Mid-Size SUV purchase opinion 

"philsphan09" (philsphan09) 09/23/2018 at 08:06 • Filed to: None

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Oppos- Would love to hear your opinion on Mid-Size SUVs. The family is expanding (dog will now have a human sibling) , so i’m looking for something a bit bigger than my Q5. So far I’ve looked at a CPO ‘17 Q7, leasing an ‘18 XC90, and have been researching the Subbie Ascent recently.

We drive to Florida every year , so was trying to find something with solid highway range. The one feature I love and must have is a pano sunroof (Which is unfortunate because I like the MDX / Acadia).

Any other SUVs you recommend based on experience? Thank you for the help! Photo I took this summer. Can anyone name the 4th car in? :)

Nibby > philsphan09 09/23/2018 at 08:37

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XC90 all the way! My cousin has a 2015, I believe first year of the new gen. I love driving it... it’s comfortable, smooth, not bad fuel economy (she averages 24mpg, mostly local) and the interior is REALLY nice.

Sovande > philsphan09 09/23/2018 at 08:42

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Volvo V90? Better gas mileage, better looking. Though s lightly less cargo room and towing capacity, if that’s a concern

philsphan09 > Nibby 09/23/2018 at 08:42

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That’s been my #1 to this point, especially with the  2019's coming in, the 2018's seem to be leasing fairly well

philsphan09 > Sovande 09/23/2018 at 08:43

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The cargo room is important, but I do love the look of the v90

Cash Rewards > philsphan09 09/23/2018 at 08:46

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We love our pilot. Not sure on the sunroof option. The thing about the pilot compared to the Volvo is that the pilot was clearly designed for small children. Volvo center console/shifter area is all nice and ergonomic. Pilot ha s a giant ugly storage bin. And it is so goddamn useful.

hike > philsphan09 09/23/2018 at 08:46

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The XC90 is a very good option. I'd personally throw in the Dodge Durango. 500 mile range on the highway, no problem, all 3rows are comfortable, uConnect is excellent and includes android auto/Apple carplay, and the v6 in it has been around long enough the problems are finally sorted. 

philsphan09 > Cash Rewards 09/23/2018 at 09:13

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I do love the new Pilots, do you live in an area with snow? If so, how does it perform?

ToyotaFamily > philsphan09 09/23/2018 at 09:17

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Toyota Highlander?

Limited trim and above have a pano roof option & are rated 24 highway.

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > philsphan09 09/23/2018 at 09:23

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I’ve driven them all (along with a very picky wife) and the only one we’ve agreed on is the X5. The Pilot felt too FWD-based for my liking. The XC90 is great but reliability concerns me even more than the BMW. Land Rover’s Disco Sport is also very, very nice and extremely affordable in the preowned market. 

f86sabre > philsphan09 09/23/2018 at 09:55

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Do you absolutely require AWD due to extreme weather? If not, then bite the bullet and get an Odyssey. I am not a mini van lover, our kid haulers for 10 years were a Mini and an Evo VIII, but when we needed something larger we looked at SUVs and vans. We did everything we could to avoid the van, but the SUVs were so compromised as far as cargo space and access. We came to the point where we had to face the facts that if those are our prime drivers we should get the vehicle that is optimized for the task.

The Odyssey drives nice, has 270 HP, lane departure and adaptive cruise. If you drive yearly from northern states to Florida then the Honda has a good entertainment system in the back for the little ones.

I kno, I know...

Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind 09/23/2018 at 10:13

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Volvo (mostly) seems to have their shit together these days. I’ve had my C30 for getting on 7 years now with no issues. My Dad has had his XC90 for.... 2 years (I think?) And also been trouble free. Long warranties too.

boxrocket > philsphan09 09/23/2018 at 10:25

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XC90 is a great choice.

Don’t forget the Mazda CX-9. Even though it’s a bit on the smaller side of the class, its superior handling is a worthwhile tradeoff if the vehicle is rarely full of people & cargo.

The top-tier Explorer and Flex (and MKT) aren’t to the same level of overall luxury as the Volvo and Mazda, but they’re very practical, functional, and a good value. Save money to use for diapers, food, babysitters, and a college fund. Also, if you can wait a year, the Aviator will be out, and it looks the business. Or get the Volvo lease and keep the Aviator in mind for when the XC90's due for replacement.

RX350L isn’t the prettiest, but you get Lexus quality and reliability. The infotainment system takes some getting used to but it’s not bad. I don’t have the ability to compare it to its cousin the Highlander, but if they’re close in size, I’d spend the extra dough on the Lexus.

Land Rover/Range Rover? If you’re only leasing, you should have a worry-free ownership experience.

The Honda/Acura twins are meh. Not bad, but they lose points for how unintuitive and frustrating the infotainment systems are, even with the resurrection of the volume knobs.

Avoid anything from gm like the traverse, Acadia, and enclave. You’ll do yourself a favor.

I’d avoid the VAG offerings (atlas, Q7, etc.) just based on long-term cost-of-ownership, plus that whole diesel emissions thing. You already have a Q5, though, so maybe you’re used to that.

Also avoid the Pathfinder and QX60. There’s better cars out there, no need to settle for those. And that CVT is just disappointing on so many levels.

boxrocket > hike 09/23/2018 at 10:28

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Durangos are OK but I’ve seen three with moon roof issues ($$$$) and the off-center center console bugs the heck out of me. I’d take a Durango over any of the comparable GM triplets, though.

E92M3 > philsphan09 09/23/2018 at 10:36

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Q7 is a good choice if you plan to get rid of it before the warranty expi res. If you plan to keep your purchase past 3 years I would suggest the MDX.

Tohru > philsphan09 09/23/2018 at 10:39

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Bronco II

Cash Rewards > philsphan09 09/23/2018 at 10:46

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Ww do, but had a very mild winter last year, so tough to say. Stock tires likely the limiting factor there though. They're getting replaced before this winter

QCGoose > philsphan09 09/23/2018 at 11:04

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If you must have an “SUV” instead of a minivan, then by all means take a look at the Ford Flex. It’s SOOO comfortable and has its own unique style instead of looking like every other annonymous blob on the road. It isn’t a pretender like 85% of the market, it embraces what it is: A giant box on wheels.

We’ve had our loaded ‘14 Limited FWD for over 4 years now and it’s been faultless. I can’t sing enough praises about its long-haul comfort and spaciousness. The seats are phenomenal, and the 2nd row has so much legroom. Even the 3rd row isn’t a penalty box for adults over a 2-3 hour drive.

Ours has the “Vista Roof” which gives a glass “sunroof-like viewing area” over the 2nd and 3rd rows. The MyFordTouch that so many reviewers have complained about has been easy for us since about five minutes after owning the car. We truly can’t understand the complaints about it.

Two things to consider, though: Fuel mileage, even in FWD guise, isn’t great, though ours has 20" wheels so those don’t help in stop-and-go driving. With non-ethanol gas, our Flex gets around 17-18 MPG city, and about 23 highway with minimal hills and cruise control in use. With mixed driving, my wife often sees the average at 19 or so when she fills the tank.

Also, with how enormous child carseats have become, if you plan on having more than one child where the two are in carseats at the same time, skip on the middle row bench and get the individual captain’s chairs. With two car seats in place on the bench, you can’t fold one side down to access the third row when you need it, and trust me, you WON’T want to be constantly switching your carseats from the 2nd and 3rd rows. Get the middle row captain’s chairs to leave the “aisle” open for 3rd row when it’s needed.

Unfortunately, because of that issue, and t he undeniable convenience of sliding doors and even more space and comfort, we’re looking to replace the Flex with a, you guessed it, minivan. It’s more my wife’s decision than mine because I LOVE our Flex so much, but she’s not wrong. For a family, especially an active one, there just is no vehicle better than a minivan.

OmerCarrothers333 > philsphan09 09/23/2018 at 11:06

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After the issues I’ve had with my 07 MDX, I have nothing good to say about it or the Pilot.

My wife and I (regretfully) decided to hold on to the MDX because we’re upside down on it, and wait another year or so to trade it in. Provided nothing else breaks.

That said, since you seem to like VAG vehicles, the new Tiguan and Atlas could be right up your alley. I would also suggest the CX-9 or the Mitsubishi Outlander. The Mazda can hustle on the twisties and is super upscale. The ‘Bishi in FWD is a competent machine, with plenty of room, it reminded me of a station wagon that sits higher.

Honestly, if I were in your shoes I’d keep the Q5 or go with an CX-5. Unless you have a St. Bernard or Great Dane, your kid and dog will have enough room.

But if you ABSOLUTLEY want an MDX, could I interest you in taking over the payments on mine? I have all the paperwork on everything I’ve done to it.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > philsphan09 09/23/2018 at 11:13

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CX9 signature? A little cheaper than a Volvo and in .y opinion stunning.  Save money for baby or other cars

nermal > philsphan09 09/23/2018 at 11:23

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Just get a crew cab 1/2 ton pickup. They’ll have more space inside and for stuff in the bed, and get low 20s highway mpgs for a gas one, high 20s for a diesel.

The Rams ride the best due to their suspension design, but otherwise pick which one looks best since you can’t really go wrong with any of them. There’s a yuuuuge difference between an Audi dealer and a domestic dealer, so be prepared for that .

philsphan09 > nermal 09/23/2018 at 11:33

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Lol, yeah that’s not happening. 

philsphan09 > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 09/23/2018 at 11:34

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OH I like that, looks lovely. 

philsphan09 > E92M3 09/23/2018 at 11:35

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Thanks, yeah that’s what actually puts me in this situation now.  My Q5 CPO warranty ends next year, so trying to sell it before the warranty ends

philsphan09 > OmerCarrothers333 09/23/2018 at 11:45

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T hat’s unfortunate the issues you’ve had.  I do really like the Atlas, but they stupidly gave it a small gas tank and the range is pretty poor. 

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > philsphan09 09/23/2018 at 11:49

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Honestly it’s the one I’d get. I really like Mazda and the punch above their weight and price.

OmerCarrothers333 > philsphan09 09/23/2018 at 11:51

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That’s unfortunate about the Atlas. I was contemplating eventually trading the MDX for one. Good luck on your search!

FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com > philsphan09 09/23/2018 at 12:11

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It’s a funny angle, but I’m pretty sure that’s an SSC Ultimate Aero 4th in:

philsphan09 > OmerCarrothers333 09/23/2018 at 12:41

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Thank you! Just looked at the fuel tank size of the Atlas vs Q7 (Similar size). Atlas is 18.5, Q7 is 22.5 !

philsphan09 > FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com 09/23/2018 at 12:42

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Yes sir!

philsphan09 > f86sabre 09/23/2018 at 12:52

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Yeah, because my wife will be using it to.  Hah, I really don’t mind the look / functionality of minivans, I just don’t know if I could ever down one. 

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > philsphan09 09/23/2018 at 12:56

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My dad loves his ‘12 MDX, which replaced his ‘01 MDX that had 275k miles on it. Third row on both were actually usable.

If you’re going to consider the Ascent, you may as well consider the Highlander. Probably more reliable in the the long run and similar quality of materials, interior-wise.

I can’t* speak for long-term ownership, buy the Q7 is definitely a nice place to be. I like the Tiguan L but the Atlas is probably more in line with what you’re looking for: biglier bigliness.

Maybe do a little research on the Sequoia, although it is freaking huge.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind 09/23/2018 at 12:57

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Can you get a 3rd row in the Disco?

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > OmerCarrothers333 09/23/2018 at 12:58

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What's wrong with the MDX?

f86sabre > philsphan09 09/23/2018 at 13:47

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Trust me, I feel you there. When we had to swap out the Evo as the family hauler I offered my wife whatever she wanted. We test drove most all the major SUVs and vans. The fact was that the Odyssey was just better than everything under $50k. Rode better, handled better, was about the quickest of the V6s, would get 30 MPH on the highway and had twice the utility of a “utility” vehicle. I hated that all of that was true.

You can put the rear seats down, have a full kennel for  the pup, a cooler, stroller and put the baby in the middle row and still have room for grandma and grandpa.

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 09/23/2018 at 18:36

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Little known secret, but the Disco Sports are ALL third row SUVs. Regular Disco has it as an option, I believe. 

E92M3 > philsphan09 09/23/2018 at 18:41

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If it makes you feel any better Consumer Reports put Audi ahead of Acura in reliability. Not sure I buy it, but Honda/Acura quality has gone downhill a little in the last 5-10 years.

I wo uld definitely ditc h the Q5 though. My BIL’s Q5 ate it’s chain tensioners @ 80k miles, and destroyed the engine. He followed Audi’s recommended service intervals. If you’ve religiously changed the oil earlier than recommended you might get another 30k miles out of it.

boxrocket > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 09/23/2018 at 23:21

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Can’t speak for the pos ter’s, but if his is anything like my customers’: going back a decade you get awkward styling (getting worse and worse); frustrating infotainment systems (also getting worse and worse, but I think the newest one finally has a volume knob again so maybe on the upswing? ) , but still, it’s so frustrating the only things keeping it above CUE, MyLink, and Subaru’s - StarLink? - is that while even though it’s irritating, as least it’s sorta quick and responsive so that you’re not AS BADLY punished by making a wrong selection over and over trying to do what you want to d o (eventually); CVTs; expensive suspension parts (not uncommon on a luxury vehicle, but sticker shock to entry-level luxury or first-time owners especially if they didn’t buy extended coverages ); and cluttered and confusing interiors and button layouts, which is improved in the sense that the newest models’ infotainment system replaces a lot of buttons, but worse because it takes multiple touchscreen commands to do something as simple as changing the HVAC fan speed which even Land Rover has been able to integrate in a logical and even beautiful way in their newest iterations (e.g. Velar and newer).