SUV with good ground clearance and adequate boot space

The time has come to replace my much loved Daihatsu Terios. I need a reliable 4 wheel drive automatic (dodgy knee). It must be able to deal with unmade country lanes, occasional off-road use and deep snow (we have over 12" at the moment!) but I also commute 50 miles a day on windy country roads/single carriageway A roads so on-road comfort is important too.

It won't be used for towing (we have an Isuzu D-max for that). I don't care about make or prestige or over-the-top performance. I have two dogs who travel in a dog box. At the moment I have to fold the back seats away in the Terios, which is a nuisance. The Land Rover Freelander is too wide for my tight parking space. Currently considering: Kia Sorento, Hyundai Santa Fe, BMW X3, Audi Q3/5 but open to all suggestions. Price not critical.

Asked on 25 January 2013 by sapape

Answered by Honest John
The Sorento and Santa Fe are bigger than a Freelander and the F25X3 is the same size. A Mazda CX-5 might be slightly smaller. You can get a Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.4 auto in short or long wheelbase. Vauxhall Mokka on the way. Skoda Yeti AWD diesel DSGs (though I don't like DSGs). New Ford Kuga and Toyota RAV-4 on the way. Might be best to wait for the new RAV-4 2.0i Valvematic Multidrive S AWD.
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