The only "what SUV should I buy" threads were either old or mainly about used models.

I'm looking at getting a new midsized SUV pretty soon. Criteria include 4WD/AWD, 3rd row seating, decent cargo space (but I don't need something as giant as a Tahoe/Suburban/etc.), and towing isn't really a concern other than just a light utility trailer.

I've looked at most of the new models like the Mazda CX-9, Nissan Pathfinder, Honda Pilot, and Toyota Highlander. Obviously all of them have their own strengths/weaknesses, but was wondering if anyone has any experience with these and would recommend one over the other. I'm really leaning towards the new CX-9 because of the space and styling. The MPG isn't as good as the Highlander or new Pathfinder but it's supposed to be much better to drive.

Also, I know minivans and some wagons can meet most of this criteria, I've thought about that, and I don't want one.

12/18/2012 6:39:51 PM

You may want to look at Ford Flex. I drove one across the country with 5 other grown-ups in it, and it had more interior space than any midsize SUV i've been in, but it does not look like a minivan. Although it is classified as a "wagon" for insurance purposes, it does not look like one either. I SEL trim with AWD and 6.5L turbo V6, it had good pickup and behaved nicely in the snow. I think we were getting 19-20mpg average with 6 people + luggage, mostly driving on open road.

12/18/2012 7:16:25 PM

Subaru Tribeca meets those criteria

its catchphrase should be "they're not as ugly as they used to be! please buy one"

12/18/2012 7:28:21 PM

If it's basically a family vehicle, go with the new Pathfinder due to the fuel economy and simple/proven/reliable engine. Yes, it has a CVT, but it's a redesigned one.

12/18/2012 7:48:37 PM

what kind of MPG does the pathfinder get? usually these midsizes don't really do any better than the full sizes.

12/18/2012 8:26:07 PM

I don't know why you aren't considering it at all, but my vote is Dodge Durango all the way. I rented one for a week last year in Montana and freaking loved it. Plenty of space, looks great, well built and way more fun to drive than anything else mentioned in this thread.

12/18/2012 10:02:13 PM

Quote :

" DURANGO WELL BUILT"

12/18/2012 10:04:55 PM

^^^The pathfinder gets 20 mpg overall which is definitely its big selling point. It can get pretty expensive once I add the features I want, though.

I've heard the Ford Flex is very good, I really just don't care for the look of it.

As far as the Durango, whether it is justified or not I'm not a big fan of Dodge/Chrysler at the moment.

12/18/2012 10:22:24 PM

^^CHASSIS

DEVELOPED BY

MERCEDES

12/18/2012 10:39:35 PM

i'd go used Tahoe or Suburban

12/18/2012 11:01:54 PM

I'm about to buy a ford explorer for the wife. We drove one and loved it. I think it looks pretty sharp, and since the chassis and drivetrain is basically just a large sedan now, the ride is pretty good.

12/18/2012 11:08:52 PM

everything i've seen posted seems like a complete turd compared to an audi avant or volvo turbo wagon. if you must have an suv, get the diesel grand cherokee. 25mpg and tows like 7k

12/18/2012 11:40:22 PM

He said towing wasn't a concern

12/19/2012 12:32:41 AM

and diesel's higher price pretty much eliminates the MPG advantage

12/19/2012 12:43:05 AM

4runner.

12/19/2012 12:50:33 AM

Go Japanese, especially Honda or Toyota, and you will be fine.

Or check out the latest Koreans, especially the turboed models with ~270 hp. Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe.

12/19/2012 4:11:39 AM

toyota 4runner

12/19/2012 9:05:48 AM

Mazda CX9 - brand new, don't know anything about it. Won't be available for a few months. Looks sharp though
Nissan Pathfinder - brand new, compared to the last one it has been castrated, looks quite frumpy
Honda Pilot - solid vehicle, reliable, looks like crap
Toyota Highlander - solid vehicle, reliable, looks incredibly boring

Not knowing anything about the Mazda my other suggestion is the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Fantastic SUV that has won countless awards. It was also designed by Mercedes and will be the foundation for the upcoming Maserati SUV.

Of course, you're holding a grudge against Chrysler for some reason....

12/19/2012 10:09:10 AM

The new CX-9s have already hit a few dealers so I'm probably going to go test drive one soon. Right now I'm between that and the new Pathfinder. Still considering the Pilot and the Highlander, but like you said the Pilot is ugly and the Highlander might be a little smaller than I'm looking for.

The new Grand Cherokee is out for me because it isn't offered with a 3rd row seat as far as I know. I have read nothing but praise for it, all the awards, etc. It just doesn't offer quite everything that I'm looking for.

12/19/2012 10:25:46 AM

Nissan still makes some fucking junk

and Chrysler makes junk, too

do yourself a favor and avoid them

12/19/2012 10:34:29 AM

Quote :

"He said towing wasn't a concern"

but im sure resale is - in which case you want the most capable per dollar

12/19/2012 10:48:59 AM

Quote :

" The new Grand Cherokee is out for me because it isn't offered with a 3rd row seat as far as I know"

Ah yes, my mistake. And that's very interesting about the new CX-9, given that I've seen zero media coverage of it

Personally, no way in hell I'd get an SUV that has a CVT transmission.

[Edited on December 19, 2012 at 10:57 AM. Reason : it would appear that the 2013 CX-9 is just a mid-cycle refresh. Comestic changes and that's about it]

12/19/2012 10:52:18 AM

I kinda wanna drive one of these.



http://www.caranddriver.com/photos-12q4/478079/2013-ford-explorer-sport-photo-478234

12/25/2012 10:00:52 AM

I like it a lot, I like that its not on a frame so it rides more like a car. It's basically a larger crossover and I think it looks pretty good.

Some people will respond "why don't you just buy a car, a car makes a better car, blah blah blah." Those people miss the point and probably aren't car shopping for a woman.

12/25/2012 2:25:37 PM

Quote :

"car shopping for a woman. "

It all makes sense now... lol. jk buddy.

12/25/2012 8:25:04 PM

03 tahoe. $10-$12k will get you a nice one

12/25/2012 10:34:43 PM

did you not read the title?

12/26/2012 11:05:22 AM

Talked my sister into a Honda Pilot back in 2011, as she sells clothing to stores and has to carry around a big line. She drives around 45k miles a year.

She averages around 21-23 MPG, its been super reliable, nice riding and has a big capacity, she loves it.

12/26/2012 2:21:23 PM

Quote :

"AWD and 6.5L turbo V6"

Hell yes

12/26/2012 7:20:31 PM

Lol that one appears to have 3 extra liters

12/26/2012 7:49:13 PM

Quote :

"I kinda wanna drive one of these. "

Am I the only one that thinks it looks morbidly obese with a Gillete razor front end? One of my friend recently bought one with all the bells and whistles, cost over $50k. I almost fell over laughing.

12/27/2012 8:21:46 AM

We did not spend nearly that amount. I guess we didn't get all the options, but I think we got enough of them.

12/27/2012 11:15:00 AM

^^ You think nearly every car being produced is obese though

They stole the front end design from Range Rover and I for one like it...I think this just another example of Ford stepping up their design game.

12/27/2012 11:59:25 AM

I may think that every new car is obese, but I don't think all of them LOOK obese

12/27/2012 2:37:10 PM

seriously, try the new hyundai santa fe.

12/27/2012 7:49:37 PM

I like the styling on the new Explorer. They're obviously getting away from the days of it looking like a pickup truck with a full cabin and moving towards the street inspired styling of their Euro competitors. Considering the way 99% of Explorers are used I think it's a step in the right direction.

12/28/2012 3:12:15 PM