Which SUV to carry dogs and handle off-road driving?

I need an SUV to take two humans and three dogs on regular trips up and down the motorway to Devon (190 miles each way) and capable of driving on windy Devon roads, off-road tracks etc. Ideally something small with good height clearance, cheap to run, fun to drive and under £5000. I am looking at KIA Sportage, Honda CR-V and 3-door Toyota RAV4. Any ideas what to go for?

Asked on 2 March 2013 by PP, Windlesham

Answered by Honest John

For £5000, a second generation Honda CR-V is the best, most practical and most reliable. But economical it is not. A Nissan X-Trail 2.2 diesel is more economical and better to drive, but less reliable.

Tags: running costs motorways dogs offroad suvs

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Related models

Honda CR-V (2002 - 2006)

Low-down pull from refined chain cam engines. Walk-through cabin on CVT auto models. Large boot can be increased by sliding the rear seats forward. Lasting very well.

Kia Sportage (2005 - 2010)

Enjoyable drive, especially in diesel form. Plenty of kit. Rear seats recline and fold flat easily. Roomy and practical.

Nissan X-Trail (2007 - 2014)

Excellent drive on tarmac and very competent off road, large boot, plenty of standard equipment.

Toyota RAV4 (2006 - 2013)

Bigger and now 5-door only. More luxurious but not as practical as previous RAV-4. Car-like road manners. Petrol and diesel automatics. Facelifted 2010.