Of Ford Escape, Honda CRV, Toyota Rav 4 or Honda Santa Fe

[Anonymous]

Which do you recommend?

Other suggestions welcome.

[Anonymous]

The Santa Fe is more akin to the Highlander and Pilot. So you are not comparing apples to apples. The Hyundai version in the same class is the Tuscon.

We own a Rav4 (2009), and although I assumed I get another Rav4 when my Camry died, I ended up getting a CRV.

I also test drove the Tuscon. We liked it in some regards, but it seemed short on headspace (to the ceiling) for my 5'10" husband. I like the style of the Ford Escape, but I just can't go with the engineering of a Ford. So, I was debating between the Rav4, the CRV, and the Subaru. I felt a little snug in the Subaru (it seems like a smaller fit -- I'm not a big person, 125lbs, but it just seemed a little smaller than my Camry in the shoulder to shoulder area of the front seat). I like the giddyup in the Subarus.

What I didn't like about the Rav4 is that you had to get the highest trim level to get some of the safety features I wanted -- like Blind spot monitoring. With Honda, they were included in all trim levels.

I ultimately went with the one I felt had the best engineering in the engines. So, I switched from being a Toyota person to a Honda person!

I believe the Honda CRV is coming out with a Hybrid version in 2019. The Rav4 already has a hybrid version, but either the design is bad or the car is a heavy frame b/c the hybrid gas mileage is only 4-5 mgp better than my non-hybrid CRV! I get consistently 29 mpg with a mix of highway and local driving. The Rav4 is getting a newly designed hybrid engine and they haven't released the mpg yet, but I assume it will be a lot better. The CRV hybrid is supposed to get 53 mpg for FWD and 51 for AWD.

I think you get a lot for your money in the Tuscon, but I just wasn't impressed with the dealership (besides the headspace issue).

You will see the Rav4 and the CRV EVERYWHERE. There is a reason -- these cars are the family workhorse.

I am very happy with my CRV.

[Anonymous]

We got a Mazda CX5 mostly because it had the most comfortable front seat for my tall husband. Otherwise probably would have gone with the CRV because I'm boring and like Hondas and Toyotas.

[Anonymous]

Have and love a RAV but they are all great so just depends on your preference.

[Anonymous]

I went from a Honda civic to a Rav4. I didn't like the angle of the back window of the CRV. It made seeing out the back hard to do. I thought for sure I would be Honda for life, but ended up loving the Reav4. We also considered the Rogue (wouldn't trust them though) and Subaru Forester (didn't come with any bells or whistles).

Go test drive or at least sit in your top choices!

[Anonymous]

We liked our Ford Escape a lot. The Titanium edition has a lot of nice upgrades.

We eventually traded it in for a Mercedes, but it was a good car while we had it.

[Anonymous]

I haven’t driven the newer model Escape, but I have a 2009 Escape with 250,000 miles and I love it. I know domestics don’t get much love on DCUM, but before this car I’d always had Hondas and never got this many years and miles out of them.

[Anonymous]

My sister is looking in the same class. I just came across an article about ranking of mid size SUVs. I was surprised that the Rav4, was very low on the list. I think that the CRV sits low, so you don't get the benefit of an SUV. Top of the list isn't on your list, but it was the Mazda CX5. I had one as a rental, and I liked it. My kids loved it.

I would never in a million year buy a Ford.

[Anonymous]

I have a 2017 Ford Escape and love it.

[Anonymous]

RAV4 no question

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My sister is looking in the same class. I just came across an article about ranking of mid size SUVs. I was surprised that the Rav4, was very low on the list. I think that the CRV sits low, so you don't get the benefit of an SUV. Top of the list isn't on your list, but it was the Mazda CX5. I had one as a rental, and I liked it. My kids loved it.

I would never in a million year buy a Ford.

Why?

[Anonymous]

The old Ford Escape was great but the new one was too sleek with terrible sight lines. I bought a Subaru Forester and I love it.

[Anonymous]

I have a 2008 Ford Escape, and still going strong. Some weird electrical problems in early years but that was fluke.

[Anonymous]

You should investigate the reports of The Hyundai Santa Fes catching fire if you are considering one.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You should investigate the reports of The Hyundai Santa Fes catching fire if you are considering one.

RAV4's were also catching fire after oil change services at quick lube type places.