plus I could go on and on about those two.

RDX also gets lots of criticism for a very harsh ride.
ZDX is the answer to a question nobody (or very few, at least) asked.

I like the MDX, but the fuel economy plus premium reqs. rule it out for me.

Mark, be sure to check out the Forester when y'all start shopping. If we can hold out for the diesel, it will be too good to be true. 258 lb. ft. tq., 6 sp. manual, 4400 lb. towing capacity, and est. 37mpg combined hwy/city.

The XT is already our favorite, but we don't need a hot rod SUV, and would gladly trade the acceleration for the diesel if available. (my wife is already suffering separation anxiety about the thought of losing her Jetta TDI, which she dearly loves)

 

Chris, I did some research on the diesel earlier this year and reports were emphatic that it wouldn't be coming stateside. I wouldn't hold your breath.

 

Chris, did you read anywhere on an ETA for the diesel? We have a kiddo on the way due March 6th so we will need the new ride by early February as my wife's 2 door won't work well as a baby hauler.

 

I just looked around a bit and it appears that a manual transmission is the only one being offered with the diesel. Despite claiming to want to learn, I have yet to get my wife to learn how to drive a manual so that won't work for us. I'll still check out the forester.

Also, did you drive the CX-7 with the turbo or the regular version?

 

Jon, I've read that Subaru wants to bring it here, just waiting to gauge potential demand to ensure it's successful (and I've heard it's testing w/ the EPA, albeit w/ a few hurdles yet to leap).

Mark, congrats on the kiddo! I have also read of rumor (no shortage of those) that the delay is attrubitable to Subie adapting their new CVT trannie to the diesel. None of their current autos can handle the tq.

We drove the CX-7 turbo. The NA model is fairly basic, and you can't even get leather in it - the interior looked and felt quite a bit cheaper to us than the Grand Touring model we'd want. Difference in back seat accomodations and cargo capacity between the CX-7 and Forester is HUGE, though the CX-7 handles better on dry pavement.

 

I second that.
We got a 2010 Equinox as a company vehicle and it's pretty nice.
Although the 4 banger doesn't move the car, it's interior quality and ride feel is damn nice.
I'd get the V6 with AWD. Pioneer sound system was impressive as well.


I've seen quite a few Merc GLKs on the road, and those looked pretty sweet.

Dan

 

Update: we drove an Outback Ltd. yesterday, and it surpassed the Forester XT as our top choice. Bigger/more luxurious interior, better fuel economy, & runs of reg. vs. prem. We prefer the Forester's styling, though!

We drove the 2.5 w/ CVT - how such a large vehicle can get 22/29 mpg while still having enough pep to get out of it's own way is amazing. it would be perfected fine for our needs, but we'll test drive the 3.6L six just to make sure.