After six years of holding out on buying a new car, my wife and I finally decided it’s time for a change. Our daughter is older now, with activities and schedules that require more flexibility. While I’ve designed my work schedule around her needs, there are times when we simply need a second car to keep up with life’s demands.
So, when we heard the car show was coming to D.C., we turned it into a family outing. I left work early, rushed home, and by 3 PM, we were walking through the doors of the convention center, ready to explore.
Setting Our Priorities
Our criteria were clear:
• A midsize SUV for versatility.
• Something fuel-efficient, since our current vehicle is a gas guzzler that needs refueling every four days—and only takes premium gas (odios mios!).
• Rugged enough to handle home improvement projects, yet functional enough for my wife to drive comfortably.
My brother tried convincing me to go for a truck, but we compromised on a practical SUV. With just the three of us, we didn’t need anything massive, but legroom and cargo space were must-haves, especially for our frequent road trips to visit family in NYC and Connecticut.
Exploring the Options
We started with Toyota, a favorite for their reliability and longevity. The RAV4 caught our attention. My wife liked its price and size, but the backseat legroom left much to be desired. The trunk space was decent, but not remarkable.
Then we stumbled upon a Toyota model I hadn’t heard of before—the Crown. Its sleek design and spacious interior instantly won me over. It felt premium, had adequate legroom, and offered impressive trunk space. The only downside? The price, which my wife wasn’t thrilled about. She stuck to her RAV4 pick despite its shortcomings, while the Crown quietly became my top choice.
Next, we checked out Honda SUVs. Unfortunately, they didn’t leave a strong impression. The standard reclining back seats felt uncomfortable, which was a dealbreaker for me.
A Pleasant Surprise: Kia
We hadn’t initially considered Kia, but we came across the Kia Sorento and were pleasantly surprised. It had everything we were looking for:
• Great size
• Ample trunk space
• A reasonable price point
We flagged down a rep to learn more. The only hesitation? It had a 4-cylinder engine, which gave me pause. On long drives, especially when overtaking vehicles, I need that extra power. However, the rep mentioned that the hybrid version comes with a turbo boost feature, addressing my concerns. That sealed the deal—the Sorento quickly climbed to the top of our list.
Checking Out Other Brands
We also explored American-made options like Ford and GMC. While the upgrades were impressive, their pricing was on par (or higher) than foreign models, which made us hesitate.
After a quick break to let our daughter enjoy the bouncy house, we stumbled upon Subaru and Volkswagen. The VW Atlas stood out with its spacious interior and sleek design, earning a spot on our shortlist.
Lessons from the Day
By the end of the car show, we’d compiled a solid list of contenders and had a much clearer idea of what we wanted. Gone are the days when I’d choose a car based solely on style and speed. Now, I find myself focusing on practical things like legroom, fuel efficiency, and—of course—cup holders. Idios mios!
The DC Auto Show was more than just a fun outing; it was a reminder of how much life has changed. From carefree car shopping in my younger days to choosing a vehicle that meets the needs of our growing family, this experience was a milestone in its own right.
The journey to finding our next car continues, but one thing is clear: it’s about finding the perfect balance between function, comfort, and a touch of style.
-Social Dad DC
SOCIAL DAD DC 