Looking For Car Feedback

[B_Howat12]

Hi All!

After a long haul, with several mechanical issues, it is time to lay my Subaru to rest. I have been researching new cars and like the AWD Kia Sportage hybrid for a variety of reasons but I am seeing that it has a tough time climbing up hills. Does anyone have one and want to weigh in on its off-road abilities?

For reference, I have driven to most "Subaru-able" trailheads and am not worried about picking a line but more so if this car has the ability to make it up something steep or out of certain BLM campsites.

[Hiker Mike]

Buy a Jeep Wrangler and call it a day. With the right model, you will have no problem climbing hills.

[Wildernessjane]

Wranglers are not for everyone, lol. I had one for many years but it was recently totaled when someone hit me on Hwy 550 outside of Silverton. I loved it but you do have to make some sacrifices and a lot of people don’t like how they handle. Plus, we ended up dumping a lot of money into it for mods (once you get started you can’t stop) which we did not get back when it was totaled. Toyota 4-Runner is probably the gold standard for an outdoor lifestyle if you are upgrading from a Subaru. It will get you most places and it is comfortable to sleep in the back (much better than my Wrangler was). I ended up finding a very low mileage 2015 Xterra Pro-4X in pristine condition and have been really happy with it but it was a rare find. If I hadn’t come across this, I likely would’ve gotten a 4-Runner.

[Skimo95]

Sure, get the Kia under warranty and get rid of it before the warranty ends. That goes for any newer vehicle in my personal opinion, as long as you can afford it.

[Scott P]

My son has a 2012 Kia Sportage with about 200K miles on it. My daughter has a 2011 Subaru Outback, which used to be ours. They are both pretty comparable on dirt roads.

Most Kias now days are reasonably reliable, but not as much as a Toyota, for example. They are cheaper though and more relaible than most vehicles from the "Big 3".

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[daway8]

+1 for the 4Runner - best overall balance for daily use, off-roading and sleeping in your vehicle...

[SkaredShtles]

Buy a Jeep Wrangler and call it a day. With the right model, you will have no problem climbing hills.

Yeah - no problems climbing hills... but all the OTHER problems.

[mtree]

Its tough to evaluate an off-road vehicle without taking it off-road. And reliability ratings are not very useful if your vehicle can't handle the punishment you're planning on dishing out. That said, word of mouth by those on this site is probably the best advice you can get.

I have a 2008 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. Yes, its a beast off-road and in the snow. But its not a great "commuter" car. Compared to most SUVs it drives more like a truck. It has been reliable, can take a beating, and after-market modifications are endless. Mileage is horrible. The cabin is loud and its not real comfy. (Yes, I can sleep in the back.)

I liked the Mazda CX-5 as an SUV/crossover. I have no idea how well it'll perform in the back country. A friend of mine has a Toyota FJ cruiser which has been mildly reliable, but performs well off-road. Another has a Ford pickup of some sort with a 4 inch lift, but has limitations due to its wheelbase. This is just all feedback to consider. I don't know how you plan on using your new ride, but if its more than just a weekend toy you should think about its other uses.

[SkaredShtles]

<snip>
I liked the Mazda CX-5 as an SUV/crossover. I have no idea how well it'll perform in the back country.

We have a CX-5 and the clearance is decent, but the AWD is definitely not 4WD.

ETA: It is comparable to a Subaru off-road, so perhaps a decent choice for the OP?

[two lunches]

Sportage is great for grocery-getting, but it's not really designed for what you're asking about, so that complaint makes a ton of sense to me.

OP out of pure curiosity, why did you decide against a RAV4 Hybrid?

[bdloftin77]

Sportage is great for grocery-getting, but it's not really designed for what you're asking about, so that complaint makes a ton of sense to me.

OP out of pure curiosity, why did you decide against a RAV4 Hybrid?

I have a RAV4 and it's pretty decent. Not as adventurous as a 4Runner, but generally gets the job done. A hybrid RAV4 with even better gas mileage would be great!

In another life if I hiked all the time, I'd probably get a 4Runner. Expensive to buy and not the best gas mileage, but otherwise seems like a pretty great vehicle.

[Briere]

Sportage is great for grocery-getting, but it's not really designed for what you're asking about, so that complaint makes a ton of sense to me.

OP out of pure curiosity, why did you decide against a RAV4 Hybrid?

I have a RAV4 and it's pretty decent. Not as adventurous as a 4Runner, but generally gets the job done. A hybrid RAV4 with even better gas mileage would be great!

In another life if I hiked all the time, I'd probably get a 4Runner. Expensive to buy and not the best gas mileage, but otherwise seems like a pretty great vehicle.

One thing to note is that the Hybrid does lose you roughly .5 an inch of clearance. I still choose the hybrid but 99% of the time park at the 2WD lots.