Anonymous wrote:We recently went with the ascent over the Highlander. We both thought the interior of the ascent (touring) was much nicer than the Highlander (platinum). Ascent also had better technology, like apple carplay, and I’m liking the eyesight features. The other option was the RXL but I just didn’t want to pay that much. Maybe 10 years from now.

Also third row in the ascent seemed much more useable than the Highlander.

If you want affordable, then buy a Kia Sorento or Hyundai Santa Fe (or maybe it's Tucson, I can't remember which one is larger).

We recently went with the ascent over the Highlander. We both thought the interior of the ascent (touring) was much nicer than the Highlander (platinum). Ascent also had better technology, like apple carplay, and I’m liking the eyesight features. The other option was the RXL but I just didn’t want to pay that much. Maybe 10 years from now.

From what you describe, I would go with the ascent. Solid car, good price and cheap to own/maintain. Highlander also great choice.

The cars are so close now you are splitting hairs.

An explorer is 55k with awd.
2019 highlander is a good deal or 2019 mdx.

Well equipped Kia telluride is 50k.

I just went thru all of this (have an rdx) and if 2020 highlander was out that would be in my driveway instead of a q7.

Anonymous wrote:Honestly a well equipped MDX won’t be that mist more than a pilot or highlander. Just get a 2019 MDX and negotiate at least 15% off MSRP

+1.

Tahoe/Yukon

Honestly a well equipped MDX won’t be that mist more than a pilot or highlander. Just get a 2019 MDX and negotiate at least 15% off MSRP

https://www.gmc.com/suvs/acadia

It is all new for 2020 my wife has one and loves it. I have been taking it on all the college tours and driving older daughter back and forth to college. So even though it is my wife's SUV I drive it a lot, just did a 900 mile round trip to college

Acadia

Kia Telluride.

We just bought a 2019 Highlander. They are giving great deals (20% below MSRP) because a redesign is coming out by year end (2020 model).

I did a ton of research and for the “non premium” third row SUVs the safe bets are Highlander or Pilot. Highlander is a bit smaller but more stylish (imo) whereas Pilot has a bigger third row seat but seemed more like a minivan posing as a SUV.

There are some new entrants by Kia and Hyundai but they aren’t discounting them as much and reliability is an open question.

We just went from a Volvo to a Subaru Ascent. Love it! We have captains chairs in the middle making the third row much more usable than it was in the Volvo. And it’s much cheaper.

Pilot? highlander? Those are the step below an MDX.

We have two girls, ages 10 and 13, and spend a lot of time hauling around other kids and sports gear. We currently have an Acura MDX and are looking for our next SUV with a third row. We really like the MDX, but are not the law firm lawyers we were when we bought it and would like to spend a bit less comparatively. Any suggestions? We typically buy cars and drive them for a long time. We've had the MDX for 12 years. Thank you!