SUV recommendation? | TheaterFire

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Jwrbloom@reddit

I just picked up a 2022 hybrid Tucson, fully loaded, today. Early returns...LOVE IT!

I bought, not leased. I drive too much to lease. If you're looking to buy, don't buy brand new. Lease brand new.

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Expensive_Ostrich345@reddit

CONGRATS!!! Here's some tips for the brand new owner! (sorry, I don't know if your trim or year supports these, but I am sure most will)

Setup your digital key 2, and don't carry your FOBs anymore. I don't even know where my remotes are now.
Purchase an NFC Card Key, pair to your car and put in your wallet, just in case your phone dies. The Credit Card sized key will let you open the car, close, and turn it on.
Your car does not have a place for sunglasses. This is the best invention ever for that: https://www.amazon.com/SXCY-2022-Tucson-Accessories-Anti-Scratch/dp/B0BD56QRWS/?th=1
Set your My Drive Mode to BABY MODE and ENJOY THE RIDE! Too bad the mode wont stick once you turn off the car, but you end up getting used to change it back at every start.
This is so, so helpful! https://www.amazon.com/Double-Layer-2025-Hyundai-Tucson-Convenience/dp/B0FFM58K5R
You will soon notice a lot of fingerprints on the screen... this REALLY helps! and protects. https://www.amazon.com/BIBIBO-2025-Tucson-Santa-Cruz/dp/B0DBV7XKYG
When in stop and go traffic in the street, hold you right shift and set regen to auto. Enjoy having the car almost stopping for you when the car in front of you stops... Not a regen 3.0 which permits 1 pedal driving, but pretty good anyway.
Do not be afraid of using your HDA adas. It puts YOU in a chill driving mode, 90% stress free.
Make sure you use your smart lift gate (works with the digital key 2 with the phone as well).
During the first 1,000 miles (the "break-in period"), you should never drive your hybrid aggressively or at a single, unchanging speed for long durations. While modern engines are built with high precision, this initial phase allows the piston rings to seat correctly and the brakes, tires, and mechanical seals to settle. Also:

A). Training the Transmission (The "Learning" Phase)

The Tucson's Transmission Control Module (TCM) observes throttle position and load to smooth out shifts. To ensure it learns healthy patterns:

Vary the Engine Speed: Do not maintain a single speed for long periods. Driving at various speeds helps the transmission cycle through all gears.
Use Moderate Throttle: Avoid "flooring it" or abrupt stops. Use smooth, steady acceleration (keeping RPMs between 2,000 and 4,000) so the TCM can accurately map the optimal shift pressure for each gear.
Avoid Cruise Control Initially: Most Hyundai Owner's Manuals recommend avoiding cruise control for the first 600 miles. This forces the driver to vary the speed naturally, which is better for both the engine seals and the transmission's adaptive learning. Facebook +6

B). Critical Break-In Rules (First 600–1,000 Miles)

No Towing: Do not tow a trailer for the first 1,200 miles to avoid straining the new transmission.
Gentle Braking: Avoid hard stops for the first 200 miles to allow the brake pads to "seat" properly.
Check Vents: Ensure the hybrid battery cooling vents (usually near the rear seats) are never blocked by luggage or passengers to prevent overheating during the learning phase.

C). Do the first oil change between 500 and 1000 miles: often called a "break-in" oil change—is a proactive measure to remove contaminants that naturally accumulate during a new engine's initial operation. While many modern manufacturers (including Hyundai for the Tucson) do not strictly require it in their standard manual, it is a widely accepted practice for maximizing long-term engine health.

READ THE MANUAL. You will learn a lot of 'secrets' that I got so used to, that I can't even remember I did not know about it.
I forgot to add this one... such a great toy!!! COMMA 4

ADAS in steroids... will stop automatically at red lights, keep going once it is green, will do the lane changes... such a great product actually, and although the video below is not in America, the product IS from the USA.

2026 Tucson L Hyundai openpilot Comma ai

This is also really nice, they stopped development of this for the time being to get everything else perfected, but I am sure they will continue in the future...

A drive to Taco Bell

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Expensive_Ostrich345@reddit

Based on reliability (AS FOR THE PAST RECENT YEARS AND NOT THE PAST AS MANY KEEP SCREAMING AGAINST HYUNDAI), technology and safety, Tucson for sure.

Now, the Kia sporTage (ALSO HAS A T) nails it, even most reviewers are putting it as the best compact SUV.

Before losing it to a flood, I owned the 2026 Sportage, and decided to get a Tucson as the replacement, since I got a $7500 deal for the limited at the time. Would go back in an instant to the Kia. It is a great upgrade for about the same price, it comes with what the 2027 is supposed to come, like HDA2, lane change assistance, power folding mirrors and more. However, Tucson's interior I find more appealing.

- HDA2 which allows for automatic lane change assist, it also learns the way you drive, braking and accelerating.
- Evasive Steering Assist
- Power-Folding Side View Mirrors
- Spare Tire
- Solar Control Glass
- Harman Kardon® Premium Surround Sound w/ HALOsonic®, 400 Watts and 8 Speakers (Bose is great in the Tucson... but this is on another level)
- No piano black, the trims are in a material that are not fingerprint magnets and scratches are not very visible.

Besides those, the insulation and noise deadening is really strong in the Kia, I can still hear a lot of noise from outside in the Tucson, specially from the rear passenger windows, while in the Sportage, I could really not hear ANYTHING from outside. I wonder if the windows are also sound proof as well back there...

Very biased you may say, but this guy shows pretty well the differences, but I still prefer the Tucson's interior design and space.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PriYLrxC3ag&pp=ygUlMjAyNiB0dWNzb24gaHlicmlkIHZzIHNwb3J0YWdlIGh5YnJpZA%3D%3D

And just to avoid the “dealership bias” argument entirely, here are unbiased reviewers ranking the Sportage above the Tucson (and above CR‑V, RAV4, CX‑5, etc.):

#1 here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xHof4JVhCY&t=908s
#1 and #2 here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRUNyPm9RxI&t=4s
#1 here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0W7ZGm-WTA

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Naerven@reddit

I've driven all three. While I like driving the Tucson the most I would get an Equinox.

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Critical-Magician421@reddit

Whar was the deciding factors?

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Naerven@reddit

Overall the most mechanically sound. Way too many Hyundais end up with trashed engines. Out of three Volkswagens I've owned in the past 25 years they all had electrical gremlins. Solid to drive, but once the electrics start going wonky it can become a nightmare. The terrain may be the most lackluster to drive, but it's comfortable and fairly dependable as long as you maintain them.

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Critical-Magician421@reddit

Hyundai had a lot of problems with previous engines.

Repair Pal has the Tucson as the most reliable of the three

https://repairpal.com/cars/compare

Overall Reliability Rating 3 Above Average The Volkswagen Tiguan Reliability Rating is 3.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 26th out of 26 for compact SUVs.

The GMC Terrain Reliability Rating is 3.5 out of 5.0, which ranks it 22nd out of 26 for compact SUVs.

The Chevrolet Equinox Reliability Rating is 3.5 out of 5.0, which ranks it 23rd out of 26 for compact SUVs.

4 Excellent The Hyundai Tucson Reliability Rating is 4.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 5th out of 26 for compact SUVs. Cost

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Expensive_Ostrich345@reddit

Agreed.

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CompasslessPigeon@reddit

We love our Pilot. The passport is a little more in the size youre looking at. Not crazy fancy or plush, but there's a real emphasis on utility. Everything seems very well thought out and its been so reliable

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mpython1701@reddit

Trick is to get the Touring trim on the Passport. Wife said if she was font to get to level Honda, might as well go with the Acura.

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CompasslessPigeon@reddit

We have the special edition. It suits all of our needs

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ExcellentWinner7542@reddit

Poor thing.

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CompasslessPigeon@reddit

?

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unpolire@reddit

Korean, German, and American. Hyundai has the best warranty and will be the lowest cost to operate over decades. The VW will have the best safety record with higher insurance and operating costs. The GMC I will not comment upon, although the full-size trucks are excellent. Buy an extended warranty on the VW or GMC to avoid surprise after the warranty period.

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Critical-Magician421@reddit

Just checked your claim on Tiguan vs Tucson for safety and Google says the Tucson is a top safety pick and the Tiguan is not.

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unpolire@reddit

A Tiguan totaled my Mercedes-Benz E-Class in a highway collision. The Tiguan’s rear hatch would not open, but the rest of the vehicle looked untouched, as if nothing had happened. The E-Class had everything above the front bumper destroyed: grille, radiators, lights, hood, and fenders. About $10,000 in damage. The Tiguan was about $1,500.

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Critical-Magician421@reddit

That might have to do with the specific details of that collision.

I'm not saying a Tiguan is unsafe.

In 2022 they were Top safety pick. Then IIHS updated their tests.

https://www.iihs.org/ratings/top-safety-picks

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Connect_Living_591@reddit

Just get a first gen, late model year 3.2 XC90. Bulletproof and it’s a Volvo so it’s smells amazing inside and the seats are amazingly comfy.

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Element202@reddit

If you’re in that market then get a CX-5 or CR-V. I have something for the C’s but they are leaps and bounds better IMO.

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zunzwang@reddit (OP)

I actually drove CX5s for about 12 years (multiple leases). Just want something new!

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ExcellentWinner7542@reddit

I don't blame you. Almost nothing as boring as a Mazda.

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mpython1701@reddit

I loved the Honda Passport. Wife ended up with an Acura RDX instead but it was close.

We are shopping now for EV SUV. The Equinox EV and Nissan Ariya are at the top of the list.

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ExcellentWinner7542@reddit

I can take anyone that would have a Passport, Ridgeline, Equinox, or Ariya seriously.

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ExcellentWinner7542@reddit

Before you do anything, drive a Tahoe or Yukon and then tell me you still want a Tuscon, Tiguan, or Terrain

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Advanced-Elk-7581@reddit

Tiguan is great if you want an oil burning engine that fills with carbon every two years. Awful.

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Even-Further@reddit

If it was me, MDX, Pilot, Passport, Highlander, 4Runner.

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TootCannon@reddit

You can get great value on a couple years old MDX.

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Critical-Magician421@reddit

If you can swing it, the Tucson hybrid is quite nice

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Plato2026@reddit

Rav 4. Keep the T (Toyota) and avoid the nightmares of the 3 you laid out.

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Cocoa_map@reddit

How is this sub any different than whatcarshouldibuy?

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Maleficent_Smile_652@reddit

2025 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat

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Comfortable-Study-69@reddit

I’d probably go with the Tiguan if you’re leasing. If buying/financing, I think the Tucson would be the way to go for the ones listed just because of the lower MSRP and lack of a turbo, although if I planned to keep it for 15 years I’d take a RAV4 Hybrid or Honda HR-V before anything on the list.

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AlphaDisconnect@reddit

Toyota bz4x. 2024 is better than mine. Figure out home charging or dont do all electric. Dont go on charger adventures. Think 240v. Registration. Expensive. But no more oil changes.

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cookielover16@reddit

2005 tahoe

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inphinitfx@reddit

Personally, I'd go with the Tiguan R-Line AWD (or your markets equivalent - 2.0 turbo w/ AWD) if I were picking one off your list. Though I'd actually seriously consider a Volvo EX40 or similar.

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Flamadin@reddit

2024 Terrain has been good for me so far. I try to be gentle and not stomp on the gas from a standstill.

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Diligent-Practice-25@reddit

The new Mazda CX-5.

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InternationalBite690@reddit

I would avoid Hyundai completely. Tiguan is a decent vehicle if you’re meticulous with the maintenance. If your looking at gm skip the terrain and all it’s issues and look at the Tahoe. Firstly it keeps your T obsession but more importantly it’s a great ride and fits a big family or just you and a spouse with all your camping gear and the dog in the back. V8 power for big boy towing if that’s ever a thing.

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Automatic_Mulberry@reddit

Sorry, we can't recommend SUVs, only Miatas. (/s)