3-row SUV (non-luxury)--6 months of reviews/test drives--AMA
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Anonymous
| Did you look at any plug in hybrids? |
Anonymous
OP. I looked at the Mazda CX-90 hybrid. Loved driving it, but eliminated due to the concerns mentioned above (space, trim level organization). I was also reluctant to buy a brand new (first model year) plug in hybrid. I’m not aware of any other plug in hybrid models in this class. Volvo out of my target price range. |
Anonymous
I'm planning to buy a Toyota grand highlander or Honda pilot by the end of the year. Why wasn't the Pilot a serious contender? Would love to hear why not, and also any pros for the pilot? |
Anonymous
They changed very little on the inside. Still has that giant center console with so much waster spaced around the gear shifter and still has the weird two flap lift up storage box. For how much they changed the outside the hardly changed the inside at all. Also still no memory mirrors! |
Anonymous
OP. I previously owned a 2011 Pilot and generally liked it, but had multiple negative experiences with Honda service at dealerships. So I came in with a slight bias against Honda. The new Pilot drives well and is spacious, but nothing else stood out to me. Only powertrain option is a new V-6 is neither more efficient nor more powerful than the previous engine. Screen is one of smallest in class. Basically, I liked it just fine but couldn’t find a compelling reason to put it ahead of the Kia or Toyota. I think the case for the Honda is that steering and transmission are better than the Toyota, and that it is slightly less expensive. May also be more reliable since the Toyota is an entirely new model. |
Anonymous
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Is the third row seating comfortable in grand highlander for tall people (say around 6 ft)? I read somewhere that the floor is somewhat elevated and so it does not feel comfortable? We are considering grand highlander but we would like to get something with comfortable third row seating.
Also, did you get bench seat or captain seat? Which one do you recommend? Thank you. |
Anonymous
| 2024 all new GMC Acadia Denali and updated 2024 Atlas are fantastic |
Anonymous
| Thanks, OP! The G Highlander is at the top of my list too. I need to fit dog crates in the back for transport--do the rear seats fold completely flat? It looks like they are at an angle which is annoying. |
Anonymous
OP. I haven’t spent much time in the third row. I can tell you that legroom and headroom are better than the class average. Don’t know about floor issue. We chose captains chairs for second row. More comfortable in my opinion and allows easy access for kids to get to the third row. Toyota’s center console between the captain’s chairs is fantastic. Usable space, low to the floor (easy to step over for a kid going to the third row) and easy to remove if you want. |
Anonymous
| Why not Subaru Ascent? We found that was the best value |
Anonymous
I’d say that it’s ALMOST completely flat—slight incline. Other negatives I’ve noticed so far: -Steering is vague and somewhat “boaty”. Not bad, but not the best. -Steering wheel has limited tilt/telescope range. A small thing but a real PITA if it doesn’t adjust to your preferred position. -Some of the seat adjustment latches are cheap and flimsy feeling. (Second row seat recline, third row fold mechanism). -Seats are firmer than you think. Average comfort. -6 speed transmission is ok, but occasionally clunky. Not as good as reviews indicate. |
Anonymous
OP here. Several people asked this earlier. I didn’t consider it b/c it got bad reviews on Car & Driver and several reputable YouTube channels (topher and others). May have been a mistake judging by the reaction here! 😁 |
Anonymous
There is a reason it is cheaper than all the others. Reviews are terrible and apparently so is long-term reliability. Its probably fine if you rotate out cars often but we don't (not OP.) |
Anonymous
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I bought a new Highlander this year after my 2015 was totaled in a nasty accident. 5 months in and I HATE it. Miss the 6 cylinder. “Vague steering” as described above is as close as I’ve read to what I am experiencing. Overall just feels like a cheap & flimsy version of my 2015.
Wondered if it’s because I bought the XLE vs Limited and have been looking for its replacement for the better part of 6 weeks. Surprised nobody here mentioned the Audi Q7 which is now high on my list even though I’m gonna take a hit on the trade. |
Anonymous
Audi and Toyota obviously aren’t in the same class. You’ll get a much better driving experience in the Audi and superior fit and finish. However, third row is a penalty box for anyone over the age of 7 and cargo space is limited. Long term maintenance cost also much higher. |