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

TigerMike · 02-09-07, 09:51

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.

or

Thanks!

Regards,

Mike

sixty7mustang22 · 02-09-07, 09:54

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.

TigerMike · 02-09-07, 09:59

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

Frugle · 02-09-07, 10:08

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.

BMW335i · 02-09-07, 10:20

Eh, personally, I'm not crazy about either, but in your situation I would go with the Jeep Liberty maybe. (probably too small).

a.k.a. Patrick · 02-09-07, 11:05

JEEP! Hands down.........

Danase · 02-09-07, 11:16

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.

lland · 02-09-07, 11:48

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

sspeer · 02-09-07, 12:54

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

Danase · 02-09-07, 12:57

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.

RTexasF · 02-09-07, 04:23

As a daily driver the Nissan would be my choice.

Sherman8r44 · 02-09-07, 05:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danase

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.

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.