Crowded compact sport utility field for 2013

[haven]

2013 is looking like a special year for crossovers. New designs from Honda (CR-V), Ford (Escape), Subaru (Crosstrek), and Mazda (CX-5) will debut in 2012 as 2013 models. Jeep is planning to replace the Liberty with an all-new vehicle based on a Fiat chassis in 2013.

Many other companies make AWD compact sport utility vehicles. The ones in this list are rated better than 22 mpg in the EPA's combined city/highway driving test. And have MSRP lower than $25K.
Hyundai (Tucson)
Kia (Sportage)
Mitsubishi (Outlander Sport)
Nissan (Juke, Rogue)
Toyota (RAV 4)


The buying public loves compact sport utility vehicles, or crossovers. But can they be ExPo vehicles? You bet they can. You just have to accept and work within the limits of the vehicle's power, traction and ground clearance.

As an example, I drove a 1986 Honda Civic station wagon all over the western USA and parts of Canada, including lots of Forest Service and BLM roads. I had to pay close attention to wheel placement and keep speed low. And I got lots of practice getting myself unstuck. Sure, there were plenty of obstacles that were too difficult for my Honda. But I got where I wanted to go almost every time.

Don't think for a minute that you need 35 inch tires and an onboard welder to enjoy adventure travel!

 

[Warn Industries]

Don't forget the Suzuki SX4 and the Suzuki Grand Vitara.

- Andy

 

[Saline]

My wife just purchased a new 2012 Kia Sportage AWD with the turbo. Although not an "off road" vehicle I wouldn't hesitate to taken off of the beaten path a bit and have some fun. The new Sportage is totally redesigned, very big difference over the old ones. I'm impressed with the quality of it so far, not to mention I'm stoked to be rid of our 05' Volvo S40 T5 AWD. It was a troublesome car to say the least.

 

[haven]

"Don't forget the Suzuki SX4 and the Suzuki Grand Vitara."

Right. The Grand Vitara AWD with manual trans just squeaks in at 22 mpg combined. The SX4 AWD is rated at 25 mpg combined.

There's a Mazda CX-5 first drive report here
http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/06/2013-mazda-cx-5-first-drive-review/

 

[Warn Industries]

"Don't forget the Suzuki SX4 and the Suzuki Grand Vitara."

Right. The Grand Vitara AWD with manual trans just squeaks in at 22 mpg combined. The SX4 AWD is rated at 25 mpg combined.

There's a Mazda CX-5 first drive report here
http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/06/2013-mazda-cx-5-first-drive-review/

Unfortunately, the AWD Grand Vitara is only available with an automatic, at least in the U.S. It's pretty heavy for its fairly low-power four cylinder. It does, however, have a low range.
- Andy