BMW X3
Good points: engine, brakes, suspension, interior space
Needs improvement: pricing, tires, uses premium fuel, gas mileage, turning radius
The question we pondered is why would anyone want to buy the super expensive X5 when the X3 does almost everything as well. In fact they look quite so similar one would need to be into BMWs to note the difference. In fact, BMW has realized this and is busy redoing the X5 to make it more different than its upstart younger brother. Hopefully, they'll do something about the poor fuel mileage, but again, BMW is the only manufacture that is seemingly willing to pay millions to the USA government for violating it's mandated corporate fuel averages and apparently considers such a penalty a cost of doing business. On the other hand, BMW is pushing the use of hydrogen-powered cars and more diesels to hopefully be a more environmentally friendly company. Regardless, the 3 Series that the X3 is based on is the class of the industry, one of our most favorite vehicles of all time, and has been for many a year. So it is no surprise that the X3 would be our choice if we needed a compact SUV that could handle. Nonetheless, the Mitsubishi Outlander isn't that far behind the BMW and costs a lot less in this regard. BMW calls these sports activity vehicles and rightly so as the X3 is quite entertaining. It placed third in our ratings, falling below the Subaru and the Chevrolet Equinox due to pricing. If cost were no object it would have placed second behind the turbocharged Subaru that is even more amusing.
Hyundai Tucson/ Kia Sportage
Good points: ride, engine, value, gas mileage warranty
Needs improvement: brakes, handling, lacks 3.5-engine option
A great buy for a compact SUV that drives light on its feet and provides good gas mileage, too. This newly designed Hyundai has a lot of standard features, plenty of safety devices, and a terrific warranty. The only real problem is that the Tucson steps on the pricing toes of its big sister, the Santa Fe and is nearly as roomy. With the larger 3.5 engine this would be the best product in this Korean manufacture's line-up. If you have a little more cash and need a little more room a new Santa Fe is only months away and looks pretty much like a Honda Pilot. The Kia has a better price point and is identical in most other statistical ways. We think the Tucson is going to have the better resale since the Sportage name has acquired a bitter taste to some.
Honda CR-V
Good points: Well priced, 23 mpg, vast cargo area, easy to drive, good resale, quality
Needs improvement: engine lacks energy at low rpms, old design, spare tire mounted on rear hatch door, no V6 engine option
A little old, but nevertheless quite capable, the CR-X represents good resale, reliability, and versatility. It has a nice ride, but when fully loaded the four cylinder engine struggles in the hills. The spare tire hanging off the rear tailgate tells you that this model is due for a rethink as the more modern compact SUVs have eliminated this problem. We highly recommend you check out the Honda Element that is much easier to load, holds more, and is priced better.
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| BMW X3 |
Needs improvement: pricing, tires, uses premium fuel, gas mileage, turning radius
The question we pondered is why would anyone want to buy the super expensive X5 when the X3 does almost everything as well. In fact they look quite so similar one would need to be into BMWs to note the difference. In fact, BMW has realized this and is busy redoing the X5 to make it more different than its upstart younger brother. Hopefully, they'll do something about the poor fuel mileage, but again, BMW is the only manufacture that is seemingly willing to pay millions to the USA government for violating it's mandated corporate fuel averages and apparently considers such a penalty a cost of doing business. On the other hand, BMW is pushing the use of hydrogen-powered cars and more diesels to hopefully be a more environmentally friendly company. Regardless, the 3 Series that the X3 is based on is the class of the industry, one of our most favorite vehicles of all time, and has been for many a year. So it is no surprise that the X3 would be our choice if we needed a compact SUV that could handle. Nonetheless, the Mitsubishi Outlander isn't that far behind the BMW and costs a lot less in this regard. BMW calls these sports activity vehicles and rightly so as the X3 is quite entertaining. It placed third in our ratings, falling below the Subaru and the Chevrolet Equinox due to pricing. If cost were no object it would have placed second behind the turbocharged Subaru that is even more amusing.
Hyundai Tucson/ Kia Sportage
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| Hyundai Tucson |
Needs improvement: brakes, handling, lacks 3.5-engine option
A great buy for a compact SUV that drives light on its feet and provides good gas mileage, too. This newly designed Hyundai has a lot of standard features, plenty of safety devices, and a terrific warranty. The only real problem is that the Tucson steps on the pricing toes of its big sister, the Santa Fe and is nearly as roomy. With the larger 3.5 engine this would be the best product in this Korean manufacture's line-up. If you have a little more cash and need a little more room a new Santa Fe is only months away and looks pretty much like a Honda Pilot. The Kia has a better price point and is identical in most other statistical ways. We think the Tucson is going to have the better resale since the Sportage name has acquired a bitter taste to some.
Honda CR-V
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| Honda CR-V |
Needs improvement: engine lacks energy at low rpms, old design, spare tire mounted on rear hatch door, no V6 engine option
A little old, but nevertheless quite capable, the CR-X represents good resale, reliability, and versatility. It has a nice ride, but when fully loaded the four cylinder engine struggles in the hills. The spare tire hanging off the rear tailgate tells you that this model is due for a rethink as the more modern compact SUVs have eliminated this problem. We highly recommend you check out the Honda Element that is much easier to load, holds more, and is priced better.