Considering Small SUV, Input Requested

[Daox]

My 2003 Matrix felt like I was sitting up high. It was a design feature called 'command seat position' when I read about it. Personally, I didn't really like that a ton, but got used to it quick enough. Anyway, I got 35 mpg lifetime mpgs over the few years I had it.

[backpacker3]

You could always keep the Prius with a little modification keep the good mpg and be higher up.

[Xist]

Originally Posted by backpacker3

You could always keep the Prius with a little modification keep the good mpg and be higher up.

That was done all wrong! You need to get LRR wheels that size, put in an air dam, belly pan, etc!

You cannot ruin the aero!

[Simonas]

Has anyone noticed that the Prius doesn't sit on the frame straight? The driver's side is lower. Probably photoshopped.

[backpacker3]

I figured it was but believe it or not I couldn't find a lifted Prius on google images.

[botsapper]

Better fuel economy crossovers;
Honda CR-V
Mini Cooper Countryman
Nissan Rogue
Hyundai Tucson
Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Toyota RAV-4 EV
Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid
Subaru Forester
Buick Encore
Audi Q5 Hybrid
BMW X1 sDrive
Scion xD
Mazda CX-5
Ford Escape

or wagons too;
Prius V
Ford C-Max Hybrid
Lexus CT 200h
VW Jetta SportWagen
Kia Soul
Toyota Matrix
Honda Fit EV
BMW 328d

...sorry to confuse you more.

[oil pan 4]

Originally Posted by kir_kenix

After reading a bit about how the hybrid drive works...I would think the electric motor in the Escape would have been PLENTY to back up that little boat. I guess that's what I get for listening to fellow beer chuggers on the water! I'm back to my original belief that they were just terrible drivers who couldn't back up the boat.

Ford recomended not towing more than 1000lb because of the weak reverse rig.

[Xist]

I definitely think that getting a good shop to give the Prius a driver's throne is the best option, but the current Forester has a higher highway rating than I have been able to get out of mine.

[darcane]

Originally Posted by vskid3

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:
<snip>
Anyone have any other ideas or comments about my current ones?

Often it's the intangibles that really determine how we choose our cars, rather than picking a logical choice. My wife has the same "need" for her vehicle. Since she has a rather short commute, her current Tahoe has fairly low fuel costs. But it also tows our trailer and gets reasonable mileage for long, family trips (22-25 mpg hwy). I picked her Tahoe because it was 2wd, 4.8L, and had e-fans, air dam, and high gearing, in other words, the most efficient option of what she did want.

I'd probably stick with the Escape. You know she likes it and it works for your needs because it has done so in the past.

[ksa8907]

I know nobody around here likes Chrysler, but have you considered a diesel Grand Cherokee?