Looking for a new SUV for my wife and wanted to see if there were any opinions here. Live in Omaha NE but still think I could get away with a FWD. We never really used the AWD in her Kia Sorento

Wife just got new highlander and could not be happier. I thinks it's great as well. Had the 4 runner for 8 years prior and it's really no contest if you've got kids and their friends. Don't know about explorer but Toyota has been good to us.

2-row - Mazda CX-5
3-row - Highlander

Explorer

Explorer is bigger, but not noticeable inside. It also drives bigger than it is. Only reason to get the ford is if you are going to get the Sport with the turbo motor and you want to tow something occasionally.

Got my wife a '16 Explorer in April and we love it. Have two kids under 5. Feels big on the inside to me...coming from Volvo XC90.

My wife had a 4Runner and I hated riding in that thing, I felt really cramped. Now we have a highlander. To me the highlander has more interior width?
But I wouldn't mind a explorer sport, a little more pep

My picks for three row car based crossover SUVs

1. Explorer
2. LWB Santa Fe
3. Highlander
4. Pathfinder
5. Pilot/MDX
6. GM Lambda Triplets (Acadia, Traverse, Enclave)
7. Durango

My picks for three row car based crossover SUVs

1. Explorer
2. LWB Santa Fe
3. Highlander
4. Pathfinder
5. Pilot/MDX
6. GM Lambda Triplets (Acadia, Traverse, Enclave)
7. Durango

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My picks for three row car based crossover SUVs

1. Explorer
2. LWB Santa Fe
3. Highlander
4. Pathfinder
5. Pilot/MDX
6. GM Lambda Triplets (Acadia, Traverse, Enclave)
7. Durango

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Why do you have the Durango so low? Some have rated it the top in this category (I think Car and Driver?).

Many good offerings in this space but surprised you had Durango below the Lambdas. I've never been in a Durango but do like the looks.

I was surprised how little room there is between the front row and second row in the Durango. being 6'8" this is my main concern, especially with how much room the baby seats take up, which was a complete surprise to me.

think I'm leaning toward the explorer for the features. the GPS seems pretty impressive (POIs that I'm actually looking for come up) and that we might actually use it instead of reverting back to just using the phone like we did right after buying her KIA a few years ago. briefly looked at the chevy traverse and was floored when I found out that in 2017 they still don't offer push to start. They've already pissed me off recently as well as they had to replace the entire door panel of my 2010 silverado just to replace the inside handle that broke off.

Just curious because I have often wondered this - what is the allure of push start vehicles? It seems cool I guess, but it doesn't save me time or add convenience since I still need the keys. Am I missing something?

wife likes it cause she can keep her key in her purse and doesn't have to fish it out while holding the baby and trying to open the door.

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wife likes it cause she can keep her key in her purse and doesn't have to fish it out while holding the baby and trying to open the door.

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This. With two small kids not having to dig the keys out to unlock the car and start it makes a huge difference for her

Because fire.

With 3 kids, the 3rd row is very important to us. With Highlander, my youngest's (10) knees hit the 2nd row and sat the seat sat very upright. We're going Explorer, just waiting on the right one and deal. Pilot is currently our 2nd choice but price point was too high for our budget. We also test drove the durango, was ok, but not as comfortable as pilot or explorer. Didn't even visit the Tahoe.

Love our MDX.

I like everything about the Ford except the brand name.

Did you drive the Pilot? Curious on your thoughts since I'm considering one in a year or two.

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I like everything about the Ford except the brand name.

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Just slap a few BMW badges on there and you're good to go!

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My picks for three row car based crossover SUVs

1. Explorer
2. LWB Santa Fe
3. Highlander
4. Pathfinder
5. Pilot/MDX
6. GM Lambda Triplets (Acadia, Traverse, Enclave)
7. Durango

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Why do you have the Durango so low? Some have rated it the top in this category (I think Car and Driver?).

Many good offerings in this space but surprised you had Durango below the Lambdas. I've never been in a Durango but do like the looks.

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Because Fire

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Exactly. Everything, including their sun visors, have been known to cause fires. Even after the recall for fire risk, they still catch on fire.

Yes we drove it and liked it, just more expensive than current budget will allow. Less space in 3rd row than Explorer. One nice feature I liked was a camera in the passenger mirror, that when you turned on the signal, it showed in the media display.

anyone know when the 17 highlander will come out? Everything I can find on the internets says fall 16 but does that mean this month, oct, nov?

It debuts at the NY auto show, so I'm guessing mid to late October

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anyone know when the 17 highlander will come out? Everything I can find on the internets says fall 16 but does that mean this month, oct, nov?

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Dealerships are taking orders now. Should hit the lots around end of Nov.

There can be only one!

4 years ago we looked at the highlander and pilot. Went with a pilot. We were and are still extremely pleased with out decision.

Pilot was cheaper
Got better MPG
Cheaper to buy
More storage
8 seater vs 7 IIRC


Not sure on the 16/17 models....

I'm interested in the 2017 Highlander, too. I'm having trouble finding a vehicle I want but the slight changes they've made to the 2017 have put the Highlander back on my radar. We'll see how crazy demand is and how fast Toyota can build them.

I really love my Explorer. Probably my favorite vehicle yet.

Thinking of the Highlander or Pilot as well for a new car for the wife. 4-kids but two in college. Friend of ours bought a newer minivan when her oldest went to college and she regretted it as they almost never need all the space of the van. Wishes they would have bought something else.

Is there a Toyota or Honda hook up on the board?

I'm posting sitting (not driving) in my '08 Pilot w nearly 115k miles that's had no issues.

This summer we bought the wife the current 2016 Pilot and so far so good. Yes, two Pilots is super lame but what the heck. Good Honda people movers.

agracer said:

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Thinking of the Highlander or Pilot as well for a new car for the wife. 4-kids but two in college. Friend of ours bought a newer minivan when her oldest went to college and she regretted it as they almost never need all the space of the van. Wishes they would have bought something else.

Is there a Toyota or Honda hook up on the board?

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Yes