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Let's see.
15,000 miles @ 21mpg = 714 gals x $1.50/gal = $1,071.
15,000 miles @ 24mpg = 625 gals x $1.50/gal = $938.
Difference is $133 per year, if gas price is only $1.50/gal.
To me, $100 spread across a year is nothing for most folks. Even the poorest of people seem to find more than that a year to buy lottery tickets, cigarettes, and alcohol.
Also, isn't the insurance premium difference more than $100 a year for the CRV?
Great point bess... about the coffee..
Lets see 133/12 = about $11.00 a month! Heck, you can't even take a family of 4 to McDonalds for 11 Bucks anymore! LOL! For the added power of passing, towing, hauling and just plain confidence in the vehicles ability I'll pay the extra $11.00 a month........
15,000 miles @ 18mpg = 833 gals x $1.72/gal = $1,433.
15,000 miles @ 23mpg = 652 gals x $1.72/gal = $1121.
Difference is $312 per year.
The Escape seems to have a low tolerance for a heavy right foot when it comes to fuel mileage. I've seen 18 MPG reported several times before too, but I've also seen low 20's, which is what we usually get, in many more "real" reports.
Your yearly totals could be higher or lower depending on what type of driver you are, but suvshopper seems to have hit a pretty good average for the two.
"Or you could think of it this way. Drive the CR-V and it pays for it's own tires."
Not if you're paying more for insurance like bess said.
http://www.nhtsa.com/cars/problems/studies/InsCost/
If you read the text at the top it does tell you that results will vary by insurance company. Maybe yours just goes by the selling price and ignores the NHTSA's data.
Personally, I'd rather have the vehicle that IS rugged and has a performance record to back it up.
"Although many insurance companies use the HLDI information to adjust the "base rate" for the collision portion of their insurance premiums, the amount of any such adjustment is usually small. It is unlikely that your total premium will vary more than ten percent depending upon the collision loss experience of a particular vehicle. If you do not purchase collision coverage or your insurance company does not use the HLDI information, your premium will not vary at all in relation to these rankings."
Which roughly states that this information is only one criterion used by insurance companies (and an optional one at that). Still, a better rating is a better rating and this is an advantage for the Escape. It reinforces what we've been shown with the IIHS bumper bash.
However, it doesn't give us the big picture on insurance costs. Insurance rates also include occupant safety as a criterion. We already know how the IIHS safety test plays out in that regard. Plus theft rates, and other data will come into play.
-ss4
tidester, host
Which are optional too. I'm referring to this from that same article:
"Insurance companies do not generally adjust their premiums on the basis of data reflecting the crashworthiness of different vehicles. However, some companies adjust their premiums for personal injury protection and medical payments coverage if the insured vehicle has features that are likely to improve its crashworthiness, such as air bags."
It seems to me they are telling us that the test data from the IIHS and the NHTSA, which we so love to discuss, is rarely used by insurance companies to determine rates. However, they do take air bags, ABS, Boron steel roof sections (Volvo), etc. into consideration.
laptev.. so, since your friend gets 18mpg does that mean ALL Escapes get 18mpg?? I get a strong 21.7 MPG on average and averaged 24.3MPG on a road trip.. I have also read in chat rooms around the net the CRV is not getting its rated MPG either. In fact if you read back in the CRV room there are posts right here at Edmunds with owners questioning their MPG ratings of the CRV.
icvi - Kind of funny how "cookie cutter" style is ok for the Honda Accord and the Honda Civic.. but not ok for a Ford Escape.. Park an Escape XLT or Limited next to a CRV EX and you will immediatly see the Escape looks much better. Larger tires, more ground clearance, more handsome looking than the CRV. The Escape IS rugged when compared to the CRV.. tows more, hauls more, more powerful.. more, more, more.....
There we have it, sports fan.
Case closed.
What I wrote is that the NHTSA data is only one part of the picture. As an example, I wrote that safety is also included. I also mentioned that theft rates are considered (among other things).
All Baggs did was rephrase what I'd already written. Trouble is, you only read what you want to see.
Not according to Ford.
And the whole rugged thing started with a test drive. I was saying there is no way you could derive more rugged from a test drive. Anyway, I take rugged to mean durable and if you want to get into a durability discussion, based upon actual facts and figures, you'll lose.
Not according to Ford."
We went over this a long time ago too. Edmunds uses Ford's numbers too. Ford, for some unknown reason, only lists the ground clearance for the smaller wheel/tire packages. Escape's fitted with the 16" tires and rims do have the same if not a little more ground clearance than the current CR-V. It was pretty close if I recall correctly. Definitely within an inch.
Did you get the P5?
No. I'm still trying to convince the wife.
Trading in the Escape for a 2003 Explorer or MPV has become a viable option as well. We can actually buy the Explorer and have the same monthly payments as the Escape. The MPV payments would be even less. Size is what matters in this case. If we go this way I'll have to wait until later in the year to get the P5. Although, I may be doing that any way.
I just don't know what to do!
I think I need to get her out on some test drives.
The MPV is a fine vehicle. Great incentives right now too, most regions are offering $2000 customer cash.
Well I think there are many anecdotal stories floating around on mileage, but I think we can all agree the CRV gets approximately 3-4 MPG better gas mileage than the Escape which is approximately 20 percent better or 40% better than the Jeep. These are pretty significant percentages in my mind but will only be a significant cost if you drive a good number of miles per year or if gas prices really spikes. (which is more of a risk than a real problem)
>icvi - Kind of funny how "cookie cutter" style is ok for the Honda Accord and the Honda Civic.. but not ok for a Ford Escape.. Park an Escape XLT or Limited next to a CRV EX and you will immediatly see the Escape looks much better. Larger tires, more ground clearance, more handsome looking than the CRV. The Escape IS rugged when compared to the CRV.. tows more, hauls more, more powerful.. more, more, more.....
Scape, I hope you realize, except for the 1 inch bigger tires (which is a tradeoff benefitting the commuter), much of what you state here is extremely subjective. The rest is wrong. You really need to start looking at stats. Ground clearance, ride height and 0-60 times are about the same, the CRV has more cargo volume, more little storage spaces, the CRV has a lower purchase price (even with Ford's deep discounting), and the residual or trade in value is DRASTICALLY higher (especially where I am located). Additionally, the CRV seat manipulation is much easier. You do not need to remove the headrests to use the 60/40 fold and flip seats. The Escape just has folding rear seats. This is a SIGNIFICANT advantage I recommend anyone looking at both vehicles should consider. In fact, most dealers do not even know how to demo this feature. But I love it now that I know how to use it.
But again, this all boils down to how you use your vehicle and if you like to upgrade every 4 years or so. Since I like to own a new vehicle every 4 or 5 years, I hated thinking about the poor Escape (Ford) resale value.
I've seen the $2000 figure floating around, but I never see it when I punch my zip code into the lists. If I could get another $2000 off of it I'd run out and buy one right now!
"but I think we can all agree the CRV gets approximately 3-4 MPG better gas mileage than the Escape which is approximately 20 percent better or 40% better than the Jeep."
In the previous example used, 21 MPG for the Escape and 24 for the CR-V (averages?), the difference is not 20%. It's more like 12.5%. Where are you getting your numbers?
"more little storage spaces,"
That depends on which Escape trim level you have. The leather package includes several extra storage spaces that most of the other trim levels don't have.
"the CRV has a lower purchase price (even with Ford's deep discounting)"
They're only offering $1000 back on the Escape. It is their lowest incentive for any vehicle. I'm sure you can save $1000 or more on a CR-V at some Honda dealers too. Go read the 'CR-V' board to see what people are saving.
"and the residual or trade in value is DRASTICALLY higher (especially where I am located)."
Well, where I'm located it is not. A 2002 CR-V EX (auto, premium sound, moon roof, CD changer, etc.) with 9800 miles and in excellent condition Blue Book's for $16,595. Our 2002 Escape with all the same features/miles plus leather and tow package Blue Book's for $17,765.
Granted, the Escape did cost more to buy, but both vehicles depreciated about the same amount over a one year period. I used a Pittsburgh zip code if you want to try it yourself.
"Additionally, the CRV seat manipulation is much easier."
That's not subjective?
Sure you have to remove the head rests in the Escape, but the seats do fold completely flat. The CR-V can't do that. Plus you can remove the seat bottom in the Escape and lower the front seat to create a long, nearly flat, "bed".
Are you also saying that the Escape doesn't have 60/40 folding rear seats? Only the stripped XLS trim comes with the flat, non-split rear seat back. All the others have the 60/40 which is what I was referring to above.
"In fact, most dealers do not even know how to demo this feature. But I love it now that I know how to use it."
Yeah, sounds real simple. Did you have to take a class too?
Sorry, I had to.
Per Edmunds: City: (22-18)/18 = 22.2%
Highway (26-23)/23=13%
How many use an SUV for a super long commuter? I don't.
And I'm sure you dream your Escape gets 25 mpg, but it doesn't get better mileage than the CRV. (this is called denial of unnecessarily poor gas mileage)
Also, range is listed as:
Escape/CRV
288/337 City (ouch! 17% better range or I stop for gas almost 4 times to your 5 times)
368/398 Highway
"more little storage spaces,"
>That depends on which Escape trim level you have. The leather package includes several extra storage spaces that most of the other trim levels don't have.
I recommend you actually check out the Auto 2003 CRV. There are FAR more storage spaces in the V. Did you look under the passenger seat for example? The seat has a nice pull out storage container.
I spent a large amount of time comparing both vehicles (and the Tribute version) just 1 month ago. I initially planned to buy the Escape, but finally decided to go with the V - I was even surprised since I initially didn't even plan to look at it!
"the CRV has a lower purchase price (even with Ford's deep discounting)"
>They're only offering $1000 back on the Escape. It is their lowest incentive for any vehicle. I'm sure you can save $1000 or more on a CR-V at some Honda dealers too. Go read the 'CR-V' board to see what people are saving.
There is a difference between dealer negotiation and manufacturer rebates, or customer or dealer cash. When I was looking the Tribute had $1500 dealer cash the dealer was going to hand over to me along with $400 over invoice. When I decided to go with the V, I tried to play 7 dealerships against one another and I still only managed to get $700 off sticker. And per my Excel analysis - it was STILL $1500 cheaper than the Tribute with the same features! Again, I was almost certain I was going with the Escape or Tribute!
"and the residual or trade in value is DRASTICALLY higher (especially where I am located)."
>Well, where I'm located it is not. A 2002 CR-V EX (auto, premium sound, moon roof, CD changer, etc.) with 9800 miles and in excellent condition Blue Book's for $16,595. Our 2002 Escape with all the same features/miles plus leather and tow package Blue Book's for $17,765.
Good luck getting even getting book value for the Ford. At least we aren't talking about a Taurus or Escort, but it is still a Ford. And for right or wrong, Ford has a perception of lower quality.
>Granted, the Escape did cost more to buy, but both vehicles depreciated about the same amount over a one year period. I used a Pittsburgh zip code if you want to try it yourself.
Try it again in 5 years when Ford really drops off.
"Additionally, the CRV seat manipulation is much easier."
>That's not subjective?
Again, you obviously are not familiar with the V.
>Sure you have to remove the head rests in the Escape, but the seats do fold completely flat. The CR-V can't do that. Plus you can remove the seat bottom in the Escape and lower the front seat to create a long, nearly flat, "bed".
And again, if you actually knew what I was talking about, you would know the V's seats fold AND flip right up against the back of the front seats in an easy, 2 step, 2 second process that leaves the cargo area seat free. You might want to research and even think about what I am talking about.
>Are you also saying that the Escape doesn't have 60/40 folding rear seats? Only the stripped XLS trim comes with the flat, non-split rear seat back. All the others have the 60/40 which is what I was referring to above.
Oy. Not talking about a simple 60/40 folding seat with the hassle of removing headrests - my old 99 Corolla did what the Escape does! See above.
"In fact, most dealers do not even know how to demo this feature. But I love it now that I know how to use it."
>Yeah, sounds real simple. Did you have to take a class too? Sorry, I had to.
Again, you have no clue what I am talking about because your Honda dealer probably didn't show you this feature.
So does the Escape with leather. I know because I have one.
"I recommend you actually check out the Auto 2003 CRV. There are FAR more storage spaces in the V."
Start naming them. I'm sure the Escape comes extremely close to the same number.
"AND flip right up against the back of the front seats in an easy, 2 step, 2 second process that leaves the cargo area seat free. "
What are you talking about? What cargo seat is left free? Does your CR-V have a third row bench or something? When the seat is folded forward, as you described above, there is no more seat.
Are you sure the Mazda dealer showed you the right way to fold the rear seats in the Tribute? Because it only takes about three seconds. Put the headrest under the front seat, flip the seat bottom up against the back of the front seat, and drop the seat back to where the bottom used to be. The last two steps can be done all at once if you use both hands. It's not hard, and I prefer the Escape's flat cargo area to the CR-V's sloped.
"(ouch! 17% better range or I stop for gas almost 4 times to your 5 times)"
You're assuming that I care about saving gas. I don't. If I did I'd have bought a RAV4, or even better, a station wagon. Both get better mileage than all the others in this class.
"Per Edmunds: City: (22-18)/18 = 22.2%
Highway (26-23)/23=13%
How many use an SUV for a super long commuter? I don't.
And I'm sure you dream your Escape gets 25 mpg, but it doesn't get better mileage than the CRV. (this is called denial of unnecessarily poor gas mileage)"
We're discussing the numbers. More specifically, the average fuel economy for each model. You're numbers are real, but a lot of people do use the highways for their commute so you can't just stick to the one that looks better. On average it's only about a 14-15% (my previous number was wrong) difference.
No one ever said the Escape gets better mileage. With a few tweaks, like additional air pressure in the tires, or removing the roof rack rails, it can come close.
http://h.wieck.com//pv/2002/08/19/HON2002081942712_pv.jpg
Not sure what part of this floor is "sloping".
And... read his post again. I think you just misread something.
"AND flip right up against the back of the front seats in an easy, 2 step, 2 second process that leaves the cargo area seat free."
To paraphrase, the cargo area is left seat-free. A strange way to put it, but he means that the cargo area no longer has a seat in it.
The Subaru Legacy L wagon (auto) is EPA rated 22/28 (but you were close).
-james
I wasn't restricting it to just AWD but I see your point. A Taurus wagon has almost as much cargo room as an Explorer (pre-IRS versions) but gets much better gas mileage. I should have been clearer.
I was really going by this:
http://autos.msn.com/advice/windowshop.aspx?contentid=4018922&- ;src=home&pos=editlead
"A strange way to put it, but he means that the cargo area no longer has a seat in it."
I get it now. How does that benefit anything? You still have those seats sticking up over the "bed" which prevents a level pass through when the front seat is flattened. As I said before, you can remove the seat bottom in the Escape and flatten the front seat for a long level "bed". Can you remove the CR-V's rear seats in the same manner?
--|--- in the CR-V
-- --- in the Escape
Where the first two dashes are the front seat and the last three are the cargo area. The vertical line for the CR-V is the back seat.
varmint,
Your old CR-V does this better than the new one doesn't it? I think we talked about this before.
"Not sure what part of this floor is "sloping"."
I remember several magazine reviews commenting that the Escape's cargo area is the only one to fold completely flat. Maybe it was in comparison to an old gen CR-V because that looks pretty flat to me. Those hooks look like they could do some damage though.
"Both CR-V trims have some 21 storage spaces and cubbies."
I counted 23 in our Escape if cup holders count. 24 if you don't have the moon roof. That's 20 and 21 if you don't opt for leather. I may be missing one or two though because we don't even use half of them right now.
I'm not even going to comment.
1. you can just do the flip and fold thing like ford (and the manual) show you how to do.
2. You can actually remove the seat cushion by flipping it forward and on the floor board there is a little latch with a red or yellow tip (depending on model) that you lift up on and slide the seat cushion out, (vice versa to put back in) but when you fold your seat back down you don't have the seat cushion up against your front seat and gives you a good bit more room to work with, plus you can actually get into the vehicle if you need help putting something big in the back.
I'll try to snap some pics with my digital camera (when we get a nice day to do it) and post some pics.
Odie
As for the folding rear bench, my CR-V uses the same design as the Escape. I prefer the new flip-fold method.
I looked at the Matrix/Vibe, Jetta TDI, Forester, and Outback. They just didn't have the economy and the room. And they all were more expensive for me to insure.
Baggs, I don't know what that list is supposed to represent. Compare 4x4 versions of both and the CRV is ranked higher.
Also note that the Escape and Tribute listed on that website use the 2.0L engine, not the V6. The 2WD CR-V gets the same fuel economy, but uses the 2.4L engine which just plain smokes the Escape's 2.0. Even my 2.0L CR-V bests the Escape in that configuration.
"Fold the front and rear seats backwards and they make a craftmatic-style bed. You'd rest on the cushioned seats, not the hard cargo floor."
I should have defined "bed". I'm not referring to the kind you sleep in, but rather the kind a pickup truck has. Since you can't fold the CR-V's rear seat backs flat any more, something is going to be in the way if you want to load something long. Whether it be the folded seats or the reclined seat back is up to the owner.
This is useful when you want to haul something very long. Like a bunch of 2"X4"X8' boards, or a 7' cabinet from Ikea. You don't want 300-400 lbs of particle board resting on a reclined seat back. The Escape can do this. It just takes a few more seconds. Time well spent if you ask me.
Does that sound right?
First of all 0-60 numbers are the ones you want to believe. They use the CRv 5spd in most tests.. Hmmmm.. does this tell you something?? As I have said over and over they don't tell you they have to rev the he.. out of the 4cyl engine in order to achieve these 0-60 numbers for the CRV. Depending on which review of the Escape you read or want to believe I have seen 0-60 numbers in the lower 8's.
Yes the Escape seates fold flat, yes they are 60/40. I have never had any problem removing my head rests to lower my seats.. Just as you CRV owners never see any problem with your tailgate swining one way only.. usually blocking the curb by the way.. Ground clearance has been gone over and over.. Ford does not list the 16" P235 tire.. The Escape has more clearance. I have parked mine right next to a CRV and it obvious..
Pricing.. I have already shown you dealers and even given numbers to dealerships and VIN#'s of CRV's advertised for MORE than comparable Escapes.. CRV's cost more here in the NW..
Also, I think a side swing will last longer since most of the weight is on the hinge not on the arms. Other than that, I don't think it really matters. So long as you have the separate glass hatch for throwing in something quickly.
You don't still have to swing the spare out of the way to open the new CR-V's rear glass do you?
varmint,
That's what I'm talkin' about, but it can't the the same in the new CR-V knowing how the rear seat folds. It has to be in the way thus forcing you to rest that wood on, for lack of a better word, a fulcrum of sorts.
It seems that Honda forgot about the "U" in SUV when they re-designed the CR-V. Sure the rear seat is more convenient, but the space as a whole seems to be less useful.
"Well the V is longer than the scape but I don't haul many 2"X4"X8'sheets."
I read somewhere that the CR-V's extra length is mostly due to the exterior spare. Otherwise they're about the same. I don't know how true that is.
I'm not trying to be picky or smart, but 2"X4"X8' pieces of wood would actually be boards as shown in varmint's picture. 2"X4'X8' sheets wouldn't fit in either of these vehicles with any ease, and you're right, a pickup would be the best choice for those.
Actually, the roof rack of the Escape holds about 30 lbs more than the CR-V's which also helps in these situations. Personally, I've hauled a couple of mattresses, one of those tall Rubbermaid sheds, and several pieces of wood on the roof of our Escape without any trouble.
We specifically bought the Escape for things like this, and gosh darn it we're going to use every inch of it if it kills us!
Pulling up to the curb in front of a store would be the same thing. Say, to load/unload a TV for example.
Doesn't the swing out door also make it difficult for two people to unload something from the back (one person on each side of a large, heavy object)? I guess it can be accomplished with longer objects because the person by the door can swing around to the side when the object has been pulled out far enough. I would think that short heavy objects would be a little more awkward.
"Also, I think a side swing will last longer since most of the weight is on the hinge not on the arms."
The CR-V's door is held open by a gas shock (I'm assuming this is the arm on the Escape which you are referring to?) too isn't it?
Seriously, whining about RPM's when talking about getting 0-60 times is crazy. Bottom line is if your V6 had anything left at 5000-6000 RPM you'd be darn sure to use it. It doesn't. You can't.
I think Honda nailed the "U" in SUV. Especially when you consider what most people use them for, people hauling.
You never did. The spare is attached directly to the door. In 1st gen CR-Vs, you had to lift the glass, then swing the door (with the spare on it). 2nd gen CR-Vs allow you to swing the entire door without opening the glass.
"varmint,
That's what I'm talkin' about, but it can't [do] the same in the new CR-V knowing how the rear seat folds. It has to be in the way thus forcing you to rest that wood on, for lack of a better word, a fulcrum of sorts."
Yes, the seats no longer fold flat, but they do still recline to a 45 degree angle. It allows for lumber similar to what is pictured in that image. The length is not entirely resting on the seats, but the front seat can be adjusted to provide a wid-point support. 200 lbs or more directly on the seatback would be an issue, but anything less is not a problem. Realistically, I can't think of a single reason why you'd have that much weight resting in that fashion. If you did, you could just unbolt the rear seats and do things the same way as the Escape.
FWIW, I've fit numerous lengths of lumber up to 9 feet long in my '99 CR-V. Because one or two can slide under the dash and into the footwell, I've carted planks close to 10' long. I've also managed to haul a full-size elipical rider, ten 45 gallon trash cans, and a dishwasher (boxed). The only thing I've needed another vehicle for was to cart home an 8 cu.ft. freezer, which barely fit into my sister's Caravan.
Ikea, Sauder, Bush, etc. "assemble yourself" furniture pieces can easily weigh more than 200 lbs and be more than six feet long. I've had to bring a couple of them home (in boxes) and the only way to get them in was to remove one of the back seat bottoms and rest part of it on the front seat. Judging by the new CR-V picture you provided this would not be possible in that vehicle because of how the folded back seat sits. Unbolting one of them just sounds like too much work.
I know this isn't exactly a big drawback to everyone, but it is to me. I didn't spend $25,000+ dollars on an SUV so I'd have to call my friend with the pickup truck every time I had something awkward to haul. If I only had a Sport Trac...
"In 1st gen CR-Vs, you had to lift the glass, then swing the door (with the spare on it)."
That's what I was thinking of. I knew it was something goofy. Thanks. Which vehicle makes you swing the spare out to open the rear? Liberty? Wrangler? Freelander?
Right, but with the front seat folded back, the box rests on the front seat cushion and the back of the 2nd row. Which means only 100 lbs on each resting point.
By not laying the front seat completely flat, you add a third point of contact, leaving less than 70 lbs for each. In fact, since the weight is pitched forward due the rake of this seating arrangement, the front cushion will take the majority of the weight.
You can even strap it down with the seatbelts.
Depending on the shape of the object, you can also fold the 60% portion of the back seat and fit items in diagonally. The object would butt up against the front passenger's seatback and stretch back to the opposite corner of the cargo area.
Other combinations include using the space between the front seats. This would allow you to stow fishing rods (or the like) between the front seats, back past the 60% section, and into the cargo area. And you still have seats for three people.
All this assumes that you have to fold the seats in the first place. With greater volume in the back and sliding seats to adjust it, the CR-V offers more capacity for both passengers and luggage. That doesn't even include the extra 3-4 cu.ft. under the picnic table.
"It seems that Honda forgot about the "U" in SUV when they re-designed the CR-V. Sure the rear seat is more convenient, but the space as a whole seems to be less useful."
Depends on how you are going to use it. I, for one, would never use the Escape's full towing capacity since it lacks a real spare tire. Get a flat and your towing capacity quickly drops to how much money you can pay a tow truck. The same applies to any off-road driving. You can purchase a full-size spare and carry it around. Of course, that'll cost extra, take up cargo space, and add to the weight of the vehicle.
I think, and I'm sure that many will agree, that both will serve the needs of 99% of the driver's out there. We can sit here all day and come up with miracle situations where one has an advantage over the other. But the bottom line is that most will never see any of them happen.
"Which vehicle makes you swing the spare out to open the rear? Liberty? Wrangler? Freelander?"
The Sportage and possibly the Rodeo, though some come with an under-mounted spare.
After watching the Escape and a few other vehicles on the road I have also come to this conclusion. Instead of thinking our favorite vehicle is the best for all purposes, I think it is clear either is perfect for 95-98% of our uses. And for the last 2-5%, some features are better than others.
Since I use my truck for tooling around town, a little drive to and from work, getting around in crazy upstate NY snowstorms, and carrying the occassional camping gear up North, the CRV is perfect for me. Basically, perceived Honda quality, unique seat manipulation features, seating height, better gas mileage, lower price (net of discounts) and fitting in my garage were my main considerations.
If someone had to haul drywall and plywood all of the time, they should go with a pickup truck. Of course, then many of the other benefits of the CRV would be lost.
I personally considered but didn't care about the door opening direction, smaller tires, "girlier appearance" and lack of leather heated seats given the other critera.
So I guess we are all right after all.
You can't have those boxes raised much off of the truck floor or they won't fit. Most of them are anywhere from 3-6 feet wide. You have to have a pretty flat area for them to rest on. The smaller ones can be tilted to fit, but the larger ones will be coming home in a pickup or, even worse, a delivery truck.
Also, 200 lbs is a light one. The last one we brought home was a home theater entertainment center which came in two large boxes. Together they weighed around, if not more than, 400 lbs. Both fit without any drama. Well, my wife did have to move to the back seat.
"If someone had to haul drywall and plywood all of the time, they should go with a pickup truck. Of course, then many of the other benefits of the CRV would be lost."
I totally agree with that. We bought it right after buying a house and needed the space to bring furniture and such things home. As it turns out, we've had most of our furniture delivered because most places will do it for free now.
After having stuffed many an Ikea box into the trunk/back seat/flat front seat portion of the old ZX2 and Civic, a long flat area was a definite must when we were shopping for a small SUV. The bigger one's were not an option at the time either.
Different strokes for different folks I guess.