SUV buying help

[UNhooked]

So with an expanding family we are looking to buy a SUV this year.

Requirements:
1) 3rd Row Seats
2) Reliable
3) No Toyota


Short list.
Buick Enclave/GMC Acadia, Volvo XC90, Mazda CX9, Nissan Pathfinder/Infinity JX, Audi Q7, Dodge Durango R/T.

Don't care for Honda Pilot, MDX, Highlander.

Not sure about the Jeep Diesel version for the Grand Cherokee. The premium required for the Diesel engine is too steep in my opinion.

Nissan Pathfinder: Test drove it and while it was nice it didn't really do anything for me.

Buick Enclave: Really liked this a lot. Was my top choice and now even my wife likes it. Also separately test drove the Acadia with similar driving impressions.

Dodge Durango R/T: Now this one pleasantly surprised me. Not sure how the regular version is but boy this R/T was one tight SUV. The HEMI was a pleasure to drive and the R/T was planted to the road. It did have little more road noise and it did feel the road more than the Enclave or the Pathfinder, I still enjoyed it. My only concern is reliability with this one

Plan to drive the XC90 and CX 9 pretty soon. Audi Q7 might be priced out of my budget. Will need to look for a used one.

In the end however I think it'll come down to Enclave or the R/T Dodge.

Anyone care to chime in. Atm I am leaning more towards the Dodge since I feel it offers a lot for the money.

 

[Dr. Detroit]

Grand Cherokee does not have a 3rd row -

Add in the Ford Explorer & Hyundai Santa Fe & Honda Pilot
The Pathfinder /JX has horrible transmission issues.
CX-9 & Enclave/Acadia twins are getting quite old and need a big freshening

 

[UNhooked]

Grand Cherokee does not have a 3rd row -

Add in the Ford Explorer & Hyundai Santa Fe & Honda Pilot
The Pathfinder /JX has horrible transmission issues.
CX-9 & Enclave/Acadia twins are getting quite old and need a big freshening

Drove the Ford Explorer didn't like it. Santa Fe/Sorento didn't interest me or my wife so didn't consider it.

Honda Pilot we aren't sure about yet. Just haven't given it a serious thought.
We also looked at the MDX but wife prefers the Enclave's interior over the MDX and I would agree with her.

 

[uclabachelor]

So with an expanding family we are looking to buy a SUV this year.

Requirements:
1) 3rd Row Seats
2) Reliable
3) No Toyota


Short list.
Buick Enclave/GMC Acadia, Volvo XC90, Mazda CX9, Nissan Pathfinder/Infinity JX, Audi Q7, Dodge Durango R/T.

Don't care for Honda Pilot, MDX, Highlander.

Not sure about the Jeep Diesel version for the Grand Cherokee. The premium required for the Diesel engine is too steep in my opinion.

Nissan Pathfinder: Test drove it and while it was nice it didn't really do anything for me.

Buick Enclave: Really liked this a lot. Was my top choice and now even my wife likes it. Also separately test drove the Acadia with similar driving impressions.

Dodge Durango R/T: Now this one pleasantly surprised me. Not sure how the regular version is but boy this R/T was one tight SUV. The HEMI was a pleasure to drive and the R/T was planted to the road. It did have little more road noise and it did feel the road more than the Enclave or the Pathfinder, I still enjoyed it. My only concern is reliability with this one

Plan to drive the XC90 and CX 9 pretty soon. Audi Q7 might be priced out of my budget. Will need to look for a used one.

In the end however I think it'll come down to Enclave or the R/T Dodge.

Anyone care to chime in. Atm I am leaning more towards the Dodge since I feel it offers a lot for the money.

The Nissan Rogue can seat up to 7 also... although the third row seat is pretty compact and leaves little room in the trunk.

CX9 is pretty bang for the buck if you don't care about tech/gadgets/luxury in the car.

Infiniti QX60 or QX80 is not bad, but is overpriced for what you get.

 

[phucheneh]

No idea how you would get seven people in a Rogue. You sure you're not thinking Murano? The latter is bigger, but I've never seen either with a third row. The Rogue is really just a Sentra. A roomier, taller, generally better-equipped Sentra...but still a Sentra.

The newer Pathfinders and the JX are basically minivans based on the Altima platform.

The Durango is the oddball of the group, being more of an actual truck. Nothing else on your list is RWD-based. Well, other than the Q7, but I'd group that with the Volvo under the heading of 'will put you in the poorhouse.' No real personal experience with the Audi, but...meh. It's a big Audi. I somehow don't see it winning any reliability contests.

What I would voice much more strongly is that the XC90 is an antiquated piece of crap that has never been good. The XC60 and XC70 are much better cars.

 

[uclabachelor]

No idea how you would get seven people in a Rogue. You sure you're not thinking Murano?

I'm not kidding... the new Rogue seats 7 (tiny people).

 

[KentState]

Got an Acadia last month and it's working out well. We can easily seat 3 adults, 1 baby in a carseat, stroller and a 2 hour shopping trip to Costco with room to spare. I have also sat in the 3rd row and can see doing that for a couple hours without complaint.

http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2370388

 

[UNhooked]

Got an Acadia last month and it's working out well. We can easily seat 3 adults, 1 baby in a carseat, stroller and a 2 hour shopping trip to Costco with room to spare. I have also sat in the 3rd row and can see doing that for a couple hours without complaint.

http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2370388

I test drove the Acadia and the Enclave and liked both. Wife liked the interior of the Enclave so if it comes down to it the Acadia and Enclave, we will more than likely go with the Enclave.

What I am having a hard time deciding is between the Enclave and the Dodge R/T. Like someone said earlier, it's a true truck with RWD (although I'll be going with the AWD) and it pulls like a car.

Wife likes the XC90 but told her its' very unreliable. But the safety aspect of the car has her sold.

 

[NutBucket]

I like the xc90 too but the third row is ridiculous. The GM triplets are the only ones with decent space imho. We have an Acadia too but a 2012.

 

[sdifox]

Have you looked at minivans? I am doing the same contemplation. I also pegged the Enclave as the most likely candidate.

Wife however is a Toyota myth believer

 

[UNhooked]

Have you looked at minivans? I am doing the same contemplation. I also pegged the Enclave as the most likely candidate.

Wife however is a Toyota myth believer

Minivans are out. Wife doesn't want them.

 

[sdifox]

Minivans are out. Wife doesn't want them.

Mine was thinking that way before too, now she sees merit :awe:

 

[Scarpozzi]

I think we may be in the same boat. I'm looking to replace my Buick Regal because we have a second kid to be born any week now. The Regal has a small back seat and my car is over 10 years old....It's been alright for one car seat, but I have to push my seat all the way back and know my daughter is going to be kicking my seat when she gets moved behind me.

I'm on the verge of either going full-parent and getting a van (Odyssey, Quest, or Sienna) or getting another SUV or car with a larger back seat (for gas mileage and decreased upfront cost).

I know you said no Toyota, but I wanted to say we bought a 2011 4Runner (black) and like it. The doors are a little thin and have a few small parking lot dings from other ppls' doors(jerks), but the engine power and SR5 features are great. It came with sunroof, 3rd row seating, roof rack, running boards, XM, bluetooth, and power seats, I had the dealership install leather for $32k + tax total. (it's 2wd because a tow is cheaper than the $4k for 4wd). 3rd row is alright, but not really usable for an adult or full time. It's more of a jump seat when you need one...

I test drove an XC90 before buying the 4runner and thought the engine was way underpowered for the weight of the vehicle. I felt like it was a really nice vehicle, but didn't wear well as we saw some 3 year old models and how the interior started to fall apart from use. I like to look at used models when evaluating new ones. I really like the styling of the Volvo though and the doors are VERY solid/safe feeling, plus I like the BLIS system and the overall feel. The 3rd row is also very small and more of a jump seat than a full time seat. What got me was the price point. I want to say it was $41-42k on the lot and I was told I could get it for about $38k because Volvo holds invoice about $4-5k over retail and they don't sell many.

My cousin has a 2010 Chevy Traverse. The 3rd row in that is somewhat roomier than others. It drives like a car and is spacious. I'm not keen on the styling, but utility beats looks.

I want to check out the Tahoe...I think they have an optional 3rd row and really you have to go up to the larger size SUVs to have that as an option. The vans, despite their looks and stigma are probably the most sensible vehicles....it makes me cringe to say that, but I figure in the case of a van purchase, for us, it'd be the most temporary investment we would make....I might look at higher mileage vans just to cut my losses when it's time to sell in 4-5 years.

 

[UNhooked]

I think we may be in the same boat. I'm looking to replace my Buick Regal because we have a second kid to be born any week now. The Regal has a small back seat and my car is over 10 years old....It's been alright for one car seat, but I have to push my seat all the way back and know my daughter is going to be kicking my seat when she gets moved behind me.

I'm on the verge of either going full-parent and getting a van (Odyssey, Quest, or Sienna) or getting another SUV or car with a larger back seat (for gas mileage and decreased upfront cost).

I know you said no Toyota, but I wanted to say we bought a 2011 4Runner (black) and like it. The doors are a little thin and have a few small parking lot dings from other ppls' doors(jerks), but the engine power and SR5 features are great. It came with sunroof, 3rd row seating, roof rack, running boards, XM, bluetooth, and power seats, I had the dealership install leather for $32k + tax total. (it's 2wd because a tow is cheaper than the $4k for 4wd). 3rd row is alright, but not really usable for an adult or full time. It's more of a jump seat when you need one...

I test drove an XC90 before buying the 4runner and thought the engine was way underpowered for the weight of the vehicle. I felt like it was a really nice vehicle, but didn't wear well as we saw some 3 year old models and how the interior started to fall apart from use. I like to look at used models when evaluating new ones. I really like the styling of the Volvo though and the doors are VERY solid/safe feeling, plus I like the BLIS system and the overall feel. The 3rd row is also very small and more of a jump seat than a full time seat. What got me was the price point. I want to say it was $41-42k on the lot and I was told I could get it for about $38k because Volvo holds invoice about $4-5k over retail and they don't sell many.

My cousin has a 2010 Chevy Traverse. The 3rd row in that is somewhat roomier than others. It drives like a car and is spacious. I'm not keen on the styling, but utility beats looks.

I want to check out the Tahoe...I think they have an optional 3rd row and really you have to go up to the larger size SUVs to have that as an option. The vans, despite their looks and stigma are probably the most sensible vehicles....it makes me cringe to say that, but I figure in the case of a van purchase, for us, it'd be the most temporary investment we would make....I might look at higher mileage vans just to cut my losses when it's time to sell in 4-5 years.

While Toyota may make good cars. I just can't stand their dealerships, 3 times I have been to a Toyota dealership and 3 times I have had bad experiences.

So I have sworn off Toyota for now. With that said however I would gladly forget about it if I was buying an ISF or LFA

 

[Spicedaddy]

At least go see the Hyundai Santa Fe imo...

But it sounds like you're already sold on the Enclave, so get what you like best.

 

[UNhooked]

At least go see the Hyundai Santa Fe imo...

But it sounds like you're already sold on the Enclave, so get what you like best.

Checked out the Santa Fe/Kia Sorento at the auto show and it didn't tickle me or my wife. Thought it was way too hard get in and out to get of the 3rd row seat. Mind you we aren't exactly tall couple. I am 5'7 and my wife is 5'0 lol. Ironically the Veracruz was on our list earlier but they stopped making it.

So it's out. Atm it's between the Dodge R/T and Enclave.

Will be test driving the CX9 this weekend. We may even check out the Lincoln MKT since the wife likes it. I personally think it looks like a Hearst.

 

[richardycc]

you are really doing yourself a disservice if you are excluding the 2014 Toyota highlander from your list, especially it's the dealers you are having problem with, if the car is good, you rarely need to go back to the dealership anyway. you should at least do a test drive.

 

[UNhooked]

you are really doing yourself a disservice if you are excluding the 2014 Toyota highlander from your list, especially it's the dealers you are having problem with, if the car is good, you rarely need to go back to the dealership anyway. you should at least do a test drive.

Good point. I'll check it out as well. What's the main diff between the 4Runner and Highlander?

 

[desy]

4 runner is body on frame truck based
Highlander is unibody car based

 

[JulesMaximus]

Good point. I'll check it out as well. What's the main diff between the 4Runner and Highlander?

Highlander will give a nicer ride. 4Runner is more truck like, not as good for sleeping babies.

If you have a credit union or USAA you might try getting a quote through them before even setting foot in a dealership. I went through USAA when I bought my car and got a substantial amount off MSRP (almost $4k) and excellent financing along with quotes from 3 different dealerships. No haggling at all and no pressure (I bought a Toyota).

 

[Scarpozzi]

Highlander will give a nicer ride. 4Runner is more truck like, not as good for sleeping babies.

My baby begs to differ....she sleeps all the time in our 4Ruuner.

Honestly, 4Runner is like a Tacoma (small truck) with a decent interior @SR5 features.

Highlander around here is actually more expensive because its market is slightly older folks that may not need/want the slightly larger capacity. You can get 4Runner with optional 3rd row....not available in Highlander.

Go drive a 4Runner....it drives like a car....nothing like my F150.

 

[NutBucket]

I thought they stopped offering a third row in the 4runner?

 

[Scarpozzi]

I thought they stopped offering a third row in the 4runner?

The 2014 still offers it as an option, but just saw a Highlander commercial and apparently the new ones have a 3rd row. The body looks bigger too.

 

[nerp]

Get the Durango. They're going to slap the Jeep logo on it and call it a Wagoneer and charge $15,000 more for it. It's a fantastic vehicle. Reliability will be fine. There's a reason it keep getting glowing reviews and high ratings. Plus it's safe and you are transporting a family. Not only that, it's the best looking third-row SUV on the market. And the HEMI is a great engine. Plus you can tow the hell out of it if you want.

But you might want to test drive the Pentastar v6 with the 8-speed transmission. It's very smooth and the fuel economy is better.

You'll go from a Durango to a GMC or Chevy Suburban and suddenly it feels like you've stepped back a generation.

Not that I'm a big fan of Autoblog, but listen to the latest podcast (no. 374) and you'll hear Mike Harley go on and on and on about how impressive it is.

Chrysler reliability now is not a concern. Anecdotally, I've had 0 issues with my Charger and multiple friends and associates of mine drive newer Chrysler products and everyone is happy with no issues. There is still lingering bias out there and the Dodge brand is not looked favorably upon, but that will change, especially when you use your Durango to tow your buddy's Audi to the garage a few times 10 years from now.

 

[KentState]

Get the Durango. They're going to slap the Jeep logo on it and call it a Wagoneer and charge $15,000 more for it. It's a fantastic vehicle. Reliability will be fine. There's a reason it keep getting glowing reviews and high ratings. Plus it's safe and you are transporting a family. Not only that, it's the best looking third-row SUV on the market. And the HEMI is a great engine. Plus you can tow the hell out of it if you want.

But you might want to test drive the Pentastar v6 with the 8-speed transmission. It's very smooth and the fuel economy is better.

You'll go from a Durango to a GMC or Chevy Suburban and suddenly it feels like you've stepped back a generation.

Not that I'm a big fan of Autoblog, but listen to the latest podcast (no. 374) and you'll hear Mike Harley go on and on and on about how impressive it is.

Chrysler reliability now is not a concern. Anecdotally, I've had 0 issues with my Charger and multiple friends and associates of mine drive newer Chrysler products and everyone is happy with no issues. There is still lingering bias out there and the Dodge brand is not looked favorably upon, but that will change, especially when you use your Durango to tow your buddy's Audi to the garage a few times 10 years from now.

The redesigned 2015 Chevy/GMC SUV's are a complete redesign and IMO are very current.