My father just returned his Ford Explorer and is on the lookout to charter something else. He already articulated that the previous SUV was a little taxing on his posterior and also that the power was in excess of what he wanted… So he's looking for a 4 cylinder or a small 6, and it has to be Offroader since he enjoys surfing, etc… plus it's the solitary large vehicle in the family, I used his vehicle several times to shift possessions all over the place given that I own a Toyota Prius and my partner a Beetle.
Anyway, the budget; it's without doubt under US $32k after taxes & fees.
He liked the GMC Acadia, but it's way too underpowered, the Turbo edition has superb muscle and handles well, but for that much he opines he can get something else.
He chanced upon a good bargain at Volkswagen for a Jetta SportWagen 2.5L 5 cylinders… but he is concerned with reliability given that our Audi A6 and VW Cabrio were regulalrly facing problems. I recommended that through a 24-month contract he shouldn't have any troubles (as opposed to owning the Audi like he had for about 4 years).
We also though about the latest Chevrolet Equinox, a pretty darn enjoyable car, one can feel excellence all over if you are to explore this car… He even said that he would have bought the vehicle already if not for the overly obnoxious salesman… I feel inculing taxes it gets to $28k or so, but he seems to be fond of the SUV a lot.
I feel he prefers the VolvoXC60, I'll get him to check it out, its price feels about right.
If you know of any reliable SUVs that he could explore without having to splurge an excessive amount of money, your ideas will be most welcome.
