Fuel Economy and Hybrid Options
Hybrid SUVs are now mainstream, and the fuel economy gains are real. The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid gets 38 to 41 MPG combined, the Honda CR-V Hybrid gets 37 to 40 MPG, the Ford Escape Hybrid gets 37 to 40 MPG, and the Kia Sportage Hybrid gets 38 to 43 MPG. The hybrid premium is typically 1,200 to 2,500 dollars over the gas version, and the payback period is 2 to 4 years for families who drive 15,000 miles per year. For three row SUVs, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid and the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid are the most efficient at 34 to 36 MPG combined, and the Kia Sorento Hybrid is a strong value at 37 MPG combined.
What to Look for in a Family SUV Test Drive
Bring the car seats to the test drive. Install the rear facing infant seat and the forward facing convertible seat and make sure both fit without forcing the front passenger seat forward. Sit in the second row with a car seat installed and check the legroom, headroom, and access to the LATCH anchors. Sit in the third row if it is a three row SUV, and check that an adult can sit back there for a 30 minute drive. Open and close the rear liftgate with one hand, since you will often be holding a child or a bag. Test the sliding second row if the SUV has one, since sliding seats are the single biggest family friendly feature in a midsize SUV.
Best Family SUVs by Budget
For a budget under 30,000 dollars, the Honda CR-V, the Toyota RAV4, the Hyundai Tucson, and the Kia Sportage are all strong choices. For a budget under 40,000 dollars, the Mazda CX-50, the Honda CR-V Hybrid, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, and the Subaru Outback are excellent picks. For a budget under 50,000 dollars, the Kia Telluride, the Hyundai Palisade, the Honda Pilot, and the Toyota Highlander are the strongest three row options. For a budget under 60,000 dollars, the Mazda CX-90, the Toyota Grand Highlander, and the Acura MDX add a touch of luxury without breaking the bank. The luxury three row segment, including the BMW X7 and the Mercedes GLS, sits above 75,000 dollars.
How to Negotiate the Best Family SUV Price
Buy at the end of the month, the end of the quarter, or the end of the year, when dealers are under pressure to hit volume targets. Get pre approved for financing from a credit union before visiting the dealer, since dealer financing is rarely the cheapest option. Research the invoice price on KBB or Edmunds, and aim to negotiate 3 to 5 percent above invoice. Be willing to walk away, since the single strongest negotiating move is to leave the lot. Email multiple dealers with the same offer and let them compete. Time the purchase for a slow weekday in the late afternoon, and avoid shopping on holiday weekends when the deal is more crowded and the negotiation is tighter.
Photo: High Contrast, CC BY, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/ea/Off-road_automobile_in_Munich.JPG?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=original)
Fazlur Rahman
