Before we start listing the models and their virtues two things standout from our viewpoint on these tests. First, those SUVs that have been most recently redone usually rated higher usually because they rode better and made better use of the interior space. Secondly, the Subaru Forester is in a class by itself. It comes with standard all wheel drive and yet it priced at the same level as many two-wheel drive competitors. It is the best riding of all the models, and if you get the base engine, it gives nearly the same miles per gallon figures as the gas sipping Toyota RAV with only front wheel drive. We were also impressed with the Chevrolet Equinox. On paper this is an unremarkable SUV. The engine is old fashioned and the exterior styling looks like most every other General Motors SUV. However, the interior is very well done, the rear seat fold down easily, the cargo capacity is very good, and the ride and agility are much better than any other General Motors SUV we have ever tested.
A final word about what we did not test. The Honda Element, which is indeed very handy, the Chevrolet Blazer which is not as good as the Chevrolet Equinox, and Nissan's Xterra whose gas mileage was too low to meet our requirements. Also of note, the Kia Sportage and the Hyundai Tucson use very similar major components and so were rated together at this point, as were the Ford Escape and Mazda Tribute.
A very important warning for buyers of these vehicles is the danger of having the spare tire mounted on the tailgate. This has no upside and is a definite negative. First, it reduces badly needed rear visibility. Secondly, it makes opening the tailgate extremely difficult to open and close when on an incline. In addition, if the vehicle has a tailgate window that opens to enable you to place items inside the rear spare gets in the way making it very difficult to use without getting your outfits dirty. Finally, it makes rear end collision repairs much more expensive. All of our best choices managed to engine a place for the spare tire to reside either inside the car or under it clearly indicating better thinking and engineering.
Subaru's Forester
Good points: ride, handling, engine, interior space, visibility, all wheel drive, fuel economy, and available turbocharged engine, great crash test scores
Needs improvement: high price of parts, rear legroom cramped, manual transmission linkage, expensive options
The winner by a wide margin, the Forester was near the top in every category. It is fun to drive, easy to park, handles very well, and just wins you over with it manners. If you drive the BMW and the Forester back to back you would be hard pressed to prove to yourself why the nearly ten thousand dollar more expensive X3 is worth it. And, if you really want to have an enjoyable ride order the turbocharged version with the manual transmission and have yourself one of the fastest SUVs on the planet.
Chevrolet Equinox
Good points: roomy, great interior versatility, proven engine, nice ride
Needs improvement: pricing can push it above larger GM SUVs, rear cargo area can be a bit tight for large items, turning radius, it is too new to have reliable resale figures
We found the Equinox friendly and very easy to live with in all types of weather. It did everything well and easily surpassed most of the competition in interior room. This was our second favorite compact SUV after the Subaru based on it ability to do so many things well. Of course, it benefited from having the largest engine in the test, but the gas mileage penalty for such a powerful engine was only about ten percent. If you tow this is the best engine in the test to have under the hood and also has the highest towing weight rating. The Equinox is the closest compact to the larger SUVs in looks, but is far more nimble than it looks. Parking is threatening because of the large turning radius. A great compact SUV for those who are conservative.
A final word about what we did not test. The Honda Element, which is indeed very handy, the Chevrolet Blazer which is not as good as the Chevrolet Equinox, and Nissan's Xterra whose gas mileage was too low to meet our requirements. Also of note, the Kia Sportage and the Hyundai Tucson use very similar major components and so were rated together at this point, as were the Ford Escape and Mazda Tribute.
A very important warning for buyers of these vehicles is the danger of having the spare tire mounted on the tailgate. This has no upside and is a definite negative. First, it reduces badly needed rear visibility. Secondly, it makes opening the tailgate extremely difficult to open and close when on an incline. In addition, if the vehicle has a tailgate window that opens to enable you to place items inside the rear spare gets in the way making it very difficult to use without getting your outfits dirty. Finally, it makes rear end collision repairs much more expensive. All of our best choices managed to engine a place for the spare tire to reside either inside the car or under it clearly indicating better thinking and engineering.
Subaru's Forester
 |
| Subaru Forester |
Needs improvement: high price of parts, rear legroom cramped, manual transmission linkage, expensive options
The winner by a wide margin, the Forester was near the top in every category. It is fun to drive, easy to park, handles very well, and just wins you over with it manners. If you drive the BMW and the Forester back to back you would be hard pressed to prove to yourself why the nearly ten thousand dollar more expensive X3 is worth it. And, if you really want to have an enjoyable ride order the turbocharged version with the manual transmission and have yourself one of the fastest SUVs on the planet.
Chevrolet Equinox
 |
| Chevrolet Equinox |
Needs improvement: pricing can push it above larger GM SUVs, rear cargo area can be a bit tight for large items, turning radius, it is too new to have reliable resale figures
We found the Equinox friendly and very easy to live with in all types of weather. It did everything well and easily surpassed most of the competition in interior room. This was our second favorite compact SUV after the Subaru based on it ability to do so many things well. Of course, it benefited from having the largest engine in the test, but the gas mileage penalty for such a powerful engine was only about ten percent. If you tow this is the best engine in the test to have under the hood and also has the highest towing weight rating. The Equinox is the closest compact to the larger SUVs in looks, but is far more nimble than it looks. Parking is threatening because of the large turning radius. A great compact SUV for those who are conservative.