Compact crossovers are among Canada’s most popular new vehicles, favoured for their combination of practical interior space and affordable fuel economy. So far in 2021, the segment’s best-selling models are the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, Hyundai Tucson, and Nissan Rogue, which means you’re probably seeing a lot of them on the road.
Perhaps you could see yourself in one of these new vehicles, too—if it weren’t for your tight budget. Normally, we address that by looking at three- to five-year-old used vehicles that might still be covered by a factory warranty. But used versions of these compact SUVs can hold their value so well that they may still be out of reach at the five-year-old mark.
For this list, to make things more affordable, we’re looking at seven-year-old versions of those five vehicles. The downside is that, by now, those 2014 models no longer offer the security blanket of their manufacturers’ warranties. That makes it important to shop carefully for a well-maintained vehicle, so in this article, we’ll tell you what to watch for during your test drives.
It’s also a good idea to put any of these vehicles through a pre-purchase inspection, or PPI, before you buy. This will cost you between $100 and $200, but could help you avoid buying a vehicle that may soon cost you a lot more just to keep it on the road.
2014 Toyota RAV4
The 2014 Toyota RAV4 is from this popular model’s fourth generation. It has a 2.5L four-cylinder engine (176 hp/172 lb-ft), a six-speed automatic transmission and, depending on trim, front- or all-wheel drive. Fuel consumption estimates are 10.0/7.6 L/100 km (city/highway) with front-wheel drive and 10.4/8.1 L/100 km with AWD (or 10.6/8.2 L/100 km in AWD Limited trim). Toyota offered this generation of RAV4 as a hybrid, but we’re not discussing it here, as it had no direct competition in 2014.
When test-driving a used RAV4, listen for a whining noise from the AWD system. Some owners think this is part of the car’s normal operation, while others disagree. Either way, unless you find the noise annoying, we couldn’t find evidence that it is cause for concern.
Also, watch for harsh transmission shifting and a shuddering sensation felt while driving. The latter could be related to reports of failed torque converters, the device that connects the transmission to the engine. This is an expensive repair, but keep in mind the number of actual failures is small relative to the RAV4’s sales. If you feel or hear something you think is not normal, try driving another RAV4 to see if it does the same thing. Also, a PPI can reveal any issues you don’t want to get stuck fixing.
Finally, make sure all the RAV4’s electronics and power-operated features work as advertised and be on the lookout for broken interior pieces. Some owners complain about glove box doors that don’t latch and plastic trim that scratches easily.
2014 Honda CR-V
A 2014 Honda CR-V is also a fourth-generation model, which launched for the 2012 model year. Its power comes from a 2.4L engine (185 hp/163 lb-ft) and a five-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard and all-wheel drive optional. Honda’s fuel consumption estimates are 10.3/7.6 L/100 km (city/highway) with FWD and 10.6/7.9 L/100 km with AWD. Note that if you spend a little more for a 2015 CR-V, it has an updated engine that uses direct fuel injection to make more torque and save fuel.
In the CR-V, note any excess engine vibration at idle with the transmission in gear. Like the RAV4’s whining sound, engine vibrations are a common complaint among CR-V drivers, but it appears to be normal for these cars.
The CR-V’s transmission has also generated some complaints. If it seems indecisive about which gear it wants to be in, a software update and new transmission fluid might help. Honda issued a service bulletin for its dealer techs. Again, a PPI can call out problems that may affect the CR-V transmission’s reliability.
Test the CR-V’s heater and A/C systems. If heat output seems weak, the car may need a new heater core, which is expensive to replace. The CR-V has an eco drive mode that dials back air-conditioner performance, so if it the A/C doesn’t work as well as you want it to, turn off eco mode. If that doesn’t help, mention it to the mechanic who does your pre-purchase inspection.
2014 Ford Escape
The 2014 Ford Escape is from the model’s third generation, introduced the year before. Ford offered it with three engines: a 2.5L four-cylinder in S trim with 168 hp/170 lb-ft, a 1.6L turbo four-cylinder (178 hp/184 lb-ft) for SE models, and a 2.0L turbo (240 hp/270 lb-ft) that was optional in SE and standard in SEL and Titanium. All engines use a six-speed automatic transmission and front- or all-wheel drive.
Escape fuel consumption estimates start at 10.4/7.4 L/100 km (city/highway) for 1.6L FWD models and top out at 11.2/8.5 L/100 km with the 2.0L turbo and AWD.
The turbocharged engines used in most versions of the Escape are more complicated than those in the other vehicles we’re discussing here, so that’s where you should focus your attention during your test drive.
In 1.6L models, check the coolant level. If it’s low, there could be a leak that can lead to overheating, which has caused engine fires in some cases.
Escape owners say the transmission is sensitive to poor maintenance, and leaving fluid changes too long can cause reliability problems. This is especially important in 2.0L turbo models, whose extra power puts more stress on the transmission.
If you smell fuel inside a 2.0L-powered Escape, be aware that Ford issued a service bulletin to replace a crankcase ventilation hose on the engine.
Some Escape drivers say they’ve had to replace worn suspension and steering parts sooner than they expected. Listen for clunking, popping, or knocking sounds over rough roads.
If you’re testing an Escape with the power tailgate, operate it several times. It should open and close smoothly with no creaking or groaning noises. If it stops partway and changes direction, the problem could either be mechanical or with the software that controls the door.
2014 Hyundai Tucson
Hyundai refreshed the second-generation Tucson in 2014 to update its appearance and equipment, but the basic design dates back to 2010. Base models use a 2.0L four-cylinder engine (164 hp/151 lb-ft) with front-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission or an optional six-speed automatic. Some upper trim levels have a 2.4L four-cylinder (184 hp/177 lb-ft) with an automatic transmission. All-wheel drive was only offered with the automatic transmission.
Tucson fuel consumption estimates range from 10.2/8.2 L/100 km (city/highway) with the 2.0L engine, automatic and FWD to 11.6/9.3 L/100 km with the 2.4L and AWD.
Some Tucson owners complain of clunking noises from the suspension, often caused by worn rubber bushings. Worn shock absorbers are common, and are often easy to identify by fluid leaking down the side of the shock housing. If the noise is coming from the rear wheels, you should also check for broken upper strut mounts.
If a Tucson’s automatic transmission lurches into gear when shifting into drive or reverse, the cause could be a worn linkage to the shift lever. Rough shifting while driving is often caused by a failed electronic sensor (there are several different possible culprits), and may also be fixed by having the dealer install updated software.
If you are shopping for a Tucson with the optional sunroof, open and close it several times during your drive. It should open and close smoothly, quietly, and quickly. If it moves slowly, stops partway, or makes unpleasant sounds, the mechanism may need to be lubricated (simple) or the motor may need to be replaced (complicated).
Both of the Tucson’s engines use direct fuel injection that boosts power output and fuel economy. It can also allow carbon deposits to build up on the intake valves that may affect performance over time. Regular oil changes and using high-quality fuel can help, but if you buy a Tucson with a higher-than-average odometer reading (20,000 km per year is typical), the engine may benefit from having the intake valves cleaned. A dealer service department will know how, and the cost shouldn’t be prohibitive, but it will add to your maintenance costs over time.
If a Tucson’s A/C fan quits or only works on certain speeds, suspect a blown electrical relay or resistor. A noisy fan points to a bad bearing in the fan motor. Both repairs are relatively inexpensive and are good DIY projects if you’re comfortable working on your car.
2014 Nissan Rogue
Nissan redesigned its Rogue into an all-new second generation in 2014, an update that made this crossover large enough for an optional third row of seats. All trims use a 2.4L engine (170 hp/175 lb-ft) and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Front-wheel drive was standard and AWD optional, depending on the trim level. Fuel consumption estimates are 9.2/7.2 L/100 km (city/highway) with FWD and 9.5/7.4 L/100 km with AWD.
The reliability of the Nissan Rogue’s continuously variable transmission (CVT) depends on proper, timely maintenance. If the fluid has been inspected and changed according to Nissan’s maintenance schedule, problems are unlikely. Be aware that Nissan’s CVT requires a specific type of fluid, so your best bet is to have all service done by a Nissan dealer.
Whether you need to change the Rogue’s AWD system fluid depends on how and where the vehicle has been driven, according to Nissan’s maintenance schedule. Even if the system is working fine, having the fluid changed proactively never hurts.
If you’re shopping for a Rogue with the optional power tailgate, it should open and close smoothly and decisively. If it hesitates or reverses direction, there may be a mechanical issue or its computer controls may need updated software. If the power tailgate doesn’t work at all, there’s an on/off switch on the dash to the left of the steering wheel that is easy to hit with your knee.
Nissan offered certain Rogue trims with a large panoramic sunroof. If the car you’re testing has this desirable feature, listen as you drive for creaking or rattling sounds from the glass panel. Some owners say lubricating and/or adjusting the mechanism helped cure a noisy roof. While you’re paying attention to the sunroof, open and close it a few times to see that it works with no issues.
It’s common for a Rogue’s battery to die sooner than expected. A flat battery won’t start the car, but it’s possible a weak battery can have enough juice to start the engine. In this case, low voltage can still cause all kinds of electronic gremlins, like warning lights coming on for no reason or infotainment faults. If the battery in the Rogue you’re testing is three years old or more, have it tested as part of your PPI.