what mid size SUV?

[vandeman17]

I will likely be in the market for a new work vehicle at the end of the year. Up until now, my company has gone through a fleet company for our work vehicles which is nice because everything is paid for, including fuel, insurance, oil changes etc. The downside is that the vehicle is for work purposes only so commutes to and from work along with going out and visting farmers. I have a 2013 F-150 that I drive on weekends and use for everything else. We are moving to a stipend at the end of the year where we get a one time cash deposit of around $10k for down payment assistance and then a monthly payment that goes towards our vehicle  payment along with any maintenance needed. This will be nice because I can now use this also as a personal vehicle  so I am I am leaning towards a mid sized SUV that gets decent fuel mileage and also still fits in my garage. My current vehicle is a 2019 explorer and it fits but anything much bigger would not with our other rig parked in there. I am wanting something that I can use for most trips to my cabin, duck hunting etc but also keep my truck for those longer trips, when I need to haul or anything like that. Right now I am leaning towards a Forester but not sure. I have time to figure it out but want to narrow things down early so that when its time to buy, I can look for the exact rig and not just start the process.

[bearhunter99]

We tried a few and stuck with the Ford Explorer for years.  Ours was a 2016 and it fit the bill.  Nothing else we drove handled like the Explorer.  It was a mountain goat, especially in the snow.  Just curious why you wouldn't stick with the Explorer?  Is it just that it is a little too big? 

We drove a Chevy Trailblazer and hated it, didn't handle that well at all. My dad has a Toyota Highlander and my mom had a Forester and not has a Honda CRV.  Personally neither one does as well as the Explorer.

The main thing I would suggest with any purchase whether it is for guns or vehicles.  Go test drive a few, the one that fits you will be pretty evident most of the time....

[vandeman17]

I am not opposed to a newer explorer but just open to other options that might get a little better mileage. I will be getting reimbursed for miles when they are work related but not personal so decent mileage would be nice. Would save me a chunk of change for the day trips up to my cabin, out scouting etc.

[knighttime25]

If you're looking for mileage, the Toyota Rav-4 hybrid is a good one. My wife's is averaging 37.5 mpg right now and has been a great and reliable vehicle 

[baldopepper]

Wife had a Forester-had head gasket problem and told us tough luck on any help fixing even though.they knew it was a common problem.  Got rid of it and got a crv, liked it but not really versatile enough for us. Got her a Ford Maverick and she loves it.  Got the awd with tow package- tows my boat and small trailer no problem, seats 4 and gets 30mpg.  With tonneau cover on the back I can load all kinds of stuff that werent.good in the back of a suv ( gas cans, bloody deer and turkeys etc)..Very fun to drive and much cheaper than a Subaru (done with them anyway) or the various Hondas and toyotas.

[vandeman17]

Wife had a Forester-had head gasket problem and told us tough luck on any help fixing even though.they knew it was a common problem.  Got rid of it and got a crv, liked it but not really versatile enough for us. Got her a Ford Maverick and she loves it.  Got the awd with tow package- tows my boat and small trailer no problem, seats 4 and gets 30mpg.  With tonneau cover on the back I can load all kinds of stuff that werent.good in the back of a suv ( gas cans, bloody deer and turkeys etc)..Very fun to drive and much cheaper than a Subaru (done with them anyway) or the various Hondas and toyotas.

I will have to look at the specs. Only issue with that and other small pickups is that they likely don't fit in my garage. I don't have a ton of outside parking and my pickup already takes up some. I really like having my daily parked inside, especially in the winter months

[Woodchuck]

4 Runner 

[Taco280AI]

4 Runner 

Poor power, poor mileage, but that 4.0 is insanely reliable.

With that said, my 2017 was great overall. It did annoy me at times with the lack of power, especially at higher altitudes, going up hill.

[jrebel]

We love our 2015 4 runner.  Fuel economy is not good but otherwise is a great rig. 

A buddy has the rav 4 hybrid and loves it for commuting. 

Do you get to keep this rig when your company itells you to upgrade???  If so, I would buy a Toyota 4Runner or Tacoma as they will go for 300+k miles.   The new Tacoma coming out this year is a hybrid….that could be cool for better fuel economy.

[Houndhunter]

I'd get an older 4runner if you are really going to use it for personal use. Probably not the best option if your going to be using it for highway use mostly, fuel milage sucks in any Toyota truck/SUV that I've owned. Great hunting rigs though.


An old boss if mine had a Colorado with a diesel in it and it was a great commuter with the ability to be pretty impressive off road. I read you already have a truck but might check those out  .

[vandeman17]

We love our 2015 4 runner.  Fuel economy is not good but otherwise is a great rig. 

A buddy has the rav 4 hybrid and loves it for commuting. 

Do you get to keep this rig when your company itells you to upgrade???  If so, I would buy a Toyota 4Runner or Tacoma as they will go for 300+k miles.   The new Tacoma coming out this year is a hybrid….that could be cool for better fuel economy.

Yes the vehicle will be mine, under my name and all that. What we don’t know yet is if there is any criteria for style, age etc but I assume mid sized suv will be fine since that is what most our fleet vehicles are.

[bobcat]

We have a 2014 Subaru Forester with 125,000 miles on it and it's been the best car. Never had to spend a penny on it other than oil changes. Not really the greatest gas mileage though, averages around 26, but highway driving if you're careful you might get a little over 30 mpg.

[jackelope]

If you’re looking at new, I would look at the newer Explorer timberline that has the 2.3 L eco-boost in it

[HntnFsh]

Just got a 2024 Forrester as a loaner while the backup camera mount on our 2023 sorrento was in for a recall fix.

Hated the Forrester. Lots of road noise. Not comfortable. Rough ride. Auto stop and start on engine shook the whole car when it started up. Never been a Subaru fan. Seen too many headmaster and transmission problems. I think they are a bit more reliable.  But 3 or 4 days in the loaner was 3 or 4 too many and reaffirmed my distaste for them.

Don't know if a new Sorrento or Sportage would fit the bill for you but our 2023 Sorrento  hybrid has been awesome with 21,000 miles so far..  35 mpg average in summer and 33 in the winter smoothest. Quietest. Most comfortable ride of any car I've had and trust drove. It's way more comfy than our 2021 Toyota Avalon limited hybrid was. Never thought I would buy a Kia. But after test driving new CRVs, Rav 4s, Highlander limited, Venza, etc. The Sorrento had way more bells and whistles. luxury options, best ride and handling, and most comfortable  and quiet interior of them all.
We haven't tested it in snow etc much but talked others that did and said they get around incredibly well. It has snow mode etc. And can lock in drive to all 4 wheels.

8 think the Sportage hybrid pushes 40 mpg.

[actionshooter]

I just bought a Bronco Sport 2.0L at the beginning of the year as a commuter rig and have been impressed with it. Really good mileage and drives nice, have had it out in the woods a few times and actually did really well.
 The main reasons I bought it was that it was relatively cheap at $40k and was 0%/60 and at 6'-05", it is comfortable... if someone else was paying I might have kept looking, but it is working well for me.   

[Whitpirate]

I really like the Mazda CX-5 or 7, or the Nissan Rogue.  If I could get the European turbo diesel Rogue, I'd have one.

[jackelope]

Kia Telluride. Super popular and a nice car. Hyundai Pailsade is also a super nice car.

[Russ McDonald]

Kia Telluride. Super popular and a nice car. Hyundai Pailsade is also a super nice car.

Aren't those some of the ones that are being stolen and crashed into pot shops?

Sent from my SM-S918U using Tapatalk

[birdshooter1189]

My wife's 2008 Lexus RX-350 has been great. Now at 218k miles.  Average 24 mpg. Non-hybrid. AWD. IMO, it drives smoother and nicer than my inlaw's 2012 Honda CRV.  Handles great in snow.

My brother was shopping for a Teluride or Palisade. After test driving both he said he liked the Palisade WAY better. He bought new and after 6 months I haven't heard any complaints from him. I haven't ridden in it yet.

[MidgetIdjit]

Drove a 2000 Explorer V8 for a number of years. Did what we needed.

With kids getting older, wanted a 3rd row.

Picked up a 2021 Kia Sorento hybrid. Put 8k on it in 5 months before it was totalled in an accident. (Glitchy electronics contributed.)

As Kia then wanted a $5k 'market surcharge' on the Sorento plus the bad experience with it, we were within spitting distance of an AWD Highlander hybrid.

Totally different car. More room inside. Much more refined hybrid system. Toyota reputation.

Have 41k trouble-free miles in the past 22 months. Winter average is ~34mpg, summer is almost 40mpg. (There is a trip difference between the two.)

Has Trail Mode so our driveway in the snow and ice is a piece of cake.

Guess bottom line is that I'd suggest and recommend the Highlander.

[b23]

We've had a two Ford Explorer's and both were great rigs.  Bought my daughter a low mile used Lincoln MKC she's had all through HS and college and it's been a great little SUV.  My sister has had three Lincoln MKX's and now has a Nautilus, all of them have been great vehicles as well.  I don't think any of them are immune to issues or problems so like anything it's best to do your research and go from there.

[vandeman17]

Thanks for all the recommendations. We just received the updated details of the program and only rule is the vehicle has to be 8 years old or newer and in good condition. Still strongly leaning towards a mid sized SUV and will take a few out for test drives. I am hoping to find a year end 0% or super low interest financing option

[jason stevens]

I would recommend a Toyota 4 runner with a 3 4. I have a 96 that gets 23 mpg sound an great on the highway at 70 an awesome off road. Lexus rx 350 has the same motor but triple the price. Good luck

[Taco280AI]

Max of 8 years old, that counts out the 3.4 liter.

[jackelope]

Kia Telluride. Super popular and a nice car. Hyundai Pailsade is also a super nice car.

Aren't those some of the ones that are being stolen and crashed into pot shops?

Sent from my SM-S918U using Tapatalk

That’s the brands but not the cars. Those are the more base model cars that don’t have  any security or anti theft equipment. 

[dreadi]

We had a Forester. I would not call that a SUV any more than our a Outback. My MIL has a new Forester and it's still not a SUV. It fits four adults and child in a car seat. Those adults are all 5'5 and under. However, All Wheel Drive and the right tires will get you in and out of the Colockum at the end of Modern Elk during a snow storm when you have to drive over the pass to help breakdown camps...ask my loving wife about that.

Last week I took a ride in new Tahoe. Six full size adults were very comfortable due to that third row seating. However, that third row in use really kills the amount of internal open space for luggage or whatever you want to put back there.


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[C-Money]

My daughter bought a new Chevy Trax. I was really amazed at the room it has. She has 5000 miles on it now, and it is a really nice rig. A deal breaker for many is its only FWD. The Blazer is AWD. Might take a look at the Trax & Blazer. Good luck finding the right vehicle!

[fishngamereaper]

Considering your hobbies I would sacrifice some gas mileage for off road performance.
Probably also stick with something that's serviceable in the valley since new means warranty coverage...
I'd lean 4runner or Cherokee...

[Night goat]

Stay away from Ford... Most of the new engines are eco boost which means small displacement engines getting every squirrel squeezed out of it with a turbo... Sports car maintenance in an economy vehicle package... Premium fuel only

I ended up with a bronco sport for a while... Gave it back... Didn't like the performance.

Hard to go wrong with Subaru

But I'd just get a jeep TJ 

[Taco280AI]

Stay away from Ford... Most of the new engines are eco boost which means small displacement engines getting every squirrel squeezed out of it with a turbo... Sports car maintenance in an economy vehicle package... Premium fuel only

I ended up with a bronco sport for a while... Gave it back... Didn't like the performance.

Hard to go wrong with Subaru

But I'd just get a jeep TJ 

Ford uses turbos. Toyota went to turbos. Dodge is going turbo. Chevy has a turbo. Subaru (engine dependent) has a turbo. Everyone is headed that route.

[Sandberm]

My daughter bought a new Chevy Trax. I was really amazed at the room it has. She has 5000 miles on it now, and it is a really nice rig. A deal breaker for many is its only FWD. The Blazer is AWD. Might take a look at the Trax & Blazer. Good luck finding the right vehicle!

My mom bought a 2015 Trax. Its like a lifted go cart. Fun and easy to drive in traffic. Not sure if the Trax fits Vandemans farm visit readiness though. I have no idea what he does for a living.

[walt]

My sister bought a Bronco Sport new a year or so ago and after multiple trips back to the dealership to fix little issues with it she decided to trade it in for a new Jeep Compass. 

She lives and works in rural MT so lots of miles on bad roads in all conditions.  She said the Compass is just as capable and is a much better ride.  Way less road noise, better interior, and “everything just seems to be better quality”. 

I’ve driven both and I agree.  For me, my daily driver is an older Ford Explorer and probably always will be.

[C-Money]

My daughter bought a new Chevy Trax. I was really amazed at the room it has. She has 5000 miles on it now, and it is a really nice rig. A deal breaker for many is its only FWD. The Blazer is AWD. Might take a look at the Trax & Blazer. Good luck finding the right vehicle!

My mom bought a 2015 Trax. Its like a lifted go cart. Fun and easy to drive in traffic. Not sure if the Trax fits Vandemans farm visit readiness though. I have no idea what he does for a living.

Have you seen the new Trax? The new style is what sold my daughter.

[huntnnw]

Wife has a Crv and it’s been a good vehicle. Gets 31 mpg. Rented a new rav 4 and wouldn’t even consider owning one after a week with it compared to the Crv. Rented a Nissan rogue 2 weeks ago and I would own one of those. Nice car

[swanderek]

For me, it would be hard to beat the reliability, capability and re sale of a Honda Pilot.
There’s a reason why you see so many more older ones on the road vs other brands and models.

[Sandberm]

My daughter bought a new Chevy Trax. I was really amazed at the room it has. She has 5000 miles on it now, and it is a really nice rig. A deal breaker for many is its only FWD. The Blazer is AWD. Might take a look at the Trax & Blazer. Good luck finding the right vehicle!

My mom bought a 2015 Trax. Its like a lifted go cart. Fun and easy to drive in traffic. Not sure if the Trax fits Vandemans farm visit readiness though. I have no idea what he does for a living.

Have you seen the new Trax? The new style is what sold my daughter.

Pretty cool looking. Much sportier then my moms 2015.

[jackelope]

Stay away from Ford... Most of the new engines are eco boost which means small displacement engines getting every squirrel squeezed out of it with a turbo... Sports car maintenance in an economy vehicle package... Premium fuel only

I ended up with a bronco sport for a while... Gave it back... Didn't like the performance.

Hard to go wrong with Subaru

But I'd just get a jeep TJ 

Premium fuel requirement is false.

Not sure what you mean by sports car maintenance but I’m all ears.

I’m driving a 3.5 Ecoboost with currently 196k miles on it. I’ve taken care of the car most of its life and recently bought it.

Yeah plus everybody is going to small displacement engines with turbos so ….

[Bullkllr]

Anyone have any Acura MDX experiences? Heard good things about them.

[jackelope]

Anyone have any Acura MDX experiences? Heard good things about them.

It’s a dressed up Honda. They’re good cars.

[Westside88]

For me, it would be hard to beat the reliability, capability and re sale of a Honda Pilot.
There’s a reason why you see so many more older ones on the road vs other brands and models.

I have to agree. My wife bought a 2003 Pilot when they first came out. In 2019, with 278,000 miles we decided to replace it with a new Pilot. The guy who bought the old one still has it and it's fine. They are pretty tough to beat for price vs quality in my opinion and comfortable to drive as well. I had them add a transmission cooler so we'd have the option to tow our ski boat now and then.

[HntnFsh]

Anyone have any Acura MDX experiences? Heard good things about them.

Ive test driven a few, that were a few years old. Love the ride, comfort, and quiet interior. The fuel economy, not so much.
Thay are a great rig though.

[bear]

Got a Honda CR-V a few months back for the wife.  Thing is amazing!  Drives better than the BMW hybrid I drove as a rental car in Hawaii.  So far averaging 36.1 mpg after about 6000 miles

[Alchase]

My wife is on her second Nissan Murano. Her 2014 went over 100k with no expenses vise tires and a battery.
Her 2021 is AWD, 270hp, full roof sunroof, all leather, has been flawless.
It is a really fun vehicle to drive.