Small/medium SUVs

[Anonymous]

Our family needs a second car for errands (sad but true), and I realize a smallish used SUV would make this change a little more fun. I feel like the Ford Escape comes closest in terms of features and cost, but feels oddly too large inside, like "Why am I driving this huge car?" So basically, I want something a little smaller than the Escape, in a similar price range with not-worse mileage but not too small. Any ideas?

Ford Escape -- good to drive, a good length to parallel park in DC (which I do a lot), feels almost too roomy inside. Mileage okay. Could get a 2021 for about $20K before taxes, which feels like what I want to spend.

Nissan Kicks -- my sibling has this and it feels tiny to me! Cheaper at around $16K for a 2021 but not worth it to me for the small size.

Hyndai Kona -- seems too small

Honda HR-V -- haven't driven it yet and am curious what people think.

Volvo XC-90 -- was briefly excited about getting an older one (2019) in the $20K price range but realized will need premium gas. No thank you!

Would love to hear thoughts on the Honda HR-V or other suggestions of cars to check out. Thanks in advance!

[Anonymous]

The XC90 is gigantic and in a completely different class from the other cars you list.

[Anonymous]

Mazda CX-5. I'm fine with CX-30, because I drive and park in the city 90% of the time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The XC90 is gigantic and in a completely different class from the other cars you list.

Thank you — I didn’t realize that.

[Anonymous]

A Volvo is double the price to fix and maintain than the others on your list.

[Anonymous]

I love my Ford Edge. The last year they’re making them is 2025 though. Toyota RAV4 is a similar hatchback.

[Anonymous]

Kia Niro, either EV, hybrid, or plug in hybrid

I love mine. It's the perfect size and everyone finds it a comfortable car to drive.

[Anonymous]

We got a used HRV for our college kid and we all love it. The CRV seemed too big - similar to what you thought about the Escape - but this was a great size. Definitely check it out.

[Anonymous]

When I was looking cheap SUVs I looked at
Chevy Trax
Chevy Trailblazer
Chevy Equinox
Hyundai Tucson
Hyundai Kona

I bought the Tucson, small but not too small.

However, I know the Chevy Trax is really nice.

I was looking used. But decided new for SUV in the 25K price range.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:When I was looking cheap SUVs I looked at
Chevy Trax
Chevy Trailblazer
Chevy Equinox
Hyundai Tucson
Hyundai Kona

I bought the Tucson, small but not too small.

However, I know the Chevy Trax is really nice.

I was looking used. But decided new for SUV in the 25K price range.

No transmission issues? Ideally it's a car that you can't have past a certain mileage

[Anonymous]

Mazda CX-5. Love mine and Mazdas last forever.

[Anonymous]

If the Escape feels too big for you, you're looking at subcompact. Get a Subaru Crosstrek. It's a lifted Impreza, which is a great city car.

[Anonymous]

would agree that you should look at the Crosstrek if you think the escape is too big. I drive an escape - that's the same frame as a ford focus. the edge is the same as the fusion, so bigger and harder to parallel park. repair costs are reasonable and you can do them anywhere. I would also agree with the Mazda. the Honda hrV is small - I would make sure that meets your needs.

[Anonymous]

Corolla Cross

[Anonymous]

We got an equinox EV and I love it. Like it much better than our VW ID4 EV. We leased it for a super cheap rate. Battery range is much better than the VW.