Mrs 12GA is in the market for a new SUV to replace her 2007 Ford Explorer. We would like seating for six. What do we like?

Question:
What 2019 SUV under $40k should Mrs 12GA buy?

Choices:
GMC Arcadia
Toyota Highlander
Honda Pilot
Subaru Ascent
Other

 

All of those are kinda snug in the third row. I liked the Pilot and Highlander at the car show. Today I looked at an Ascent. Looked nicely done and roomy, but $40k on the sticker.

For third row seating used for anything but kids, I think you really need to move up to a larger vehicle class. Adults will not be comfy.

A few of those choices will handle 6 riders, but realize that with that many people on board, there will be little to no additional storage.

Everything I've read about the Ascent seems to be glowing. It's got more room than a Highlander, plus AWD and Eyesight standard

The Highlander has a good rep but I like the 4Runner.

I just did that evaluation and bought the 2018 pilot.

So far I am happy with it.

The 2019 will have wireless apple play, I have to plug in the phone for apple play.

It connects with Bluetooth to make calls automatically without plugging in.

I am getting about 19.5 mpg with mostly city commute.

The millage has been improving as it breaks in.

quote:

Originally posted by chellim1:
The Highlander has a good rep but I like the 4Runner.

Isn’t the 4Runner a 5 passenger?

I do not think any of them are a true six person. I would say a suburban or expedition or Sequioa

quote:

Originally posted by old rugged cross:
I do not think any of them are a true six person. I would say a suburban or expedition or Sequioa

I think all 3 of those choices will put us outside of the $40k parameter.

Check with Black92Lx, he is very knowledgable on the Ford Expedition/Excursion and said new last year models could be had under $40k . I would trust him and what he knows.

4runner and CRV feel much smaller.

They are comfortable for 4 and 5 is a squeeze.
My wife drives a CRV, I tend to like Honda vs Toyota.

Dodge Durango with Hemi

They ride REALLY well.

quote:

Originally posted by 12GA:

quote:

Originally posted by chellim1:
The Highlander has a good rep but I like the 4Runner.

Isn’t the 4Runner a 5 passenger?

Ya... but they are cool...
Go with the TRD Off-Road
https://www.toyota.com/4runner/

quote:

I do not think any of them are a true six person. I would say a suburban or expedition or Sequioa

I think that's right... you are going to have to go bigger if there's anyone but a child in the third row.

Wifey and I test drove an Acadia this evening. If your third row passengers are much over about 5 feet tall and less than extremely limber, they will have a heckuva time getting into the third row.

Upstate NY? Subaru's AWD will handle your winters the best. Plus their Eyesight is proven.

Highlander

We have a 2018 Highlander. Haven't sat in the back yet but unless the people sitting back there are 6' tall, shouldn't have an issue. What will be an issue is space for luggage, stroller, etc. if that's needed. For us, it's not an issue as I have a hitch rack for storage of non-essential items when we take trips.

quote:

Originally posted by 12GA:

quote:

Originally posted by chellim1:
The Highlander has a good rep but I like the 4Runner.

Isn’t the 4Runner a 5 passenger?

Some 4Runners are offered with the third row.

Gotta move a lot of people?

Wanna move them in realative comfort?

Get yerself one a dem there passenger vans. They ain't sexy, they just haul masses. Shoot there's even some space for cargo in the back.

Or, cram 5 pounds of taters in a 2 pound bag.

Good luck on the search.

edited for typos

This message has been edited. Last edited by: ffips,

quote:

Originally posted by ffips:
Gotta move a lot of people?

Wanna move them in realat I've comfort?

Get yerself one a dem there passenger vans. They ain't sexy, they just haul masses.

We spend 5 months of the year driving in snow. I don’t think a van is going to cut the mustard during the winter months.

quote:

Originally posted by 12GA:

quote:

Originally posted by ffips:
Gotta move a lot of people?

Wanna move them in realative comfort?

Get yerself one a dem there passenger vans. They ain't sexy, they just haul masses.

We spend 5 months of the year driving in snow. I don’t think a van is going to cut the mustard during the winter months.

I get that driving in winter conditions can be challenging.

I made some assumptions with my answer. I assumed full sized adults or the potential of car seats. I also assumed space needed for stuff like luggage or groceries etc.

Is your concern with the van size, ground clearance, or not having AWD or 4x4? Do you regularly traverse unplowed roads?

Are you set on mid sized SUVs? I compared dimensions of an explorer and expedition. They are a lot closer in size than you might think. There is only a 8.2" difference in overall length. That might make a world of difference in the 3rd row comfort.

Just tossing out ideas. I trend toward function and comfort.