Bummer to hear that the CX-90 has the same issue in 3rd row as CX-9. I love my 2013 CX-9 and don't anticipate getting rid of it anytime soon, but my child is going to college soon and I don't need that third row as much anymore so it's not a big deal for me. (only used it for adults a couple of times and they managed, but were small people!).

I test drove the Palisade. Really really liked it but god that front grille is literally the ugliest freaking thing I've ever seen in my life, it looks like the car is wearing a muzzle

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How much did you spend on the Grand Highlander MAX?

$55k, limited trim

Out the door, or just the sales price? Also, what does "MAX" even mean? Is there a non Max version?

$55k plus tax

Max is one of 3 engine options.

Choice 1: turbo gas 4. 22mpg.

Choice 2: standard Toyota hybrid (same as regular Highlander). A little underpowered, but 35+ mpg. More expensive.

Choice 3: Hybrid Max engine. Like #2, but with a much more powerful electric engine. 360+ hp, 400 lb/ft of torque. 27 mpg.

#3 is most expensive option.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why did you rule out the Atlas?

OP.

Liked the space.

Hated the touch screen controls for all functions (no button options).

Meh driving experience.

But you went with the Toyota? Bwahahahaha. Driving experience was a total dealbreaker for us wrt to the Toyota.

Did you drive the Hybrid Max?

Decidedly not “meh”.

Though it still corners like a Toyota. 🤔

Anonymous wrote:We have the Pilot Touring with AWD and it was $49k, the base MDX with AWD was $52k and honestly we felt like the Pilot Touring was nicer than the base MDX

Perhaps but the Pilot is absolutely terrible looking. I just couldn't walk up to it in a parking lot every day. They really missed the boat on exterior design.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How much did you spend on the Grand Highlander MAX?

$55k, limited trim

Out the door, or just the sales price? Also, what does "MAX" even mean? Is there a non Max version?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why did you rule out the Atlas?

OP.

Liked the space.

Hated the touch screen controls for all functions (no button options).

Meh driving experience.

But you went with the Toyota? Bwahahahaha. Driving experience was a total dealbreaker for us wrt to the Toyota.

Anonymous wrote:Interesting. I love my Ascent. We got it in 2020 so maybe not enough reviews yet, but I recall good reviews. And the gas mileage seems comparable to other SUVs we have had.

I also like my Ascent. The gas mileage is a real problem through. Otherwise I’m happy - safe, well constructed, roomy attractive interior, some higher end touches.

Gas is the one downside.

Anonymous wrote:What did you think of the Palisade? It looks nice, but too large for me.

OP.

I like the Palisade, but it’s built on same platform as the Telluride (same engine, etc.), so differences are primarily cosmetic.

Of the two, I preferred Telluride aesthetics both inside and out.

In addition, Palisades have a known issue—there’s apparently a loud whistling noise at highway speed due to design of side mirror/driver’s door. Doesn’t affect every vehicle, but is somewhat prevalent.

Given these factors, I eliminated the Palisade and focused on the Telluride (its twin).

What did you think of the Palisade? It looks nice, but too large for me.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Finally finished the buying process for a 3-row SUV.

If you're in the market maybe I can save you some time. AMA.

Cars I evaluated through reviews and/or test drives:

Mazda CX-9
Mazda CX-90
Honda Pilot
Toyota Highlander
Toyota Grand Highlander
Ford Explorer
Nissan Pathfinder
Jeep Grand Cherokee L
Kia Telluride
Hyundai Palisade
VW Atlas

what about the volvo xc90 and bmw x5

Different class, esp. the BMW-5.

luxury is Lamborghini, rolls, bentley etc. this title is wrong

Anonymous wrote:OP: What didn't you like about the Telluride? Seems to be getting great reviews the last 2 or 3 years.

OP here.

I liked the Telluride a lot. Ended up being my second choice.

Ultimately, 2 factors made me choose the Grand Highlander over it:

1. Hybrid Max powertrain puts mpg at 27 in the Toyota. Kia AWD is 21-22.

2. The Toyota with Hybrid Max is much more powerful and, to me, fun to drive. It’s 360+hp and almost 400 lb/ft of torque. The Telluride was a very pleasant, easy drive but nothing exciting.

Anonymous wrote:OP: What didn't you like about the Telluride? Seems to be getting great reviews the last 2 or 3 years.

Yes, I'm curious about this too. I've heard nothing but great things. It's ranked the top in its class by US News

Interesting. My finalists are the Highlander Hybrids and Sienna (hybrid) in Woodland trim. Thanks for sharing.

OP: What didn't you like about the Telluride? Seems to be getting great reviews the last 2 or 3 years.