Our first question is as follows:
Q: We're an expanding family, and are thinking about our next car. Our criteria is that it needs to be reasonably fuel efficient, city-friendly (i.e. not HUGE), and have ample room for gear. What models offer good car for value (i.e. nice interior, luxury-feel, decent horsepower, and are still fun to drive)?
A: Thanks for the great question!
In today’s automotive world, when the word “family” is mentioned, the first type of vehicle that crosses most minds is crossover. To me, this class of vehicle is about as confused with its identity as we are our own... but that’s a whole different story.
My true opinion is that for most families of today’s average size, a wagon with all-wheel-drive configuration would be ideal. Unlike crossovers, wagons handle better (lower to the ground) and get slightly better fuel mileage, not to mention they look better (oh, that might just be my opinion). Nonetheless, there are many on the market with most of them represented by the European nameplates. My favorite would have to be the Passat for the more practical buyer and the A6 for the more discerning. For a real “sports wagon”, the BMW M5 wagon will do, but you must move to Europe to experience that.
However, back to your question, you mention three key requirements: reasonable size, strong value including some luxury amenities with good fuel mileage. These all point in the direction of a manufacture the Japanese can’t stand these days, Hyundai. The Hyundai Veracruz is a very highly rated crossover, yes I said crossover, but it will fit your requirements if a wagon in out of the picture. It is a reasonable size, offers reasonable fuel mileage, contains luxury amenities that rival the Lexus RX330, but for a significant dollar value less than a Lexus. With Hyundai’s strong advancements in quality and reliability, I am confident to suggest this as a great family vehicle matching all the requirements you spelled out.
Riding Shotgun,
Michael
Q: We're an expanding family, and are thinking about our next car. Our criteria is that it needs to be reasonably fuel efficient, city-friendly (i.e. not HUGE), and have ample room for gear. What models offer good car for value (i.e. nice interior, luxury-feel, decent horsepower, and are still fun to drive)?
A: Thanks for the great question!
In today’s automotive world, when the word “family” is mentioned, the first type of vehicle that crosses most minds is crossover. To me, this class of vehicle is about as confused with its identity as we are our own... but that’s a whole different story.
My true opinion is that for most families of today’s average size, a wagon with all-wheel-drive configuration would be ideal. Unlike crossovers, wagons handle better (lower to the ground) and get slightly better fuel mileage, not to mention they look better (oh, that might just be my opinion). Nonetheless, there are many on the market with most of them represented by the European nameplates. My favorite would have to be the Passat for the more practical buyer and the A6 for the more discerning. For a real “sports wagon”, the BMW M5 wagon will do, but you must move to Europe to experience that.
However, back to your question, you mention three key requirements: reasonable size, strong value including some luxury amenities with good fuel mileage. These all point in the direction of a manufacture the Japanese can’t stand these days, Hyundai. The Hyundai Veracruz is a very highly rated crossover, yes I said crossover, but it will fit your requirements if a wagon in out of the picture. It is a reasonable size, offers reasonable fuel mileage, contains luxury amenities that rival the Lexus RX330, but for a significant dollar value less than a Lexus. With Hyundai’s strong advancements in quality and reliability, I am confident to suggest this as a great family vehicle matching all the requirements you spelled out.
Riding Shotgun,
Michael
You have loved wagons since highschool!
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