which SUV is superior?

leepeen · 09-07-2009, 07:51 AM

I've been worrying about my ride on winter time recently, so i searched many SUV's for my second vehicle for bad weather.
I know there are tons of SUVs' that has AWD system, but, i've been studied about many AWD SUVs on youtube videos since 3 days ago, so i could narrow down to 3 major choices. Actually, it has affacted by my limted budget of $40000.

1. 2009 Subaru Forester XT (known for one of the decent AWD system SUV)
I heard Forester XT is best for rainy or snowy weather but, it isn't as good as on dry road like the other competitors among the list. BTW, it's turbo.

2. 2010 Acura RDX (Super handling All Wheel Drive)
I think RDX is the fastest compact SUV in the world. It has turbocharged 2.3L + v-tec, so it must be fastest on dry road. I saw edmunds review, and RDX could finish 0-60mile in 6.5 sec eventhough it's SUV.

However, i doubt that RDX can perform like Forester XT on snowy road.

3. 2009 Range Rover LR2 (Sexiest looking + most luxurious SUV among the list)
I'm not sure i can afford it with 40K... My GF likes it...

What is the best for my winter time ride? Any recommendation?

ConchZ2 · 09-07-2009, 09:04 AM

2011 Ford Explorer Review and Prices

gnarf · 09-07-2009, 09:59 AM

My favorite SUVs are the Cayennes..yes I know they are ugly, but they are on the top of the list when it comes to performance BOTH off-road/on-road..not only that but they make BMW X5 interiors look shabby...Other than that I like the Rav4 with the V6 and FJ Cruiser..the Rav4 is damn fast for a cuv..prolly faster than the rdx and the reliability is bulletproof...the FJ is more of the eye catcher but it's better suited of trails and off-roading...i wouldnt consider the land rover because that thing will probably be in the shop way more than your Z..and the fact that Land Rover makes one of the most unreliable vehicles out of every car manufacturer...

out of those 3..its a tough one between the RDX and Forester..I picked the Forester cuz it was such a great improvement over the old one..like the 370z to the 350z..and with an exhaust..the Forester can sound mean

Lone Wolf 75 · 09-07-2009, 10:05 AM

If it were my decision, I would compare #1 or #2. Both the Acura and Subaru should be very reliable based on previous model history. I do not have any experience with the Range Rover.

The Acura will probably have a nicer interior than the Subaru, probably pretty close to that of the Range Rover.

If I were in your shoes, I would go and look at them and go with whichever one you like best, and which one fits your budget the best.

Parts for the Forester will probably be the cheapest since it shares a lot with the Impreza.

Performance-wise, I think the turbo Forester is just as fast as the Acura. As long as you don't drive like an idiot and think you are invincible in the snow, they should all be able to handle the winter weather.

Lug · 09-07-2009, 11:33 AM

Ford Expedition - troublefree, cheap to work on if anything goes bad, cheap to buy, lots of room. It the one thing American car comanies do well.

havasuwiley · 09-07-2009, 12:04 PM

get a used porsche cayanne s,my wife loved her's,trouble free for 3 years.or a lincoln navagator,we traded the porsche for it when we needed more room long verson seats 7 and easy to travel with pets.plus tows deck boat ,get 4wd verson .

Cjanik · 09-07-2009, 12:44 PM

RDX all the way, if you have the money, even the MDX.

the new Acura RDX is AWD-SH. I had a type-SH Honda Prelude, that thing was awesome. Although it was FWD, I was able to swing the back end out on hard corners as if I had RWD.

Dont think thats what would happen with the RDX, It was just me being a kid and taking overadvantage of the SH capabilities. The SH transfers more torque to the outside wheels in a turn, allowing you to turn much better and prevents understeer. Not sure how that would perform in the snow as I have never lived in a snowy state.

Nikon FM · 09-07-2009, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leepeen

I've been worrying about my ride on winter time recently, so i searched many SUV's for my second vehicle for bad weather.
I know there are tons of SUVs' that has AWD system, but, i've been studied about many AWD SUVs on youtube videos since 3 days ago, so i could narrow down to 3 major choices. Actually, it has affacted by my limted budget of $40000.

1. 2009 Subaru Forester XT (known for one of the decent AWD system SUV)
I heard Forester XT is best for rainy or snowy weather but, it isn't as good as on dry road like the other competitors among the list. BTW, it's turbo.

2. 2010 Acura RDX (Super handling All Wheel Drive)
I think RDX is the fastest compact SUV in the world. It has turbocharged 2.3L + v-tec, so it must be fastest on dry road. I saw edmunds review, and RDX could finish 0-60mile in 6.5 sec eventhough it's SUV.

However, i doubt that RDX can perform like Forester XT on snowy road.

3. 2009 Range Rover LR2 (Sexiest looking + most luxurious SUV among the list)
I'm not sure i can afford it with 40K... My GF likes it...

What is the best for my winter time ride? Any recommendation?

I know the reputation for Subaru is quite good. I owned a 1999 Forester and the vehicle was amazing in the snow/ice. We had a lemon though, so we ended up paying at least half of the cars cost in maintenance.....was not too happy with the car over time.

Other vehicles I like driving in the snow are 4WD Suburbans 1/2 or 3/4 ton but they are very big. Our current snow/ski car is a Saturn Outlook, there is a GMC version too. Our Outlook is an AWD 7 passenger rig that is amazing in the snow...almost as good as the Forester was. The limit on the Outlook is when snow gets to be about 2.5 feet high. 8 ) Great (well appointed leather interior) ski/board vehicle that almost drives like a car.

FricFrac · 09-07-2009, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leepeen

I've been worrying about my ride on winter time recently, so i searched many SUV's for my second vehicle for bad weather.
I know there are tons of SUVs' that has AWD system, but, i've been studied about many AWD SUVs on youtube videos since 3 days ago, so i could narrow down to 3 major choices. Actually, it has affacted by my limted budget of $40000.

1. 2009 Subaru Forester XT (known for one of the decent AWD system SUV)
I heard Forester XT is best for rainy or snowy weather but, it isn't as good as on dry road like the other competitors among the list. BTW, it's turbo.

2. 2010 Acura RDX (Super handling All Wheel Drive)
I think RDX is the fastest compact SUV in the world. It has turbocharged 2.3L + v-tec, so it must be fastest on dry road. I saw edmunds review, and RDX could finish 0-60mile in 6.5 sec eventhough it's SUV.

However, i doubt that RDX can perform like Forester XT on snowy road.

3. 2009 Range Rover LR2 (Sexiest looking + most luxurious SUV among the list)
I'm not sure i can afford it with 40K... My GF likes it...

What is the best for my winter time ride? Any recommendation?

How about the FX50 0-60 at 5.6? And you're still getting a Nissan to match your 370Z

Personally I'll be rolling in the '99 Jeep Cherokee 4.0L with a 0-60 of 10 sec - whoot whoot! The winters are so mild here we hardly need a winter vehicle. I'll be driving the Jeep IF it snows and if/when they salt the roads.

I'd get a Jeep again as a daily driver for the winter - they are cheap and reliable and the 4.0L straight six is peppy enough for bad weather driving. Save the extra $37,000 and get your 370Z Twin Turboed with some 24" chrome mags for the summer ;P

noodles · 09-07-2009, 02:57 PM

All SUV are fail IMHO but if you really needed one go test drive a mazda CX-7. They handle pretty well for an SUV and it have the turbocharged engine from the mazdaspeed 3 (or is that the other way around?). But if you are just thinking SUV for the AWD then why not get a STI? It has a hatch so it has like 80% the utility of a SUV. It has AWD, and its way more fun to drive then an SUV for those days that are nice.

LH1 · 09-07-2009, 03:23 PM

Of the three you listed, I'd pick the Acura.

If this is simply a beater I'd go the significantly cheaper route. How about a used Pathfinder or Xterra? You could even get a G35x AWD. You could get one of those cheap.

spearfish25 · 09-07-2009, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gnarf

My favorite SUVs are the Cayennes..yes I know they are ugly, but they are on the top of the list when it comes to performance BOTH off-road/on-road..

A Cayenne is better than a LandRover offroad??? Please...you'll have to back that claim up with SOME form of proof. Porsche has no offroad experience while LandRover was founded on it.

bluzman · 09-07-2009, 04:51 PM

Am I the only one who thinks that "limited budget" and "$40000" constitute an oxymoron - even if it's Canadian $40000??

Forrest · 09-07-2009, 05:32 PM

which ever one is the cheapest and save your money for mods for the Z.

09-07-2009, 07:51 AM	#1 (permalink)
leepeen Base Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Vancouver Posts: 110 Drives: PW 370z Touring A7 Rep Power: 16	which SUV is superior? I've been worrying about my ride on winter time recently, so i searched many SUV's for my second vehicle for bad weather. I know there are tons of SUVs' that has AWD system, but, i've been studied about many AWD SUVs on youtube videos since 3 days ago, so i could narrow down to 3 major choices. Actually, it has affacted by my limted budget of $40000. 1. 2009 Subaru Forester XT (known for one of the decent AWD system SUV) I heard Forester XT is best for rainy or snowy weather but, it isn't as good as on dry road like the other competitors among the list. BTW, it's turbo. 2. 2010 Acura RDX (Super handling All Wheel Drive) I think RDX is the fastest compact SUV in the world. It has turbocharged 2.3L + v-tec, so it must be fastest on dry road. I saw edmunds review, and RDX could finish 0-60mile in 6.5 sec eventhough it's SUV. However, i doubt that RDX can perform like Forester XT on snowy road. 3. 2009 Range Rover LR2 (Sexiest looking + most luxurious SUV among the list) I'm not sure i can afford it with 40K... My GF likes it... What is the best for my winter time ride? Any recommendation? Last edited by leepeen; 09-07-2009 at 07:56 AM.

09-07-2009, 11:33 AM	#5 (permalink)
Lug A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 1,926 Drives: 2006 350Z Rep Power: 20	Ford Expedition - troublefree, cheap to work on if anything goes bad, cheap to buy, lots of room. It the one thing American car comanies do well. __________________ keep Chubbs in your pocket - Chubbs

09-07-2009, 04:51 PM	#13 (permalink)
bluzman Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: CA Posts: 349 Drives: Red Touring 7AT Rep Power: 16	Am I the only one who thinks that "limited budget" and "$40000" constitute an oxymoron - even if it's Canadian $40000?? __________________ My Gallery

09-07-2009, 05:32 PM	#14 (permalink)
Forrest Track Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: california 707! Posts: 677 Drives: 09 370z Blk 6mt sprt Rep Power: 258	which ever one is the cheapest and save your money for mods for the Z. __________________ my pictures http://www.the370z.com/members/forrest-albums-370z.html

09-07-2009, 09:04 AM	#2 (permalink)
ConchZ2 Enthusiast Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: connecticut Posts: 329 Drives: 09 370Z red 6sp sprt Rep Power: 16	2011 Ford Explorer Review and Prices

09-07-2009, 09:59 AM	#3 (permalink)
gnarf Base Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Jersey Posts: 160 Drives: G37 Rep Power: 16	My favorite SUVs are the Cayennes..yes I know they are ugly, but they are on the top of the list when it comes to performance BOTH off-road/on-road..not only that but they make BMW X5 interiors look shabby...Other than that I like the Rav4 with the V6 and FJ Cruiser..the Rav4 is damn fast for a cuv..prolly faster than the rdx and the reliability is bulletproof...the FJ is more of the eye catcher but it's better suited of trails and off-roading...i wouldnt consider the land rover because that thing will probably be in the shop way more than your Z..and the fact that Land Rover makes one of the most unreliable vehicles out of every car manufacturer... out of those 3..its a tough one between the RDX and Forester..I picked the Forester cuz it was such a great improvement over the old one..like the 370z to the 350z..and with an exhaust..the Forester can sound mean

09-07-2009, 10:05 AM	#4 (permalink)
Lone Wolf 75 Base Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: The Future Age: 49 Posts: 191 Drives: 09 370Z PG 6M Rep Power: 16	If it were my decision, I would compare #1 or #2. Both the Acura and Subaru should be very reliable based on previous model history. I do not have any experience with the Range Rover. The Acura will probably have a nicer interior than the Subaru, probably pretty close to that of the Range Rover. If I were in your shoes, I would go and look at them and go with whichever one you like best, and which one fits your budget the best. Parts for the Forester will probably be the cheapest since it shares a lot with the Impreza. Performance-wise, I think the turbo Forester is just as fast as the Acura. As long as you don't drive like an idiot and think you are invincible in the snow, they should all be able to handle the winter weather.

09-07-2009, 12:04 PM	#6 (permalink)
havasuwiley Base Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: lake havasu city az Posts: 131 Drives: 09 370z, 03 z06 etc Rep Power: 16	get a used porsche cayanne s,my wife loved her's,trouble free for 3 years.or a lincoln navagator,we traded the porsche for it when we needed more room long verson seats 7 and easy to travel with pets.plus tows deck boat ,get 4wd verson .

09-07-2009, 12:44 PM	#7 (permalink)
Cjanik Track Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 578 Drives: N/A Rep Power: 17	RDX all the way, if you have the money, even the MDX. the new Acura RDX is AWD-SH. I had a type-SH Honda Prelude, that thing was awesome. Although it was FWD, I was able to swing the back end out on hard corners as if I had RWD. Dont think thats what would happen with the RDX, It was just me being a kid and taking overadvantage of the SH capabilities. The SH transfers more torque to the outside wheels in a turn, allowing you to turn much better and prevents understeer. Not sure how that would perform in the snow as I have never lived in a snowy state.

09-07-2009, 02:57 PM	#10 (permalink)
noodles Base Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: SoCali Posts: 61 Drives: Mazda (for now) Rep Power: 16	All SUV are fail IMHO but if you really needed one go test drive a mazda CX-7. They handle pretty well for an SUV and it have the turbocharged engine from the mazdaspeed 3 (or is that the other way around?). But if you are just thinking SUV for the AWD then why not get a STI? It has a hatch so it has like 80% the utility of a SUV. It has AWD, and its way more fun to drive then an SUV for those days that are nice.

09-07-2009, 03:23 PM	#11 (permalink)
LH1 Base Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: PA Posts: 10 Drives: Car Rep Power: 16	Of the three you listed, I'd pick the Acura. If this is simply a beater I'd go the significantly cheaper route. How about a used Pathfinder or Xterra? You could even get a G35x AWD. You could get one of those cheap.