Discussions

I'm looking to buy a new vehicle higher up than my old car especially thinking of a good winter vehicle. What SUV or small truck do people recommend and why. Thanks and what SUV's would you not recommend?

We now have our third Jeep since 1998 and have never regretted owning Jeep. They have each been consistently reliable and comfortable, handle winter conditions well, are an excellent drive, are long lasting and they are a nice luxurious vehicle in a relatively compact package unlike some of the huge bus sized suv’s out there. We like them and we like our Dodge Journey Crossroads as well.  
I think that there are a lot of great vehicles out there and your biggest concern should be finding a good trustworthy dealer. We really like Woodworth Dodge at Kenton for good service.

Here too. I have a Cherokee Trailhawk.and it is perfect for my needs. It drives well, rides well, can for sure get through the snow. It does not get the best gas mileage, but it isn't the worst either. Mine is a 2019 and I haven't a single complaint about it.

Wait for the new Pathfinder and Nissan Frontier truck coming this summer. They look gorgeous. You can watch them on Youtube. If you like big SUV, the Grand Wagoneer are coming out too.

I own a wrangler and a trackhawk, both amazing in winter. The wrangler is a bit too cold in -40 though. The trackhawk is amazing year round. Would also love to get my hands on the wagoneer when it comes back.

Thanks everyone! Yeah I want get something besides a car for the extra height and winter. SUVs I kinda like are Rav4, 4Runner, Mazda, not so much Honda CRV?? Um Jeep sounded like a good suggestion, some of the small trucks I thought Toyota tacoma, Chevrolet Colorado? Just wondered others opinions

are vehicles that friends and family own. Different family members own a '17, an '18, and '19 Rogue and have been very happy with their purchases. Another family member owns an '18 Tacoma and has also been very happy with his vehicle. And a nephew owns a '16 Grand Cherokee and is also very satisfied but I think it's a more expensive vehicle. I may also be purchasing an SUV within the next year and I personally would be looking at the Rogue or Mazda CX5. Dodge Journey is (I think) in it's last model year and has generally poor reviews and it also scored Poor in the frontal offset crash. I've owned a few Ford vehicles over the years and they have all been problematic - if I ever consider a Ford again I should have my head examined.

There are lots of good options out there. Grand Cherokee is a good one. Price ranges a lot based on options. Really depends how much stuff or passengers you want to carry. I would not get a truck unless you have a need for a truck. The small trucks are not that small. SUV’s with the weight being more balanced will perform better in snow as well.

Something to also give a lot of consideration to is the resale value once that time comes. Toyota, Honda and Jeep all hold their value very well which will be important once the time comes to trade or sell. I have owned all 3 and all are wonderful quality vehicles -would recommend any of those from personal experience.

If I didn’t need a pickup for towing or handling big parts and tyres then I wouldn’t have one in my garage. For the record it’s dodge too and has lasted a long time and survived hard work. I guess that I had the dodge/ Jeep injection!

This is my second winter with my Audi Q3. It’s a small, sporty SUV. The Quattro system helps it handle well. You can also move up in size to other Audis.  
I’m not a confident winter driver, so this has helped me feel more comfortable.  
Keep in mind that, if necessary, I have to get it repaired in Winnipeg, that hasn’t happened yet, but it’s something you should know.  
To be fair, there are so many great vehicles from all of the dealers, I think it’s harder to find a bad one. Good luck!

Thanks for the replies. The Jeep cherokee sounds good...now to find one lol new vs used my next dilemma

Any CUV or SUV made by Toyota, Honda or Mazda hands down. Low maintenance and would not buy anything else.  
I've owned Grand Jeep Cherokee, nothing but problems, every month the car would be in to get something fixed. Luckily it was a lease.

It’s funny how people’s experiences are different with the same model of car.  
Our last two Grand Cherokees in 15 years have literally never been to the dealership for a problem, only had regular maintenance done by myself.  
If you read reviews on any vehicle you will come across bad experiences . My Aunt had a new Toyota Avensis and it was plagued with problems which admittedly is unusual.  
I still think that a good trustworthy dealership and after sales experience go most of the way to enhance customer satisfaction as there are lots of good vehicles available .

We have had a few Kia’s a Sorento and Sportage now a Seltos they have been great vehicles and excellent service when needed., also a 5 year warranty which is great.

Had program on Hyundai/Kia. Long reported on issues. Check it out, it is an eye opener! As for tried and true. A lot of neighbors as well as family own Honda CRV and have never heard any complaints. Old joke used to be CRV stood for Crazy Resale Value, Other family members are satisfied with Nissan Rogue and GMC Terrain and Chevy Equinox. I agree that finding a dealer you trust is key. Stay away from Ford. Too many problems, a lot of them ongoing that they won’t cover as part of warranty! Had 2 instances in family where had brake issue refused to cover under warranty even though internet searches showed so many people experienced same issues! ( and these were 2 very different type Fords they owned). I know there are many people driving FORDS that love their vehicles but for me when you have close family having similar results that it turns you off of the brand)

I was having a conversation with the mechanic in town the other day, and he said it’s the domestics that keep his lights on, not any of the foreign brands. Obviously that isn’t to say he never sees a foreign branded vehicle, but the vast majority of their work is on something from GM, Ford, or Dodge.  
 
That being said, I’m a Ford guy.

Honestly, unless you're planning on driving through ditches, virtually any vehicle can handle Manitoba winter driving. I have a mid-sized hybrid Ford sedan, and it's perfectly capable. Never a problem starting, stopping, or any of the bits in between.  
 
If you're committed to getting a larger vehicle, it entirely depends on your lifestyle. Maybe a truck with an open-box works better for you? Maybe an SUV with more roomy seating works better?  
 
I'm always inclined to side with efficiency, so I'd be looking for a small SUV with 4-wheel drive, and probably a hybrid.  
 
GL

If it were me I would google each vehicle and find consumer reports and or reviews of each vehicle....typically Toyota & Honda will be your most reliable choices.

I'm curious why do you need to get your Audi repaired in Winnipeg when there is 2 qualified shops one in Brandon 1 in Shilo. The one in Brandon is called European Auto and I've had my Audi worked on there and the one in Shilo is called Shilo Automotive repair center. Never been but apparently this guy Karl really knows his stuff.  
Be Well.

They aren’t certified to work on them, will void the warranty (if there is any) if not done by a certified shop/dealership

This is similar in size to the RAV4. Servicing is once a year. No block heater is needed. I once parked at the airport for o er a week when it was colder than -40. It started straightaway.. it’s worth a look!

Has anyone had experience with this vehicle? Would this be a good choice for OP ? Are there any garages in Brandon certified to do maintenance/repairs on Subaru vehicles?