4WD + smooth ride + compact = which SUV should I buy?

[Anonymous]

Seeking recommendations for my next vehicle. I have always had sedans but am thinking it's compact SUV time.

Criteria:
-4 wheel drive to deal with snowy conditions. I'm in the midwest.
-Compact (for an SUV at least). Family is me + DH + baby on the way. I need to be able to parallel park, plus my garage is small.
-Very smooth ride. As cushy as possible. I'm so tired of every little pothole feeling like I just hit the Grand Canyon. This is a major thing for me!
-Quiet cabin/minimal road noise.
-Budget: around $30K max. I'd be looking for a pre-owned model not more than a few years old.

Please tell me about your vehicle if it meets these criteria. I'm hoping to pull a shortlist together. TIA!

[Anonymous]

Subaru Outback

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Subaru Outback

I rented an outback and loved it, though it is a bit long if parallel parking is an issue look at The legacy. It’s a sedan but decently roomy. I would skip the crosstrek. It’s not as smooth as the outback/legacy

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Seeking recommendations for my next vehicle. I have always had sedans but am thinking it's compact SUV time.

Criteria:
-4 wheel drive to deal with snowy conditions. I'm in the midwest.
-Compact (for an SUV at least). Family is me + DH + baby on the way. I need to be able to parallel park, plus my garage is small.
-Very smooth ride. As cushy as possible. I'm so tired of every little pothole feeling like I just hit the Grand Canyon. This is a major thing for me!
-Quiet cabin/minimal road noise.
-Budget: around $30K max. I'd be looking for a pre-owned model not more than a few years old.

Please tell me about your vehicle if it meets these criteria. I'm hoping to pull a shortlist together. TIA!

Subaru Forester

[Anonymous]

Do you mean AWD?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do you mean AWD?

Yes, that is what I meant! Sorry.

[Anonymous]

I like my Nissan Rogue. It's compact, handles really well, and is actually fun to drive. Doesn't check the pothole box though, sorry! I have yet to find a car that does potholes well..

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Subaru Outback

OP here, the Outback is great but is too long for me.

[Anonymous]

RAV4 or CRV

People love their Subarus but I've never met one IRL who called the ride smooth. I have a friend who brags that she's built up shoulder strength wrestling with the wheel since she got it. It's only on DCUM that they're the perfect car no matter what question is asked.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:RAV4 or CRV

People love their Subarus but I've never met one IRL who called the ride smooth. I have a friend who brags that she's built up shoulder strength wrestling with the wheel since she got it. It's only on DCUM that they're the perfect car no matter what question is asked.

I agree. I love our Forester, but I would not describe it as a smooth ride. We also have a Lexus 450h, which is almost excessively smooth, but I think it's probably too big for OP's needs. You're right that RAV4 or CRV is probably the sweet spot.

[Anonymous]

The forester is really noisy.

We have a quiet RDX. It’s very comfortable too which is why we got it (we have pain problems).

[Anonymous]

Lexus RX are ridiculously smooth and quiet. But they have ballooned in size over the past 7 years. My MIL drives an RX350 that's 11 years old and it's the perfect size. The new RX350's are so much bigger.

Check out the Lexus NX, it would probably be ideal. Though, I'm not sure of their cost or quietness.

Otherwise, check out the 2019 Toyota RAV4. It was newly redesigned and you should be able to get pre-owned that's only 1 year old. The redesign is great; the XRS trim line has a ton of AWD drive options (snow, rain, gravel, dirt, mud, etc)

[Anonymous]

No brainer. Used lexus NX. (needs to be used to stay in your budget)

[Anonymous]

Buick Regal TourX

[Anonymous]

The back seating of the NX seems really small