The 2019 Explorers are on clearance. Thoughts?

"mazda616" (mazda616) 09/11/2019 at 16:24 • Filed to: Ford Exploder

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Yes, another damn SUV post. This time, one I haven’t considered...yet.

https://www.expresswayfordmountvernon.com/new-Mt+Vernon-2019-Ford-Explorer-XLT-1FM5K8D83KGA06346

https://www.expresswayfordmountvernon.com/new-Mt+Vernon-2019-Ford-Explorer-Sport-1FM5K8GT6KGB37061

They can’t be that bad, can they? They are tied with the Highlander in number of ones I see on the road. Seriously - these things are EVERYWHERE around here.

The only things that give me pause are: Ford quality (or lack thereof), and the six-passenger seating rather than seven.

But the financing deals they’re offering are hella good. 0% for 60 months? Holla.

The 2020 is a total redesign, so Ford is in a hurry to clear the remaining 2019s out. The XLT one here doesn’t have the tow package, which sucks. That means it can only tow 2,000 pounds. The Sport, though, can tow up to 5,000. And the Sport is supposedly halfway decent to drive?

CRider > mazda616 09/11/2019 at 16:32

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I’d wait on the 2020. Much better SUV , rwd, and the resale on this gen is going to be awful once those hit the street. 

Chariotoflove > mazda616 09/11/2019 at 16:34

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Yeah, first thought is I thought your W vetoed the Explorer. Change of heart?

I would probably feel comfortable buying one. They should be well sorted by now.* A nd they don’t look bad.

*caveat: I have not searched for problems to back up this sentiment.

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > mazda616 09/11/2019 at 16:38

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From what I’ve seen and read the new one is leaps and bounds better. So I’d pass.

Alex B > mazda616 09/11/2019 at 16:39

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I like them, especially in sport trim. They’ve been on sale for a while now so I would imagine issues have been worked out over time. 

mazda616 > Chariotoflove 09/11/2019 at 16:39

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I vetoed it at first but I’m becoming more open to many options now that we are deeper into the search and since the Ascent is off the table.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > mazda616 09/11/2019 at 16:40

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Honestly, I know you all are really ramped up about buying, but you said yourself that you don’t really need to replace the CX-5 yet. Maybe give it a few months or a year , see if the Ascent reliability concerns become less of an issue, and then get the one you two really want if the data seems to look better ?

I’ve found, when it comes to big purchases like this, if you have uncertainty, it’s never a bad idea to wait...

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > mazda616 09/11/2019 at 16:43

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Cheap inside, like most Ford vehicles. Terrible visibility. Cramped ( read uselss ) 3rd row. High teens for real world economy.

I feel like the Flex would be a better fit for you if your wife didn’t hate it.

412GTI > mazda616 09/11/2019 at 16:54

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I’ve driven many, many of these during my time at Enterprise. I’d probably say skip it. The interior has terrible packaging, feeling cramped in both the front and mid-row. They also have not great visibility out the front with super thick A-Pillars. Power and ride is acceptable and at least the infotainment system is in this century unlike the Toyota, but yeah I don’t think the discounts warrant choosing one.

As others have noted, maybe don’t rush into a purchase since the Ascent was the seemingly right choice until reliability concerns popped up and really take the time to research what is the right fit. The deals will be there, especially heading into the end of the year. 

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > mazda616 09/11/2019 at 16:55

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We have a 2015 XLT at work with about 50,000 miles.

My 2 cents :

1. front splitt er tore off in snow bank, never put it back on

2. AC leaked out , they had to remove the sub frame to replace all the AC tubing under the truck-covered under warranty.

3. Rust on rear hatch

4. Dent in rear hatch from me leaning on it

5. Small fuel tank, range around 250 miles or so... not fun for long road trips.

6. Door arm rest plastic split

7. Ford infotainment sucks ass

8. I like front seat comfort and rear seat comfort.

9. Lots of interior volume if not using the 3rd row.

10. Truck delivered with nonfunctional air bag, had to have replaced right off the top.

11. Plenty of power from ford V6

12. AWD sucks and it is pretty much front wheel drive until you turn the terrain select knob.

13. T ows light loads without issue

14. Looks like a cop car.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 09/11/2019 at 16:57

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I feel like any modern SUV has bad outward visibility. High belt lines and thick A pillars , this isn’t going to change much between brands.

Jordan > mazda616 09/11/2019 at 16:58

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If you HAVE to have a crossover (and you really don’t), get something else. The FWD-biased Explorers are far less reliable than all the other Explorers.

Jordan > mazda616 09/11/2019 at 16:58

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If you HAVE to have a crossover (and you really don’t), get something else. The FWD-biased Explorers are far less reliable than all the other Explorers.

Textured Soy Protein > mazda616 09/11/2019 at 16:59

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I posted in one of your many other threads that you should legit look at the Atlas. I know you don’t want German, and I’m the absolute last person to recommend a VW, but it ticks a lot of your boxes and the 6 yr / 72k mile warranty at least somewhat makes up for VW’s reliability reputation.

ShrimpHappens, née WJalopy > Textured Soy Protein 09/11/2019 at 17:08

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H e’s ruled out the Ascent for potential reliability concerns, so there’s no way a VW is gonna happen.

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > mazda616 09/11/2019 at 17:09

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Flaming hot take: I went out into the lot to look at the new ones when my car was in for maintenance and the new Exploder is among the most hideous SUVs  I’ve ever seen. The old one i s much better looking... The weirder thing is that it looks worse in person than even in pictures, where it’s already pretty unattractive.

For Sweden > mazda616 09/11/2019 at 17:10

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The 2020 Explorer has a RWD platform, if that is worth waiting for.

Ash78, voting early and often > mazda616 09/11/2019 at 17:11

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*whispering*

gooooo driiiive a Sieennnnnaaa

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Ash78, voting early and often 09/11/2019 at 17:13

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LOL

Textured Soy Protein > ShrimpHappens, née WJalopy 09/11/2019 at 17:14

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Bbbbbut the warranty! 

mazda616 > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 09/11/2019 at 17:18

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*screaming* NO.

Chariotoflove > mazda616 09/11/2019 at 17:19

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That happened to us.  Originally, she thought she was wanting a CUV, and that evolved as the search went on.  I never thought we’d end up where we did.

ShrimpHappens, née WJalopy > mazda616 09/11/2019 at 17:19

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We have these at work, and I have a good bit of seat time in them, though it’s the lowest trim level.

I can second a lot of what others have said: cheap inside (door jamb trim panels popping off), bad visibility, c ramped front and mid rows (though front seats themselves are plenty comfortable) , plenty of power.

I do not agree with Highlander about the ~250 mile range. The drive from my office to central office is ~200 miles, and we have plenty of gas once we’ve arrived. I don’t keep track of actual mpg, though.

Our road maintenance personnel (I work for the state DOT) that have them say they’re great in the snow (all ours have AWD), though we never get more than a couple of inches at a time in North Alabama.

Also, isn’t there someone on here that bought one new and has had all kinds of bizarre trouble with it? And there was an issue with the A/C pulling in CO from the exhaust while stopped with recirculation mode on, but I think they’ve sorted that out.

NKato > mazda616 09/11/2019 at 17:23

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If you're so uncertain about the Explorer, consider limiting your financial risk by looking at retired interceptor utility vehicles. They can go for about 5000 to 12000 at auction, depending on condition and demand. 

Tripper > mazda616 09/11/2019 at 17:28

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I like either one of those.. for about $30k

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > mazda616 09/11/2019 at 17:43

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Wait FREE financing? Daaaaang. That’s a big deal. I was stocked when we got 1.9% onmy wife’s car. 

CB > mazda616 09/11/2019 at 17:54

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Other than the tiny gas tanks, they’re fine.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > mazda616 09/11/2019 at 18:07

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0% financing, but these things are going to depreciate significantly faster than some of the competition - mainly Toyota and Honda. So don’t forget about that when thinking cost of ownership.

Others have pointed out various other concerns - and mainly I’d agree with the sentiment that if you don’t NEED to replace your CX-5 ASAP, just wait a bit and see what the options within your price range are around the new year or so. 

and 100 more > mazda616 09/11/2019 at 18:09

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So, my quick opinion on the Explorer, take it or leave it:

In 2017, I tested a used 2012 or 2013, can’t recall... Interior pieces were starting to show wear, some of the soft vinyl on the door armrest had already torn down to the foam (where there was a fake seam embossed into the vinyl, it actually split along that seam... which wasn’t even really a seam). Rear cargo area is WAY smaller than you’d expect for such a large vehicle, even with the third row laid down. Driver seat is very wide (front passenger as well), so much room up front... second row, seems pinched I don’t even think I looked at the third row. Driver seat seemed... odd to get in and out of (but I’m short, 5'7").

Despite these things, i gave it a drive anyway... Steering and braking are very sensitive, throttle is very not sensitive. Feels pretty flat and stable in a turn. Engine wakes up around 4k RPM, pretty sluggish before that. Rode pretty nice over bumps, but any kind of change in direction and you can feel how heavy it is.

Overall i wasn’t impressed.. I ended up buying a 2012 Grand Cherokee, because it feels so much better in most of the departments where the Explorer bothered me.

That being said, maybe lat er years are better for quality and driveability... that said, I can’t forgive the horrible wasted space inside. That car is huge, the interior volume should be as well.

mazda616 > Tripper 09/11/2019 at 18:15

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My thoughts exactly.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > ShrimpHappens, née WJalopy 09/11/2019 at 18:18

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The range is an issue if you are in the middle of W yoming and it’s 80 miles between fill ups. Believe me I know, I’ve sweated it down to the gas light a few times thinking I still had 100 miles to empty and then the range dropped unexpectedly fast.

and 100 more > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 09/11/2019 at 18:21

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This is a good take.

ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com > mazda616 09/11/2019 at 19:11

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https://oppositelock.kinja.com/loaner-carlopnik-1834749568

I got one as a loaner earlier this year. My take was not bad. I thought they were pretty roomy, given how compact the exterior dimensions are. I also drive an F-150 every day.

I wouldn’t pay top dollar for one, but I can see the appeal at the right price. Wasn’t bad to drive, lots of room, a bit ground clearance for a forest service road that hasn’t been graded in a few years. The 3.7 V6 isn’t particularly special. I’d spec one with an ecoboost option.

We’ve got a 2016 Mustang V6 (manual) and my 2017 F-150 with the 2.7 ecoboost at the house, with a combined 87,000 miles. Ford’ s build quality is fine, and both have been perfectly reliable. Neither has required anything other than fluid and filter changes, and the oil analysis on my 2.7 ecoboost is showing beautiful results. That engine looks like it will be in it for the long haul. Ford’s ecoboost engines are very good.

MKULTRA1982(ConCrustyBrick) > Ash78, voting early and often 09/11/2019 at 19:33

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I hate automatics and anything mushy and I really don’t mind driving the 2010~ sienna to the point that I like chucking it into corners. Also functionality wise and features wise it rules. Just buy the sienna

MKULTRA1982(ConCrustyBrick) > For Sweden 09/11/2019 at 19:34

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Ford has seen the light

UggaDuggaForAll > Ash78, voting early and often 09/11/2019 at 19:45

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A van is going to be a much better all around vehicle when compared to a CUV. A van has more usable cargo space, the seats are generally more comfortable, ergonomics are usually quite a bit better too.  With the seats folded down, a van is almost as good as a pickup.  A CUV (or most SUV’s) simply can’t compete.

My wife got the new car bug a few years ago and we traded in our 07 Grand Caravan for a Buick Enclave. Huge mistake. Besides GM’s lack of anything resembling reliability, the Buick was so much...less than the Dodge. After a year, my wife wanted to get rid of the Buick (the kids hated it too).

At least try a van and see if it fits your needs better.

SlothLovesChunk > mazda616 09/11/2019 at 19:56

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Nope and this is why.

Fuck Ford. Th ey reinforced the driver side when it got a terrible test score, but they didn’t do the same on the passenger side. Zero reason for this.

Too many other superior  alternatives that are higher quality and safer for my family. 

SlothLovesChunk > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 09/11/2019 at 19:57

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Go drive a Pilot, definitely not the same. 

SlothLovesChunk > Textured Soy Protein 09/11/2019 at 19:58

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The Atlas is currently the least reliable offering in the segment. 

Stacey > mazda616 09/11/2019 at 20:44

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I have a 2018 Platnium and I hate to say it but it does everything in spades. 365hp! Went from a J ag xj to a infinity Q50 to this suv. It’s hard not to be happy with it. Once we towed our 21foot boat with it plus 4 adults & 3 kids....no problems. I wish the handling was stiffer but you can’t have everything.

coqui70 > mazda616 09/11/2019 at 20:46

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Solid family transportation.

coqui70 > mazda616 09/11/2019 at 20:47

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yeeeesssssss ... who cares what people think, it handles well for a van, holds  seven or eight people and has a romping-stomping V6. Plus AWD.

hedbutter > mazda616 09/11/2019 at 22:04

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My fiancee wanted one and her dad works at a ford dealership so we got a solid deal on a 2019 lease earlier this summer . We’ve had it for ~4 months now, and i will say that i was surprised by the range on the tank. We make it ~300 between fillups in mixed driving which i didnt expect (on the flip side, compared to my sierra when i had it, it takes MUCH less fuel to fill up. I think it just has a small tank for its size) . The Sync 3 infortainment is much better (and has android auto/apple carplay). no issues with finish yet, but its still young. I do find it comfortable for long trips and you can fit a ton in it. I havent had issues with visibility that others have said. I disagree agree that the midrow is cramped. I havent spent a ton of time back there, but i was surprised with the room when i crawled in. The 3rd row is definitely cramped, but doable for shortish trips for me (6', ~ 240lbs so not a small guy).

TheRealBicycleBuck > mazda616 09/11/2019 at 22:14

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We had a 2013 Explorer.

My wife loved her car. It was an XLT with heated leather seats. After her first wreck, there were serious issues matching the pearl white paint. So much so that I’ll hesitate before buying a pearl again. The car had a few other issues after the wreck, most notably a problem with backup camera system and another with the rear blind spot sensors. One of those failed on a sunday afternoon while we were four hours away from home. There was no way to silence the constant chiming as the system tried to warn us that the sensor had failed. Everyone put on their headphones except me.

Other than that, it was a decent car. I grew up with the junk from the ‘80s, so I know what real crap is like. The Explorer is a luxury car by comparison. It’s quiet, comfortable, and has plenty of power, even for towing most things. I had several opportunities to test its mettle while pulling loads. I pulled the biggest U-Haul trailer available from Baton Rouge to Brownsville and back over one weekend. I pulled my WRX on a trailer, although not far. We used it to pull my trailer from Oklahoma, loaded down with a mower and other lawn gear. In fact, I made several trips from OK while pulling a trailer with the Explorer. The day that it died was the day after the last trip. A fellow was texting and didn’t see the big U-Haul trailer stopping in front of him. His truck pushed the trailer into the middle of the Explorer, totaling it.

With all the towing, you’d think we had bought it with a tow package. We didn’t. After the first time it was rear-ended, I had them upgrade the rear bumper with the factory tow bumper. It didn’t have the oil cooler, but it never had an issue pulling the relatively light loads we asked it to pull.

The only thing that really made me mad was the spark plugs. The rear bank is impossible to reach without stripping the top of the engine down, including removing the intake plenum. I was told that the dealer just disconnects the engine sub-assembly and drops it out the bottom. Either way, it’s an expensive job just to replace six little plugs.

My wife misses her car. My job is providing me a car right now, so she’s just driving my WRX. I’m pretty sure she will want another Explorer when it’s time to buy again.

Andrew1554 > mazda616 09/11/2019 at 22:45

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$48480 list, 3k down , $399 includes all taxes / per month 36 months $24,5 00 residual. A joy to drive. Plan to buy it at lease end.

Andrew1554 > Tripper 09/11/2019 at 22:50

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S ure, used with 25,000 miles in 3 years

wcjeep > mazda616 09/12/2019 at 00:04

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These still had carbon monoxide problems.  Even the civilian models.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 09/12/2019 at 06:56

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Idk, the Tahoe and Suburban have great visibility for modern vehicles.

The problem is he doesn’t want a real SUV, he wants a sliderless minivan ( aka 3rd row CUV ) .

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > Textured Soy Protein 09/12/2019 at 06:58

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Warranty doesn’t do you much good when you need a 7 passenger vehicle ( which is in the shop non-stop ) and all the rentals are 5 passenger ( or less ). Nor does a warranty cover all the time/gas wasted driving the POS back to the dealership nonstop.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > hedbutter 09/12/2019 at 07:04

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300 miles between fill ups in mixed driving seems terrible, especially for an 18.6 gallon tank. That means you average around 17 mpg.

I can crack 400-450 miles in mixed driving on my Grand Caravan, which only has a 1.4 gallon larger tank.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > mazda616 09/12/2019 at 07:06

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Seeings your finally spreading your options maybe its time to give up on these pretend minivans and look at some actual minivans.

That way you get a better riding, better driving, more comfortable vehicle that gets better fuel economy and doesn’t look like everything else on the road.

mazda616 > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 09/12/2019 at 07:12

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We aren’t getting a minivan. It’s just not happening. I don’t want one, and that’s that. :-)

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > mazda616 09/12/2019 at 07:18

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You realize everything you’re looking at is a minivan right......It’s just a less useful version.

Why the minivan hate though?

Have you looked at any other offerings?

I hope you know I’m just giving you shit mostly, part of me would love to know the actual reasoning behind it. You gotta buy what makes you happy.

mazda616 > UggaDuggaForAll 09/12/2019 at 07:30

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I understand this, but I don’t want a van. It’s just not something I want to spend my money on.

mazda616 > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 09/12/2019 at 07:34

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Sigh. Ok. Here’s my minivan summary.

The Sienna is overpriced. Especially used. The Odyssey isn’t as reliable as everyone says. I’ve known of several that had major problems. The Grand Caravan is on its way out and is a positively ancient design - with bad small overlap crash test scores. My mother-in-law has a 2012 Town & Country, and I HATE driving it. The suspension makes more rattle and clunk noises than my 1990 Pontiac Sunbird. Several interior bits are broken. The transmission hunts for gears constantly, and it just feels like I’m driving a damn school bus.

The Pacifica is a newer FCA design (gives me pause anyway) and is also wildly expensive with any options. And, the Sedona doesn’t have a good reliability track record, either.

There you have it.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > mazda616 09/12/2019 at 07:56

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It’s almost 2020 which means the Voyager should be close to coming out, maybe wait and check that out?

Or the Transit Connect Passenger might be worth a look in the top trims.

Also, the 2015+ Grand Caravans are significantly nicer than the 2012 T&C. Better interior, better sound deadening, better suspension, the pre-2015 models drive like hot dog shit, you won’t get any argument there.

Otherwise I get what your saying. It’s not really a thing against minivans, it’s a matter of no one makes one you want, I can’t hate on that.

Tripper > Andrew1554 09/12/2019 at 08:22

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Hah, no thanks.

hedbutter > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 09/12/2019 at 08:50

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Yeah, it definitely isnt fuel efficient, however, we have a ton of lights where we live so for the city part of our driving (where its used most). I know when we had the crosstrek, i was in the 22/23 range (compared to the estimated 27)

USUSGTO > mazda616 09/12/2019 at 10:23

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Good Ch oice.

Me and my wife were in those shoes 8 y ears ago. Wh en we had our first born. We briefly went over and acknowledged certain facts / opini ons:

Min ivan

1) More Practical than SUV / Wagon / car - More p rac tical than her E-550  

2) Lots more visibilit y - big green house

3) B etter egress / ingress than SUV

4) Cheaper to buy

5) Ch eaper to operate

6) B etter operating cost and cost of mai ntenance

We met our new neighbors at the kids park down the street and she was gushing about her new Toyota / Honda minivan and she added: I know it’s not the best looking vehicle but it’s so practical. And both me and my wife, were thinking, as we confirmed later : “So gross”, also “good for her”

We decided to buy a MB GL- 450. Basically said a FUCK YOU to 1, 2 and 3 and work hard and pay some $ t owards what you like for 4,5,6.

Mo st importantly, my wife thankfully, mirrored m y thoughts / opinion / mentality as regards minivan which can be summed up as : EWWWW yuck!

Fast forward 3 years and now she was pregnant with the twins and hey, logic says, we had that discussion once again.. - Minivan is more practical - now more than ever, etc, etc.

NOPE. We never even had that C onversation. Traded in the GL-450 and bought a much bigger Navigator L. 4 years and 60k miles later, couldn’ t be happier.

impulse7 > mazda616 09/12/2019 at 10:23

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I’ve sold many of these. Great vehicle to drive and reliability is good as well, despite what everyone else says. Police also use them in their fleet.

I don’t see many in service with any major problems. Transmission can be a little finicky, just do your fluid changes at 60k miles, especially if you tow. V6 engine is more reliable than Ecoboost, I would get the 3.5 V6 NA over anything else really.

mazda616 > USUSGTO 09/12/2019 at 10:55

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What bothers me is people think that minivans are the be-all end-all. For me, they just aren’t. We need the extra room on occasion, but not constantly. I think owning a minivan with just one kid  (or even two kids) is kind of silly.

Gandalf88 > mazda616 09/12/2019 at 11:05

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Still driving my '15 Sport...and I love it. It's a sleeper. Tows like a Yukon, but rides better imo. At the time, it was the best CUV with 300+HP I could afford, and I haven't regretted it one day. 

superhead > mazda616 09/12/2019 at 12:20

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I feel like everyone forgets the Durango exists... 

lone_liberal > mazda616 09/12/2019 at 17:56

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They are a size above what I’ve been looking at but the thought had crossed my mind. One of the people at work has a Sport and he loves it. Since I’d be shopping used ones I looked at the Platinum, which has the same engine as the Sport, and it’s pretty nice.

smoky > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 09/12/2019 at 20:41

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A 4wd twin turbo V6 sport aint no “ pretend minivan” , holmes.

Jase > mazda616 09/13/2019 at 01:04

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> The only things that give me pause are: Ford quality (or lack thereof),

Has data?

> and the six-passenger seating rather than seven.

Wait what? When writing an article good to have facts. Explorer has 7 seat options. Look at the trims. 

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > smoky 09/13/2019 at 05:42

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1. Its AWD, not 4WD.

2. Turbo minivans were a thing in the 80s, Ford is just late to the party as usual.

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 09/13/2019 at 15:40

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The models available in the US are too long. If it’s strictly for practical use, I don’t want a car that’s 210" long when I will only use all of that length maybe twice a year (if you have 3+ kids, then it’s awesome). In congested metro areas these things are a pain to park.

I’d much rather live with a car that’s 180-190", fits 98% of our use cases and we will work around the occasions where we actually need to transport 7 people to and from the same place. And that’s where midsize CUVs work great.

So , no Sienna or Odyssey for me. The Transit Connect is the right size, if a bit ugly.

HNIC > mazda616 09/15/2019 at 13:55

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Lack of Quality? So you already own one?

mazda616 > HNIC 09/15/2019 at 18:25

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No. But I have lots of friends that do.

I don’t own a Yugo, either, but I can still mention their relative lack of quality.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever 09/16/2019 at 07:06

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Problem with most 3rd row CUVs, they give up a little length, but gain width, which actually makes them harder to park as spaces are only so wide.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever 09/16/2019 at 07:21

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And somehow they manage to be wider, yet be far more cramped across the 2nd and 3rd rows. To me it doesn’t make sense to buy a vehicle for carrying 7 people that can’t actually carry 7 people.

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 09/16/2019 at 12:32

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Yeah personally I don’t see myself ever buying a 3-row CUV. If I need to use 7 seats with any semblance of regularity, there’s no reason to avoid the far superior MPV configuration with sliding doors and lower step height.

I have a LWB sedan right now and my wife has a compact CUV; for ergonomic reasons I’ll probably migrate over to a midsize CUV for my next car.