In general, complete stupor. Everyone was waiting for my answer, and I just mumbled something incoherent: well, uh, like that...
MESS IN THE HEAD
When you get confused about such elementary things, it's immediately clear: the mid-size crossover segment is oversaturated. It's bubbling and overflowing. You've just found a suitable option — and here are a dozen more alternatives...
Interior finish quality is one of the best in the crossover class
The greenish instrument panel backlight is just what you need
Fortunately, this chaos reigns only among "soft-roaders" with weak engines. In the camp of powerful, inexpensive crossovers, the choice is more modest. The three-liter Captiva develops 230 horsepower. In terms of dynamics, the turbocharged Subaru Forester 2.4, Seat Altea Freetrack 2.2, and Mazda CX-7 2.3, as well as the naturally aspirated Mitsubishi Outlander 3.0, are close to it. We don't consider the Opel Antara — it's practically a twin. Let's also forget about the two-hundred-horsepower Ford Kuga: it's too small both in dimensions and capacity, its place is in the compact segment.
230 horsepower is more than enough in any situation
The trunk is far from an outsider in its class
I'LL TAKE IT
So it's easier to draw conclusions. For those who prefer a naturally aspirated engine, the choice is between the Chevy and the Mitsu. And they differ in chassis behavior: the Japanese one is more composed and stiffer. For those with a larger family, it's even simpler to decide — only the hot Captiva comes in a seven-seat version. But even if there are few children and the turbo question isn't critical, the Captiva still looks more attractive. Its interior is finished at the level of the best in the class. And competitors won't outdo it in the trunk either. And what else do you need from a crossover?
It would also be nice to have a decent suspension that isn't afraid of bumps. The Captiva doesn't have that. It strives to be comfortable, but it's too sensitive, even fragile, and that can spoil the impression of the car. However, the chassis of each of the rivals also has its flaws. And off-road, they're all almost helpless except the Forester. I couldn't decide on the "cold" Chevrolet Captiva, but with the "hot" one — easily. I'll take it.
