My family's growing. Which large SUV should we buy?
September 13, 2015 11:48 PM Subscribe
We have two big dogs and will be adding a second carseat in the next couple weeks. Our crossover is already not cutting it space-wise. What large SUV should we get?
My wife and I are expecting our second kid in the next couple weeks. We also have two large-ish (40 and 60 lbs) dogs. We ride around with both dogs pretty regularly, and take at least four or five long road trips every year. Our VW Tiguan is already too small to carry us, a car seat for our toddler, the dogs, stroller, and all our gear. We need to get a larger vehicle.
Requirements:
- AWD/4WD. We stupidly bought a front wheel drive Tiguan. We drive in the snow quite a bit, often in terrible conditions, and this has been both dangerous and hilarious (stuck at the bottom of my inlaw's driveway, needing to be pulled out by father-in-law and his giant truck).
- Leather interior. Our dogs shed prodigiously and leather seems to repel their fine coats.
- Good handling and responsive: We drive, uh, aggressively.
We've looked online at a lot of different options in a lot of price ranges. We're looking to schedule test drives soon. Our top-ish kind of budget is $80k (could go a bit higher). But if we can do this cheaper, then we will. We're not super-interested in fancy accoutrements, but a little luxury is not unwelcome. We are not against buying used.
What we've looked at (but haven't test drived):
- Land Rover LR4: Front runner in my mind. I like the look and interior size is pretty great.
- Land Rover Range Rover: Really love it but not clear if the price increase is worth it.
- Escalade: Right size, nice-looking, reviews say it handles better than the "truck" SUVs (Suburban, Tahoe).
- Suburban/Tahoe/Yukon: In my head, these are all riffs on the same basic thing with slight variances in cargo capacity and trim options. Really turned off by all the reviews noting the sluggish/truck-like handling. Unclear to me if this is actually concerning.
- Mercedes GL-Class: Maybe too small with the interior?
- Jeep? Grand Cherokee? Saw a few of these, they looked nice.
What are we missing? What do you recommend?
My wife and I are expecting our second kid in the next couple weeks. We also have two large-ish (40 and 60 lbs) dogs. We ride around with both dogs pretty regularly, and take at least four or five long road trips every year. Our VW Tiguan is already too small to carry us, a car seat for our toddler, the dogs, stroller, and all our gear. We need to get a larger vehicle.
Requirements:
- AWD/4WD. We stupidly bought a front wheel drive Tiguan. We drive in the snow quite a bit, often in terrible conditions, and this has been both dangerous and hilarious (stuck at the bottom of my inlaw's driveway, needing to be pulled out by father-in-law and his giant truck).
- Leather interior. Our dogs shed prodigiously and leather seems to repel their fine coats.
- Good handling and responsive: We drive, uh, aggressively.
We've looked online at a lot of different options in a lot of price ranges. We're looking to schedule test drives soon. Our top-ish kind of budget is $80k (could go a bit higher). But if we can do this cheaper, then we will. We're not super-interested in fancy accoutrements, but a little luxury is not unwelcome. We are not against buying used.
What we've looked at (but haven't test drived):
- Land Rover LR4: Front runner in my mind. I like the look and interior size is pretty great.
- Land Rover Range Rover: Really love it but not clear if the price increase is worth it.
- Escalade: Right size, nice-looking, reviews say it handles better than the "truck" SUVs (Suburban, Tahoe).
- Suburban/Tahoe/Yukon: In my head, these are all riffs on the same basic thing with slight variances in cargo capacity and trim options. Really turned off by all the reviews noting the sluggish/truck-like handling. Unclear to me if this is actually concerning.
- Mercedes GL-Class: Maybe too small with the interior?
- Jeep? Grand Cherokee? Saw a few of these, they looked nice.
What are we missing? What do you recommend?
Two kids, one 60 pound dog here. I went with a Subaru Outback (2014 model year). Love it for sure , but honestly any decent road trip we take seems to end up requiring the use of a roof cargo box once you load a stroller in the back (and that's also leaving the dog at home). I drove a Ford Flex (available in AWD) as a rental a while back and it seemed absolutely massive inside yet was fun to drive. I'd consider it
posted by inflatablekiwi at 1:11 AM on September 14, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by inflatablekiwi at 1:11 AM on September 14, 2015 [1 favorite]
Do not buy a land rover. They're money pits that constantly have issues.
Have you looked at the toyota highlander? About the same size, and you can even get a version with a pop up/pop out 3rd row of seats. I drive my bosses one occasionally and it handles pretty tight for how large it actually is, and completely unlike something in the expedition/suburban/etc class of vehicles that aren't that much larger than it. It feels more like a large smaller car than a medium sized truck-thing. We've cruised around 5 or 6 up with lots of music gear in it before, and the typical configuration for them was 4 people + tons of snowboard/ski gear into the mountains. 4 and a dog would be no problem. Almost all configurations seem to be AWD, but i don't know if i'd bother with the hybrid. I'm used to driving hybrids and maxing out the mileage meter, but i could NOT yank that thing over 20mpg in the city with just myself and a couple truck batteries in the cargo area.
I'll also second that jesus, the outback has gotten huge and i'd really look there if you want something bigger. They're great cars though.
If you can wait until the 2016 model of the prius launches, they're putting out an AWD version of the van model. Those things are mega-huge inside for how they look on the outside, and also hit 50mpg average very easily if you get used to finessing the gas/brakes and how it wants to accelerate(not aggressively, most of the time).
posted by emptythought at 3:39 AM on September 14, 2015 [2 favorites]
Have you looked at the toyota highlander? About the same size, and you can even get a version with a pop up/pop out 3rd row of seats. I drive my bosses one occasionally and it handles pretty tight for how large it actually is, and completely unlike something in the expedition/suburban/etc class of vehicles that aren't that much larger than it. It feels more like a large smaller car than a medium sized truck-thing. We've cruised around 5 or 6 up with lots of music gear in it before, and the typical configuration for them was 4 people + tons of snowboard/ski gear into the mountains. 4 and a dog would be no problem. Almost all configurations seem to be AWD, but i don't know if i'd bother with the hybrid. I'm used to driving hybrids and maxing out the mileage meter, but i could NOT yank that thing over 20mpg in the city with just myself and a couple truck batteries in the cargo area.
I'll also second that jesus, the outback has gotten huge and i'd really look there if you want something bigger. They're great cars though.
If you can wait until the 2016 model of the prius launches, they're putting out an AWD version of the van model. Those things are mega-huge inside for how they look on the outside, and also hit 50mpg average very easily if you get used to finessing the gas/brakes and how it wants to accelerate(not aggressively, most of the time).
posted by emptythought at 3:39 AM on September 14, 2015 [2 favorites]
Check out the Audi Q7 as well. I've had one as a loaner a few times and liked them quite a bit.
posted by primethyme at 4:24 AM on September 14, 2015
posted by primethyme at 4:24 AM on September 14, 2015
The Mercedes is VERY small inside. No space at all compared to your other choices. Congrats!!
posted by pearlybob at 4:28 AM on September 14, 2015
posted by pearlybob at 4:28 AM on September 14, 2015
I'm on a little trip now and rented a GL for the hell of it. So. Nice. I usually drive a Toureg and here are a few differences-
Installing the car seats is a breeze in the GL because the doors are so much bigger. My rental has a 60/40 bench as the middle row but I think it also comes configured with captains chairs in the middle and if I were buying I'd totally do that.
There are side curtain airbags for the third row. Not the case with the L4.
There is not a lot of cargo room when the third row is in use. However, with the third row folded, I could probably camp back there. Plenty of room for dogs and cargo.
Drives really smooth. My Toureg is a very sporty drive (super responsive, lots of road feedback) but it is work to drive. The GL is smooth like buttah. You glide down the road. It's a tad bouncy but I think that's just the length of the thing. It's huge.
posted by PorcineWithMe at 4:33 AM on September 14, 2015
Installing the car seats is a breeze in the GL because the doors are so much bigger. My rental has a 60/40 bench as the middle row but I think it also comes configured with captains chairs in the middle and if I were buying I'd totally do that.
There are side curtain airbags for the third row. Not the case with the L4.
There is not a lot of cargo room when the third row is in use. However, with the third row folded, I could probably camp back there. Plenty of room for dogs and cargo.
Drives really smooth. My Toureg is a very sporty drive (super responsive, lots of road feedback) but it is work to drive. The GL is smooth like buttah. You glide down the road. It's a tad bouncy but I think that's just the length of the thing. It's huge.
posted by PorcineWithMe at 4:33 AM on September 14, 2015
We've had a Durango for 8 years now, first a loaded 2005 that was replaced by an average 2004 when the 05 was totaled by a Kia Minivan that blew through a red light at 60 mph. (My wife and daughter walked away from that crash, so +1 safety too.) It's been a generally reliable vehicle, and we took it to the beach a few times with two kids and two dogs in crates in the back. It is a truck though, nobody will ever mistake it for a smooth ride.
posted by COD at 5:06 AM on September 14, 2015
posted by COD at 5:06 AM on September 14, 2015
Agreed with the XC90, Subaru Outback and GL. The Highlander is also a very practical and safe choice, albeit not super fun to drive.
It's probably on the smaller size, but if you enjoy aggressive driving, maybe the Porsche Cayenne S is worth a look. Porsche pedigree handling, AWD standard and very similar to the VW Toureg in size.
The first generation 2003-08 had somewhat lackluster reviews and horrid depreciation, but the newer models fare better in all respects.
2013-2014 Cayenne S's come equipped with the naturally aspirated 400 hp V8 engine and should be well optioned in the $55k-80k range.
2015, the Cayenne S engine switched to a twin turbo V6.
A few notes, the trim levels can be confusing, but worth reading through. Options for Porsches vary and new owners pay. a. premium. for. each. option... But if you buy a lightly used, CPO model, you can reap the benefit of depreciation, still.
And if /r/Porsche redditors are to be believed, Cayennes will last a while if maintained properly.
The more I type, the less I think the dogs will fit.
posted by Giggilituffin at 5:14 AM on September 14, 2015
It's probably on the smaller size, but if you enjoy aggressive driving, maybe the Porsche Cayenne S is worth a look. Porsche pedigree handling, AWD standard and very similar to the VW Toureg in size.
The first generation 2003-08 had somewhat lackluster reviews and horrid depreciation, but the newer models fare better in all respects.
2013-2014 Cayenne S's come equipped with the naturally aspirated 400 hp V8 engine and should be well optioned in the $55k-80k range.
2015, the Cayenne S engine switched to a twin turbo V6.
A few notes, the trim levels can be confusing, but worth reading through. Options for Porsches vary and new owners pay. a. premium. for. each. option... But if you buy a lightly used, CPO model, you can reap the benefit of depreciation, still.
And if /r/Porsche redditors are to be believed, Cayennes will last a while if maintained properly.
The more I type, the less I think the dogs will fit.
posted by Giggilituffin at 5:14 AM on September 14, 2015
You sound like a perfect candidate for the Toyota Land Cruiser or the Lexus equivalent (LX 570, I think) for the size, engineering, and capacity.
posted by Dip Flash at 5:38 AM on September 14, 2015
posted by Dip Flash at 5:38 AM on September 14, 2015
The Land Cruiser/LX 470 platform is excellent WRT off-road handling and resilience, but when driving mostly on-road, especially at highway speeds, they can feel unwieldy with their relatively high center of gravity.
The Toyota Sequoia is a far better highway vehicle that OP should definitely consider. Super-reliable, spacious and comfortable!
My doctor bought one new back in 2004 and just sold it this year with almost 300k miles on it- only standard maintenance provided.
posted by Giggilituffin at 5:53 AM on September 14, 2015 [1 favorite]
The Toyota Sequoia is a far better highway vehicle that OP should definitely consider. Super-reliable, spacious and comfortable!
My doctor bought one new back in 2004 and just sold it this year with almost 300k miles on it- only standard maintenance provided.
posted by Giggilituffin at 5:53 AM on September 14, 2015 [1 favorite]
I was going to suggest a Toyota Sequoia. We have a 2004 & it's quite comfortable. (I especially like heated leather seats in the winter.) The 4WD plows through snow like it's nothing. If you put the third row seats down, there's a lot of space for storage, dogs, strollers, etc.
posted by belladonna at 5:56 AM on September 14, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by belladonna at 5:56 AM on September 14, 2015 [2 favorites]
I realize that it may be unbearably shameful for many to even consider a minivan these days, but consider taking a moment to personally experience the difference in usable interior family space compared to an SUV. If you are at all open to this idea, then there is only one minivan that is available in AWD - - the Toyota Sienna.
posted by fairmettle at 6:08 AM on September 14, 2015 [9 favorites]
posted by fairmettle at 6:08 AM on September 14, 2015 [9 favorites]
The Jeep Grand Cherokees have a lot of mechanical problems, which is a bummer because they look great. And the Range Rovers as pointed out by emptythought are money pits with outdated technology.
I don't know anything about them, but you might add it to your list: the Infiniti QX80.
posted by cecic at 6:20 AM on September 14, 2015
I don't know anything about them, but you might add it to your list: the Infiniti QX80.
posted by cecic at 6:20 AM on September 14, 2015
The Dodge Durango is basically a longer Grand Cherokee that's tuned more for urban use. (You can still get 4WD, but it sits a little lower.)
Nothing is as big as the GM full-size SUVs (Suburban, Escalade, etc.) but they've gotten pricey. The plant is running at full capacity trying to keep up with demand.
Ford still makes the Expedition, but its gotten long in the tooth.
I have friends who own an MDX and love it.
Stay away from the Land Rover. I would be wary of European imports due to maintenance costs, unless you plan to lease and then walk away from it.
posted by pmurray63 at 6:46 AM on September 14, 2015
Nothing is as big as the GM full-size SUVs (Suburban, Escalade, etc.) but they've gotten pricey. The plant is running at full capacity trying to keep up with demand.
Ford still makes the Expedition, but its gotten long in the tooth.
I have friends who own an MDX and love it.
Stay away from the Land Rover. I would be wary of European imports due to maintenance costs, unless you plan to lease and then walk away from it.
posted by pmurray63 at 6:46 AM on September 14, 2015
Subaru Outback. 2 kids, 60 lb dog, and a Thule on top. Leather gets you a sunroof. Love the car.
posted by anya32 at 6:51 AM on September 14, 2015
posted by anya32 at 6:51 AM on September 14, 2015
I used the Long Term Quality Index for researching a recent car purchase, and the clear winners on reliability were Toyota/Lexus and Honda/Acura, with GMC pretty good as well on their SUVs. Even within the winning brands, though, the Toyota Land Cruiser and 4Runner were head and shoulders above anything else for fewest problems.
posted by sapere aude at 9:11 AM on September 14, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by sapere aude at 9:11 AM on September 14, 2015 [1 favorite]
I have a 2015 Tahoe and recently went back to the dealer to look at trading for a suburban. The Tahoe is huge but has almost no cargo space with the third row seats in the up position. I love everything else about the platform though. You can always get a hitch mounted cargo box or rack for the family vacations.
We also have an Outback and I think it's a horrible suggestion for 4 humans, two dogs, and cargo.
posted by PSB at 10:15 AM on September 14, 2015 [1 favorite]
We also have an Outback and I think it's a horrible suggestion for 4 humans, two dogs, and cargo.
posted by PSB at 10:15 AM on September 14, 2015 [1 favorite]
The Mercedes is too small for your needs. The Land Rovers have uneven build quality. If you get a good one, then it's great. If you get a dud, then it's constant problems. For the price, I think you can do better in terms of reliability than the Land Rovers.
In your shoes, I'd want to buy the blingy Escalade - it's huge, but it handles nicely. The ride is smooth and much better than its more trucklike peers (Tahoe/Suburban). Plus, it's so quiet. I'd probably buy the Lexus LX 570.
posted by 26.2 at 11:47 AM on September 14, 2015
In your shoes, I'd want to buy the blingy Escalade - it's huge, but it handles nicely. The ride is smooth and much better than its more trucklike peers (Tahoe/Suburban). Plus, it's so quiet. I'd probably buy the Lexus LX 570.
posted by 26.2 at 11:47 AM on September 14, 2015
Response by poster: Thank you all for the suggestions so far. The XC90 *was* on our radar but we hadn't looked too deeply.
I guess I should mention, my father works at General Motors and has for over thirty years. When we bought the Tiguan he felt a bit betrayed. We're not willing to completely base our decision on what our daily driver is based on this, but if it is a GM-made vehicle it's all for the better.
posted by ugly at 12:01 PM on September 14, 2015
I guess I should mention, my father works at General Motors and has for over thirty years. When we bought the Tiguan he felt a bit betrayed. We're not willing to completely base our decision on what our daily driver is based on this, but if it is a GM-made vehicle it's all for the better.
posted by ugly at 12:01 PM on September 14, 2015
It's kind of funny you haven't included a Subaru - you're in the sweet spot of their target market! The new Outbacks are massive and they have other models.
Don't get a Jeep or Land Rover, ugh.
The GM truck/massive Suburbans do drive more like trucks. Some people like that. It would drive me nuts :-) Ya gotta test drive them, or try to rent one for a long weekend if possible.
I also think you should be looking at a minivan with AWD. They're not at ALL like they used to be. Go test drive one!
posted by barnone at 12:15 PM on September 14, 2015 [1 favorite]
Don't get a Jeep or Land Rover, ugh.
The GM truck/massive Suburbans do drive more like trucks. Some people like that. It would drive me nuts :-) Ya gotta test drive them, or try to rent one for a long weekend if possible.
I also think you should be looking at a minivan with AWD. They're not at ALL like they used to be. Go test drive one!
posted by barnone at 12:15 PM on September 14, 2015 [1 favorite]
Dad's a GM guy? (My Dad worked for Mack Trucks - I get you on the family brand/USA made loyalty!)
If you can get the employee price on the Escalade then that is a done deal.
posted by 26.2 at 12:42 PM on September 14, 2015
If you can get the employee price on the Escalade then that is a done deal.
posted by 26.2 at 12:42 PM on September 14, 2015
Response by poster: As for a minivan, I'm all on board (I've wanted one since before we had any kids). My wife, however, has ixnayed any possibility of a minivan.
Investigating employee discounts. My company also has discounts with most big car manufacturers and I'll compare against that.
posted by ugly at 1:42 PM on September 14, 2015
Investigating employee discounts. My company also has discounts with most big car manufacturers and I'll compare against that.
posted by ugly at 1:42 PM on September 14, 2015
We had an Acura MDX for 14 years and 225,000 miles, and loved it. It's big on the inside, cushy and polished, AWD, drives more like a car than a truck, and had three rows of seats. Plus, its Japanese and so was very low maintenance. It's moderately expensive, but not in the same league as the Mercedes or Land Rover.
posted by rtimmel at 2:21 PM on September 14, 2015
posted by rtimmel at 2:21 PM on September 14, 2015
As a proud 2014 Outback owner who loves the car, I would say even the new ones are way too small for what you want.
posted by benzenedream at 8:10 PM on September 15, 2015
posted by benzenedream at 8:10 PM on September 15, 2015
SUV's aren't safer. http://gladwell.com/big-and-bad/ I've really enjoyed our van, especially with snow tires, and our Hybrid Camry made it up a snowy hill that 3 SUV's couldn't climb. The driver's side sliding door is so much more convenient with kids in car seats, and the removable middle seats make a great landing area for dogs, backpacks, etc.
posted by at at 9:07 PM on September 16, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by at at 9:07 PM on September 16, 2015 [1 favorite]
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by kickingtheground at 12:03 AM on September 14, 2015 [1 favorite]