So I have been doing some homework on SUVs to see which one I will be interested in owning. I have baby number 2 on the way so I need more room. I've narrowed my search down to 3. Don't want to spend no more than 25k and Navi was important to me. my three choices are:


2nd Gen MDX
2nd Gen Highlander
2013+ Explorer


I had the Pilot on there, but after looking more into them I think I have crossed it off my list.


I like the options the MDX has, even though the 3rd rows are useless I still need one. The MDX is some what "compact".


2nd gen highlander, I've always like since they came out in 2008.


The Explorer I have driven the Limited multiple times, (a good friend owns one) while I like the style of it and the interior, I'm still having a hard time with it being a Ford.


I'm looking for some owners that have had or have these SUV's, to get some insight on what you loved and hated about them. I know Sarlacc had a Highlander, but I don't recall if he enjoyed it or not.


Thanks

 

lol, I called it.

I predicted you were gonna get a new car soon.

Congrats on baby #2!!

 

LOL, I'm keeping the Accord. After the SUV I won't be buying anything for a while. Drive until I can't drive it anymore.


Thanks. I'm also stopping after 2 kids. LOL

 

If you're lookig at those 3rd row SUVs I recommend the Durango.

Look at my Sarlacc 2.0 thread.

 

The highlander was a solid car but boring to drive. Comfy, predictable, numb.

 

I've actually thought about the Durango and the Grand Cherokee. But I wanted to stay under 25k.

 

Depending how you want it optioned. You might be able to find a leftover 2014 (like I did) with really nice discounts on them.

 

Hmmm, I'll have to look into it.

 

I got 4k under invoice and 0%

 

If not the new Durango, I'd get the 2G MDX. I think the new one is a fucking abomination.

 

I went SUV shopping a few weeks ago... 2G MDX was at the top of my list above the Highlander... until I found a 1G GX470 in my price range... been driving it the last two weeks, gas mileage sucks but it has loads of room and I love it...

 

Used MDX is pretty hard to beat. They're generally in good shape too.

 

Man, if I have a baby, I would get a minivan right away as our 3rd car or something. Maybe a slightly used one.

 

I cant see myself driving a minivan. My wife either. Although the Sienna and Oddy are very nice.

 

Out of those choices, get the Explorer. Why not a Traverse? I have an LTZ and it's awesome. More reliable and better gas mileage than the Explorer.

 

4Runner or Pathfinder?

 

Traverse is solid, and I hate most Chevys

 

I'd scratch the Highlander off the list. MDX and Exploder are both excellent rides. Fit and finish will be better in the Acura.

 

Honestly, get an Audi Allroad

 

All road doesn't have a 3rd row.

 

Congratulations on the impending arrival of your second child Flipster.

With regard to the SUV move, I have a 2G MDX (12 Tech) and it's probably the best all around vehicle I've owned.

It packs plenty of power, handles exceptionally well and looks sharp. While I wouldn't go so far as to say the third row is useless, it is fairly tight back there even for grade school children (i.e.: my 7 y/o daughter). However, we usually have it folded down in order to maximize cargo space.

With all do respect to the other SUVs mentioned in this thread, I've NEVER looked at them and held any regret about getting the MDX.....and I don't even regret NOT looking into them. (Honestly, the only SUVs I like better are the Cayenne and X5.....but they lack the 3rd row we'd need occasionally.)

 

What's wrong with Ford?

 

Love the MDX but must say after a 3 week rental with the Traverse, I did enjoy the roominess of it. Only downside is how ugly it is and to me, it felt very long (I drive a 4 door dually a lot so I am used to large vehicles). Wife has a 2013 Edge and I have had numerous Escapes and Fusions as company cars and must say Ford has come a long way. Highlander was a company vehicle at one point, roomie but blah IMO.

I personally love my FX so have you looked at a JX or whatever they call it? Not the best looking in the rear but great fit and finish, not sure on pricing though.

Out of your three, MDX is the clear winner to me.

 

lol, all of the cars on your list are basically minivans with lift kits. You realize this right?

Why is the Pilot off your list? For the requirements that you posted, it seems like that should be the logical choice.

If you don't care about gas mileage, try out a used Expedition. They are massive and don't hold value all that well. Very reliable and very capable. Expect ~14/20 for fuel economy so not all that terrible compared to others.

My inlaws have a Traverse and the Exploder is much nicer on the inside (for a newer one) and doesn't come with a huge panel of plastic wood. IMO, I hated the Traverse interior, it just feels plasticy and cheap.

 

My old man has one. It's fine. it gets the job done. For the price, it's a good value play.

But yeah, you're right about the interior. It doesn't age well (heck, it barely "starts well").

 

I looked at the Explorer, and hated the interior, but loved the Traverse. Only redeeming quality about the Explorer was the power 3rd row seats.

 

I just had a 2015 explorer limited for a rental and I put about 1300 miles on it. I liked it a lot, nice interior, good options, I liked the styling. However I don't know about reliability/maintenance.

Kamlung mentioned the GX, I would give that a chance. A good friend is on his second one and Those things are rock solid.

 

Traverse is inside and out.

 

CM owns a Ford, so now they're all cursed.

 

I'm on my THIRD! 1998 Escort ZX2, 2013 Focus ST, 2015 Mustang DX CVT 1.6.

 

Rest.My.Case.

 

We have a 2011 highlamder Limited. It is an awesome highway cruiser. Really quiet and the fit and finish is surprisingly good. I like how the middle row can easily be configured as either captains chairs or a bench seat. The V6 is powerful and takes regular gas. Also, the 3rd row is fine for average adults on short trips.

We also looked at the Explorers, but people have had some bugs with them. Mainly with the AWD system and the infotainment system.

 

Three rows are overrated. Three of us fit in an '83 Peugeot back seat!

 

MyFordTouch is fantastic now with recent software updates. Used to suck terribly.

 

Really?! I haven't updated the Edge for the last update, others didn't make a big difference but I'll look, thanks!

 

Yeah. It's still not as quick as other systems, but in terms of bugs, glitches and freezes, I really haven't encountered any in the 14 months I've had my car (with the latest version). Rock solid.

 

Fixed Or Repaired Daily
Found On Road Dead

Or

First On Race Day

 

I kid

 

(That said, still planning on adding a 5.0 to my otherwise Honda/Acura garage)

 

I'm going to test drive this weekend MDX, and Highlander. My wife just wants to make sure since she will be the one driving it on the weekdays, to the kids appointments and to the park, stuff like that.


Also, test driving the Durango just for the hell of it.