My wife has a 2011 Sonata but really wants to get back into an SUV.

I'm with her, because it's a pain in the butt if we have to move/haul anything bigger than a couple of suitcases. My Genesis Coupe is even worse.

So we are looking at the Grand Cherokee and the Ford Explorer. My observations:

1. Motor Trend seems to downright hate the Explorer from the cramped interior, myTouch being all messed up to the crappy ride and handling, etc. But they seem to like the Grand Cherokee quite a bit.

2. Other publications aren't as vocally critical of the Explorer.

3. My brother bought a Grand Cherokee a few months ago but it's been in the shop a lot. We spent the Thanksgiving weekend in the Smoky mountains in a cabin. His car was in the shop, but he got a rental Grand Cherokee. The roads were pretty rough to and from the cabin so I had some fun with it. It's not a bad car at all, but his car being in the shop so much scares me off.

So what's AZ's take on this? We will probably go test drive and kick the tires next weekend but I wanted to hear your opinions. Thanks.

 

Between the 2 I'd opt for the Jeep but you should also check out the Dodge Durango as well.

 

Don't know enough about either. But the new Durango is nice.

 

Every time I read anything about the new Explorer, it's bad. I would say avoid it, hyung.

The new GC looks and performs awesome!

 

I have seen a lot o he new jeeps on the road but the durango looks pretty bad ass

 

I know people that have both, and there doesn't seem to be any harsh complaints with either one. The two that have the Jeep have been a little concerned because they've been been in the shop more than they should be (driveline, quality of materials and assembly), but are hopeful this isn't representative of the product.

The only complaint of the three I've heard that have the Explorers is that it is somewhat cramped for large individuals. As far as I know, none have had the quality issues of the Jeep.

Personally, I don't think you can go wrong with either, but each take a different approach. The Jeep is more off-road ready than the Ford, with the Explorer being designed more for urban adventures.

 

+1 for the Jeep.

 

Really enjoyed test driving the Jeep when i was considering one.

From what I hear, stay away from the ones with the air suspension.

 

Motor Trend likes whoever pays them more to like it....

I don't like jeeps. Never have. The only jeep I'd get though would be the SRT8.

Look into the 4 runner.

 

I'd take the GC any day. It looks better and drives nicer, in my opinion. Plus I had to deal with that MyTouch system in a used Explorer we took in on trade and that system is INFURIATING. I had to mash the 'buttons' numerous times just to get it to do what I wanted and there was no resorting to the voice commands. I have a buddy who works for a Ford/Hyundai dealer and he hates that system, too. It's clear to both of us that it was rushed into production and the buggy operation is a result of that.

 

It's the same for all other magazines.

 

If you're looking at something the size of the Jeep, why not look at the new Edge?

 

My wife mentioned that, but I thought the Edge is largely the same as the one in 2007, despite the updates for 2011. That's a 5-year-old platform and I'm not sure how I feel about that. It's an outgoing model.

Or am I wrong in my perception of the updates for 2011? I know the engine choices were updated and the interior was redone.

 

^+1

but if these were the only choices, then i'd go with the explorer. i'm just not convinced yet that chrysler has improved their reliability.

 

Well, yeah. Haha.

But man, they really don't like it. I've been a subscriber for like 10+ years, and I'm not sure if I can recall another review that was as negative as the one for the 2011 Explorer.

 

We would probably go with the Limited. Good old metal suspension.

I've never been a believer in air suspensions in terms of durability. I see way too many older Lincolns, Range Rovers and what-have-you that are slumped forward or backward because the air suspension has pooped out. That also means $$$.

 

LOL, that's two people that you know with the Jeep who are having problems, and one person I know with the Jeep also having trouble.

That's 0 for 3. Not good so far.

 

+1 on the 4Runner

 

Ford Flex. It's a pretty cool looking car, akin to a station wagon, with lots of interior room and not burdened with the jacked-up chassis of an SUV.

FWIW, I'd rather drive a minivan than an SUV, except on trails where 4WD would be helpful.

 

Yep...I have an 96 and an 06. Best suv's for the money.

 

We like our Highlander

 

If you read current reviews, not so much anymore. And I like the way the current 4runners look.

I haven't anything other than the air ride Jesal mentioned about the Jeeps. I loved having a Durango for two weeks as a rental. I have also driven the Jeep and really liked it.

I also like the Explorer...I guess I missed the reviews in the mags. The one really smart thing the explorer does with its 3rd row, it sets them up like a minivans third row...collapsable into a well. So, you do have decent storage when the 3rd row is in use. No other SUV has that.

I know people still question chryco's reliability...but I've had great luck with them for the past two plus years now. And so have all the members of my club.

 

I've driven the new Explorer and wasn't impressed. The steering and acceleration feel absolutely numb. And the visibility from the interior isn't great, feels like a dungeon.

 

If you want space get a Flex. Its the same platform as the Explorer, but its roomier and has the option of the Ecoboost V6 (365hp & AWD).

My wife has a 2011 Flex with ~ 22k miles on it so far and its never seen a dealership. I know its not the prettiest thing out there, but at least take a look at it.

 

As much as I love and want a Durango...I think my best bet and needs are fit by the Flex as well. I really them.

 

Never knew that. Nice.

 

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/92FGf5sjoGE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>



Flex runs start @ 2:00 mark

They run mid 14's bone stock, can tow 4500lbs, and get 23mpg on the expressway.

 

Talk about sleeper! Damn!

 

I didn't know that about the Flex. It gets major props from me, then.

 

Flex always reminds me of a hearse.

 

I like it but, it's huge and my wife was scared of long term durability.

 

My gf's grandparents have the new Explorer and love it! Put about 15k miles on it and no problems. I'm not a fan of it but they swear by it.

I test drove the Jeep Hemi and that thing was great! Interior is beautiful with very good fit and finish. Hauled ass too!

 

4Runner!

 

I drove the new Explorer at a GM event this past Summer. In a nutshell, the wife and I loved. And in consideration of our annual road trip to Florida (from NJ), we're of the mindset that this would be a more enjoyable road trip car than our 09 MDX.

I've not driven the new GC but I have checked them out. Honestly, it looks like Chrysler may have addressed some of the quality grievances I've had with their past products. The GC I looked at was fairly loaded (but not the range topper) and a very attractive package. However, I'm not willing to pay MDX type money for one and the jury is still out when it comes to long term quality (i.e.: post 5 years).

 

I drove both the 2010 and 2011 ford edge and I found the 2011 update to address a lot of the wishes I had about the 2010. The interior is one of the best I have been in (for the price). The quality and the layout I found to be impressive. The my ford touch didn't bother me and I found it easy to use. In terms of driving dynamics It felt better than my mdx for sure.

The bottom line is that you have to test drive a lot of vehicles before you make your decision. The domestic car makers have come a long way and are now extremely competitive with the foreign brands.

 

I personally prefer the Explorer. Great looking in and out with a decent base engine and plenty of electronic trickery...

 

Another thing to consider between the two is 3rd row seating. I know you may think right now you'll never use it, but its really nice to be able to take 3 couples out to dinner in one car instead of splitting up. I'm pretty sure the GC doesnt offer a 3rd row seat.

 

Subaru Outback

my father had a similar problem, and realized there was no need to go "SUV". he decided on an Outback. My brother made the same decision six months later. i have had a good amount of wheel time in both. it basically handles like a car, has the storage of a wagon, and the ride height of an suv. it is probably the best utility car i have come across for the price (mid 20s). oh, and it gets almost 30 MPG in mixed city/highway.

 

the 4runner looks so fucking bad ass

 

I have a friend with a 2011 JGC and it's pretty awesome despite being the base model. I can only imagine a Limited or Overland owns that much more. I've not seen an Explorer up close but they seem so much bigger than the JGC (due to 3rd row seating). Whether or not you want 3rd row is a factor. Both companies have made huge strides in quality and design over the years, and I'd give the "edge" to Ford on that front. As a Jeep boy born and bred, though, I'm likely going to get into a new Grand Cherokee as my next vehicle.