Topic: Rav 4, Escape, or Equinox?

[BeSeeingYou]

I am looking to buy something newer for the wife.  The Mazda 6 Sport has to go...too low to the ground for winter and she wants something easier to get in and out of.  So far my choices are Toyota Rav 4, Ford Escape, and Chevy Equinox.  Probably looking at something from 2010-1012 to keep it under $18500.  Brand loyalty has no bearing on it as for the first time ever for me a Chevy is on the list.    Looking for FWD only, not interested in 4W or AWD,  and the 4 cylinder engine for fuel economy.   Anyone own or owned any of these vehicles and what is your experience?

My impressions so far:

Chevy:  quite ride, very good fuel economy, best looking of the three IMO, but also the largest which is a drawback according to the wife.  One reason for the 2010 cutoff is that the Chevy was redesigned for that year and is much improved over earlier models.  Two tone interior somewhat odd looking in certain color combos but otherwise I like the layout.

Ford:  Most truck-like with good ground clearance.  Interior is a bit dated looking.  The Escape was totally redesigned in 2013 but is out of the price range unless a base model and she wants her heated seats.

Toyota:  Long track record of reliability, two of her friends have them and love them, average looks kind of mundane IMO.  Nice interior.  I think with the Rav 4 or Escape I could even go back to 2009 if I found a nice one with low miles that was well equipped. 

The Honda CR V is not on the list for the reason that a sister in law has one and I am not that impressed with it.  I think it's a bit noisy on the road and I think it looks boring and mundane.  Not worth the premium you pay for the nameplate IMO.  The Pilot is not on list as it is too pricey and too big according to the wife....she has driven my mom's Pilot often enough.

[goldarrow]

Safety ratings should be top of deciding factor list, IMO

[mrbreeze]

Toyota all the way for me. I'm not familiar with the Chevy but I've worked on Escapes before. I just did some tune up work on a 2002 Mazda Tribute (same as an Escape). I read of some of the problems they have on the internet. This was a V-6 and I know you are looking at something newer and with 4 cyl. If you get it for reliability I say Toyota hands down. If buying for looks.....I would let wifey make that desision as she'll be the one driving it.
I've been thinking about a Toyota Highlander for my Mom. She is almost 76 and still drives her 2000 Mustang that she bought new. I've shown her Rav4's going down the road and she thinks they're too small but she did like the looks of the Highlander. Anyhow....good luck with it.

[tomkimberly]

Subaru Outback.

The go anywhere do anything 4 cylinder eco car. And it has 4X4.


Tom

[Bob Wessner]

You might consider looking at Consumer Reports to compare makes and models. They have comparisons based entirely on owner feedback surveys. Subaru is a consistent high scorer. My wife drives a 2011 Escape. No issues in 60,000+ miles (she commutes 80 mi round trip each day). I would avoid the 2013 Escape with the 1.6 liter engine. It had 7 recalls in about 18 months.

Edit: total 2013 Escape recalls quoted might be across all models. I believe the 1.6L model had the latest recall and was fire related.

[70CB750]

While I never even sat in one of those, wife of one of the guys I work with totaled Equinox because somebody hit her offset head on.  The impact speed must been close to 80 mph.

 She walked away and they got another Equinox with the insurance money.

Just saying.

[Stev-o]

I bought a used RAV4 just over 2 years ago, it has been perfect, not a single issue.
My wife did the research on it, it is one of the safest vehicles on the road.  I rarely drive it but it handles well and gets great fuel economy.  Highly recommended.

[Bowswell]

honda crv or rav 4...

[kghost]

You live in Minnie....where it actually snows in the winter.....

Why no 4x4?

[Greggo]

The Toyota will be more reliable in the long run.  My dad, a lifelong mechanic by trade recommends them (he's a german car specialist )  We only buy Toyota/Lexus & Hondas for personal cars...less work for him.

[333]

I'd say the Equinox.  We have an '05, and have had no troubles as we approach 90K.  The mileage sucks, but we do have All Wheel Drive, so that goes with the territory.

[Johnie]

I have had 2 Escapes and just ordered my 3rd Equinox. I really like the Equinox hands down. The ride in the Escape is like a pickup truck...bouncy and noisey. Seats are not very comfortable either. The Equinox ride is comfortable and quite. My wife drives the 2009 Equinox and I have the 2012. Just ordered the 2014 model. I order about every 2 years for my job and put on 35,000 miles a year. I get the 4 wheel drive model do to the snow in WI.

[brooze72]

I agree with a lot of what has been said here, I considered the same models last year, but new ones.  Never liked the old Escape, too trucky for me,  but ended up buying the new version with the 2.0L.  Toyota was a close second due to reliability reputation, looks not so much as others have stated, ride was so so.  Chev does have a good ride & is the largest, but have heard of engine issues with the 4 and the smaller V6 formerly offered.  New Escape also beats the crap out of the others in mileage & looks the best IMO.

[BeSeeingYou]

You live in Minnie....where it actually snows in the winter.....

Why no 4x4?

We live in the city so it's not necessary and not worth the extra cost and mileage penalty.  Plus if it does get that bad that you need a 4x4 to get around it's a good excuse to stay home and take a snow day.   If I lived outside the metro it would be an option.

I have a friend who's kid is a car salesman so my plan is to get some drive time on various models through him and not be hassled by a bunch of used car salesman.   Better to be screwed by someone you know.

[tweakin]

I have had two Equinox's (2010 & 2014) for my company vehicle and have no complaints.  Only issue is there are pretty bad blind spots, drive one and you will see.  Other than that I really like the equinox, best looking out of the bunch IMO.