My mother needs a new vehicle, what to get?

[vskid3]

The 2013 Subaru Crosstrek is rated to tow 1500lbs. Not a bad looking vehicle, and 33MPG hwy 25MPG city. Probably one of the smallest and best mileage vehicles that is actually rated to tow anything in the US.

[modproductions]

1) at least 45 cubic feet internal space.
2) something my mother feels comfortable driving. Aka not tall, not wide, not imposing.
3) impressive fuel economy. At LEAST 20 mpg for larger vehicle, 25+ mpg very much preferred.
4) must tow 1000 lbs without voiding warranty.
5) must be reliable, I can't have a 60 year old mother with any problems.
6) must be automatic transmission (unfortunately so my sister can drive it). Dual clutch/ continuously variable transmission is ok.
7) $25,000 budget.
8) must seat at least 4 comfortably.

Toyota Matrix 2.4L
1) if you fold back seat you got 49 cf
2) Test drive, its free
3) EPA city 20 mpg(US)
EPA highway 26 mpg(US)
4) 1500lbs
5) as reliable as Toyota can be
6) it's avail in automatic
7) under $24,000
8) 5 place should put 4 persons confy

did I told you that I'm driving a Matrix.

[ChazInMT]

Saw a few of these Subaru Crosstreks around and they're way better looking in real life than the pictures, particularly in white & dark grey paint colors......I got no idea why they'd lead with the Great Pumpkin Orange model you see in most articles about it. Blech.

[jeff88]

I know you're not a fan of Ford's but have you looked into an Escape hybrid? It's within budget, new(ish), CVT, seats 5, has the cargo space you want, the towing capabilities, and has above and beyond your FE wants. Of the Ford brand, the Escape is probably one of the most reliable. The only thing is of course if it would be comfortable for her to drive; I don't know if it would be too big for her taste.

Otherwise, it sounds like a crossover of any kind would be your best bet.

[dremd]

Cross tech is shockingly appealing.
There are very few subarus around here (no snow) so I usually don't think about them.
I'm going to find a dealer and check them out.

[dremd]

Originally Posted by jeff88

I know you're not a fan of Ford's but have you looked into an Escape hybrid? It's within budget, new(ish), CVT, seats 5, has the cargo space you want, the towing capabilities, and has above and beyond your FE wants. Of the Ford brand, the Escape is probably one of the most reliable. The only thing is of course if it would be comfortable for her to drive; I don't know if it would be too big for her taste.

Otherwise, it sounds like a crossover of any kind would be your best bet.

She had one as a rental and did like it.
I'll consider pitching it for sure

[Flakbadger]

Why not just get a Suburban and be done with it? Let's face it, fuel economy is really not important in this scenario. So get a tank and then everyone's happy.

[Frank Lee]

I'm not but who cares what I think.

[dremd]

Originally Posted by Flakbadger

Why not just get a Suburban and be done with it? Let's face it, fuel economy is really not important in this scenario. So get a tank and then everyone's happy.

And that's the reason why it (I group Tahoe/ suburban as same) is by far the most popular vehicle in my area.
I can't stand them.

[dremd]

I spent my afternoon at
1) toyota
2) Mazda
3) Hyundai
4) Subaru
5) Nissan
6) Volvo

1) Toyota
Rav4 much much nicer than previous generations. I no longer find it painful to drive which is a plus. Room pretty good, mpg totally adequate, towing good. Mother factor expected to be solid.
Tacoma, yeah, I'm a little surprised this was floated as well.
Room is good, but exposed, a cover would have to be built (plasmacam aero cap anyone?) MPG just adequate enough, towing is way more than needed, mother factor unknown, but she reccomended it so who knows.FYI She HATES the Ram 1500 that's in my driveway.
To be continued via edit.

2) Mazda: CX5 to small, CX9 to big

3) Hyundai: which would be a mother preferred brand if they sold something reasonable.
Tucson room a bit small, but is dead in the water due to rear seats that fold very poorly.
Santa Fe: looks to big, but is apparently about right size. MPG is very good for perceived size, but for actual size it is adequate, towing is way more than required, mother factor unknown, she likes the brand, but isn't going to like the perceived size.

4) Subaru: The surprise in the bunch to me
The Xv Cross treck is my favorite of the bunch MPg is best in bunch, towing is adequate, space is adequate, price is lowest in bunch, roof rack from factory, nice interior. My local dealer offers a lifetime power train warranty that I have to research (they have been doing it for about 7-8 years, but have been in buisness 30+) that I need to research.
The 2014 forester is noticeably larger, a tad less mpg, but still not unreasonably high. Towing is more than adequate roof rack is optional, just a few hundred dollars more than the VX. I'm guessing this would have the highest mother factor.
Subaru reliability is unknown to me, so I'm a tad hesitant.

More coming with next edit.

5)Nissan: Available at same dealership that sells Subaru also with the same lifetime power train warranty.
Rogue: outclassed in most ways by any of the other cute utes, off of my list.
Frontier: you have to get a thirsty V6 if you want the big cab, off the list.
Nothing against Nissan, just not what I'm looking for.
BTW: if you are in the market, check out the NV200 (aka transit connect competitor) very nice setup.

6) Volvo: also same dealership as Nissan and Subaru, only thing in my moms size range is $35,000 simply out.