Very interesting discussion, lots of good points and some not so….Excursion REALLY? I take no issue with the cargo capacity to carry dogs/kids/toys in my 4Runner other than the gas mileage I love it. I know we should not base our identity on a vehicle, so childish….but I just don’t feel like a sedan kinda person. I think I am very much a mid-size SUV kinda girl.

I would love a TDI SUV; however, the cost is crazy expensive! That is why I was considering the Jetta Wagon. I researched the Audi A3 and the Lexus hybrid and cost to purchase would not make sense over the 4Runner and as I said, overall driving experiance is lost on me, I love the big tank feel of my 4Runner.

Realistically, if I am doing it for gas mileage all roads point to a Prius. The Leaf is interesting theoretically, I just don’t feel society is there yet, maybe another few years, we are building more green technology infrastructure, then the plug in may take off once we are not afraid of running out of juice stuck in traffic with the A/C off on a hot summer day when all the fools are bound for the horse races….Anyway, I have a bunch of friends who own the Prius and they love them. I may justify buying a smaller stand up paddleboard to fit into a Prius. Putting a big 10 ft paddleboard on top of an SUV sucks! I am not sure what the interior dimension of a Prius are am going to reaearch and see if a 9 ft paddleboard would fit.

Thanks for all the input. If anyone knows the interior dimensions of a Prius I am listening (relative to a 9ft board assuming I am alone in the vehicle).