Midsize hybrid SUV options
Venza/Tucson/CR-V/Sportage - which one to buy? I need AWD hybrid. Exterior/interior look, handling and mpg are also important. Interior space not a priority I like Venza’s look, and it has best mpg, but it’s 4 inches longer than the others Tucson handling is maybe the best among these models, but the look is a bit too aggressive for my taste. Also no physical buttons and low mpg compared to others Honda CR-V is good all over but slightly less nice handling than Tucson when I tried, also gives family car vibes (no family/kids) Kia Sportage looks beautiful but I’ve heard it’s not very reliable brand, mpg also low like Tucson Any thoughts/experience in particular about handling and mpg?
Hyundai Palisade. Have you test driven it? It's a quality car and they upped their game with it!
I also heard good things about the Palisade, but I don’t need that large vehicle. Even the options I listed are slightly bigger than what I need, but they are the only real options for AWD hybrid
I love bigger SUVs after being saved by mine after a drugged/drunk driver plowed into me last year. I did have a 4runner and it was great.
Honda
Why do you need AWD? Toyota RAV4 Prime or Lexus NX450+ would be my picks
AWD for Seattle area hiking
I don’t think AWD will make a difference here. All of these cars are FWD primarily. If you think you need more utility step up to something like the GX. Also, what are some good things to do around Seattle. Loved here a long time but idk what’s around.
Who cares if it’s 4 inches longer?!?!
Easier parking. But indeed, maybe it’s not a big deal
X5 or RAV4 or Lexus NX
The new Venza was going to be a Lexus model but they ended up making it a Toyota. It's super nice and in a different class from these others.
Kia/Hyundai have 10y warranties, so even if they aren’t reliable you really have nothing to worry about in that time of ownership. I have heard the dealership experience can be hit or miss with them, so that may be something to consider if you expect to be in the shop a lot.
"you really have nothing to worry about in that time of ownership." Except being stolen. Some insurance companies won't even insure Kia or Hyundai because of how easy they are to steal. Not saying this is true for every car in the lineup, but you could just go Honda or Toyota and not worry about trying to get insurance and have a lower chance of it getting stolen...
I mean worst case scenario is you spend $25 on a steering wheel lock and that should deter basically anyone looking to joyride your Kia. Avoiding the defective model years altogether is another option. This person sounds like they are buying new, so I assumed any Hyundai/Kia they were looking at would be immune to this issue