Car Talk: Need AWD dog and people hauler w/ good power.

[vulcanbill]

Want and need are relative.  Obviously this is assuming we get everything we want.  ha.

Haul 2 large (tall) dogs and 4 people.
AWD / 4WD
Not the size of the Titantic
Decent gas mileage (defined as over 20 most of the time)
Good power
Affordable (defined as close to 40K as possible if not below)
Well appointed with heated leather, auto dim heated mirrors, remote start
Prefer to NOT have a big ole screen on the dash I have to talk to.  

Assumptions are that the large SUVs like Tahoe/'burban fail because of mileage and price, the small SUV/crossovers like Forester, Sorento, et al don't have room in the back for the dogs, as is the case w just about anything with sexy lines.  Vehicle will be new.

Discounted that we looked at:
Honda Pilot.  Fold flat third row is anything but flat.  Its more like a ramp.
Nissan Pathfinder:  Mileage is dismal at best w/ a 4.0
Volvo XC 60:  Too small in the back
Volvo XC 90:  Steering wheel plastic cuts into hands and the money would be a stretch
Suzuki GV:  Too small in the back
Kia Sorento(?):  Too small in back
Ford Escape and Edge:  Too small in back
VW Tig-thing:  Too small
VW Jetta wagon TDI:  Not available in AWD
Caddy SUV:  $$$$$$

So, here's what's still in the running:

Volvo XC70 - Had 2 previous wagons.  Familiar w/ the good and the bad.  Comes in a T6.
Toyota Highlander - Played w/ it but haven't driven it.  Afraid of tepid motor.
Toyota 4runner - Played with it but haven't driven it.  
Ford Flex Ecoboost - Drove it and loved it.  Really surprising in almost every way.  Top contender at this point.
Chevy Traverse - Haven't even seen it yet.

What vehicles need to be included in my list based on the criteria?

Thanks.

[Cablebandit]

Assumptions are that the large SUVs like Tahoe/'burban fail because of mileage and price, the small SUV/crossovers like Forester, Sorento, et al don't have room in the back for the dogs, as is the case w just about anything with sexy lines.  Vehicle will be new.

[Kootenanny]

Just a quick comment--I have a Suzuki GV, which is too small in the back--until you take out the rear seats and put up a barrier!  Take a look at how I modded my GV here.

The GV is a great go-anywhere AWD vehicle, but it is a bit more "truckish" than some, and does use more fuel than you might expect (or, at least my 06 2.7L does).

BTW, when I had my head-on a month ago, both my dogs were in the rear of the GV (as shown above), and everyone was OK.  I ended up replacing it with another GV, identical except for colour.


Another vehicle you might want to look at is the Honda Element, which was available with AWD (and a 5-spd manual, too, which is why they were on my radar when I was looking)...discontinued in 2010 though, AFAIK.  

[Galo]

A Highlander with the V6 is definitely NOT tepid....0-60 in 7.1 is quick!

[JReazor]

We have a Malinois and a Cannan Dog. The Mal is on the small side for the breed but she's probably not too much smaller than your Belgains. The CD is a little bit bigger than she is.

The two of them fit in the back of our Forrester but it's a bit tight front to back. The height is fine. If you want a little more room than that, the Outback would be an excellent choice. We had a previous gen Outback that was the perfect dog hauler. If I were you I would take the dogs to a couple dealerships and see for your self. Any salesman worth his salt won't mind vacuuming out a little fur once you're done.

[JReazor]

Another vehicle you might want to look at is the Honda Element, which was available with AWD (and a 5-spd manual, too, which is why they were on my radar when I was looking)...discontinued in 2010 though, AFAIK.  

I could be wrong but I think it would be tough to get the dogs in to an Ele with the rear seats in place.

[Rincewind]

What's wrong with an AWD mini-van?  

[JReazor]

What's wrong with an AWD mini-van?  

 

[Rincewind]

 

If I was buying it, and I was going to be a passenger frequently, I would much prefer a mini-van over climbing into the back of a SUV.  The back seats of minivans can be very comfortable and well-appointed, especially if it has captain's seats instead of a bench.

[JReazor]

If I was buying it, and I was going to be a passenger frequently, I would much prefer a mini-van over climbing into the back of a SUV.  The back seats of minivans can be very comfortable and well-appointed, especially if it has captain's seats instead of a bench.

Well, yeah but... IT'S A MINIVAN!

Station wagons are way cooler

[Kootenanny]

I could be wrong but I think it would be tough to get the dogs in to an Ele with the rear seats in place.

But the rear seats are readily removed AFAIK (and it doesn't have to be a semi=permanent removal, as with my GV).  Once the seats are out, the cargo space in the Element is quite large.  Access is good, and the floors are rubber mat--you can supposedly just hose the car out (not that I would...).  It is basically a CRV with a different body, though--more of a car than a truck.

I don't see how any of the smaller SUVs are going to fit dogs with the rear seats in place.  I am interested, though, in the Ford Flex with Ecoboost; didn't know that vehicle was available in AWD.  Unfortunately for me, though, I doubt it'll have a stickshift option...

[Frankienuckles]

Check out the Hyundai Santa Fe.

[JReazor]

But the rear seats are readily removed AFAIK (and it doesn't have to be a semi=permanent removal, as with my GV).  Once the seats are out, the cargo space in the Element is quite large.  Access is good, and the floors are rubber mat--you can supposedly just hose the car out (not that I would...).  It is basically a CRV with a different body, though--more of a car than a truck.

I don't see how any of the smaller SUVs are going to fit dogs with the rear seats in place.  I am interested, though, in the Ford Flex with Ecoboost; didn't know that vehicle was available in AWD.  Unfortunately for me, though, I doubt it'll have a stickshift option...

They are but vulcanbill says he needs to accommodate the dogs and 4 people.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

I'm kinda thinking Subaru. Wasn't one of the subies built with a raised roof in the cargo section?

My first thought was my Subaru Outback Legacy ('01). Has plenty of space in the back, comfortably hauls 4 people and I get around 22mpg in mine. It won't win any races, but it'll get you there, sure and steady  

[darkstarmoto]

Subaru Outback (might not be big enough for large dogs)?

The Legacy Wagon could be gotten with a "raised roof" back in the late 90's early 2K's.

[MrsCablebandit]

Subaru Outback (might not be big enough for large dogs)?

The Legacy Wagon could be gotten with a "raised roof" back in the late 90's early 2K's.

We considered the Outback and the Forester and ultimately went with the Forester so our German Shorthaired Pointer could stand up in the back.

[stevent]

The XC70 would be my choice, practical but still cool. Next would be the Outback.

[antvq]

The new Dodge Durango with the V6 sounds exactly like what you are looking for.

[Mastros2]

If you want a little more room than that, the Outback would be an excellent choice. We had a previous gen Outback that was the perfect dog hauler.

I agree.  The outback has more cargo room than the Forester.  

[Mastros2]

We considered the Outback and the Forester and ultimately went with the Forester so our German Shorthaired Pointer could stand up in the back.

I forgot the height can be an issue with the outback. I say check out both.