Jeep Jk or ?

We are going to be buying a new car for my wife. She really wants a 4 door Wrangler which is fine except the gas mileage and price is a little high.

So what other options should we try? Looking for a small SUV with an automatic. I'd ideally like something that gets better gas mileage then her '04 V6 Vue (18, 25) and it needs to have a towing capacity of at least 2000lbs. What is worth a look?

If you can get past the Hummer word and the looks from hippies, the H3 is a very capable off roader. My dad was getting low 20s mpg for a tank with more highway miles than city.

Or are you talking new new? Toyota does SUVs.

Better question, do you need off road capability? 2000 lbs. is not much towing capacity. I would think just about anything can handle that.

I own a '12 JK and I knew exactly what I was getting into with it's purchase. If the Superleggera-ness of the JK is not going to be used often or at all, get something else. The road manners are terrible - which is no surprise given the suspension on it (solid axle front and rear).

It being the only convertible 5-seater SUV/CUV on the market does pigeon hole one quite a bit. I would vote CX-5. Sadly the XV only has a tow rating of 1600lbs or else it would be top of my list.

My wife drives a Toyota FJ Cruiser. She cross shopped it against a JK and that's what she liked. Hers has the 6 speed manual. It's comfortable and reliable as rain. I've never owned anything as easy on tires/brakes/general maintenece. Gets 18ish mpg with everything mixed in.

As a '12 JK owner as well, I'll echo what McTinkerson said. The ride is rough and the on road driving dynamics are agricultural at best. Don't get me wrong; I love my Jeep but I think an FJ Cruiser would make a better DD by almost every measure.

No need at all for the off road ability. It will be a new vehicle. Under $30k.

I know 2k towing isn't a lot but I am only going to be towing a small trailer with Spitfire parts and yard/house stuff.

I have driven an XJ for about an hour and didn't think it was that bad but I am used to driving lowered old Civics.

I was thinking CX5 maybe?

I had a jk and thought it was the best riding Wrangler built. Way better than a YJ or TJ.

If she wants a Wrangler remember that if momma aint happy aint nobody happy

If she likes the Vue, I would think the CX-5 would be a natural choice.
My wife drives a Mazda5. Had the CX-5 been offered at the time, we would likely have that instead.
I daily drive a Vue (4cyl/manual)

Jeep Patriot? It's a little smaller and can get decent mpg's.
On either, I am unsure of towing cap.

stanger_missle wrote: As a '12 JK owner as well, I'll echo what McTinkerson said. The ride is rough and the on road driving dynamics are agricultural at best. Don't get me wrong; I love my Jeep but I think an FJ Cruiser would make a better DD by almost every measure.

Can confirm. Have rode in a 2 door and 4 door '12 Wrangler and I felt like I was doing a bobble head impression. My ek civic on some skunk2 crap suspension rode better. I couldn't wait to get out of the Jeep.