Michigan Internet Marketing Club

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Best Deals on New SUVs

Best Deals on New SUVs

Car shoppers are always on the hunt for great deals, but often the smart choice is a good deal on a good car. Typically, the models with the greatest discounts are marked down for a clear reason: too much inventory. This can be caused by numerous factors, such as the model being undesirable due to being on the market longer than its key competitors, lackluster reliability, disappointing fuel economy, or another ding against its perception.

Instead of such turkeys, we favor good all-around vehicles with strong safety marks, sweetened by some discounts—like those featured here.

The Consumer Reports analysts have scrutinized the available offers, comparing them to our test and reliability findings to identify the models that provide true savings, while being good vehicles worthy of recommendation. To earn such a distinction, a car has to perform well in Consumer Reports’ road tests, have average or better predicted reliability, and perform at least adequately, if included, in government or insurance-industry safety tests.

The SUVs highlighted here are all 2016 models with nationwide incentives that extend to at least March 31, 2016. Almost all look to shave $1,500 off sticker price, or more. Many of these models have been regulars on our recent best deals lists, including the GM three-row crossovers that are due for imminent replacement.
The examples below are similar to the versions we tested, although discounts are available on other trim variations. Being informed is the best strategy to getting a good deal on a new car, rather than being drawn to models due to heavily-marketed discounts.

For the full picture, be sure to visit our model pages, where you will find road tests, reliability, owner satisfaction, pricing, and much more.

Buick Enclave

Even after six years on the market, the large Enclave remains a competitive three-row SUV. We liked its firm, comfortable ride and secure handling. The cabin is quiet, the interior is nicely finished, and the seats are comfortable. But the Enclave is beginning to show its age through some of the outdated controls and limited feature content. The 3.6-liter V6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission are smooth and unobtrusive, but the engine feels taxed and at times the powertrain has to work hard to move this large SUV. We got a paltry 15 mpg overall in our tests. Adults can fit in the roomy third row, a plus. Forward-collision and lane-departure warning systems are available.

Buick Enclave Leather AWD
MSRP: $46,585
Invoice: $45,215
Total Savings Available: $2,120

See our complete Buick Enclave road test, along with full pricing.

Chevrolet Traverse

Although it dates back to 2008, the large Traverse is still a competitive three-row SUV. We liked its firm, comfortable, and quiet ride and its relatively agile, secure handling. But like its corporate cousins, the Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia, it’s beginning to show its age. The 3.6-liter V6 and six-speed automatic powertrain is smooth and powerful enough, but it works hard in this large SUV, and its 16 mpg overall is uncompetitive. A big plus is the ability to fit adults in the roomy third row. Fit and finish has been improved, and forward-collision and lane-departure warning systems are available. Changes for 2016 include a standard built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. Reliability has been above average.

2016 Chevrolet Traverse AWD 1LT
MSRP: $36,900
Invoice: $35,820
Total Savings Available: $3,080

See our complete Chevrolet Traverse road test, along with full pricing.

Dodge Durango

Spacious, quiet, and comfortable, the Durango impressively blends workhorse utility with ample creature comforts. It shares its platform with the Jeep Grand Cherokee but is longer and adds a third-row seat. Handling is responsive. The ride is composed and comfortable, making the Durango feel sophisticated and substantial. The slick eight-speed automatic improved performance and fuel economy with both the V6 and V8 engines. The optional Uconnect 8.4-inch infotainment system is one of the best, with intuitive operation. Cargo room is generous, and the Durango can tow 1,000 to 2,000 pounds more than competitors. Limited visibility is a downside, but a rearview camera is standard on all but the lowest trim lines.

Dodge Durango AWD Limited
MSRP: $40,590
Invoice: $39,234
Total Savings Available: $1,938

See our complete Dodge Durango road test, along with full pricing.

Ford Flex

The boxy Flex combines SUV-like versatility with near-carlike driving dynamics. The interior is versatile, with room for up to seven passengers in three rows. And its shipping-container shape works well for cargo. Rear visibility is hampered by big head restraints, and the MyFord Touch interface is complicated and distracting. Handling is not particularly nimble, but the ride is comfortable and the cabin remains quiet. The base 3.5-liter V6 has been updated and gets 18 mpg overall. Choosing the turbo V6 gives you quicker acceleration at a cost of just 1 mpg overall. For the 2016 model year, Sync 3 replaces the much-maligned MyFord Touch infotainment system.

Ford Flex SEL AWD
MSRP: $35,145
Invoice: $33,815
Total Savings Available: $1,528

See our complete Ford Flex road test, along with full pricing.

GMC Acadia

Though it’s starting to feel a little dated, the Acadia is still competitive among three-row SUVs. Like its twins, the Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave, it has a spacious and quiet interior, with a third-row seat that’s roomy enough for adults. Seating for eight is available. Handling is relatively agile and secure, with responsive steering, and the ride is comfortable and steady. Its 3.6-liter V6 is smooth and refined, but it has to work hard and it gets mediocre gas mileage. Upgraded touch-screen infotainment systems bring more capability. Rear visibility isn’t great. Denali versions have more features but no better functionality or performance. Reliability has been average. A redesigned 2017 model arrives this spring.

GMC Acadia AWD SLT1
MSRP: $43,945
Invoice: $42,654
Total Savings Available: $2,291

See our complete GMC Acadia road test, along with full pricing.

Hyundai Santa Fe Sport

Hyundai’s five-passenger midsized SUV is roomy and comfortable, with a good ride and quiet interior. Power comes from a responsive 190-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder mated to a smooth and responsive six-speed automatic. We got a very good 23 mpg overall with this drivetrain. A 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is also available. Handling is sound and secure, but not exceptional, and the vague steering doesn’t help. The well-finished cabin is packed with a lot of standard features. Thankfully, the price of the optional backup camera has come down, because rear visibility leaves a lot to be desired.

Hyundai Santa Fe Sport AWD 2.0T
MSRP: $33,895
Invoice: $32,501
Total Savings Available: $1,740

See our complete Hyundai Santa Fe Sport road test, along with full pricing.

Kia Sorento

A 2016 Top Pick, this midsized SUV is functional and refined, and its wide price range makes it an alternative to small and midsized SUVs. Three engines are available: the base 185-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder; a 240-hp, 2.0-liter turbo four; and the smooth and quiet 290-hp, 3.3-liter V6. All use a six-speed automatic. The cabin is quiet, and the ride is comfortable and composed. Handling is responsive and secure. Supportive seats and simple controls help make the Sorento easy to live with. Available safety gear includes adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, blind-spot detection, and rear cross-traffic alert, as well as a surround-view monitor. Good crash-test results are a plus. Reliability of the redesign has been well above average.

Kia Sorento EX V6 AWD
MSRP: $34,795
Invoice: $33,381
Total Savings Available: $2,517

See our complete Kia Sorento road test, along with full pricing.

Nissan Murano

Nissan’s midsized SUV uses a punchy, refined 3.5-liter six-cylinder paired with a continuously variable transmission. The cabin is quiet and well-finished, and has an upscale feel to it. Handling is not very sporty, with overly light steering that reduces driver confidence. The ride is steady and absorbent on the standard 18-inch tires but less so on the Platinum trim’s 20-inchers. Optional safety features include blind-spot and cross-traffic warnings, as well as forward-collision warning with emergency autobrake. An available 8-inch color display houses the NissanConnect infotainment system. Good crash-test results are a plus.

Nissan Murano AWD SL
MSRP: $39,550
Invoice: $37,679
Total Savings Available: $1,088

See our complete Nissan Murano road test, along with full pricing.

Nissan Rogue

The easy-to-drive Rogue is one of the better small SUVs. It rides better than most competitors and is fairly quiet and refined. Handling is sound, with prompt steering response and restrained body lean in corners. Power comes from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder mated to an updated continuously variable transmission that is not overly intrusive. Our AWD Rogue delivered 24 mpg overall. The interior is spacious for the class and nicely finished. The second-row seat is very roomy, and the small, optional third-row seat allows seating for seven in a pinch. A rear camera is standard, and available safety gear includes rear cross-traffic alert and forward-collision, lane-departure, and blind-spot warnings.

Nissan Rogue AWD SV
MSRP: $26,990
Invoice: $26,097
Total Savings Available: $1,491

See our complete Nissan Rogue road test, along with full pricing.