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We have decided to look into a utility vehicle to basically haul 2 kids and 2 dogs plus anything else. I am trying to narrow the field between the following ..I wont be doing much off-roading but would like the have the AWD for our occasioal ice/snow..I know 4 wheel drive can handle that as well .
1-4 Runner
2-Ford Edge
3-Jeep GC
4-Honda Pilot.
Well, one thing I like to have in a utility vehicle is the availability of 3rd row seating. Even if it won't be used all the time and will stay folded into the floor, it is one of those things that is great to have when you need it and can mean the difference between taking one car somewhere or two.
In that case, the Edge and Jeep GC are off the list.
With the other two it really comes down to which you prefer. I personally lean towards the Honda Pilot, but both are great vehicles. You would need to drive them both and see which your prefer.
The only other option I would throw out there is the GM Lambda SUV's. The Traverse, Enclave and Acadia are all top of their class and easily the equal of anything you are looking at. I personally think they are the best choice in the segment.
We have decided to look into a utility vehicle to basically haul 2 kids and 2 dogs plus anything else. I am trying to narrow the field between the following ..I wont be doing much off-roading but would like the have the AWD for our occasioal ice/snow..I know 4 wheel drive can handle that as well .
1-4 Runner
2-Ford Edge
3-Jeep GC
4-Honda Pilot.
Which would you recommend.? thanks.
Edge/Pilot are AWD, 4-Runner/GC are real 4WD SUVs.
I'd rank them
1. 4 Runner
2. Jeeg GC
3. Ford Edge
47. Honda Pilot
I like the interior and features of the GC better than the 4 Runner but I am still put off by the quality/reliability and Chrysler being a taxpayer rapist. I think the new 4 Runner is good though the interior has some cheap bits. Acceleration on both is good, both ride great, the GC seems larger and more luxurious.
The Ford Edge really is solid for a Crossover, can be had with what 18-22" wheels, and the updated interior with Sync is great. Looks good in some forms, others looks like Dark Vadars Helmet. Quality/reliability seems average/good. Though surely a new Edge is coming soon.
The Pilot is ugly with a horrible interior, average acceleration, loud inside and really is sold just b/c of the badge. It not very good. It does offer the most space here inside but I wouldn't' be caught dead in it. The cylinder deactivation doesn't really improve MPG.
If you want 7 passenger capability, look at the 2011 Dodge Durango. It's built on the Grand Cherokee platform. People are getting about $5k off sticker right now. 5yr/100k powertrain warranty is better than most too. I like the full time AWD with the option to lock the differential for best traction.
Comes in a 292HP V6 rated at 16/22MPG which is the norm for this class (AWD V6 SUVs). If you will be towing, get the 5.7 with 360HP rated at 13/20MPG.
Ditto the sentiment on 3rd row seating. With the whole family in the car (including the dogs), you're not leaving a lot of room for stuff without the space a 3rd row would afford. But, of course, if you rarely (or never) anticipate a situation where you would need the extra room, then maybe it's not that big of a deal.
If your kids still need to be in child safety seats make sure you get an SUV with a 3rd row because it's a PITA to reinstall the seats even with LATCH. It took 20 min for my friend to re-attach them in his Outback & he's done it twice before!
also you might want to take a look at CUV's like the RAV-4 or Mitsu Outlander if gas mileage is important. The larger SUV's like the 4Runner or Pilot only get like 17 or 18 mpg combined in real world driving.
4 Runner or Highlander First Choice
Pilot would be second Choice
Edge
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