Compact to Midsize SUV Recommendations

[One1Bravo]

Currently in a '16 Ford Explorer and I fucking hate it. 2000s tech, underwhelming driving experience, and not the most comfortable. Only thing I like about it is the space. The last couple weeks I've been looking at '17-'19 "luxury" compact and midsized SUVs. Right now the Jaguar F-Pace 35t is at the top of my list. Also looking at Audi Q5s and Q7s and the BMW X5. Considered the Mercedes GLE and GLC but not the biggest fan. Any suggestions or experiences with the models listed above?

 

[Hollywood 6mm]

Some people will laugh or roll their eyes, but depending on your driving and travel habits, it might be worth looking at a Tesla Model Y.

 

[remaction]

We picked up a '21 Lincoln Corsair for my wife last month. It depends what you are looking for, but damn, it rides nice and is quiet. It has a great sound system also.

 

[Redmanss]

Euro luxury brands turn massive on maintenance costs with little time, and combined with depreciation they're hardly worth more value owning than getting one a 36 mo lease. If you want to buy something capable and luxury, I recommend Lexus versions of the Land Cruiser. If you want damn capable and also real nice plus $15k less, just get a Land Cruiser.

 

[Bigfatcock]

Get the 4Runner, whichever trim is the luxury trim with selectable 4WD.

You’ll have comfort and one of the most capable 4WD vehicles available.

 

[TxWelder35]

Get the 4Runner, whichever trim is the luxury trim with selectable 4WD.

You’ll have comfort and one of the most capable 4WD vehicles available.

If he doesn’t like fords tech he definitely isn’t going to like the new 4runners 1980 tech.

G WAGON

 

[One1Bravo]

If he doesn’t like fords tech he definitely isn’t going to like the new 4runners 1980 tech.

G WAGON

This was going to be my comment exactly. I had an '18 Tundra. Loved the truck other than shitty tech. Minus the G Wagon. I'm a poor.

Also, don't need off road capability. Worst it'll see may be a gravel road.

 

[Bigfatcock]

If he doesn’t like fords tech he definitely isn’t going to like the new 4runners 1980 tech.

G WAGON

True, lol.

 

[OldSalty2]

X5 m50i.

Alpine white.

 

[One1Bravo]

X5 m50i.

Alpine white.

The X5, particularly the white, is my favorite when it comes to looks. Reliability ratings and maintenance costs are better on the F-Pace. Won't be going with an m, though. If I do go BMW it'll be the X5 xDrive35i.

 

[BytorJr]

Euro luxury brands turn massive on maintenance costs with little time, and combined with depreciation they're hardly worth more value owning than getting one a 36 mo lease. If you want to buy something capable and luxury, I recommend Lexus versions of the Land Cruiser. If you want damn capable and also real nice plus $15k less, just get a Land Cruiser.

Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...quiet now!! Seriously, I have nobody to blame but myself when I was looking at an early 200 series 3 years ago before the price exploded.

 

[TimK]

Bought my wife a Dodge Durango a year or so ago with the standard 360hp hemi. It’s sweet. Makes great noises and scoots along pretty damn good for a three row grocery getter.

We‘ve owned some cool cars in 31 years of marriage, but I’m convinced this is the best car we owned.

it’s available now with the Hellcat motor. Woot!

 

[rjacobs]

Im in the process of selling a 21 Explorer ST... Its got some annoyances(suspension pops, infotainment slow as fuck, steering wheel controls ergonomics are bad), but overall we enjoyed it, just need a truck. You can get a lot of vehicle for the money in an Exploder.

We looked at the BMW X5... price was high and I didnt want to deal with "bmw"...and you know what I mean. Plus to get into a 4.0 m sport(not even a REAL X5M) was like 85-90k. The lesser models have "vinyl" seats if I am not mistaken...Leatherette... yea its vinyl with a fancy name...

I would never own a Jag. Even when they were Ford owned I think they were sketchy. Who owns them now?

Buddy has/had an Audi Q7. Loved it. I think thats the same platform as the Lambo SUV.

Mercedes...well if you think a BMW or Audi are expensive to service, dont even look at Mercedes. Gotta take it to the dealer to reset the oil change warning...


I would be looking at Lexus for something in the 2 row variety. My buddy just bought an RX of some flavor for his wife. He absolutely loves it. Plus its a Toyota...

 

[mahlv]

We just got a 2019 rav4 limited hybrid. Pretty disappointing, wish we'd have found a Lexus equivalent. Road noise reminds me of my 88 prelude, tech blows, does get good mileage though

 

[johnnyvw]

I have a 2020 VW Tiguan, which is the first car in a while that I can honestly say that I love. Moves along good, handles great (especially since I upgraded to 19" summer tires and wheels, kept the original 17s for snow tires) Plenty of room in the back. Towing capacity is a little light at 1500 lbs, but it does fine with a small utility trailer and if I need more I just rent a big pick-up truck. Recent trips from PA to NC have averaged 32 mpg at 70 mph average speed. I particularly like the HVAC controls, simple and intuitive.

 

[shields shtr]

I always considered a suburban a full size SUV and the Tahoe the mid size. In Ford terms it was the Excursion and the Expedition.

I have somehow managed to drive the Expedition, the Tahoe, and an Infiniti something as rental vehicles while my truck was getting fixed in the shop. The Tahoe and the Expedition were nice to drive. That Infiniti thing was a giant waste of raw materials.

Maybe those are too big though.

 

[Maggot]

Euro luxury brands turn massive on maintenance costs with little time, and combined with depreciation they're hardly worth more value owning than getting one a 36 mo lease. If you want to buy something capable and luxury, I recommend Lexus versions of the Land Cruiser. If you want damn capable and also real nice plus $15k less, just get a Land Cruiser.

Or perhaps a Toyata Four Runner.

 

[powdahound76]

Be less of a pussy.

Buy a truck.

Whine about “tech” somewhere else and get something with a carburator.

Shoot a pre-64 model 70 in 375 H&H.
Carry a 1911.
Coffee black
Bourbon neat.
Enjoy the ladies.

 

[The King]

True, lol.

Did someone say Gwagon lol?

Oddly unsure if I like it as much as my turbo diesel samurai. Both are easily my favorite cars ever.

 

[The D]

If he doesn’t like fords tech he definitely isn’t going to like the new 4runners 1980 tech.

G WAGON

He sure will love the 50’s farm implement with a layer of C-class though…




I’m just fuckin around. I worked on Benzes for a while. I mostly love them

 

[The King]

He sure will love the 50’s farm implement with a layer of C-class though…




I’m just fuckin around. I worked on Benzes for a while. I mostly love them

I work on a lot of cars. the W463 is a work of art as off-roaders go.

Mine has 339,000miles on it and has yet to break in a major way. HARD miles too. Overland expedition used to be my thing.

 

[308pirate]

Bought my wife a Dodge Durango a year or so ago with the standard 360hp hemi. It’s sweet. Makes great noises and scoots along pretty damn good for a three row grocery getter.

We‘ve owned some cool cars in 31 years of marriage, but I’m convinced this is the best car we owned.

it’s available now with the Hellcat motor. Woot!

Two Chrysler (Dakota, Pacifica) vehicles and I'll never, ever, EVER buy another one.

Honda uber alles

 

[308pirate]

Currently in a '16 Ford Explorer and I fucking hate it. 2000s tech, underwhelming driving experience, and not the most comfortable. Only thing I like about it is the space. The last couple weeks I've been looking at '17-'19 "luxury" compact and midsized SUVs. Right now the Jaguar F-Pace 35t is at the top of my list. Also looking at Audi Q5s and Q7s and the BMW X5. Considered the Mercedes GLE and GLC but not the biggest fan. Any suggestions or experiences with the models listed above?

You're looking in the wrong places: https://www.acura.com/future-vehicles/mdx-type-s

After owning Porsches, VWs, Chryslers, Toyotas, and Hondas, I'll never buy anything but a Honda Motor Company product.

 

[DeathBeforeDismount]

Currently in a '16 Ford Explorer and I fucking hate it. 2000s tech, underwhelming driving experience, and not the most comfortable. Only thing I like about it is the space. The last couple weeks I've been looking at '17-'19 "luxury" compact and midsized SUVs. Right now the Jaguar F-Pace 35t is at the top of my list. Also looking at Audi Q5s and Q7s and the BMW X5. Considered the Mercedes GLE and GLC but not the biggest fan. Any suggestions or experiences with the models listed above?

One of my coworkers leases a new lux SUV every year. She has the Mercedes now and has owned them all over the last 5 years. She said the Lexus was by far the best one she has owned to date and it will be her next one. Said she liked the BMW the least and the Audi the 2nd least.

The Teluride is one of the better modern SUV if you get over the fact its a KIA. It is alot of vehicle for the money. Toyotas are living a decade or two in the past. The new Tahoes are really nice as well as the updated Armada/Infiniti equivalent if you don't care about gas millage.

Could always just buy a truck to cure the Low T.

 

[DeathBeforeDismount]

Two Chrysler (Dakota, Pacifica) vehicles and I'll never, ever, EVER buy another one.

Honda uber alles

The older model Honda Pilots were perfect before they reduced the size of them. What a great, indestructible vehicle.

 

[308pirate]

The Teluride is one of the better modern SUV if you get over the fact its a KIA.

I seriously thought of buying a Kia Stinger GT just to fuck with turds in bro-trucks and mustangs

 

[TxWelder35]

Bought my wife a 18 4Runner TRD off road that’s fully loaded. She loves it. I’m meh on it. 16mpg, tech is from 1984, and just smaller than I’m used too. But it will go literally anywhere you point it. We have trailed it and it does damn good. And the power train is basically indestructible. That 4.0 and the rest of the running gear is a VERY proven power train.

That said with 2 car seats in it now it’s small. Was going to get her a new suburban next but damn those Yukon XL Denali looks DAMN good.

If I was stuck buying another midsize suv for my wife and didn’t have G wagon money I’d probably buy a Lexus if I had to be small, or a Tahoe if you can make that size work. I’d say the Tahoe is pretty proven powetrain also since every cop in the state of Texas drives them now.

 

[beetroot]

Bought my wife a Dodge Durango a year or so ago with the standard 360hp hemi. It’s sweet. Makes great noises and scoots along pretty damn good for a three row grocery getter.

We‘ve owned some cool cars in 31 years of marriage, but I’m convinced this is the best car we owned.

it’s available now with the Hellcat motor. Woot!

I hired a car in Canada a few years back and was upgraded to a brand new Durango, drove it around in the city for a bit and thought it was a gutless turd.

Out of interest I Googled what engine it had and found out it was a 5.7L Hemi but was only operating on 4 cylinders as I was driving like an old woman.
Once i put my lead shoes on it went like a cut cat, was a bloody awesome vehicle! It had a nice interior, drove well, was good on gas and was comfortable to drive. I was very impressed.

Personally I have a small fleet of Land Rovers and don't see myself buying anything other the Land Rovers in the future but I am totally biased towards them.
The Discovery Sport is a nice vehicle for a midsized SUV, it might not be as reliable as a Honda or Toyota but at least you won't look and feel like a pensioner when you drive it.

You'll also get a new hobby of fixing your own car and get to join a bunch of new forums for all the problems you'll ned to fix.....

 

[The D]

I work on a lot of cars. the W463 is a work of art as off-roaders go.

Mine has 339,000miles on it and has yet to break in a major way. HARD miles too. Overland expedition used to be my thing.

Awesome, I’d love to get into over landing when my kids get a little older

I hired a car in Canada a few years back and was upgraded to a brand new Durango, drove it around in the city for a bit and thought it was a gutless turd.

Out of interest I Googled what engine it had and found out it was a 5.7L Hemi but was only operating on 4 cylinders as I was driving like an old woman.
Once i put my lead shoes on it went like a cut cat, was a bloody awesome vehicle! It had a nice interior, drove well, was good on gas and was comfortable to drive. I was very impressed.

Personally I have a small fleet of Land Rovers and don't see myself buying anything other the Land Rovers in the future but I am totally biased towards them.
The Discovery Sport is a nice vehicle for a midsized SUV, it might not be as reliable as a Honda or Toyota but at least you won't look and feel like a pensioner when you drive it.

You'll also get a new hobby of fixing your own car and get to join a bunch of new forums for all the problems you'll ned to fix.....

What’s your opinion of the Discovery with the v6 diesel/8sp auto combo? That is probably the only Land Rover I’d ever consider owning

 

[BAMAboy18]

Bought my wife a Dodge Durango a year or so ago with the standard 360hp hemi. It’s sweet. Makes great noises and scoots along pretty damn good for a three row grocery getter.

We‘ve owned some cool cars in 31 years of marriage, but I’m convinced this is the best car we owned.

it’s available now with the Hellcat motor. Woot!

Not up to date on newer models (also a poor), but the old 360 RT was a beast in its day! Not very keen on these Fiat-Mopars, last good one I had was my '00 Ram 1500 5.9 at 270K my engine was still tight and strong, had only replaced 1 tranny and the rearend was getting ready to go (the reason I passed it along)

 

[rjacobs]

I seriously thought of buying a Kia Stinger GT just to fuck with turds in bro-trucks and mustangs

The stinger GT looks "fast" on paper, but was a big disappointment when I drove one. Im pretty sure it wouldnt be much competition for any Mustang outside of the turbo 4...maybe... I think my tuned Explorer ST would put a hurting on a stinger GT. Looking at the 0-60 numbers, yes it would.

The sedan that impressed me was the Guillia quadrafoglio or whatever the fuck its called. The one with half a Ferrari v12 motor(I think it is) in it. But then you have to deal with Alfa's shit reliability and shit dealer network.

Caddie CTS-V's with the blowers are always fun.

 

[lariat]

Bought my wife a Dodge Durango a year or so ago with the standard 360hp hemi. It’s sweet. Makes great noises and scoots along pretty damn good for a three row grocery getter.

We‘ve owned some cool cars in 31 years of marriage, but I’m convinced this is the best car we owned.

it’s available now with the Hellcat motor. Woot!

This. The Hellcat Durango. Don’t even fuck around with anything else. You can have your wifey car and your balls.

Ok, maybe the Durango SRT, if only because the price point is more reasonable but that’s as low as you should be going.

 

[redneckbmxer24]

No way in hell would I buy a Jaguar, ever. Huge pieces of shit as far as reliability goes, one of the worst. Euros in general aren’t the most reliable vehicles.

Audi and BMW SUV’s are super nice but again reliability isn’t the greatest and maintenance costs are huge. If you go with one of them I would highly suggest buying a certified pre owned to get the longer bumper to bumper warranty because chances are you’ll need it. Buying a few years old also let’s someone else take the majority of the depreciation, but you’ll still be lucky if it’s only depreciating as quickly as you’re paying on the principle because that’s just the way it is with most euros, they fall hard.

I’d look at Lexus SUV’s, the GX is probably what you’re looking for size wise. They’ve got great creature comforts and Toyota reliability which is second to none. Infiniti SUV’s are nice as well. The Hyundai stuff is also worth a look, I’d take one over a Audi, Mercedes or BMW any day of the week.

 

[BoilerUP]

Are we really talking yuppie soccer mom Starbucks yachts on The Hide?

 

[atepointer]

If reliability and value are on your list I would throw my 4Runner in there as a great experience. I have wanted to get into a pickup for the longest time, but my 2010 4Runner is just a clock that keeps on ticking. Other than gas, rubber and oil only thing I've replaced was the starter. Mind you this has not been babied it spent the last 6 years on a hunting lease pounding the living stink out of it. Amazing with 2wd only got stuck a hand full of times....5k acre cattle ranch SWFL swamp and always flooding b/c of river swells. I've set money aside to try and grab an F150 from someone who maybe over leveraged/gas prices and wants to get out of it, but am fine to wait it out til supply levels come back...and if not I have zero worries about this rice burner.

 

[Inifinty]

Toyota Highlander if you want Toyota with tech. 2021 rides much nicer than previous models which were already good.

Pretty much a woman’s car and can get expensive. But approaches comfort and ride quality of the euro makes at a lower price point.

 

[BAMAboy18]

I'm a poor, therefore my SUV is an '02 R50 Infinity Qx4. Paid for in one single payment, then I rebuilt/lifted the complete suspension with everything new to include steering and front axles, new tires/wheels, all doubled my investment, instead of monthly payments, I can afford more upgrades, but more importantly, guns & ammo!

 

[Mike Ryan]

I have a 20 GMC Acadia as a company vehicle and I actually really like it. It's a great commuter vehicle. That said, last year, my wife's Highlander lease came due and she wanted something less "mom mobile" so we looked at the Lexus RX, the Audi Q5 and the BMW X3. She didn't want to even consider the BMW, but I made her drive it and she ended up falling in love with it. Bonus, it was the least expensive of the three and the dealership was outstanding. She absolutely loves it. Granted it's not an off-road SUV by any means, but depending on your needs it's worth a look. I'm sure the X5 would be just as good.

 

[308pirate]

I think my tuned Explorer ST would put a hurting on a stinger GT

 

[BoilerUP]

The Stinger deserves a manual transmission option.

 

[BCP]

If you want a bunch of techy shit get an Audi or BMW imho.

Personally I would get a 4runner or an older Lexus where they were basically a v8 landcruiser.

 

[Laser1]

+1 on the Telluride

 

[tomcatmv]

Take a look at a AWD Kia Sorrento. We're on our second one a 2016 with the V-6 295 hp. Both were/are great vehicles.

 

[dustingaunder]

My wife’s next newer car is a Highlander.

 

[DeathBeforeDismount]

Take a look at a AWD Kia Sorrento. We're on our second one a 2016 with the V-6 295 hp. Both were/are great vehicles.

My wife has one. The top end model with Red Leather and every gucci upgrade there is. The whole roof is glass. Awesome SUV and incredible value for the dollar. She wants to upgrade to a Teluride next just for more room.

Toytota is the most overrated vechile out there. Reputation does not match actual quality/value. 30 years ago, they were cheap reliable vechicles. Now they are priced as premium vechicles with mediocre reliability and shitty engineering. Nissian makes a better truck at 70% of the cost. If you want 90's tech, shitty gas millage and want to impress the other Karens at PTA who never leave pavement, buy a Toyota. Almost as bad as Jeep, Almost.

 

[lariat]

My wife has one. The top end model with Red Leather and every gucci upgrade there is. The whole roof is glass. Awesome SUV and incredible value for the dollar. She wants to upgrade to a Teluride next just for more room.

Toytota is the most overrated vechile out there. Reputation does not match actual quality/value. 30 years ago, they were cheap reliable vechicles. Now they are priced as premium vechicles with mediocre reliability and shitty engineering. Nissian makes a better truck at 70% of the cost. If you want 90's tech, shitty gas millage and want to impress the other Karens at PTA who never leave pavement, buy a Toyota. Almost as bad as Jeep, Almost.

I don't know man, my 2015 has almost 400K miles on it and has only been in the shop one time and that was at 360K. I would definitely buy another one.

 

[johnnyvw]

Nissan has a lot of problems since Renault took it over

 

[Docsherm]

No way in hell would I buy a Jaguar, ever. Huge pieces of shit as far as reliability goes, one of the worst. Euros in general aren’t the most reliable vehicles.

Audi and BMW SUV’s are super nice but again reliability isn’t the greatest and maintenance costs are huge. If you go with one of them I would highly suggest buying a certified pre owned to get the longer bumper to bumper warranty because chances are you’ll need it. Buying a few years old also let’s someone else take the majority of the depreciation, but you’ll still be lucky if it’s only depreciating as quickly as you’re paying on the principle because that’s just the way it is with most euros, they fall hard.

I’d look at Lexus SUV’s, the GX is probably what you’re looking for size wise. They’ve got great creature comforts and Toyota reliability which is second to none. Infiniti SUV’s are nice as well. The Hyundai stuff is also worth a look, I’d take one over a Audi, Mercedes or BMW any day of the week.

I have a Lexus GX and it is awesome. With the V8 it has plenty of power to tow if you need to (if I need more I will use my F250). It is very comfortable, even the back seat. The AWD is great. I have really put it to the test on wet streets and it works.

 

[The D]

Nissan has a lot of problems since Renault took it over

A friend of mine went back to working at a Benz dealership recently. Within his first week he had to replace a 4 cylinder head on a small sedan(CLA-class, I think). It had a Nissan engine in it and this is a fairly common problem

 

[The King]

Toyota/Lexus just bested a bunch of cars in a reliability survey. Take that FWIW. Honda dropped pretty bad it looks like.