Suggestions Sought for SUV to Buy

[FoxtrotGolfXray 5.0]

Hey guys,

Firstly, thanks to everyone for their input. In my mind, there is no right or wrong answer; we just need to find the right vehicle for us.

Secondly, apologies for the late responses. My laptop crapped out at home, and whilst I have been lurking here at work, I didn't have the opportunity to respond.

So, I'll try and address the major responses:

Originally Posted by simon varley

what about the Kuga? Just picked up a 2 litre ecoboost titanium and it's massively better than the older models. If you don't need the 7 seats it might be worth considering.

Yeah, I've looked at the Kuga (not in detail) and have tried to get the missus to have a look, but she thinks its too small. Maybe I should try again.....thanks for the suggestion.

Originally Posted by Carrion

Give her the XR8 and buy yourself a Sprint.

If I had my way, she'd have a Focus RS and I'd keep the XR8, but she hated the ST when I had it (too small and too low; hurt her knees getting in and out. She even finds the XR8 too low these days )

Originally Posted by JC

It sounds like you want something that looks, feels and drives like a Territory, but not a Territory because of some undisclosed "missing" features (how many other cars have a roller door no the centre console - what more could you possibly want? ) What features do you want in a car that the Territory does not have? Are any of these available as aftermarket add-ons? If so, at what cost?

My missus was also interested in am Everest, but instead we just bought a second hand, 2011 Terry SZ Titanium diesel, and she loves it. There's nothing we want it to do that it doesn't do well. Ok, it doesn't have radar activated cruise, or lane departure warnings, but both of those things can be operator controlled anyway....

I think a couple of other posts have now addressed the "missing" features from the Tez. Things I wouldn't mind include; heated and ventilated seats (they were cool () in the Sorrento), individual ac controls and vents in the rear, especially the third row, adaptive cruise, lane departure warning, blind spot warning, moon roof. Sure, I get that these are not everyone's cup of tea, but if I can get a vehicle that suits our needs and has these for about the same price as a new Tez, then why not? And I realise that we may be sacrificing something (like road handling) by moving away from the Tez, but the car really only gets used for around town (soccer mum duties) where it is not likely to be a huge issue anyway.

On the other hand, now that I know I'll be getting a one-of-a-kind vehicle with a roller door in the centre console, maybe I should stick with the Tez afterall

Originally Posted by NX74205

Have you considered the Mercedes-Benz GLC? It's a little smaller than the Territory, and a little bit over 60k, but from all the reviews I've read, Mercedes have nailed it with this car.

I've read a little about them and they sound good, but the mother-in-law went for a test drive of one with a friend of hers and wasn't impressed. Of course, the $20k price price difference may be an issue Oh, and yes, the privilege you have of owning a MB when it comes time to service the thing

Originally Posted by Bevsta007

Not bad, it is smaller and about $20K more. But it is a Merc!
in this market also consider BMWX3 and land rover discovery sport

My missus would love a BMW X5 or LR isco Sport, but I just can't justify the $$$$ required to won one. I'm just too tight

Originally Posted by Adamz Ghia

Go smaller with a CX-5? Have had plenty of time in one and they're a very nice car to drive. Also look at a Subaru Forester.

Been in a friend's CX-5 and I think it might be too small, but still worth getting the missus to have a look at one I s'pose. Thanks.

Originally Posted by Road_Warrior

Got kids?
Is towing capacity important?
Is AWD important to you?

Yep.
Nup.
Nup.

Originally Posted by ebv8

can't tell you personally but my brother needed a new car to tow his van as the FWD Kluga had no grip and was dangerous in the wet
He look at:
Territory, dealer was not interested in letting him buy a new car only a car they had in storage and was a 2014 build, would not even entertain the fact that a 2016 car could be purchased at all
Fortuna, drove ok but not worth the money for what you get
Everest, drove great but cost too much
Pajero, great but lacks 2016 refinement and a bit plain on the inside
Pajero Sport, drove great and cheap so they bought it

Had vaguely considered the Paj Sport. May need to look into that a bit more. Thanks.

Originally Posted by Qwerty321

Would anyone kill me if I said a Jeep?

Know a couple people with Jeep Grand Cherokees. Drive like a charm and haven't heard any outstanding complaints, so can only assume their not lemons. Get a hemi if possible. They're rock solid engines.

I'll use this to address all fo the JGC suggestions. We've (or more accurately, I) essentially ruled this out. A few colleagues at work own them (mostly diesels) and the cost of servicing is a real turn off. The guys have been paying somewhere between $1200 - $1400 a service which, compared to my ~$300 servicing cost for the Tez, is a LOT of money. Again, I'm tight

Originally Posted by satria

I love our 2014 runout Sorento and I'm sure I'd like the new model too although I think the new one is a little watered down in terms of looks. In my mind it's like the updated Chrysler 300C, the old one really made a statement and then they sort of toned it down a little for the newer model. Still a nice car, just missing that X factor.

I've also read about the visor being able to smack you in the head when moving it around which seems like a minor design flaw but I'd personally be able to let that slide knowing how good the rest of the car is.

Definitely check out the Hyundai Santa Fe, same car underneath as the Sorento just styled differently (and 2 years less warranty). Might just be your thing though.

The new model Sorrento is not based on the Hyundai, apparently, from what I have read (as reported in Carsguide

For a start, instead of being developed from Hyundai’s SUV platform under the Santa Fe it is twinned with the Carnival, so the basic building blocks are more car-like

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

There seems to be a common theme emanating from threads like these. Many people are having a real issues as what to replace their Territory's with, many of whom are now on their 2nd or 3rd vehicle.

I think this just illustrates that Ford got the basic package of the Territory right. Two things stand out for me in this regard.

1. Ford "right sized" the Territory. It was big enough to do family duties with ease but at the same time not too large as to feel like a truck making it easy to drive and park and appealing to female drivers.

2.Dynamics. The way the Territory felt to drive, in the way the steering was direct and responsive and the excellent body control. Now most average drivers don't necessarily prioritise this, it something that is greatly appreciated and make the it car like to drive.

SUV's and 4x4's prior to the Territory were crude and truck like to drive, many owners never needing the capability that was on offer. Ford took the attributes that appealed and combined them with qualities that could be appreciated by all drivers.

New generation SUV's like the Pathfinder, Kluger, Santa Fe and Sorrento present well on paper with lots of features and build quality but they all have their down points when compared to the Territory (either too big, too thirsty, poor dynamics or all of these things). The Jeep lacks the Ford's family friendly 7 seat cabin. BMW/Audi/Mercedes in that price point are to small. And I suspect the new generation Territory/Edge will also lack the "just right" feel and execution of the Aussie SX-SZ Territory.

I don't envy those trying to replace their trusty Territory's. Jump on a alternative brands product? Update to a new last of the line Territory? Wait for the new Territory/Edge replacement? Perhaps its better the devil you know!


(Having said all of that, perhaps the all-new Mazda CX-9 due later this year could be worth waiting for. It has a new generation platform and engine and should be decent to drive.)

I think you are right, DFB, and we have found ourselves in that same situation, although this is out first Tez. After reading through all the info in this thread (which, again, I really appreciate all of the varying views) I'm thinking that our best option is to look at another Tez now, keep it for a few years and see what whether the replacement vehicle will suit our needs. At that point, we won't have the Tez in the picture and will have to consider everything from an even starting point.

A bit more pondering to do (but not too long, as if we do decide on another Tez, we'll need to think about locking that in sooner rather than later). It would be kind of nice to have two examples of the last Australian-built Henry's sitting in the garage.

Anyway, thanks again for all of your thoughts. Of course, if anyone has anything else they'd like to add, please post away

Craig

[Mark^^]

What about one of these, has the same 4x4 technology as per a big Range/Land Rover so very capable and very similar ground clearance as a Territory (I have a Territory as well) and the price starts at where your looking.

Or there is the new Land Rover Discovery Sports, which is a nice vehicle.

[Squalo]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

I think this just illustrates that Ford got the basic package of the Territory right. Two things stand out for me in this regard.

1. Ford "right sized" the Territory. It was big enough to do family duties with ease but at the same time not too large as to feel like a truck making it easy to drive and park and appealing to female drivers.

2.Dynamics. The way the Territory felt to drive, in the way the steering was direct and responsive and the excellent body control. Now most average drivers don't necessarily prioritise this, it something that is greatly appreciated and make the it car like to drive.

Agreed (and agree with the rest of your post too). Something else that makes the Territory so good as an Australian car - big wheels and long travel suspension. You can hammer it on dirt roads and it feels fine (ball joint damage aside!).

Craig, I'd be looking closely at Pajeros if I were you (or your wife). They are great vehicles, and if you do want to explore off the beaten path they are totally up to the job.

When it comes to people trading their old vehicle for a new one, Pajero tops the list when it comes to like-for-like - more people swap from an old Paj to a new one than for any other vehicle out there. Some people are on their third Pajero. Even Mercedes doesn't come close to that. So Mitsubishi is doing something right.

They are the most car-like of the serious 4wds so the missus will like that.

[SumoDog68]

Originally Posted by Squalo

Agreed (and agree with the rest of your post too). Something else that makes the Territory so good as an Australian car - big wheels and long travel suspension. You can hammer it on dirt roads and it feels fine (ball joint damage aside!).

Craig, I'd be looking closely at Pajeros if I were you (or your wife). They are great vehicles, and if you do want to explore off the beaten path they are totally up to the job.

When it comes to people trading their old vehicle for a new one, Pajero tops the list when it comes to like-for-like - more people swap from an old Paj to a new one than for any other vehicle out there. Some people are on their third Pajero. Even Mercedes doesn't come close to that. So Mitsubishi is doing something right.

They are the most car-like of the serious 4wds so the missus will like that.

Pajeros are good but there won't be a new Pajero so people will have to look at other options . They have been selling the same car for the last 14 years starting with NM.

[Jeddak]

it is not often that any manufacturer get a "hole in one" on their first go..
it would have been interesting to have seen what would have been.

now the problem begins with ..what next?

In our experience the only "complaint" has been not quite enough ground clearance. but just like one of the other posters ,my wife has short legs and even with 'the next size up in profile tyres and 'same height less droop "springs she finds it jussst a stretch to get in.
(sigh)
for us, its keep the territory
since I am dual trade mechanic /panel beater we can keep it going for YEARS

[Swordie]

Secondhand Mercedes-Benz ML250 BlueTEC. Get it serviced at non-dealer MB specialist.

[Warrenk]

Originally Posted by psychobimbo

I'll use this to address all fo the JGC suggestions. We've (or more accurately, I) essentially ruled this out. A few colleagues at work own them (mostly diesels) and the cost of servicing is a real turn off. The guys have been paying somewhere between $1200 - $1400 a service which, compared to my ~$300 servicing cost for the Tez, is a LOT of money. Again, I'm tight

Craig

I know it won't make any difference to you decision, but the link below might be helpful for you work colleagues to save a fair bit of money with the servicing of theirJeeps.

http://www.jeep.com.au/for-service

Warren

[AussieCJ7]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

There seems to be a common theme emanating from threads like these. Many people are having a real issues as what to replace their Territory's with, many of whom are now on their 2nd or 3rd vehicle.

I think this just illustrates that Ford got the basic package of the Territory right. Two things stand out for me in this regard.

1. Ford "right sized" the Territory. It was big enough to do family duties with ease but at the same time not too large as to feel like a truck making it easy to drive and park and appealing to female drivers.

2.Dynamics. The way the Territory felt to drive, in the way the steering was direct and responsive and the excellent body control. Now most average drivers don't necessarily prioritise this, it something that is greatly appreciated and make the it car like to drive.

SUV's and 4x4's prior to the Territory were crude and truck like to drive, many owners never needing the capability that was on offer. Ford took the attributes that appealed and combined them with qualities that could be appreciated by all drivers.

New generation SUV's like the Pathfinder, Kluger, Santa Fe and Sorrento present well on paper with lots of features and build quality but they all have their down points when compared to the Territory (either too big, too thirsty, poor dynamics or all of these things). The Jeep lacks the Ford's family friendly 7 seat cabin. BMW/Audi/Mercedes in that price point are to small. And I suspect the new generation Territory/Edge will also lack the "just right" feel and execution of the Aussie SX-SZ Territory.

I don't envy those trying to replace their trusty Territory's. Jump on a alternative brands product? Update to a new last of the line Territory? Wait for the new Territory/Edge replacement? Perhaps its better the devil you know!


(Having said all of that, perhaps the all-new Mazda CX-9 due later this year could be worth waiting for. It has a new generation platform and engine and should be decent to drive.)

Yup i am also stuck on this, and have been for a few years now cause mine is a turbo territory.

I want

1. Falcon/territory width rear seat (most euro's are 5 to 10cm narrow), as it makes a major difference to the amount of fights and carry on with 3 kids on long road trips
2. Interesting/ exciting performance (sub 6 seconds and closer to 5)
3. 7 seats
4. approx 60K


The territory turbo ended up really nailing the requirements but has never been repeated

Grand Cherro SRT seems to be the next closest but no 7 seat and above budget

[Qwerty321]

1.4k for a service?! What are they doing, getting gold plated oil filters?

JGC's are a bit of a lucky dip it seems. I haven't met anyone first hand who's had any issues with Jeeps. In fact they all praise the car. Mind you its nz, so all the Jeeps I know of are petrol. Maybe its the diesels that are a bit wonky.

[superyob]

'I'll use this to address all fo the JGC suggestions. We've (or more accurately, I) essentially ruled this out. A few colleagues at work own them (mostly diesels) and the cost of servicing is a real turn off. The guys have been paying somewhere between $1200 - $1400 a service which, compared to my ~$300 servicing cost for the Tez, is a LOT of money. Again, I'm tight'

Psychobimbo, that seems to be an exorbitant amount of money for a service, tight or not. That alone would cause me to look elsewhere...

[FoxtrotGolfXray 5.0]

Originally Posted by superyob

'I'll use this to address all fo the JGC suggestions. We've (or more accurately, I) essentially ruled this out. A few colleagues at work own them (mostly diesels) and the cost of servicing is a real turn off. The guys have been paying somewhere between $1200 - $1400 a service which, compared to my ~$300 servicing cost for the Tez, is a LOT of money. Again, I'm tight'

Psychobimbo, that seems to be an exorbitant amount of money for a service, tight or not. That alone would cause me to look elsewhere...

Exactly my thoughts. IIRC correctly, three of those were diesels and one petrol. Sure, I know you can go elsewhere, but being in country Vic, your choices are somewhat limited.

And then there was a colleague who was prepping his JGC for sale (it was the one we thought about buying). He needed to replace one of the bulbs in the headlights, as it had blown. Went to an auto elec to find that it was some special sort (I don't know details) and the auto elec couldn't get one for him. So he went to the local Jeep dealer. It was going to cost him a fortune (can't remember exact price but I'm sure it was upwards of $100) and there was something like a 1 month delivery time

Don't get me wrong, the guys loved their JGCs, but after the ease and relatively low cost of maintaining the Tez, I just couldn't stomach something like that.....

PS This is not a JGC ****ing session for those who have them and are happy with them. I'm just describing as to why I have crossed them off my list of considerations.

[new2ford]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

There seems to be a common theme emanating from threads like these. Many people are having a real issues as what to replace their Territory's with, many of whom are now on their 2nd or 3rd vehicle.

I think this just illustrates that Ford got the basic package of the Territory right. Two things stand out for me in this regard.

1. Ford "right sized" the Territory. It was big enough to do family duties with ease but at the same time not too large as to feel like a truck making it easy to drive and park and appealing to female drivers.

2.Dynamics. The way the Territory felt to drive, in the way the steering was direct and responsive and the excellent body control. Now most average drivers don't necessarily prioritise this, it something that is greatly appreciated and make the it car like to drive.

SUV's and 4x4's prior to the Territory were crude and truck like to drive, many owners never needing the capability that was on offer. Ford took the attributes that appealed and combined them with qualities that could be appreciated by all drivers.

New generation SUV's like the Pathfinder, Kluger, Santa Fe and Sorrento present well on paper with lots of features and build quality but they all have their down points when compared to the Territory (either too big, too thirsty, poor dynamics or all of these things). The Jeep lacks the Ford's family friendly 7 seat cabin. BMW/Audi/Mercedes in that price point are to small. And I suspect the new generation Territory/Edge will also lack the "just right" feel and execution of the Aussie SX-SZ Territory.

I don't envy those trying to replace their trusty Territory's. Jump on a alternative brands product? Update to a new last of the line Territory? Wait for the new Territory/Edge replacement? Perhaps its better the devil you know!


(Having said all of that, perhaps the all-new Mazda CX-9 due later this year could be worth waiting for. It has a new generation platform and engine and should be decent to drive.)

You've nailed it very well. But out of all of them (including Mercedes) only BMW replicates the Territory's handling and dynamics, indeed does it better, but the problem is price of course! I believe the next model X3 may come close to Territory as I heard that it's a bit longer and with 7 seat option.

But the drift I get is that SUV buyers aren't really interested in handling and dynamics and are prepared to accept the compromise. That's probably one reason the Territory didn't do as well as it could have. Car enthusiasts are only the minority of the market.

As for Jeep, I notice that the local dealer who had his yard packed full for the previous few years now has a half empty yard for ages and I bet it isn't because they're selling them all or can't get supplies.

[XtRmn8]

Jeep GC service cost are not cheap for the 4x4 diesel models, but they are not too much more than any other diesel 4x4 such as a Prado. All Jeep service prices are available online now as part of their fixed price servicing.

If you like the Jeep GC and dont need 4x4 than look at the 4x2 model. Appart from a 4x2 Territory this is the only other SUV rwd I am pretty sure.

The Kuga is a lot smaller compared to Territory, great car if you dont need the extra room.

Not sure if anyone has suggested the new Kia Sorento? Lots of kit for the money and versatility of 7 seats. Plus 7 year ncw.

[39ClevoUte]

Have a look at XC60 Volvo. Take one for a test drive.

[Sprintey]

Originally Posted by psychobimbo

Hi all,

We are currently considering replacing our near on 8-year old Tezza. The first obvious choice was a new Tezza, but as much as we love them, they are a little short on features these days compared to its competitors, so thought we would consider other options out there.

One that seems to be getting a good rap at the moment and is in a similar price bracket to the Tez is the Kia Sorrento, so we organised last weekend for a test drive of a Platinum. I didn’t mind it (it didn’t grab me though), but the missus hated it! The biggest thing for her was that she likes to have the seat set up high so that she can see the bonnet. In doing this in the Sorrento, it meant that her head was very close to the sun visors/headlining, giving her the feeling that, if she were to brake suddenly, she’d hit her head. This is not something that is an issue with the Tez.

We have also considered a Jeep GC, but I am put off a little by the reputation that Jeep’s have as well as the fact that to get the same sort of features as some other cars on the market, you need to spend a lot more. We looked at a second hand one that a work colleague had coming off lease, but it had more kms on the clock than our Tez and was going to cost us about $20k to changeover even though it was a few years newer. The other thing I found with the JGC was that it seemed to ‘float’ a lot more over the bumps than the Tez. Not to say that the Tez is uncomfortable, more so that the GC seemed a little less connected to the road. I also did not like the seats, as they seemed way too wide (made for Americans?) and I tended to slide around in them (but that may be because I was used to the Recaro seats in the Focus ST )

We also tried the Everest which, at the Titanium level, has some nice features, but I think it is a little overpriced. The other factor for the missus was that it was too high, and she found it uncomfortable (she has bad knees) to get in and out using the sidesteps. Similarly, a friend has a Prado, which the wife really likes (interior especially) except for the height factor.

So, we seem to be locked into a new Tez. As much as I understand the missus’ wants (she is by far the main driver) I wonder if some of these likes/dislikes are because she has just got used to the Tez over the years and would similarly adapt to the new car over time.

So, here’s the criteria:

Approx $50-60k.
Would prefer brand new, but am prepared to consider near new
Similar size (interior) to the Tez
Similar height from ground to seat as the Tez (ie no 4wds such as Everest/Prado)
Seating position must allow for observation of the bonnet without positioning head on windscreen/headlining (and I realise this is a hard one to determine without knowing the height of my missus)
Not particularly fussed about diesel v petrol

Any suggestions/input greatly appreciated.

Craig

I'm in exactly the same boat. Don't want a separate chassis, higher ride; do want the handling and size of the Terry, or slightly smaller. Prefer petrol engine, and AWD all the time. Hmm:

BMW X3
Land Rover Discovery Sport
If only there was a petrol AWD SZ Territory

[Sprintey]

Originally Posted by Mark^^

What about one of these, has the same 4x4 technology as per a big Range/Land Rover so very capable and very similar ground clearance as a Territory (I have a Territory as well) and the price starts at where your looking.

Or there is the new Land Rover Discovery Sports, which is a nice vehicle.

Mark the Evoque has been increasingly of interest to me. It can go offroad, luxury interiors, moderate starting price, AWD as standard and FWD as an option. The 2 door seems to be a cross between an around-town hatch, and a capable offroader! (Soft spot for 2 door 4x4 after owning fantastic FJ73) How is the handling, do you have any adaptive suspension on yours? How is the servicing cost?

Edit: there's a convertible version coming!

[Brazen]

I would take a look at the BMW X1 if you are considering Evoque. The BMW is a lot roomier than the '1' being in its name suggests.

Also echo the Ford Everest recommendations, gets rave reviews.

[Sprintey]

New X1 gone FWD and power to front wheels until slip detected? (Haldex)
Old X1, RWD/AWD like Territory, AWD with BMW inline 6 mmmm

[Brazen]

Originally Posted by Sprintey

New X1 gone FWD and power to front wheels until slip detected? (Haldex)
Old X1, RWD/AWD like Territory, AWD with BMW inline 6 mmmm

Probably worth looking at station wagons like Commodore, BMW 3 series or A4 Quattro. SUVs won't touch a well sorted wagon for driving dynamics.

[Sprintey]

True. Holden have done particularly well with the VF and VF2 Calais wagons. But family wishes AWD, and likes a bit of ride height - Audi A4 allroad, Passat Allroad maybe.

Back to Evoque, it has a Ford Ecoboost petrol motor (for now), and ZF, like the Territory (6sp initially, 9sp now)... hmm the plot thickens

[Carrion]

Originally Posted by Brazen

Probably worth looking at station wagons like Commodore, BMW 3 series or A4 Quattro. SUVs won't touch a well sorted wagon for driving dynamics.

His wife has bad knees.

My dad was the same and he hated cars that he had to bend his knees to get into with a passion.

He used to say to me, why cant you and your sister get proper cars.

LOL, he had a Patrol.

[Swordie]

Secondhand Lexus RX is another suggestion.

[Mark^^]

Hi Sprintly, havening had a Territory since 2004 (one of the first year models) and the Evoque since 2013 (6 speed, SD4 Dynamic) its great to drive. With the turbo diesel its fast off at the lights, sprightly around corners, and very comfortable on long drives.

Longest trip I have done so far is Canberra to Lightning Ridge and Bourke and it went like a charm. I drive about 50 km a day on the Hume and in Canberra traffic, and really it a struggle to go slowly. I don't have the adaptive suspension, seems very few get them on our side of the world.

Ordinary service are around $400 and only required annual servicing but at the last one I had the brake pads replaced and it cost the lease company $1,400.

[Sprintey]

Thanks Mark I appreciate that. Sounds like a great car. I wasn't fussed at all by them on release, but the look has really grown on me. With kids getting their own cars soon, the coupe could be an indulgent snow beast for the Mrs and I, (still young and uninjured!) with enough space for 2 and their snowboards...

Maybe there should be a thread "What will go classic from the SUV era?" (if any) - Evoke, AWD BMW 1 series 3.0 inline 6, original Territory, Range Rover Sport, original X5, Audi allroad. These are the 'XY Fairmont station wagons' of our kids' youth...

[Hawkeye84]

Originally Posted by psychobimbo

I think a couple of other posts have now addressed the "missing" features from the Tez. Things I wouldn't mind include; heated and ventilated seats (they were cool () in the Sorrento), individual ac controls and vents in the rear, especially the third row, adaptive cruise, lane departure warning, blind spot warning, moon roof. Sure, I get that these are not everyone's cup of tea, but if I can get a vehicle that suits our needs and has these for about the same price as a new Tez, then why not? And I realise that we may be sacrificing something (like road handling) by moving away from the Tez, but the car really only gets used for around town (soccer mum duties) where it is not likely to be a huge issue anyway.


Been in a friend's CX-5 and I think it might be too small, but still worth getting the missus to have a look at one I s'pose. Thanks.


The new model Sorrento is not based on the Hyundai, apparently, from what I have read (as reported in Carsguide)

No manufacture can beat the Territory for driving dynamics. The chassis have been through extensive tests and Ford have nailed it.
But unfortunately with limited funding and the life that its been given, the nameplate wasnt able to grow with the technology and the good stuff found in other cars in the segment.

The Sorento has all the things you have described there - barring driving dynamics. it good, but not as good as the territory. But as you said - the missus aint going to be racing around corners. Kia make quite the compelling case with the features, price and 7 year warranty on top. Thats why its won Drives best SUV under $60K and Carsguide car of the year 2015...its also in the running for Australia's Best Car in 2 categories.

Yes the new Sorento is of the same underpinings of the Carnival.
The Old MY14 Sorento shares the same platform as the current Sante Fe (Hyundai have done a great job keeping the Sante Fe fresh). The new Sante Fe (due in the distant future) will be the same platform as this current Sorento

If you are in for a small SUV, CX5 would be your pick. Pretty awesome car - strongest in the field. But since you are looking at kias and 7 year warranty being a big deal, dont go past the new Sportage. Ride and handling were benched marked with CX5, Tiguan and Q5 during development.

[new2ford]

Originally Posted by Hawkeye84

No [SUV] manufacture can beat the Territory for driving dynamics.

BMW and Porsche. But yeah otherwise Territory is right up there.

[Vesper Martini]

Originally Posted by Sprintey

I'm in exactly the same boat. Don't want a separate chassis, higher ride; do want the handling and size of the Terry, or slightly smaller. Prefer petrol engine, and AWD all the time. Hmm:

BMW X3
Land Rover Discovery Sport
If only there was a petrol AWD SZ Territory

Why the AWD?
The RWD drives better and uses less fuel.
and if you plan on keeping it long term has less to go wrong.

Unlike Falcon its pretty sure footed, I think due to the extra weight keeping traction. regardless DSC looks after that.

even the Jeep uses RWD, AWD only kicks in when required

[superyob]

Originally Posted by Hawkeye84

If you are in for a small SUV, CX5 would be your pick. Pretty awesome car - strongest in the field. But since you are looking at kias and 7 year warranty being a big deal, dont go past the new Sportage. Ride and handling were benched marked with CX5, Tiguan and Q5 during development.

I must disagree with this. The Kuga's power and comfort is far superior to any comparable SUV. The connectivity bits mean jack-***** to me as I have no idea how to use them, but they might be important factors to someone else...

[Matty4]

Originally Posted by Bevsta007

even the Jeep uses RWD, AWD only kicks in when required

No. JGC is permanent 4WD

[monk3y]

Originally Posted by Matty4

No. JGC is permanent 4WD

Not all JGC's are 4WD (yes, those that are, are permanent 4WD), it's also available as a 2WD (RWD only).