Looks like I might be retiring my 2007 Tundra EDIT: $7K for all needed repairs on the Tundra. Under 100k miles. Not all repairs must be done immediately, but all probably within a year.
I’m just starting the search. I want used, probably certified, good fuel economy, all weather handling ability, and decent cargo space. I like a lot of room in the cabin (I’ve been using Suburu station wagons recently, and they are very cramped). I also will not tolerate digital surveillance, or subscription-only access to physically installed hardware. And I too, come from the Tom Paris school of wanting physical buttons dials and switches for everything (the displays in the suburus are blinding at night, even the speedometer! (and I do NOT need to know my fuel economy from second to second, Suburu - How could you possibly thing flashing that in my face with a bright light is useful in any way?!)))
LOL, I have been driving Outbacks for the last 11+ years, and I love ‘em. For brightness, the scroller to the left of the steering wheel will reduce brightness on both the screen and gauges, and the little thumb buttons will shift away from the real time fuel economy, at least on the drivers’ console. I can’t help you with the cabin, but I don’t mind it, and the cargo volume with the back seats down is generally better than the Forresters. I will say that the Outbacks already have so-so fuel economy; I’ll be surprised if anything significantly roomier does much better.
For buttons, Hyundai and Nissan seem to be fighting a rear-guard action to keep them around. Get the Santa Cruz! Get a “Ute”!!! Do it!
Adding on to the Subaru info, on the new models the fuel economy is a much smaller white bar at the very top and can be changed to something else such as the much more useful “miles to empty”.
Yes the giant touch panel thing sucks, but at least the important stuff like wipers and lights are still physical. Climate control UI is rough, but not the worst I’ve seen. The climate auto mode does a good job. Generally I only have to set the temp which is a physical up/down button and the car will adjust vents and fan speed accordingly (defrost buttons are physical too).