first time splash into 4x4/AWD vehicles

[oddyager]

Our first two cars have been sedans but with family growing we need something larger that can transport us around in city and in rougher terrains when we're on vacation (we travel alot and we've always missed areas that are 4x4 required). So far I've narrowed my choices down to the Nissan Murano, Mazda CX-9 and the Toyota Highlander. Anyone want to share their experiences with these vehicles (the good, bad, avoid like the plague), or would like to recommend other brands? My limit is probably going to be around $50K.

 

[Nyati13]

In your size bracket, also look at the Subaru Tribeca. Make sure it's a 2008 model, not a leftover 2007, there are some major improvements in the 2008.

 

[JulesMaximus]

I had a Nissan Murano as a loaner car while my Maxima was in for a warranty repair. It's a great family hauler/grocery getter/soccer mom vehicle but I don't imagine it would be very capable off road. Nor would any of the other vehicles you mentioned.

Hell, for $50k you could pick up a BMW X5...if not new you could certainly get a well equipped low mileage used one for under that amount. A friend of mine bought one recently and I took it for a drive, best SUV I've ever driven. Handles well, brakes are excellent and with the V8 it moves pretty quickly too. I would highly recommend it.

 

[JeepinEd]

The terrain in areas that are 4x4 required can vary greatly.
How difficult of a trail are you planning to enter?

None of the vehicles you mentioned would be able to handle anything more than a slightly unmaintained dirt road.

If you are planning to enter real 4x4 trails (not necessarily 4+ rated trails), you should at least look for a vehicle that you can add aftermarket skid plates and rock rails to, as well as recovery points. I've seen plenty of "4x4" SUV's severely damaged simply by going over a bump that then hits the rocker panel and puts a large dent in it. Many of these SUV's come with what I like to call "cosmetic skids". These are skid plates that are mainly for looks, but can't really take a hit. I've also seen these things stuck on trails that suddenly got more difficult. Pulling one of these SUV's out is a real pain, not to mention dangerous, if there are no real recovery points.

Look into Jeeps, Range Rovers, H3's & Toyota 4runners/FJ'S.

 

[marvdmartian]

It also might help to mention how big your family is, how many people, how old, etc. A full sized pickup truck with a crew cab will handle fairly large people, but I wouldn't try to put more than 4 people in one for any appreciable amount of time, ya know?

 

[getbush]

With that kind of price ceiling you can't go wrong with a 4runner. They're awesome vehicles. If you need more size there is the Seqouia. The Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia etc are really nice, as are the Tahoe/Yukon. Those are your best bets.

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: JeepinEd
The terrain in areas that are 4x4 required can vary greatly.
How difficult of a trail are you planning to enter?

QFT!

At the extremes you are usually best suited renting something built for off-road rather than a hybrid on/off road vehicle.

Also don't assume 4x4 means all terrain. Only a few 4x4's out there are what I'd call something truly off-road worthy.

All that said, driving in extreme off road conditions esp with family is not for everyone. It's easy to get yourself in a serious accident.

Those skid plates that Jeep is talking about are like those found on many of the 'luxury' SUV's...just a glorfied plastic cover. On a real terrtain they end up getting torn off and causing more damage than helping.

People around here try to go mudding and offroad with the big boys in there H3's and other $60k SUVs thinking they'd show Joe Redneck how his F150 with vertical stacks is just a clunker, only to have it actually be the rig that pulls them out from under water and hydrolocked.

 

[iamwiz82]

Originally posted by: alkemyst
People around here try to go mudding and offroad with the big boys in there H3's and other $60k SUVs thinking they'd show Joe Redneck how his F150 with vertical stacks is just a clunker, only to have it actually be the rig that pulls them out from under water and hydrolocked.

That never happens.
😉

 

[Colt45]

My bloody car is more capable than a lot of "SUV"s...

an awful lot of them are just designed for getting groceries.

 

[oddyager]

Thanks all. This is very good info. My family will be 4 adults and 1 child regarding size. As far as type of terrain, it won't be nothing too rough. Trail rating would probably be 3 and below but for the most part these are unmaintained dirt roads as mentioned. Theoretically 2WD would work on them but some of these parks have them cordoned off with a ranger and won't let anyone that don't have 4wd or awd through. 🙁

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: iamwiz82

Originally posted by: alkemyst
People around here try to go mudding and offroad with the big boys in there H3's and other $60k SUVs thinking they'd show Joe Redneck how his F150 with vertical stacks is just a clunker, only to have it actually be the rig that pulls them out from under water and hydrolocked.

That never happens.
😉

That looks just like the mudding places along Okeechobee Blvd here in Florida. The is exactly the type of thing you will see along side of it.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: oddyager
Thanks all. This is very good info. My family will be 4 adults and 1 child regarding size. As far as type of terrain, it won't be nothing too rough. Trail rating would probably be 3 and below but for the most part these are unmaintained dirt roads as mentioned. Theoretically 2WD would work on them but some of these parks have them cordoned off with a ranger and won't let anyone that don't have 4wd or awd through. 🙁

You a Mormon or something? 😛

 

[oddyager]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: oddyager
Thanks all. This is very good info. My family will be 4 adults and 1 child regarding size. As far as type of terrain, it won't be nothing too rough. Trail rating would probably be 3 and below but for the most part these are unmaintained dirt roads as mentioned. Theoretically 2WD would work on them but some of these parks have them cordoned off with a ranger and won't let anyone that don't have 4wd or awd through. 🙁

You a Mormon or something? 😛

LOL, no. 🙂 Wife, our 2 oldest boys and our youngest.

 

[rbV5]

I've put ~ 18,000 miles on my 4X4 KIA Sorento EX and still like it quite alot (almost 2 years).

It's a pretty comfortable vehicle to drive with great styling, a nice interior and a solid feel. The 5 speed Shiftronic Automatic is excellent with its auto/manual modes. It's also a real 4x4 with Low/High range transfer case and a real frame (and a bit harsher ride).

It's a very capable offroader with decent ground clearance. I haven't pushed it into anything too extreme, but I've run it through pretty primitive "roads" complete with some creek crossings, steep terrain, washouts and plenty of rugged rocks without it missing a beat. Had it in deep packed snow a couple times last winter as well, no problem at all.

I've had the driver's seat electic control replaced recently (warranty), otherwise it has been completely trouble-free.

Mine's a 2005, the newer models have a larger engine with considerably more horsepower and towing capacity upped to 5000lbs (from 3500lbs)

I got the higher end "EX" model nearly fully loaded and also had enough left over to buy my wife a new Tiburon GT and still be thousands under your $50K limit.