Forum Discussion

Busskipper's avatar
Busskipper
Explorer
Jun 10, 2016

Need a Newer Toad - 7 passenger SUV - Commander orExplorer

Looking to get a Newer Toad - my 2001 275,000 mile MDX is almost done.

Options?

Jeep Commander Limited - Good - is Off Road 4x4 - BAD - Jeep.

Explorer Limited - Good - Ford, tame off road nicer - Bad?

MDX 2006 is the last year with the Toab able transmission. Been a great car but just want to be sure there is something else that I should consider. Good - I have a great History with the old MDX - Bad hard to name anything I dislike other than would like a little more off road ability.

The MDX has been great and owes me nothing - but need to have a Toad that can haul at least 4 Granddaughters, would love the Jeep but it's a JEEP (Four Letter Word, in my book) Needs to be tame enough that DW will drive and use if we are out on the road for a while.

Looking on the Class A forum as these are the ones who IMHO Know what's out there.

Thanks, Give me as much info as possible - good, bad and OTHER.

Busskipper
Class A
  • dkreuzen's avatar
    dkreuzen
    Explorer
    Jun 10, 2016
    You might look at a Dodge Durango. It is basically a stretched out Jeep Grand Cherokee. It must have the 2-speed transfer case to be towable.
  • kalynzoo's avatar
    kalynzoo
    Explorer
    Jun 10, 2016
    I enjoy driving and towing my 2015 Ford Explorer. 4700lbs with 1/4 tank of gas and a few travel items in rear. No fuses to pull, although I do have a trickle line from the MH in the umbilical, just for my comfort. I understand, but am not sure: the 2016 may require a battery disconnect.
  • Busskipper's avatar
    Busskipper
    Explorer
    Jun 10, 2016
    Bruce Brown wrote:
    It all depends on what you're looking for. Friends of ours owned a Jeep Commander, I wouldn't own one. They now own a new Grand Cherokee and what a nice vehicle. I'm a fan - although I'm not sure you can get that in a 7 passenger.

    On the Explorer, we now own an Explorer Limited. It's a great vehicle, comfortable, quiet, decent on fuel, etc. The terrain management system they have works as advertised for the on-road stuff we do, we don't do any off roading with it.

    Also take a look at a Ford Flex. Thats what we owned before the Explorer, all I can say is drive one. That too was a great vehicle. The Explorer and Flex share the same basic driveline so that part is about the same. The Flex has a bit more of a car feel to it.


    Thanks, Bruce, that's what I was looking for - 7 Passenger info - the Flex is not an option just will not go Off Road (a little too Car Like and is really BIG - sure a nice driving vehicle though) Been twenty years since my last Explorer, and it is a strong option as it too is off road worthy(IMHO) I'm, looking to do the smoother Off Roads in Colorado - the Trails are to die for but most are not a big challenge, just need some clearance and to be able to lock up with one wheel off the ground. (Ford will do that? Right ?)

    Thanks for the feed back,

    Busskipper
  • Bruce_Brown's avatar
    Bruce_Brown
    Moderator
    Jun 10, 2016
    It all depends on what you're looking for. Friends of ours owned a Jeep Commander, I wouldn't own one. They now own a new Grand Cherokee and what a nice vehicle. I'm a fan - although I'm not sure you can get that in a 7 passenger.

    On the Explorer, we now own an Explorer Limited. It's a great vehicle, comfortable, quiet, decent on fuel, etc. The terrain management system they have works as advertised for the on-road stuff we do, we don't do any off roading with it.

    Also take a look at a Ford Flex. Thats what we owned before the Explorer, all I can say is drive one. That too was a great vehicle. The Explorer and Flex share the same basic driveline so that part is about the same. The Flex has a bit more of a car feel to it.
  • The_Texan's avatar
    The_Texan
    Explorer
    Jun 10, 2016
    Our 2011 Jeep Liberty has close to 100K on it and has had NO problems. It is flat towable and very comfortable on long trips.
  • hottubkid's avatar
    hottubkid
    Explorer
    Jun 10, 2016
    I have a 2003 with 104K driven and 84K towed and have been keeping my eyes open. Would like to know what you have decided. I'm thinking that when I replace it I just might have to order over seas to get a stick again. Please keep us informed
  • jplante4's avatar
    jplante4
    Explorer II
    Jun 10, 2016
    My informal study (looking at what everyone was towing over the winter on the road) shows that the most popular toad is the Honda CRV (pre-2105 models can be towed flat) followed by some kind of jeep, presumably with a manual transfer case so it can also be towed flat.

    Saw a smattering of Chevy Malibus, GMC and Buick SUVs.

About Motorhome Group

38,706 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 31, 2025