses the same engine which is a 3.4 ltr V-6.I get 17-22 mpg average unloaded in the summer.Oh yeah,Toyota's are reliable and have great resale value also!