My wife likes sitting up high when driving. She liked our '06 Escape Hybrid, but we sold it and got a '05 Prius (easy 50MPG
). She doesn't like how low the Prius is, so we're now considering getting something a little taller.
Vehicles currently being considered:
'10+ Escape Hybrid
Test drove one and she liked it.
Pros: Would probably average at least 30MPG. Plenty of room.
Cons: Expensive used, '10+ required because it has electric AC so we don't melt when the engine is off.
Mazda 5 mini-minivan
Test drove one and she liked it.
Pros: Plenty of room for cargo and/or people. Manual tranny if I can convince my wife.
Cons: Would probably
only average 25-28MPG.
Subaru VX Crosstek
Haven't driven yet.
Pros: AWD, good ground clearance, would be a good everything vehicle. Manual tranny if I can convince my wife.
MPGs aren't bad considering its capabilities.
Cons: Probably only available new.
The most important things are high driver position (doesn't have to be super high, Mazda 5 was adequate), MPGs, and reliability. Don't really care for any fancy features besides cruise control. I would like to keep MPGs as high as possible, at least higher than average for the type of vehicle. Budget is low $20k for new, preferably low teens or less for used.
Anyone have any other ideas or comments about my current ones?