Seems that the small SUV market has a number of good vehicles and i am considering buying one of the following new;

Honda CRV

Toyota Rav4

VW Tiguan

All are about the same price for the basic car, all with bigger engines than what you would buy in europe, so i guess they are manufactured here for the N American market place. They all have excellent reliability in Europe, however, these being made in N America, are they as reliable.

Long and the short of this, which one would you buy and why? Thanks.

Subaru Forester, but first I would think long and hard if I couldnt get by with something more efficient, if not cheaper.

Ive a long track record here with Subarus, so does my boss. It has an exceptionally good AWD system that is great in the winter, relatively fun to drive in the summer, bullet proof reliability and residual value. Only downside really is there is no choice for local dealers, so they have you by the short hairs as a buyer. My area has a really good dealership that stand by the product and do good work, other areas I hear may not be as lucky.

Have you thought of buying an American car? For what it's worth we have a 2011 Dodge Journey "crew" and we love it. Great for when people visit as it has the extra 2 seats when required.

If I were you I'd put your hand in your pocket and yourself a Land Rover Evoque that said, I mainly take the bus.

And all that extra weight and a thirstly 3.6l when they arent visiting too...

A friend has one, and its nice enough, but its a lot of vehicle.

Plus its a Dodge, so eventually the bills will add up. In its favour at least its not a Jeep.

In North America, the SUV or Crossover (CUV) has largely replaced the Estate Car - that and the ubiquitous minivan of course. One consequence of this and rising gas prices is that SUV's come now in FWD and AWD or 4x4 variants. So if you want the space and driving positon of an SUV with better fuel economy you can have a 2wd variant. The downside is that you have the same poor driving dynamics of a SUV without the benefit of 4x4 should you need it. (or feel you need it.)

I have no experience of the 3 vehicles you list directly. A friend has a FWD Tiquan and it looks nice but is expensive. There are very good deals to be had on Rav 4's at the moment. (At least around here).

Other small SUV's are the Ford Escape which is being replaced next year. It's sister the Mazda Tribute has already been replaced by the CX5 which looks pretty good for what it is. I'd also be +1 with Iain on looking at the Forester.

If you want an old school body on frame SUV with "proper" 4x4 then the Suzuki Vitara would be worth a look. It has the highest towing capacity of the compact SUV sector for example.

I will bring a defender for my use, this for Mrs fletch. She is likely to be doing the daily commute and with the profession, she needs to get there, whatever the weather, hospitals don't like nurses not turning up for work.

No disrespect, but a car called a dodgy journey, how did that ever sell?

Great post, good advice regarding FWD. Must confess i like the CRV most and it has just re-skinned.

Audi A4 Avant Quattro

From the short list you initially gave

C-R-V

CRV - not my type of car but my sis has one and just traded it in for a new one. She loves hers and the Honda's hold their value well.

i've got a CR-V in the UK at the moment

love it

Honda reliability, tonnes of space, looks really nice, can be very well spec'd if you choose and relatively good MPG from all the engines in the range!

i'm considering getting another one when i eventually get to Canada, as its been a great daily!

The rich mans Subaru Legacy wagon

Test drive them and see what you like.

Value for money wise the Mitsubushi should be on the list, as should the Hyundai.

Id still go for something less trucky myself, but thats just me.

To be honest, in 4 years in SE Ontario there have been no winter conditions where a civic with blizzacs was a liability anyway, but if AWD is a must, then be aware that not all are created equal. AWD is what Subaru does, and it does it extremely well.

If its just her then a subaru impreza would do the job well. and at least one poster here has good things to say about the Suzuki SX4