Looking for a small, reliable SUV that handles like a car

Maria_K

Hello! I currently drive a 2005 Acura TSX and am looking for a small SUV that handles like a sedan. I test drove a 2012 Acura RDX and the handling felt squishy to me. No good. This led to an online investigation where I learned about the difference between hydraulic and electronic assisted steering.

I really would like to stick with something reliable: Honda/Acura or Toyota/Lexus, if possible. I know the BMW X series have hydraulic steering but I have concerns about reliability....

If anyone has any insights or recommendations, please share!

stickguy

what's your budget? a 2012 RDX is 2 generations prior at this point.

Maybe try a Subaru Forester?

kyfdx

Maria_K said:

Hello! I currently drive a 2005 Acura TSX and am looking for a small SUV that handles like a sedan. I test drove a 2012 Acura RDX and the handling felt squishy to me. No good. This led to an online investigation where I learned about the difference between hydraulic and electronic assisted steering.

I really would like to stick with something reliable: Honda/Acura or Toyota/Lexus, if possible. I know the BMW X series have hydraulic steering but I have concerns about reliability....

If anyone has any insights or recommendations, please share!

First, forget about electronic steering. Maybe, you didn't like the way the RDX handled, but unless you are Mario Andretti, you can't tell the difference in which kind of steering a car may have.

Most crossover/SUVs won't handle like cars, because they have a higher center of gravity. Plus, your TSX is a nice light sedan, and you won't find much that handles like it, because cars keep getting heavier.

Used BMWs can be pricey to maintain, but that's where you will most likely find an SUV to suit you. Maybe, a VW Tiguan? I always thought those handled well, considering. No SUV made by Honda or Toyota will likely give you the handling you are looking for.

stickguy

probably the best handling smaller CUV is going to be the Mazda CX5. If that one is too "trucky" for you, and you don't want to try an X1 BMW, you might have to change your criteria!

Maria_K

Folks....thanks for your ideas. I think I will create a list and just start test driving some of them to see if I like the feel. I realize now after a lifetime of driving a Toyota Celica, VW GTI, my TSX, etc... that I have become accustomed to this sort of drive.

If anyone else has any additional ideas, please share....

kyfdx

Maria_K said:

Folks....thanks for your ideas. I think I will create a list and just start test driving some of them to see if I like the feel. I realize now after a lifetime of driving a Toyota Celica, VW GTI, my TSX, etc... that I have become accustomed to this sort of drive.

If anyone else has any additional ideas, please share....

Well, since I drive a GTI, I'll say go back to that..

stickguy

what are your actual needs? Just more cargo capacity? You could look at a Golf sportswagon. All the functionality of a small CUV, but drives like, well, a Jetta.

kyfdx

Also, your budget would make a difference. ??

Michaell

stickguy said:

what are your actual needs? Just more cargo capacity? You could look at a Golf sportswagon. All the functionality of a small CUV, but drives like, well, a Jetta.

And, easily tuned for more power or better handling.....

Maria_K

So my needs are:
Decent steering and handling
Reliable and decent MPG
AWD for snow (I live in a rural Maryland area and things can get dicey)
Pet friendly (whatever that means, I just need some place my lab can lay down)
Cost not to exceed 12K
Cargo area can vary, just need to be able to occasionally haul small to moderately sized items

Btw, my GTI handled GREAT in the snow. I remember in my younger years having to go around other cars stuck headed up n a hill. Quite dicey since I was in the opposing traffic's lane. Ah, youth. But alas, that VW nickle and dimed me to death and I got an Integra.

stickguy

tough price range. generally have to pick more years old or higher miles if you want something that is popular. And CUVs tend to cost more. And AWD adds potential cost as they miles and years go up.

A bit over budget, but at least this one has many years of warranty left.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/839402638/overview/

stickguy

oh, forgot to add, AWD is nice, but as you found with the GTI, a good FWD car with snow tires can pretty much go anywhere on paved roads.

kyfdx

You get way more bang for the buck from a car, compared to an SUV. If you've been driving that TSX for awhile, you don't need stinking AWD.