Buick SUV's. Everything you want, comfy enough to give solace to the most cranky Boomer, easy to drive in all conditions, parts are not outrageous and finally, They are all small but peppy enough for 6 people and the stuff they bring.
I got the notification on my phone about your post and read it, and instantly thought Kia Soul. I have a 2014 with 128k miles and it’s been reliable for me. I bought it simply because of the value, practicality, and cargo space. And it’s surprisingly a fun and somewhat zippy car to drive.
I think it’s definitely worth checking out both the Soul and Niro, even with reliability in question.
I test drove both yesterday and enjoyed the soul so much I bought it! At the end of the day it really checked all my boxes, was fun to drive, and a great value to boot.
Subaru Crosstrek would be my recommendation. The forester would be another option but is 8in longer than your requirement.
I owned a SOUL. It was a fun car and put nearly 200k on it without any major or minor issue. But they are cheap and they depreciate quickly.
When looking at reliability, make sure you look at specific models - Toyota has specific models that are less reliable and there are certain Kias that do better than others. The Niro, specifically, has been fairly reliable when they weren't using a turbo motor as part of the hybrid powertrain. I am not sure if that's still the case with the new one.
Im also looking at the UX vs the Niro right now as well. The tech missing from the Lexus is a really odd choice (and their fucking subscription required for 'traffic jam assist) - which is making me lean Kia - but its hard to argue with the long term value of the lexus
That's substantially larger, and also not as good as a couple of its competitors with it being a much older design. The Corolla Cross is the best comparable Toyota option here and it's offered with a hybrid.
Buick SUV's. Everything you want, comfy enough to give solace to the most cranky Boomer, easy to drive in all conditions, parts are not outrageous and finally, They are all small but peppy enough for 6 people and the stuff they bring.
I got the notification on my phone about your post and read it, and instantly thought Kia Soul. I have a 2014 with 128k miles and it’s been reliable for me. I bought it simply because of the value, practicality, and cargo space. And it’s surprisingly a fun and somewhat zippy car to drive. I think it’s definitely worth checking out both the Soul and Niro, even with reliability in question.
I test drove both yesterday and enjoyed the soul so much I bought it! At the end of the day it really checked all my boxes, was fun to drive, and a great value to boot.
🍻. Picture?
plus the soul has a manual option if you're into that kind of stuff
I’ll put in my two cents but I really like my Honda HRV. It’s the right size for me.
Not an exact match but: i3
Encore GX, CPO or new Niro hybrid (2023 CPO for best value) Mini Countryman CPO
VW Golf
Subaru Crosstrek would be my recommendation. The forester would be another option but is 8in longer than your requirement. I owned a SOUL. It was a fun car and put nearly 200k on it without any major or minor issue. But they are cheap and they depreciate quickly.
When looking at reliability, make sure you look at specific models - Toyota has specific models that are less reliable and there are certain Kias that do better than others. The Niro, specifically, has been fairly reliable when they weren't using a turbo motor as part of the hybrid powertrain. I am not sure if that's still the case with the new one.
Kia soul.
Rav 4. CRV. Repeat.
[удалено]
Im also looking at the UX vs the Niro right now as well. The tech missing from the Lexus is a really odd choice (and their fucking subscription required for 'traffic jam assist) - which is making me lean Kia - but its hard to argue with the long term value of the lexus
Cx30 or Maverick
A Maverick is longer, front-to-back, than a Ford Explorer. Not a good choice here.
Unless you want to strap the kennel in the bed also not ideal for a dog.
RAV4 Hybrid
That's substantially larger, and also not as good as a couple of its competitors with it being a much older design. The Corolla Cross is the best comparable Toyota option here and it's offered with a hybrid.
I recommend the Corolla cross hybrid as well!
Honestly I wouldn't buy a Kia. I had a 2019, tranny went out at 39k. Of course it was covered under warranty. But that wasn't a good sign for me.