Considering Small SUV, Input Requested

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

I saw a new Fit for the first time this week, and it doesn't look so girly as the older ones. If your wife wouldn't ever need the cross-country ability of an SUV, the Fit may be the best option.

[RedDevil]

Originally Posted by Xist

The fit has a higher seat height than the Prius? That is an infinitely better choice than an SUV!

Wife wants an SUV, so she chose to have a Fit... tentatively...

The Fit has the fuel tank under the front row seats, so the chairs need to be higher than in an ordinary car.
It also has a lot of luggage space under the rear bench, as the floor there is low and the bench is high.

[UltArc]

Did the spreadsheet help? I thought about your idea for making it available for everyone.

[ecoTex]

Originally Posted by sarguy01

How many people does that seat? 5? Does it have the Skyactiv? I heard the new CX-5's are capable of high 30's for mileage.

I wish I could swap a Skyactiv into my 5...

yes it is Skyactiv. It seats five. From what I understand, Skyactiv is more than the engine. It also includes lightweight construction, aero (full belly pan), smarter transmission control etc. This is not an optional package. All CX-5s are considered "Skyactiv".
It is a neat car! I will most likely drive it when she is finished with it.

[UltArc]

I know you decided not to make a change (seems like the smartest decision!), but man does this look good. I didn't realize it came in a six speed...

Build Your Mazda - Mazda USA

Or that the standard got 35 mpg before EOC!

Build A Vehicle: Trim - Mazda USA

[vskid3]

The Fit is actually a little taller than the Prius, but I think most of the taller feeling comes from the way its set up inside.

I didn't realize the new CX-5 could get such great mileage. I would still prefer used, though. Maybe in a few years.

UltArc- For me it mainly reinforced that going used/cheaper saves a lot of money regardless of gas mileage for the near future. The spreadsheet may not be super helpful for most people here personally, but I'm sure it could be used to help friends and family get a better look at the true cost of a given car.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by vskid3

The Fit is actually a little taller than the Prius, but I think most of the taller feeling comes from the way its set up inside.

It's not just a feeling, the Fit is slightly higher on the outside and does have better headroom inside.

[Fat Charlie]

For a lot of people, actual height and actual safety are irrelevant. How high you feel and how safe you feel are far more important than realities. In the "truck" world, how high you feel and how powerful you feel are more important than the "truck's" actual utility.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by Fat Charlie

For a lot of people, actual height and actual safety are irrelevant. How high you feel and how safe you feel are far more important than realities. In the "truck" world, how high you feel and how powerful you feel are more important than the "truck's" actual utility.

Very often, the actual size of a large SUV doesn't really provides more safety. It's just like dating with the fattest girl because it seems like she wouldn't cheat on you

[RedDevil]

Originally Posted by Fat Charlie

For a lot of people, actual height and actual safety are irrelevant. How high you feel and how safe you feel are far more important than realities. In the "truck" world, how high you feel and how powerful you feel are more important than the "truck's" actual utility.

At some point extra height no longer provides a feeling of safety.

Of course, other factors cannot be ruled out.