My wife and I are seriously thinking about switching to an SUV when the lease on her Accord is up. We want more offroad capability than the mini "cute-utes" like the RAV-4 or CRV and don't want to pay through the nose for a mid-size/full-size/luxury model. Our research has basically pointed us towards getting an Nissan Xterra (best styling, would get 4x4 with supercharger, as the engine is too weak otherwise), a Jeep Liberty (probably the best off-roading capability of the three), and a LandRover Freelander (most refined, car-like of the bunch, but possibly worst off-road capability since it has no low range transfer case and less ground clearance).

We don't need uber rockclimbing ability, but want more than what the likes of the Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute/etc. offer), so I was curious as to whether any of the readers here have personally compared any of the three vehicles I mentioned? I read a month-or-two old thread about "What SUV for <= $30k" in which more than a couple people mentioned they liked the Xterra, but even thought that was our first choice, the vague steering, high hoodline, crummy gas mileage (4x4 SC only gets 15/19, with reports online of lower real world numbers), and highest cost of the three (given the engine choice), we decided to broaden our choices with the other two SUVs I mentioned. (I don't think either the Liberty or Freelander were mentioned in that thread, thus I created this one...)

Any thoughts/comments would be greatly appreciated! (Please save used vehicle comments/recommendations for another thread -- my wife and I will consider that next, though none of the options seem as appealing as getting one of these 3 new... We also realize that all of the three are probably capable of only "mild" to "moderate" offroad uses, which is fine with us.

Cheers,
Dave

 

Out of those three SUV's I would definately recommend the Jeep Liberty. It has I think the strongest truck frame in Jeep's history, great ride, good gas mileage, and the V6 option for get up go.

 

I'd exercise caution over the Liberty if it is to be used primarily as an onroad vehicle. Autoweek managed to flip one on its roof through their slalom course, and a German magazine bicycled one through their handling tests, but were able to save it.

Daimler-Chrysler has burried the story.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by S2kRob
[B]I'd exercise caution over the Liberty if it is to be used primarily as an onroad vehicle.

 

Whoa! That's a crazy story...! This story does underscore the point that SUV's MUST be driven differently than other passenger cars. The problem is that the soccer moms that drive Navigators think that is stops and turns just like the Camry that she had before then. IMO, the problem is the driver's lack of interest in learning how to drive properly and they get into trouble when something weird happens. The key is understanding what the car does under duress. Most people have no clue what that is...the Jeep thing is a little scary though. You won't find me in a Jeep any time soon!

I am in the market for an Xterrra actually and being a fan of what I consider mid-size SUV's (4Runners, Xterra's, QX4's, etc), I, too, am considering a supercharged Xterra. Hadn't even considered the Jeep, actually. I have a 4Runner now and it's a great truck. I REALLY like the sporty/rugged nature of the Xterra and it supports nicely the kinds of things I like to do...mainly mountain biking and other outdoorsy kinds of things. The storage and 4x4 are also key points for me. It actually snows sometimes here in Chicago...

I'll be pulling the trigger on an Xterra soon...no Jeep for me!

 

Do yourself a favor and Don't buy a Jeep or a Land Rover.

Personally, I wouldn't buy a s/c xterra unless u plan to keep it for less than 4 yrs. I know u said u didn't like the CRV, but u really should test drive the new one. It is quick, roomy, and can handle most of the off- road stuff. I know of a guy who traded in his MDX for the 2nd gen CRV.

my 2 cents.

 

The RAV-4 and CRV type mini-SUVs really are too cutesy. Although we're definitely Honda loyalists (have two friends that own CRV's than they love them), we both dislike the "cute-utes" (and the upcoming Pilot is too big for us). The Freelander is almost too cute as well, but it's AWD system and interior keep it in the running.

MDXLuvr, why do you say "I wouldn't bu a s/c xterra unless u plan to keep it for less than 4 yrs." Have you heard of reliability problems? Without the S/C'ed engine, the power is absolutely pathetic and I wouldn't buy one. (Test drove with and without back-to-back)

If I were to order the cars in order of preference for various things, I think it'd shake out like this:

Styling:
1) Xterra
2) Liberty
3) Freelander

On-road handling/ride/etc.
1) Freelander
2) Liberty
3) Xterra

Stock off-road capability (we need more than a grocery-getter and want more than a "soft roader")
1) Liberty
2) Xterra
3) Freelander

Cargo capacity
1) Liberty
2) Xterra
3) Freelander (less than a CRV, but the only one of the bunch that has a flat bed. The seats are also the best-designed/easiest to fold)

Functionality/design
1) Xterra (eg. interior bike rack kicks butt, much easier than roof rack)
2) Freelander
3) Liberty

Cost and Bang-for-the-buck
1) Liberty
2) Xterra
3) Freelander

Gas mileage
1) Freelander
2) Liberty
3) Xterra (consider it's 15/19 and requires *premium unleaded*. Can you say "huge gas bill?")

Maintenance
1) ???
2) ???
3) ???

As an aside, Jeeps have the added benefit of a good sized aftermarket parts market. There are already spring-based lift kits for the Liberty, and I'm sure more is on the way. Mods like locking diffs and lift kits allowing for larger tires definitely help in more serious off-road situations. There are very good odds we'll never come across any situations requiring more ability than the Jeep offers stock, but it's comforting to know there's the possibility if we every become "serious" rockcrawlers.

Another potential strike against the Freelander is the fact that it's current body style/etc. has been out in Europe for 4 or so years, and many think it's due for a change. Given the fact that LR is now owned by Ford, odds are good that there will be platform sharing among the next Ford Escape / Mazda Tribute / Landrover. I take this to mean "more car like" and lower availability of parts for the current generation Freelander.

*Sigh* They all have their tradeoffs... The Jeep is probably in the lead, though...

 

Not only that, note this:

"After the accident, the Jeep, which had been loaned to AW by DaimlerChrysler, was impounded and the company hired an accident reconstruction expert. Gregory Stephens, a partner in Collision Research and Analysis with offices in Gig Harbor, Washington, has 14 years experience."

I'd be pretty suspicious about opinions from folks who have names that sound like Greg Stevens!


[QUOTE]Originally posted by gregstevens
[B]Whoa!

 

Land Rover UK are crap when it comes to solving problems, I don't know if Land Rover USA are any better.

Also reliability wise with the Freelander, i have known people who have had 4 new engines and 2 new gearboxes in a year, but then again I have also known people who have had theirs for longer and have no problems what-so-ever. Its touch and go..........

 

Nelson, do you happen to recall what model year the crummy Freelander was? I have read online (Google is great!) that the earlier models definitely had issues, but the short stint of BMW ownership helped immensely. Finding an example of serious problems from a late model year vehicle would point to the truth of LR quality...

Almost forgot to add a ranking to that last email of mine:

Reliability
1) Xterra?
2) Jeep?
3) Xterra?

(Put Xterra at top just because Nissan's have decent reliability - just perused a recent Consumer Reports Car Buying Guide or whatever, and the marks are definitely the better of the 3 in this group. Still awaiting a response from MDXluvr on why no-S/C... Also, 2 and 3 may actually be a tie. Jeeps aren't known for being trouble free, either...)