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Which 4x4 SUV do you recommend?

I’m looking to replace my 2003 Rover 75 Connoisseur with a good, dependable and economical 4x4. Reviews and comparisons of CR-Vs and RAV4s are pretty much split even either way as to which is the best? I would appreciate your opinion on above and your thoughts on either the KIAs or Ford Kugas. And the age-old question as to which is best, ie petrol or diesel. I cover around 12-14,000 miles per year.

Asked on 3 March 2012 by PM, via email

Answered by Honest John
The KIA Sportage and Hyundai ix35 are well established with long warranties, have a choice of 2WD or 4WD and are all chain-cam engines. The Mazda CX5 arrives in February, and there will be a new CR-V, new RAV4 and new Kuga by the end of 2012. So it's all a bit of a movable feast. I rate the F25 BMW X3 as probably the best mid-size 4x4 SUV, and I have yet to drive the Evoque. But a dark horse is the Mitsubishi Outlander 2.2 diesel manual that handles brilliantly on the road, goes well, and in my hands did 45mpg, beating any other 4WD SUV of that size that I have ever driven.
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