New SUV, what do you think of these 2 choices?

T

TigerMike

New member
Hi all,



Need to sell my car for various reasons, and am looking at a replacement SUV (less than $25K brand new). After much research, I have narrowed my search down to the Nissan Xterra and new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited (4 door). My primary concerns are cargo capacity and ruggedness (no wimpy cute-utes or mommy mobiles here!). What do you think of these two choices? Pros and cons of each? Would the Jeep make a good daily driver, and would it be decent for taking trips/vacations? Opinions?



I had also considered a new Tahoe, Toyota FJ, 4Runner, or Sequoia, but my budget won't allow for any of these.



06044wd_z+2007_Jeep_Wrangler_Unlimited+Front_Drivers_Side_View.jpg




or



ns2005xterra904596m.jpg








Thanks!



Regards,



Mike
 
What are you mostly using this SUV for?



If it is to haul yourself and tools or stuff around, then I would go for the Jeep.



If you are buying it to haul a family around and comfort is important, then I would go with the Xterra.
 
Thanks for the response!



Hmmm, mostly I'll be hauling myself and the wife around town (or out of town), but I also want to be able to haul a lot of stuff. The Jeep is rated at more than 80 cu ft of cargo space, vs 66 max on the Xterra, but I do believe the Xterra would be more friendly around town (majority of my driving I'm sure). But, the Jeep and it's removable roof would be a lot of fun in warmer weather, if that ever happens! Just can't decide...



Mike
 
you won't like either of them. they are both uncomfortable... but you really won't like the xterra... the xterra was not designed well, they are very uncomfortable to ride in, and clunky to drive... the jeep has been around for a while, and through several designs.. so out of the 2, I would completely go with the jeep.
 
Eh, personally, I'm not crazy about either, but in your situation I would go with the Jeep Liberty maybe. (probably too small).
 
I am not much of a Jeep fan, unless it is the SRT-8. I really don't like the Wranglers for daily driving. I would be leaning toward the Nissan myself.
 
From Consumer Reports:



Jeep: The redesigned Wrangler is more civilized, but still makes many compromises for its off-road capability and nostalgic looks. The ride, handling, and powertrain are all improved, but the Wrangler falls short of being a competitive on-road commuter. Handling is compromised by vague steering and low cornering limits. The ride is steady but stiff. The 3.8-liter V6 engine lacks punch and delivers dismal fuel economy. Improvements like the available four-door bodystyle, five passenger capacity, up-to-date safety features, and more creature comforts make living with this Wrangler easier than ever. Off-road capability remains extremely impressive.



Xterra: The Xterra, based on the Frontier pickup, retains its off-road capability but feels much more civilized on the road than its crude predecessor. Although the ride is stiff, handling is relatively responsive. The strong 4.0-liter V6 engine delivers quick acceleration but overall fuel economy is just 17 mpg. The five-speed automatic is very smooth but the four-wheel-drive system is still part-time. The basic interior looks rugged and well assembled. Side- and head-protection air bags are available; stability control is standard. The Off-Road trimline has a hill-descent control that maintains a very low speed on slippery downhill grades. Reliability has been above average.



LL
 
Love the Jeep, but for day to day livability, it looks like the Xterra could be better, but that's something you'll have to testdrive to see i suppose



A possible dealbreaker..if you tow, the Jeep only tows 1000 pounds (standard..3500 with a package), the Xterra will pull 5000
 
Did you look at the Ford Edge at all? This will most likely be my next vehicle once the truck lease is up in about a year and a half.
 
Danase said:
Did you look at the Ford Edge at all? This will most likely be my next vehicle once the truck lease is up in about a year and a half.
Click to expand...



That's a cool car...to bad it weighs 4500 freaking pounds!! Maybe you'll also want to have a look at the Mazda CX-7...which IIRC is based on the same chassis...but it's a better car. Styling is very car-like though...definitely not trucky.



Mike, honestly I don't think either of those would be good for daily driving. Vacactions, yes, but civilized enough for comfortable daily driving, no. I think out of these two the better choice is the Wrangler for your needs...but if it's a daily driver you want you may want to look into other (admittedly not as rugged) SUV's. The Toyota FJ would probably be perfect for you (althogh I think it's ugly); are you sure you can't swing one? The Dodge Nitro, Chevy Equinox, and the Chevy Trailblazer would be others to think about.
 
I am in a similar situation. I wanna consolidate my 2 vehicles into 1. I would love get a luxury SUV like an FX35 or BMWX5 but I hate automatics. That basically narrowed my search quite a bit. The FJ has peaked my interest but the lousy dealer near me will never let me test drive without an appointment.



I test drove the extended 2 door wrangler and I wasn't impressed at all. I was thinking about the 4 door but the 2 door I tested was a complete dog! The Nissan will probably ride a lil firm.



I recently checked out the Ford Edge and though it was an unreal value for what you get! $30K with Navi and AWD IIRC. Nice lil CSUV
 
drewski59 said:
Don't forget the Xterra was SUV of the Year last year...

Ride is supposed to be quite comfortable
Click to expand...

That is what I have heard as well, that the new X is hard to beat. I have ridden in the old model and was not impressed. However, a recent comparison article between the FJ and the 4 door Wrangler said both fall short of the new X. I really like the FJ and if it came in Olive Green, would buy one in a second, even if it road like a covered wagon. :)
 
Thank you all for the helpful advice! Much appreciated :)



While the wife and I were driving around on Sunday, I passed a Budget RAC, and noticed they had the 4 door Wrangler Unlimited X as a rental. I think I might rent the thing for a weekend to get the feel of that vehicle, before I commit to buying anything. She thinks the Jeep is kinda cool and likes the idea of the open air capability for warm weather cruising.



I like the FJ, but my wife hates it, hehe....thinks it looks hideous. It has received excellent reviews for both on and off road prowess, which makes it a clear standout. The only thing that really turns me off is the lack of actual rear doors. For family hauling purposes, this is very impractical, but then again, it isn't exactly a family vehicle is it? lol



I have looked at crossovers from several makes (Mazda, Ford, Toyota, etc), and I know their (car-based) designs would be better for comfort, but either hauling room generally falls short for me or the styling just looks to "mommy" for me.



Thank you all for your insights!



Regards,



Mike
 
Danase said:
Did you look at the Ford Edge at all? This will most likely be my next vehicle once the truck lease is up in about a year and a half.
Click to expand...



I did see it around the corner of my house getting some mexican food, saw it in a Pearl Wite color and fell in love with it! Also saw the new Navigator, and with the new lights and grill, looks like a beast! I love it! But for 60k the Nav, I'll stik with the Edge...:sosad



Joey:wavey
 
Sherman8r44 said:
That's a cool car...to bad it weighs 4500 freaking pounds!! Maybe you'll also want to have a look at the Mazda CX-7...which IIRC is based on the same chassis...but it's a better car. Styling is very car-like though...definitely not trucky.



Mike, honestly I don't think either of those would be good for daily driving. Vacactions, yes, but civilized enough for comfortable daily driving, no. I think out of these two the better choice is the Wrangler for your needs...but if it's a daily driver you want you may want to look into other (admittedly not as rugged) SUV's. The Toyota FJ would probably be perfect for you (althogh I think it's ugly); are you sure you can't swing one? The Dodge Nitro, Chevy Equinox, and the Chevy Trailblazer would be others to think about.
Click to expand...



The Edge weighs less than the Xterra, TrailBlazer, and the FJ...to name a few ;)
 
Danase said:
The Edge weighs less than the Xterra, TrailBlazer, and the FJ...to name a few ;)
Click to expand...



Very true...but those are all truck-based body-on-frame SUV's. The Edge, as a unibody car-based crossover, has no excuse for weighing so much. Since it's sacraficing off-road ability, it's expected to be lighter, quicker, and more agile.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top