She currently has a 2009 Escape and it's getting passed down to son. So far she has looked at:Toyota Highlander...really likesToyota 4 Runner..Probably the preferred choice Ford Explorer..not interested because both engine options have a internal timing chain driven water pump. I don't like the potential for catastrophic engine failure if it starts leaking, plus it would be an expensive repairJeep Wrangler 4 door...Not enough rear seat legroom and minimal storage behind the back seatJeep Grand Cherokee...same issues as the WranglerDodge Durango...good amount of interior space and reviews seem to be pretty positive so far. Gonna test drive one tomorrowChevy/GMC...long shotHonda Pilot...doesnt like the stylingNissan Pathfinder...doesnt like stylingI guess so far the Durango has the most unexpected potential, so I just wanted to hear back from people who have one that can shed some light on the joy/hate of ownership.Thanks

I had two 4runners before and currently. Nothing can go wrong and still looks new despite being 12 years. Never kept a car more than 5 years off advise of mechanical engineer kin.It tows my 5,000 lbs trailer along longest steepest canyon roads in the West Coast and no sweat (maybe a little at I-395 against severed head winds).

If she likes the Toyota’s I would go there. They are great reliable vehicles. Did she look at the new Rav 4 it is more like the Escape, size wise?

GeoBoy wrote:If she likes the Toyota’s I would go there. They are great reliable vehicles. Did she look at the new Rav 4 it is more like the Escape, size wise?Was last summer when we looked at the Toyotas, so the new RAV-4 wasn't out yet. I guess we should look at it as well.

My wife bought me a 2014 Dodge Durango last year. We love it, rides great, decent fuel mileage, we have the V6 and plenty of room. The only thing we don't like is the transmission. Ours has the 6 speed and it hesitates to upshift at times. We drove a 2017 with 8 speed, I believe, and 100% better. Since my wife now drives the Durango, I'm considering a newer Durango SRT8 for myself.The Durango is also the only rear wheel drive of the bunch. Another reason we purchased it.

If your looking at the Rav4 why not compare the Honda CRV and Mazda CX5?I happen to really like the 2019 Chevy Blazer, you should check it out.

Trying to narrow down a short list of SUV for wife

drsteve
Explorer
Apr 05, 2019
Do you plan to tow something with it?
Bigfoot_affair
Nomad II
Apr 05, 2019
If your looking at the Rav4 why not compare the Honda CRV and Mazda CX5?

I happen to really like the 2019 Chevy Blazer, you should check it out.
Halmfamily
Explorer
Apr 05, 2019
My wife bought me a 2014 Dodge Durango last year. We love it, rides great, decent fuel mileage, we have the V6 and plenty of room. The only thing we don't like is the transmission. Ours has the 6 speed and it hesitates to upshift at times. We drove a 2017 with 8 speed, I believe, and 100% better. Since my wife now drives the Durango, I'm considering a newer Durango SRT8 for myself.

The Durango is also the only rear wheel drive of the bunch. Another reason we purchased it.
patperry2766
Explorer II
Apr 05, 2019
GeoBoy wrote:
If she likes the Toyota’s I would go there. They are great reliable vehicles. Did she look at the new Rav 4 it is more like the Escape, size wise?

Was last summer when we looked at the Toyotas, so the new RAV-4 wasn't out yet. I guess we should look at it as well.
GeoBoy
Explorer
Apr 04, 2019
If she likes the Toyota’s I would go there. They are great reliable vehicles. Did she look at the new Rav 4 it is more like the Escape, size wise?
Yosemite_Sam1
Explorer
Apr 04, 2019
I had two 4runners before and currently. Nothing can go wrong and still looks new despite being 12 years. Never kept a car more than 5 years off advise of mechanical engineer kin.

It tows my 5,000 lbs trailer along longest steepest canyon roads in the West Coast and no sweat (maybe a little at I-395 against severed head winds).

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Trying to narrow down a short list of SUV for wife

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