Subcompact SUV's-- recommendations?

[1mil-high]

The Honda CR-V has been a class leader for years.

 

[Route 45]

I have a 2017 Ford Escape Titanium. I absolutely love the little thing. I got it to replace a 2015 Ford Edge, which I had for 3 years on a lease. I have owned several Fords over the years and have always had good luck with them. The only thing that went wrong with the Edge in 3 years was a blind spot sensor, and it was fixed under warranty.

The new Escapes are very comfortable, and even the mid-level models are fairly well equipped. I got the 2.0 Ecoboost engine. Gas mileage isn't the greatest for as small as the vehicle is, but regarding the Ecoboost engine, I was more interested in the boost than the eco anyway. You can get the 1.5 Ecoboost, which should get better mileage.

If your mom wants something smaller than the Escape, the new Ford Ecoboost is a subcompact crossover that would work. This is a brand new model from Ford that is just hitting dealer's lots:

https://www.ford.com/suvs-crossovers/ecosport/

 

[510picker]

A Subaru Crosstrek would be great for her. It is basically the same car as the Impreza, just lifted higher off the ground. Subarus are tough to beat in the snow.

If you do consider buying a Subaru, be sure to check out dealers in the Chicago area since you are in NW Indiana. Indianapolis area dealers couldn't come close to the prices Grand Subaru in Chicago offered. I have not heard great things about the Subaru dealer in Merrillville.

 

[seedubs1]

As far as the Hyundai and Kia being "second tier" vehicles.... That's not the case any longer. Even 5 years ago - perhaps. Not these days, however. Not when they're consistently besting several their domestic, Japanese, and German competition in both Motor Trend and Car and Driver comparison testing.

 

[Butch627]

I have a 2017 Ford Escape Titanium. I absolutely love the little thing. I got it to replace a 2015 Ford Edge, which I had for 3 years on a lease. I have owned several Fords over the years and have always had good luck with them. The only thing that went wrong with the Edge in 3 years was a blind spot sensor, and it was fixed under warranty.

The new Escapes are very comfortable, and even the mid-level models are fairly well equipped. I got the 2.0 Ecoboost engine. Gas mileage isn't the greatest for as small as the vehicle is, but regarding the Ecoboost engine, I was more interested in the boost than the eco anyway. You can get the 1.5 Ecoboost, which should get better mileage.

If your mom wants something smaller than the Escape, the new Ford Ecoboost is a subcompact crossover that would work. This is a brand new model from Ford that is just hitting dealer's lots:

https://www.ford.com/suvs-crossovers/ecosport/

Twin turbo engines may not be the best choice for someone 87 years old who does many trips only a few blocks long

 

[Route 45]

Twin turbo engines may not be the best choice for someone 87 years old who does many trips only a few blocks long

They are not twin turbo engines. They are simply small turbocharged engines meant to deliver more power when you need it and better mileage when you drive them gently. Most manufacturers are going with small turbo 4 cylinders for their compact SUVs. Including the #1 selling Honda CR-V.

An additional feature of the Ecosport that may be useful to an older person is the rear hatch that swings out, instead of a liftgate. A liftgate may be more difficult to handle for an older person, unless of course it is a power liftgate.

I'm just mentioning Ford because the OP said that they'd like to get a Chevy or a Ford.
Personally, I would not buy a Chevrolet due to major issues I had with a newer one that I owned.

 

[Route 45]

The new Chevy's aren't ranked high because they're churning out piles of dog turds.

Honda, Toyota, Ford, Nissan, or Subaru. They are currently making good reliable cars. Chevy is not.

If you want to dip your toes into the second tier stuff, Kia, Hyundai, Mitsubishi, Suzuki, etc..... are all currently better than Chevy as well.

Do yourself and your mom a favor, and stay away from GMC stuff.

I wouldn't touch a new Nissan. Their CVTs are junk. Too bad....they used to be the Maytag of the car world.
Can't argue with the rest of your advice.
I might add to stay away from anything that says "Fiat Chrysler" on it like it's a man with the plague having a sneezing attack.

 

[snapping turtle]

My wife has the Hyundai Tucson and she loves it. 65 k no issues at all. Her best ride in years. She ranks it as her favorite ever but liked my old 280z better (except when it would not start). That 280z had a few tricks done to it.

I find the ride disappointing. I think the height is to high for the wheel base but I like full size trucks and very low to the ground cars. What I like does not matter. She loves it good enough for me. I drove it twice.

 

[seedubs1]

That sucks. I haven’t touched one of their cvt equipped vehicles. Nissans were excellent. I’ll have to read some more into the recent ones.

I wouldn't touch a new Nissan. Their CVTs are junk. Too bad....they used to be the Maytag of the car world.
Can't argue with the rest of your advice.
I might add to stay away from anything that says "Fiat Chrysler" on it like it's a man with the plague having a sneezing attack.

 

[seedubs1]

65k, it better not have any issues. Report back in another 135k

My wife has the Hyundai Tucson and she loves it. 65 k no issues at all. Her best ride in years. She ranks it as her favorite ever but liked my old 280z better (except when it would not start). That 280z had a few tricks done to it.

I find the ride disappointing. I think the height is to high for the wheel base but I like full size trucks and very low to the ground cars. What I like does not matter. She loves it good enough for me. I drove it twice.

 

[GlockRock]

Another vote for CR-V. We got the base model in AWD and it does great in snow. 33MPG to Gulf Shores and back last summer.

 

[BrownDog]

This video demonstrating different 4wd systems was the final reason I went with a Subaru Forester along with the high safety ratings.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9cuZYTQLfA0

 

[KMaC]

JD Power 2018 Vehicle Dependability Survey- this is rating brands, not models, and is based on reported problems on 2015 model year vehicles. Kia was 3rd, Hyundai 5th, Chevy 6th, Toyota 7th, Nissan 8th, Honda 9th.
I know, I'm shocked too.

 

[Brandon]

Mom bought a gmc terrain denali this year... I dont care for it. Sluggish and a poorly laid out interior at best.

Fiance has a tiburon that has 206,xxx miles on it and all we have done is a battery and brakes. I recently ditched my bmw and went with a sonata... 2nd tier my rear. We were looking at a fusion as well but we didnt care for it. I know i know. They arent suvs.

 

[Snapdragon]

Hmmm, may have to check out the Ecoboost. Glad I didn't go to Art Hill Ford today, though.

UPDATE: South Dakota man ID?d as person shot dead in officer-involved shooting at Merrillville car dealership | Crime and Courts | nwitimes.com

Thanks for all the input. Will start hitting the dealerships tomorrow.

 

[OutdoorDad]

I gotta say my Nissan Juke is kinda awesome. AWD, compact, and fun to drive.

That looks like it fits the bill. Never could get over the name.

Right size per OP.

How has your reliability been?

 

[Snapdragon]

I love the look of the Juke. I can't find any 2018 models locally. Was it discontinued?

And I also can't get over the name. Sounds like they tried too hard to pander to a certain demographic.

 

[Tactically Fat]

That sucks. I haven’t touched one of their cvt equipped vehicles. Nissans were excellent. I’ll have to read some more into the recent ones.

We love our 2006 Nissan. Though it's kinda starting it's slow and expensive decline to the junk heap. 2006 Altima 3.5 SE with 167k miles on it. Floor rusted out - repaired that. There's a leak in an AC system hose. There may very well be a leaking power steering pump. We MAY repair the AC. Probably just keep adding PSF as needed. OR if I had my own lift I'd give the PSP a go vs. the $400-$600 I've been quoted. I just put new Pirellis on it last fall. I NEED to get another 50k miles out of this.

But - yes. Nissan WERE excellent. They had some rough rough years in the 2010-2016 model years with their CVTs. Multiple models - but especially the Altima and the Pathfinder. Anywhere from 60k miles on and you were essentially on borrowed time with the CVT. SUPPOSEDLY they've fixed the issue. I'm not sure there are enough '17 models with high enough miles to really tell for sure, though. One thing that I DO know for sure - knowing this about their vehicles has, unfortunately, turned me off on buying another Nissan with a CVT (which is anything we'd be in the market for).

I love the look of the Juke. I can't find any 2018 models locally. Was it discontinued?

And I also can't get over the name. Sounds like they tried too hard to pander to a certain demographic.

Yes - the Juke has been discontinued. I'd also stay away from the Rogue Sport (which is the old Rogue with a new name. The NEW Rogue is a newer larger vehicle) due to the CVT.

HOWEVER: and this will sound cold and heartless: With your mom's A) age and B) her driving habits - I'd not worry about a CVT going bad on her while she's still able to drive it. The Rogue is probably too big, though.

Another suggestion: See if you can get her to sit in a Kia Soul. Caveat: you can't get those in AWD.

 

[223 Gunner]

We drive and love Subaru's. Just bought a nice 2014 Crosstrek for my wife.
I drive a Forester, they are great vehicles with few repairs needed to keep them on the road for a long time.
As an example, my wife is just now giving up her 1997 Legacy Outback Wagon, we raised our 3 kids in that car.
It still runs and drives, has some minor issues, I have it tentatively sold to a co-worker. If that falls through it will be listed here in the classifieds.

 

[seedubs1]

That's really too bad. I loved my old stick shift Maxima. Got a TON of trouble free miles out of that car.

We love our 2006 Nissan. Though it's kinda starting it's slow and expensive decline to the junk heap. 2006 Altima 3.5 SE with 167k miles on it. Floor rusted out - repaired that. There's a leak in an AC system hose. There may very well be a leaking power steering pump. We MAY repair the AC. Probably just keep adding PSF as needed. OR if I had my own lift I'd give the PSP a go vs. the $400-$600 I've been quoted. I just put new Pirellis on it last fall. I NEED to get another 50k miles out of this.

But - yes. Nissan WERE excellent. They had some rough rough years in the 2010-2016 model years with their CVTs. Multiple models - but especially the Altima and the Pathfinder. Anywhere from 60k miles on and you were essentially on borrowed time with the CVT. SUPPOSEDLY they've fixed the issue. I'm not sure there are enough '17 models with high enough miles to really tell for sure, though. One thing that I DO know for sure - knowing this about their vehicles has, unfortunately, turned me off on buying another Nissan with a CVT (which is anything we'd be in the market for).