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

jerem0621
Explorer II
Apr 09, 2019
My wife has a Lincoln MKC with the 2.0 Ecoboost and it's amazing. Best handling and most fun SUV we have owned.

Thanks!

Jeremiah
parker_rowe
Explorer
Apr 08, 2019
Funny all the Traverse love so far.

I'll add some more...we had a first gen Traverse for a few years. My wife loved it. Easily her favorite vehicle so far.

Smooth ride, smooth power deliver, easy to drive, usable 3rd row, flat load floor. We even took it out on the beach a few times in NC and the AWD did the job fine.

She really wanted another one, but we found a loaded 1 year old Caravan RT for almost $10K less, and it was easier to load and had more cargo room when she uses it for her business.

But she was still thinking real hard about that Traverse!
ppine
Explorer II
Apr 08, 2019
I am going through the same process. My girl likes Jeeps because her Dad was a Jeep mechanic. She has a Liberty but we are looking at Grand Cherokees. The Japanese SUVs last and have simple maintenance. I like the Lexus, and Toyota lines. The Highlander and Sequoia seem nice. I would even consider a Ford Expedition. We are looking for a larger vehicle that can fit the 3 dogs for longer trips, then we do not have to take the PU all the time.
SweetLou
Explorer
Apr 08, 2019
It was mentioned about some Subarus. I have a 2019 Outback but there is the Forester as well as the Ascent. I am happy with mine
Ron3rd
Explorer III
Apr 06, 2019
All the choices you are considering are good and they're all $40K++,; the wife loves her 8 year old Chevy Traverse and would buy another one. The new Traverse is even nicer. It's been a very reliable SUV for her.
LanceRKeys
Explorer
Apr 06, 2019
APT wrote:
I really like my Subaru Outback 3.6L. I think it is a pretty good value for size and features. If you only need 2 rows of seats, there is a lot of space inside for people and gear. The CVT is very smooth. Outstanding resale value. It sits lower than the others as it is more of a tall wagon, but drives great.

We also have a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse LT on lease. It rides great with decent room for our family of 5. Not as big as Suburban, but rides and drives far better.

If you are stuck on Toyotas, wait for 2020 models with Apple Carplay/Android Auto.

We had a traverse for a while and I really liked it. Third row folded flat, smooth ride. I would get one again if that is what my wife picked.
GeoBoy
Explorer
Apr 06, 2019
2manytoyz wrote:
We purchased a a new 2017 4Runner TRD Pro. I purchased it through the internet, and save about $5K off the sticker price. Normally, that's not a big deal, but the TRD Pro model is harder to get, and dealers typically jack up the price due to demand. Pays to shop online!
Fantastic vehicle. Legendary reliability. Local friend has 350K on his already, no problems, and has no plans to get anything newer.

Ours is the Toyota Racing Development version. Fancy interior, upgraded suspension, 4WD, rear locker, etc.

Now that is one nice vehicle.:B
APT
Explorer
Apr 06, 2019
I really like my Subaru Outback 3.6L. I think it is a pretty good value for size and features. If you only need 2 rows of seats, there is a lot of space inside for people and gear. The CVT is very smooth. Outstanding resale value. It sits lower than the others as it is more of a tall wagon, but drives great.

We also have a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse LT on lease. It rides great with decent room for our family of 5. Not as big as Suburban, but rides and drives far better.

If you are stuck on Toyotas, wait for 2020 models with Apple Carplay/Android Auto.
westernrvparkow
Explorer
Apr 05, 2019
If the budget allows, the German SUVs are a cut above in performance. BMW and Audi both have models in the $35k range. Next up is Mercedes and at the top stands Porsche. None of those are your grandmother's SUV.
patperry2766
Explorer II
Apr 05, 2019
Kia does have a new model for 2020 called the Telluride. Don't know if it's out yet but it looks good.

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