The wife and I are ready to upgrade one of our compact cars (she has a Corolla and I have a Mazda3) to something that has more cargo and seating capacity. We settled on the 3-row SUV's because we want to have room for our two dogs and a kid coming (hopefully) soon, along with all our stuff. We're in Austin and family is in Houston and Dallas, so we make a lot of weekend trips.

The market is incredibly frustrating right now and it is a terrible time to need a new vehicle. We both LOVE the Telluride but refuse to pay $5k (at minimum) over MSRP for the EX trim level we want. We like the way the Mazda CX-9 drives, but the cargo space leaves something to be desired.

We are down to the Grand Cherokee L, Hyundai Palisade, and Subaru Ascent. I know we love the way the Grand Cherokee L drives, but the Jeep reliability ratings have us cautious. The Palisade is very close to the Telluride, but not quite up to par. I feel like it is almost too similar without being exactly the same. The Ascent's 4 cylinder engine gives me pause regarding it's longevity and responsiveness on the highway.

Does anyone have any thoughts on these vehicles and our conundrum? This is the first new car I've ever purchased and it's pretty overwhelming.

BaytownAg13 said:

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The market is incredibly frustrating right now and it is a terrible time to need a new vehicle. We both LOVE the Telluride but refuse to pay $5k (at minimum) over MSRP for the EX trim level we want. We like the way the Mazda CX-9 drives, but the cargo space leaves something to be desired.

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I don't know what it is on paper, but having spent time in the CX9 and the Ascent I think you'll find the cargo space to be similar. In practical every day use the CX9 might even feel bigger.

You can factory order a Telluride from Ft. bend Kia at MSRP, no mandatory add on or fees. Confirmed last week via text and corroborated by Telluride forum users. From sales rep:

Quote:

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No add-ons or fees. It is simply MSRP, plus TT&L.

Wait time can average between four and eight months, based on the trim level you choose. As for a test drive, we can't accommodate that, as all of our allocation consists of pre-sold special orders.

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I'd recommend not looking too hard at the 3-row aspect unless you're driving folks around once you get to Houston / Dallas.

We have two teenagers and have had several Honda Pilots (which have been great vehicles) but I can count on hands & feet the number of times we've used the 3rd row.

I'd chalk it up as a "nice to have" but not a deal breaker. For example the Honda Passport is essentially a smaller Pilot...no third row. I'd consider giving it a look. Not sure how it compares in price or availability to the vehicles you've listed...

chet98 said:

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I'd recommend not looking too hard at the 3-row aspect unless you're driving folks around once you get to Houston / Dallas.

We have two teenagers and have had several Honda Pilots (which have been great vehicles) but I can count on hands & feet the number of times we've used the 3rd row.

I'd chalk it up as a "nice to have" but not a deal breaker. For example the Honda Passport is essentially a smaller Pilot...no third row. I'd consider giving it a look. Not sure how it compares in price or availability to the vehicles you've listed...

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Agreed. Thing about how often you'll actually use the 3rd row. I drive a GX, which has a 3rd row and is nice to have when I need it, but it's folded down 95% of the time. It has a lot of cargo space when the 3rd row is folded down, but if it's not the cargo space is non-existent. You can, however, fold up only 1 of the seats and maintain decent space.

I don't think a 3rd row is necessary at all for 2 dogs and 1 child, but that's totally up to the user.

Ascent and Atlas with captains chairs are probably your best bet. My sister has two large dogs and settled on the Ascent due to the rubber-backed rear seats so she doesn't have to deal with vacuuming dog hair out of the felt backing in a normal car.

When going with 3 rows, it's nice to have the option for captains chairs in the 2nd row making the 3rd row easier to access. I went Explorer (through 1Ags hookup) - car seats in either captain's chair and dogs in the bench seat in the back.

I would suggest that you consider the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander as well. I prefer their NA engines and regular (as in non-CVT) transmissions over what is found in vehicles such as the Ascent. A few weeks ago, there was a $1k rebate on the Highlander. Don't know if that is still available, but you can check the Toyota website.

We tested the two-row version of the Atlas, but did not like the unusually high level of road noise. Also didn't like the seating position as I had no place to put my elbows. It was great otherwise, but there is no way I would be happy with one.

C

minivan

BaytownAg13 said:

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The Ascent's 4 cylinder engine gives me pause regarding it's longevity and responsiveness on the highway.

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Subaru has been doing turbo flat 4 bangers in a decent percentage of their cars for years and I was at 175K w/ not issues other than valve cover gaskets on my WRX so I wouldn't worry too much. Go test drive one and floor it at 60.

Odyssey is what you need.

historyrepeats said:

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minivan

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Minivan with no kids is like punting on 2nd down.

Haha, thanks for all the replies! I agree with the above poster, we aren't punting and getting a minivan with no kids. My wife is already strongly against the minivan, so that probably won't happen until we absolutely NEED it (if that time ever comes). We are going with the 3 rows because we like the idea of having captain's chairs in the second row and having the third row folded down most of the time for extra storage.

I looked into ordering a Telluride, but we'd rather have the vehicle before the holidays so that is not really an option for us.

I'm happy to hear about the Ascent's engine. We are going to test drive that, the Highlander, and the Grand Cherokee L this weekend. After that hopefully we can narrow down what we want and really start shopping for good deals (if any exist).

MB GLS with 2nd row captain's chairs.

Captains chairs are great but having a console in the middle sucks when the captains chairs are locked in place with carseats in them. FYI....

drumboy said:

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Captains chairs are great but having a console in the middle sucks when the captains chairs are locked in place with carseats in them. FYI....

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Yep. Delete the console.

We have a Honda Pilot with captains chairs. There is no console. just a slip resistant area for books or ipads, etc. It's easy to step over to the third row. The Pilot has been excellent. We just returned from driving to Destin from Dallas and back, and it's the best road trip vehicle ever. We also regularly shuttle 4 adults and kids 11,13 and 16 around, which included a trip to Galveston last year. At the very least, I would put it on your list. It's been a great hauler for us for 3 years and 30k miles. I liked the Ascent, but it wasn't as roomy and the only choice was coffee brown leather on the top trim, which my wife hates. Our second choice was the Highlander, where the captains chairs weren't as big or confy, and the third row was smaller. I haven't looked at the latest body style. The Korean twins weren't available yet, but judging from friend's Stingers, I'm not sure they will hold up like the Honda has.

The KIA Carnival is the nicest looking minivan I have seen. It really just looks like an SUV with slightly lower ground clearance. Its no more humbling than any of the other options listed in this thread.

https://www.kia.com/us/en/carnival-mpv

Tried for 3 months to buy a Telluride with no luck. Sold immediately and over sticker. Ordered an EX with Nightfall package for MSRP. Love it.

Bought the wife a CX-9 Signature a few years ago and we have been really happy with it. These small SUV's with 3 rows of seats all lack cargo space if you have the 3rd row up. We rarely have the 3rd row up. Also have the option to have 1 seat up or the 2 seat side of the bench up.

We ordered our Telluride exactly how we wanted it from Moritz in Ft Worth. Super simple. MSRP. Easiest new car transaction I've made.

Let me know if you want contact info.

Love our Dodge Durango RT and opted for the second row bench to max out kid capacity. Wife easily totes around 6 kids. Been very reliable too.

Buck Turgidson said:

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The KIA Carnival is the nicest looking minivan I have seen. It really just looks like an SUV with slightly lower ground clearance. Its no more humbling than any of the other options listed in this thread.

https://www.kia.com/us/en/carnival-mpv

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Looks like a Dodge Journey and Chrysler Town & Country had a love child.

Just bought my wife an ascent this past February. No regrets.

You don't have kids yet. If you aren't spending money on traveling, yolo on a big fun SUV

+1!

https://instagr.am/p/CRmDkANjd7q
https://instagr.am/p/CRm2SQBFUvb

Vote for a Dodge Durango or Infiniti QX80. Had, and loved, both.

agdoc2001 said:

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When going with 3 rows, it's nice to have the option for captains chairs in the 2nd row making the 3rd row easier to access. I went Explorer (through 1Ags hookup) - car seats in either captain's chair and dogs in the bench seat in the back.

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So, minivan.

Seriously, the stigma is gone and a minivan is far superior family hauler than an SUV. It's easier to get in and out, has more room, gets better gas mileage, cheaper to maintain, better ride, and the sliding doors make that car seat heave 10x easier.

Yes and no. Taking the kids to soccer practice, it's more practical. If you want to tow a sizeable trailer or boat, or get off road, the minivan probably isn't going to cut it. I still do not find the styling/appearance on even the Carnival as appealing as the average 3 row SUV.

Mr. AGSPRT04 said:

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Yes and no. Taking the kids to soccer practice, it's more practical. If you want to tow a sizeable trailer or boat, or get off road, the minivan probably isn't going to cut it. I still do not find the styling/appearance on even the Carnival as appealing as the average 3 row SUV.

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The vast majority of family haulers never tow a giant boat and never go off roading.

Most minivans tow 3500, which is about the same as a lot of the SUV haulers like the CX9 that were recommended above.

I'd look at each one on a site like the car seat lady or car seats for the Littles to see just how car seat compatible each one is. You'd be surprised how many vehicles are not the best, for example no tether anchors in certain spots for forward facing seats.

Its easy to access thr 3rd row in the atlas without captains chairs just fyi. The backseat folds up quote nicely to access the rear. It has a tone more room than the cx9.

Thanks everyone for the replies. I was somehow able to find a Telluride (our favorite test drive) selling at MSRP in Fort Worth. While I know a minivan is more practical, it's just not in the cards at this time in our lives when we don't have kids.
We're hopefully going be able to drive the wheels off this car, then it'll be time for the van.

Let the Baytown shine through brother, get a XJ and bolt in a 3rd row