My parents are upgrading from a van to a small SUV.

They want a smaller size, AWD, good gas mileage, and heated seats. They'd like nav system. They want to be able to seat 5 people when needed.

Nissan Rogue:
Decent size: About what they want.
Price was upperend of what they were looking at. Gas mileage was 20/26(Which was the average for what we saw). No nav system.

Nissan Murano:
A bit bigger than the Rogue, much more expensive, nice nav system and options. Gas mileage went down a little

Honda CRV:
So far the winner. Good size, same mpg as most(20/26), nice turn radius, good price(Fully loaded was way below a Rogue with some options) Seated 5 of us comfortably and drove nice. They love the fact that the backseat has 4 cupholders and the front seat has 4.

Subaru Forester:
My mom didn't want to look at it but I pushed her to. I think this is in second right now. Lots of space inside. We haven't had a chance to test drive it yet. Its a bit bigger than they were thinking of(Or at least they think it is) About the same price range as the CRV


Now I don't know how the different AWD systems are. I know Subaru and BMW have similar systems and are on top. I don't know how Honda or Nissans is at all though.
Talk to me about each of these different ones. We haven't had a chance to go to the Toyota, Mazda or the Jeep dealerships yet. What other cars should we look at?

 

I personally like the design of the new CR-V that would be my choice

 

I like the newer CRV. Good choice.

 

Any word on the AWD system?

 

I'd drive the 09 RAV4 before settling on the CRV. IMO, the CRV is underpowered.
If you liked the power of the Murano, the V6 RAV4 would come close for less dinero.

 

BMW currently has two different AWD system neither of which is even remotely close to how the Subaru system works.

 

is the pilot too big?

 

traverse > pilot h:

:flamesuit:

 

Hyundai Tucson

 

if they opt to not have a budget, get the Venza, those thing looks nice