Best midsized SUV

[LD1]

Looking to upgrade to a midsized SUV. Currently have a jeep compass and with kids getting older....its just getting a little small. Finding more and more reasons for a 3rd row seat and/or the ability to fold them down and have more cargo room.

5 models keep coming up in my search parameters. Which is 2018+ with under 60k miles

Dodge journey seems to be the cheapest option.
But also looking at:
Nissan pathfinder
Kia sorento
GMC acadia
Mazda CX-9

Prices for an AWD 2018-2020 models with ~40-60k miles well equipped and leather seem to be $18k-$28k ballpark.

Just window shopping at the moment and would like to hone in on a single make/model or two. Any of the above have reasons to avoid at all costs? are they all fairly comparable? any known or common issues to look out for?

Just looking for some real world experience from others that may have been down this road shopping for a mid-sized SUV. And what lead you to buy what you did or avoid what you did. Or any other models to consider.

 

[RSKY]

My sister is looking at the same type vehicle. Her last look was at a Toyota dealer. A 2020 Highlander with 28,000 miles was $42,000 was available while a new 2023 was $51,000 list price. Problem was that the dealer has 116 vehicles on order they haven't received yet. These are vehicles that people have paid money down on. They couldn't even guarantee that she would get a 2023 if she put down a sizable down payment.

RSKY

 

[LD1]

My sister is looking at the same type vehicle. Her last look was at a Toyota dealer. A 2020 Highlander with 28,000 miles was $42,000 was available while a new 2023 was $51,000 list price. Problem was that the dealer has 116 vehicles on order they haven't received yet. These are vehicles that people have paid money down on. They couldn't even guarantee that she would get a 2023 if she put down a sizable down payment.

RSKY

Im seeing alot of the 20-30k mile 2020-2022 vehicles as well for ~$35k-$45k......

But honestly for half the money I'd rather go with a 2018-2019 with 60k. Just seems a smarter move financially to me.

 

[NoTrespassing]

My wife and I love our Ford Edge ST but no third row. My only complaint is the factory tires, they've only got 28K on them and they're about shot.

 

[Bocephous]

Used Toyota 4Runner. Normally aspirated 6 cylinder, 5 speed automatic. And will probably outlive any of the other vehicles you mentioned at a 2 to 1 ratio (with the possibility of the Mazda) if you keep it protected underneath from the effects of salt.

 

[tacticalturnip]

I've got to put my vote in for the previous generation Kia Sorento, 2016-2020. The wife and I leased one in 2019 to get out from under her mice-ruined Subaru Forester; we purchased it two years in. If you'd have told me in 2009 I would own a Kia I would have laughed; well, now I own a Kia, and a Korean tractor to boot.

I vouch specifically for the 2019-2020 mid-life refresh models, with the V6. The four cylinder models of the prior generation had some rare but significant issues, and I'm not a fan of small engines in larger vehicles. Anyhow, it will tow 5k pounds, though we've never towed with ours. It seats 5 comfortably, and 7 if you get the 3rd row and have two people you don't like. Since we've owned it we had a leak form on the water pump, it was replaced under warranty, and that's the extent of it. Our 12 year old backed it into a tree, and I ate the cost of parts out of pocket. Also, we very much regret getting the tan interior with children.

The Sorento has been great to us, and we're really happy with it. 85k miles 4 years, it's been nothing but reliable. Oh, and I've been extremely impressed with the 8 speed automatic.

 

[LD1]

Used Toyota 4Runner. Normally aspirated 6 cylinder, 5 speed automatic. And will probably outlive any of the other vehicles you mentioned at a 2 to 1 ratio (with the possibility of the Mazda) if you keep it protected underneath from the effects of salt.

Those seem to be about 50% more money for comparable age/mileage than the models I listed.

And when I check 3rd row seat in the search results 90% of them disappear....so maybe 3rd row wasnt popular in those models?

But the ones I see.....still at $35-$40k for 50,000 miles and 2019 I will take a pass on

 

[scootr]

I had good luck with a Honda Pilot. V6 power 20mpg. Lots of cargo space. Sold it for a BMW X5 which we hated interfacing with BMW technology.
Had the Mazda CX7. Good car to 150k miles then the suspension was shot. Sold it for another Honda CRX. We keep coming back to Honda. They are solid and they work.
A quick google search revealed these recommendations:

Best Used Midsize SUVs $20K to $25K for 2023

• 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe.
• 2019 Kia Sorento.
• 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe.
• 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser.
• 2018 Mazda CX-9.
• 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe.
• 2017 Toyota Highlander.
• 2020 Chevrolet Traverse.

 

[nybirdman]

We are on our second GMC Acadia(purchased new) both with the 3.6 V6.Excellent vehicle and decent gas mileage:28 mpg highway.I have owned quite a few over the years including 3 Subaru's(great also).

 

[EddieWalker]

Good timing on this thread. I've been thinking that I need to trade in my F150 for a Ram3500 dually flat bed, and also get a smaller SUV for running around in.

 

[Bearsixty7]

We were looking at the same vehicle segment about a year ago, when I started seeing inventory and deals happening. As of February 2023 we decided to hold off until probably this fall or next spring.

Anyway, One of my main concerns was what dealerships will be relatively close for future service where we plan to move in 2026 (we were considering new purchase) and that narrowed it down to Ford, Chevy, Toyota, Jeep.

So that had us look at,

Ford Explorer- They are very nice, super comfortable, many features and options to choose from and were being discounted. (Currently in the lead for me for various reasons)

Toyota Highlander, (Hard to find the exact trim level and options that suits us best), on test drives there were things I liked better about the Explorer.

Jeep Cherokee L (roughest ride, reliability concerns)

Chevy?? Didn't look at or test drive anything before pausing purchase, May look at a Traverse or Equinox or some similar model?

 

[scootr]

I too have been looking for a new used daily SUV. But my heart is set on a diesel.

 

[rgr33]

Just sold my wifes 2013 Highlander, and it was absolutely bulletproof since the day we bought it. 22 mpg

Bought a new RAV 4 hybrid, hope for the same results with increased gas mileage. 39 mpg

 

[deserteagle71]

OP is looking for a "roomy" SUV to handle a large family - preferably with 3 rows of seats. That removes most of the recommendations I see above.

I own a Toyota 4Runner. It is a compact vehicle! Not much roomier than my Jeep Wrangler. Same with the Toyota FJ Cruiser. If you want room, get something like the Chevy Suburban - or a minivan. Those can be had with all wheel drive and are very spacious.

 

[LD1]

OP is looking for a "roomy" SUV to handle a large family - preferably with 3 rows of seats. That removes most of the recommendations I see above.

I own a Toyota 4Runner. It is a compact vehicle! Not much roomier than my Jeep Wrangler. Same with the Toyota FJ Cruiser. If you want room, get something like the Chevy Suburban - or a minivan. Those can be had with all wheel drive and are very spacious.

All the ones I mentioned have 3rd row seating.
Family isnt large. Me, Wife, 12yo son and 9yo daughter.

The issue is cargo space. The compass....try cramming in 2 lawn chains, two ball bags, 5-gal bucket of balls, coaches duffle with catchers gear, couple blankets, and a fold-up wagon.....all to tote to the ballfields a few times a week. Can be challenging.

The idea behind the 3rd row is for if the kids have friends stay and we want to go out to eat or movies or something. They are getting a little big to cram 4 (illegally) in the back of compass that dont have 3rd row.

The 3rd row will mostly not be used....just the few times a year for kids friends, etc. But the cargo room is really what I am after.

 

[deserteagle71]

But the cargo room is really what I am after.

Then the mini-van is your answer. None of the others can even come close. Or for even more room, something like the Ford Transit Passenger Van.

 

[Midniteoyl]

Had a 2013 Dodge Journey SXT 3.5 V6 AWD w/ 3rd row. Bought it used in 2014 w 14k miles, traded it in 2020 with 85k on it. The *only* problems I had with it were rodents chewing the wiring, and the original tires (Kumo?) pretty much sucked. Otherwise it was a great little SUV that took me and the wife a lot of places.

We didnt really use the 3rd row much, but the seats were nice when we did. Didnt have the best actualy hide-away type storage spots, but with both rows folded down a mattress will fit just fine

It's also no longer made, being replaced by the new Pacifica Minivan I believe.

 

[oldnslo]

Like desert eagle states mini- van hands down for storage while SUV = Super Useless Vehicle. No cargo space in majority of them compared to van.

 

[Tomtint]

On the SUV landscape..There is no shortage of options. .. I was in the market a couple months ago for a used one. My needs were #1 comfort, #2 Overall condition, #3 reliability. . Im 6-2" and 215 so the smaller SUVs were quickly ruled out in comfort. My sights were fairly quickly set on a Tahoe, a Yukon or an Escalade. .. We have had all of those at one point in the past with overall good ownership experiences. Happened to come across a 2018 Escalade with 38K miles on it, Its the short version with a 3rd row if needed, Otherwise it just lays down flat. I have had it now since February..So far no problems, Extremely comfortable and its in really good condition given its 5 years old.
It's averaging 19.3 mpg which I don't think is bad for the size of it. And the towing capacity is pretty decent if needed.

 

[scootr]

Wife went through this search a few months ago. I came to the conclusion a mini-van was the best option (for dog shows etc) But she refused to even look at one claiming she would rather preserve her dignity than drive a mini-van?