Last weekend, Daisy and I were at the Pittsburgh Auto Show. I have to say that the newer convention center is much nicer than the old venue for the Auto Show that I remember from my childhood. It doesn't get nearly as hot inside, and the archetectural details that include nice big windows with views of the river provide a better backdrop for the shining cars than the old, bunker-like convention center ever did.
One thing that stood out to me as we walked around, though, was the lack of decent mid-sized SUV offerings. I found this truly disappointing, because this is what I went to look at.
We wanted to go to the Auto Show so that we could look at candidates to replace my 2005 Chevy Equinox. As much as I love by SUV, the repair bills are starting to climb, so I know we're going to be in the market to buy something new sometime this year. And, what's nice about the Auto Show is I can look at and sit in a variety of vehicles without having a salesperson breathing down my neck.
I am not trying to buy a new Equinox, because I really dislike what they have done with the newer models (it is now much less a blend of form and function, as my 2005 is, and much more all about the form and little function). So, I'm really venturing into untested waters with my next purchase.
When I buy a new SUV, it needs to feel like a truck, but be comfortable and also have plenty of space for luggage or other cargo. I also prefer American-made vehicles. For this reason, I have considered the Chevy Tahoe, but I am not sure I want to pay the price we would need to in order to purchase the hybrid version. (This is the only way we could even hope to get good gas mileage from the Tahoe.)
For that reason, I wanted to see what was out there in the way of an nice mid-sized SUV. And, I found myself frustrated at most turns. It seems like the field is populated mostly by small-SUVs and "crossovers" (read: still small-ish), and the next step up is the full-size SUVs, like the Tahoes and its bigger brother, the bus-like Suburban.
Some have suggested the Traverse, but the Traverse gets terrible gas mileage, and it is essentially a minivan for people who want to pretend they aren't driving a minivan. So, it is out.
Dodge has a couple mid-sized offerings, but we have already had a Dodge and won't go back again.
GMC has the equivalent of an Equinox in the Arcadia, but with a nicer interior. However, I can't stand the exterior.
Ah, and what about the Ford Explorer, you say? I strongly considered this one, but in the end, I was forced to admit that I hated the interior of this one as well. I also strongly suspect that it is all style and no substance.
So, where does this leave me?
One vehicle I did not look at was the Jeep Grand Cherokee. However, after some looking online, I may have to consider it. I know that they are comfortable, but I've heard mixed reviews of them, so I passed them over at the Auto Show. But, I have to say that the limited edition Trailhawk has caught my eye.
I'm still feeling burned by the mid-sized SUV world, but who knows, the Jeeps may change the game for me. I'll keep you up-to-day on the developments. And, any suggestions anyone might have on a SUV I should give a second look, let me know.
Penn
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