Wife is ready to upgrade her '14 Escape, and want a 3 row SUV for future kids and dog in the 3rd row.
We test drove the Toyota Highlander and Grand Highlander, she liked the space in the Grand Highlander (both 3rd row and cargo area). Space is a big factor when it comes to other models, they all have a cramped third row and virtually no room behind the third. We are also looking at the hybrid versions (not the Hybrid MAX), and to be honest the fuel economy on the Grand Highlander Hybrid is pretty damn good for the size at 32 hwy/36 city. Plus, the 2.5L hybrid setup is pretty tried and true in Toyota's lineup.
I'm wondering if we should even check out any other models, since the GHH seems to check all the boxes. From the sounds of it, the hybrid version can have a bit of a wait (2-4 months right now, depending on how specific you want your options to be), which we are okay with since her Escape is still running fine. It seems like a boring, no frills family SUV, but we aren't looking for anything exciting.
Other models we were considering were the Mazda CX-90, Kia Telluride, Hyundai Pallisade and VW Atlas.
CX-90 - Heard good things, however the PHEV seems to have had some growing pains and right now we don't have the ability to charge at home. So while I love the idea of a plug-in, it seems like dead weight once the battery discharges and it'll get the same 25mpg as the gas version. I like the way the CX-90 looks, both inside and out, more than the GH.
Telluride/Pallisade - These are options only because they're available. I'm not a huge fan of either brand, I know they have great warranties but I'm not sure about their reliability and I've heard horror stories trying to get warranty work done. Also, space-wise, these two options are much smaller than the GH. Third row is cramped on these two as well.
Atlas - An option because the wife's parents have one. We took it on a road trip a few weeks ago, and it was nice to drive but got awful gas mileage. I think we were averaging 22mpg on the highway, and I'm weary of owning a German car because of how expensive future repairs can be. Third row and cargo space seem to be equivalent to the GH, I just couldn't get over the terrible gas mileage.
Anything I'm missing, aside from a minivan? We prefer the ground clearance for western NY snow and off-road trail that leads back to my parent's cottage. We also have no ability to charge right now, so the PHEV and EV models aren't as appealing.
We test drove the Toyota Highlander and Grand Highlander, she liked the space in the Grand Highlander (both 3rd row and cargo area). Space is a big factor when it comes to other models, they all have a cramped third row and virtually no room behind the third. We are also looking at the hybrid versions (not the Hybrid MAX), and to be honest the fuel economy on the Grand Highlander Hybrid is pretty damn good for the size at 32 hwy/36 city. Plus, the 2.5L hybrid setup is pretty tried and true in Toyota's lineup.
I'm wondering if we should even check out any other models, since the GHH seems to check all the boxes. From the sounds of it, the hybrid version can have a bit of a wait (2-4 months right now, depending on how specific you want your options to be), which we are okay with since her Escape is still running fine. It seems like a boring, no frills family SUV, but we aren't looking for anything exciting.
Other models we were considering were the Mazda CX-90, Kia Telluride, Hyundai Pallisade and VW Atlas.
CX-90 - Heard good things, however the PHEV seems to have had some growing pains and right now we don't have the ability to charge at home. So while I love the idea of a plug-in, it seems like dead weight once the battery discharges and it'll get the same 25mpg as the gas version. I like the way the CX-90 looks, both inside and out, more than the GH.
Telluride/Pallisade - These are options only because they're available. I'm not a huge fan of either brand, I know they have great warranties but I'm not sure about their reliability and I've heard horror stories trying to get warranty work done. Also, space-wise, these two options are much smaller than the GH. Third row is cramped on these two as well.
Atlas - An option because the wife's parents have one. We took it on a road trip a few weeks ago, and it was nice to drive but got awful gas mileage. I think we were averaging 22mpg on the highway, and I'm weary of owning a German car because of how expensive future repairs can be. Third row and cargo space seem to be equivalent to the GH, I just couldn't get over the terrible gas mileage.
Anything I'm missing, aside from a minivan? We prefer the ground clearance for western NY snow and off-road trail that leads back to my parent's cottage. We also have no ability to charge right now, so the PHEV and EV models aren't as appealing.
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