Old fart family mobile showdown: '08 Highlander versus Acadia/Outlook/Enclave

[TheAdvocate]

Wife and I are thinking about child #2, so its about time to give up at least one of our small cars for the convenience of the family truckster (just having plenty of room for child seats is something you dont appreciate til you live it - try getting an angry toddler into a childseat crammed in the back of a small sedan. Fun times).

Anyway - the Highlander looks like it's been "redesigned" as a less expensive, near 100% clone of the super popular Lexus GX 470 (a vehicle I really love). I sat in one last weekend, and it's pretty damn nice. I don't think pictures do it justice. You get a 3rd row fold down, and lots of options, but its awful expensive (mid 30's with any options). MPG seems pretty decent too.

I really like the Acadia, but I haven't driven one. Worried about mileage, resale, and 1st gen design issues. Also never owned a GM vehicle. I usually play it safe and drive Toyotas, etc.

Would love to hear from someone who actually owns either vehicle.

 

[Dman877]

TWO kids? You definitely need a minivan.

But seriously, why not a midsize sedan or wagon? I had no trouble with child seats in my TSX...

 

[TheAdvocate]

Originally posted by: Dman877
TWO kids? You definitely need a minivan.

But seriously, why not a midsize sedan or wagon? I had no trouble with child seats in my TSX...

man, more power to you if you wanna wrestle kids into a TSX. My son is an angel until you try to tie him up, then he becomes the tazmanian devil. Plus, our smaller cars use the older hookups for the child seats. The newer ones are so much easier to deal with, and we can pull the seats out easily, and haul all of the baby crap in a larger car.

I dont mind the small car for across town, but when we drive to the in laws 8 hours away... no thanks.

 

[Funyuns101]

How about the 2008 Honda Pilot?
There's a new one coming out soon so you should be able to snag one of the outgoing models for cheaper.

 

[caspur]

Fortunately for you, I have both the Acadia (and/or Enclave, Outlook) and new Highlander.

The GM trio are the some of the most innovative, comfortable and well-equipped SUVs on the market. The ride is fantastic, features (I especially like the twin sunroofs and the power liftgate), and interior design are exemplary. Unfortunately, high sticker prices (greater than 40k for the loaded Enclave) plus depreciation make these hard to recommend.

The Toyota products are also solid. The new Highlander is a bit bland, the high level one (with the push button start, leather, etc.) does emulate the Lexus quite well. It is not quite a clone of the Lexus GX, however, which has a much higher quality interior along with a more isolated cabin. In addition. the GX is more of a truck based SUV, with a transfer case 4wd system.

The new Highlander is larger and more spacious the the old one (but smaller inside than the GMs) , it does feel quite nimble and powerful. Fuel economy is good, I get around 20mpg (I only get approx. 18mpg in the GMs). Its apt to be more reliable according to Consumer Reports and would likely hold its resale value well.

Between the two choices, personally I'm almost always driving the GM trio, (I like the Enclave over the others because of the pretty blue angel eyes/xenon combination and the bling 19" chrome wheels). I don't keep cars more than 3-4 days, so long term ownership issues don't come up.

However, to purchase one or the other, the Highlander would be the more responsible recommendation, where real-world factors of price, fuel economy, resale, and reliability come into play.

 

[caspur]

As an addition to the earlier post:

If you have two kids with child seats, it is far easier having a minivan than a regular SUV. The floor on a minivan is lower (because there is no transmission tunnel) but the overall cabin is higher. Furthermore, there is more clearance with sliding doors (which opens wider than conventional doors to facilitate access to the middle row).

However, if you must have an SUV, look for one that offers captains chairs in the middle row, which separates the kids and keeps them from fighting, biting, mating, or whatever it is that kids do when they are in close proximity to one another.

 

[TheAdvocate]

How come I feel like I owe you money now?

Well presented. Thanks for the info and advice.

 

[Dr. Detroit]

Highlander is based off the Camry platform and with all the problems/recalls surrounding the drivetrain of the V6 Camry I would not go with the Highlander.

besides the 'yota is bland in styling and not nearly as roomy as the GM triplets.

The Saturn gives you the most luxury for the cheapest price so I'd go with thaat provided they are dealing on price. Acadias should be an easy $4-5K off MSRP.

 

[krunchykrome]

CRV too small?

 

[dug777]

One of my mates' olds have a Kluger (Highlander here), and they've got nothing but praise for it, using it on the gravel all year round...

 

[radioouman]

Originally posted by: caspur... I don't keep cars more than 3-4 days, so long term ownership issues don't come up. ...

3-4 days?? Wow!

 

[zoiks]

Acadia is pretty cool looking.