Your questions answered: Will I be more comfortable in an SUV?
Some motorists equate the higher driving position of an SUV with better seating comfort. But there’s more to it than that…It’s a well-established trope that people buy SUVs for the ‘commanding’ view of the road ahead.
But given that view is probably obstructed by other SUVs – many bigger and chunkier still – it’s more likely in reality that motorists are buying SUVs for the high ‘hip point’ and easy access.
Granted, if older drivers are experiencing aches and pains in the muscles and joints while lowering themselves into the seat of a Mazda MX-5, buying a small SUV could be a smart move.
But is discomfort an inevitable outcome of owning a lower-riding passenger car? And will trading in your hatchback or sedan for an SUV solve the problem?
Question: My five-year-old Mazda3 has low seats and is bad for my back. Can you suggest something better – perhaps a small SUV, maybe a VW? It’s just for me, mainly suburban traffic – budget about $30,000. – Sue S
Answer: An SUV will help, but low seats are likely not the only problem and you should also consider the shape and support. With your budget, coming from a Mazda3, the Kia Stonic is an ideal choice, cheaper than a Volkswagen, and one of the best baby SUVs today.
Answer: The Nissan Patrol is several steps up from the Ford Everest in refinement and comfort – remember the basics of the Everest still come from the working-class Ranger. The Patrol is also even larger than the Everest. The potential downside for the Patrol is the petrol V8 engine which will be thirstier than the Everest’s diesel, especially when towing.
Question: I bought my wife a Dodge Journey R/T brand-new in 2010 but we have had a few issues with it and the dealership from which we purchased it. My wife loves the car, but it’s time to move on. So, is Chrysler doing any seven-seater SUVs and why did they stop the Journey? What do you recommend as an alternative purchase in seven-seater? – Steve E
Answer: The current benchmark by far in proper seven-seaters, not just an SUV with a third row for kids, is the Kia Carnival. Although delivery times are blowing out, it should be your first stop. There’s significant choice in seven-seat SUVs and our recommendation would depend on what size you need. Not far off the Journey in size is the Skoda Kodiaq which gets the thumbs up from us. If you need more space, then consider our 2020 carsales Car of the Year and Best Family SUV 2021, the Kia Sorento. FYI Chrysler was early into people-movers and family vans but couldn’t make a business case to continue with them in Australia.
Answer: The latest turbo-petrol engines are fantastically efficient and more responsive than a diesel. Also, diesel is becoming less popular because of emissions. I’d go petrol in the Hyundai Tucson, for sure, but expect a delay because there is a waiting list for all popular Hyundai models due to demand exceeding supply and a global shortage of computer chips for car-making. Frankly, most car brands are in back order for popular models right now…
Answer: That’s not excessive mileage in four years and it will still have some factory warranty, but ensure it has a full service history.
Answer: The Volvo XC40 is a cut above the RAV4 and there is a giant waiting list for the Toyota. Volvo has a plug-in hybrid version and, even though you will pay more, it’s a better car.
Answer: Steer her to the Kia Stonic. It’s smaller than the Kona, still higher-riding for easy access, but easier to handle and much easier for parking. Kia also comes with a longer warranty and sharper pricing than the equivalent Hyundai, which is the Venue.
Answer: The Hyundai Palisade is a ripper thing and gets a high recommendation from me. If you’re mostly driving around town then the petrol engine would be the better choice.
Answer: Toyota Australia last week took the step of formally apologising to its customers for delivery delays across a range of vehicles. In the case of the 300 Series, it’s not just the delays on building them but also the extensive waiting local list in Australia. So, it’s a double drama and you should push the dealer to at least confirm you have a place in the waiting list. Otherwise, it could easily be the second half of next year before you get your 300 Series.
Question: I am looking at either a new Isuzu MU-X or a new Toyota LandCruiser Prado to give myself a retirement gift after 40 years as an ambulance paramedic. I tow a small caravan which weighs about 1750kg. My current 2006 Prado, which has been absolutely reliable, needs to be updated after 230,000km. I need reliability, safety, comfort, heated front seats (wife’s request) and can afford up to $80,000. – Peter L
Answer: Thanks for your service and you deserve a reward. The Prado is a step up in from the MU-X in many books and a popular pick. Don’t dismiss the Isuzu though – it’ll be considerably cheaper and the just-released second-generation version is quite polished. It’s worth a test drive...
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