Looking for a New SUV

[Tortoise]

The highlander is almost 19 years old and has been starting to show its age.  It's getting to the point where I think it's time to replace it. We do a fair bit of driving in remote stretches so it would be nice to have something I can fully trust.

The basic requirements are that it can tow a small fishing boat and carry the family and all the gear needed for the cottage/camping. IMO that rules out the CR-V/RaV4 class of CUVs because they can't tow the boat and carry the load. I tend to keep my cars for a while, so reliability and operating costs are a factor. I'd also like it to be a colour after having a series of cars that were black, white and silver.

The budget is around $35k-ish.

In a vacuum I'd pick up a used Volvo V90 or an Audi Q7. But, I don't live in a vacuum and have concerns around the operating costs.

Other top picks are a Toyota Highlander or Lexus 350L, but the 8spd transmission in those is a well known weak point, so they are out.

I don't have much interest in the Kia/Hyundai twins or the VW Atlas.

I've narrowed down the search to:

Honda Passport
I don't think we need the space of the Pilot, and I like the size.  They also seem cheaper than the Pilot. Ideally I'd get a post refresh 2022 model since they look a little better. These seem to be a good bet for long term ownership. I liked Gurgie's when I got a ride in it.

Mazda CX-90 MHEV
These are surprisingly affordable used, but I'm not sure that's a good sign. There's quite a few 2024's that were traded in. I love the looks and powertrain, and the efficiency of the MHEV would be nice. I have some long term concerns with it being the first model year, somewhat complicated, and the complaints about squeaks and rattles. The GS-L would be a good trim, I just need one with roof rails because it'll wear a roof box for most of the winter.

Mazda CX-9
These are coming down in price and were reasonably well liked. The size would work for us, but I think for a little more money the CX-90 is a nicer option.

Highlander Hybrid/Lexus 450h
These obviously don't have the transmission issues, but people know what they have and the prices are ridiculous, especially for the Highlander (they are basically the same as the Lexus). The perfect option would be the RX450hL since I think the regular RX might be a but small. These are super rare.

Acura MDX
A bit of a long shot, but the prices are coming down on the previous gen models. A friend has one and loves it. They certainly drive nicely, and I like the interior, but I found the back seats to be pretty uncomfortable due to the low position of the seating due to the low roofline. That's not a dealbreaker.

Am I missing anything obvious? This will likely drag on for a while since we're busy with ski season and don't really have time to go out shopping. So, brace yourself.

[GreatBigAbyss]

https://www.autotrader.ca/offers/toyota-4-runner-sr5-gasoline-red-b6d82a9c-fd5e-44ed-952c-20dd077de052?sort=standard&desc=0&position=33&source_otp=t10&source=listpage_search-results&order_bucket=unknown&boost_level=b1&applied_boost_level=b1&relevance_adjustment=boost&boosting_product=total_boost


Holy Crap these are expensive!!!!!  Low mileage examples are $55-65K!!!!

[Tortoise]

Right? Bonkers. Highlander Hybrids are about the same. It makes no sense.

[dkazzed]

My sister had an RX450hL, size wise I think it'll be smaller than your Highlander behind the 2nd row.

Anecdotal but my friend's old CX-9 2.5L turbo self destructing doesn't give me a lot of confidence, coming from someone who put faith in the 1st year of the Skyactiv engines.

If you're considering Honda Passport, maybe take a look at Nissan Pathfinder as well since they made the switch back to a conventional 9 speed automatic transmission in 2022. The Hondas are nice, but they still have a timing belt.

[Blizzard]

My pick out of the bunch would be an MDX. My parents' neighbours had a 2018 or 2019 that I drove once, and it was super smooth. The engine definitely felt like the highlight of the car, and it was very comfortable all around. When their lease was over they got an Infiniti QX60, since they found the Acura was too "sporty" and "firm".

The popularity of the MDX seems to have fallen off a cliff in the last 5 years, I barely see any of the 2022-current generation. These used to be EVERYWHERE along with the Lexus RX, but they both seem to have been replaced as the defacto upper-middle class family vehicle by Teslas.

[RRocket]

I think if you want the same ownership experience (mostly), hybrid HL or RX.

[dkazzed]

Maybe look at it as, if you're buying a 2020, you're going to keep it to 2040. If you're buying a 2026, it'll take you out to 2046. There might not be a lot of cost difference.

I get the age thing. I had no doubt our 2004 Sienna's engine and transmission was going to make it to half a million km, but the upkeep of everything around it and my partner's sanity made it worth going newer (or new in our case).

[Tortoise]

And you don't live in a salt bet!

By long term, I'm thinking on the order of 8 years, 120k km. And then likely take it from there.

Eventually the Golf will be replaced by a City EV, so this will be the hauler/road trip car.

[Bridgecity]

I'm biased, but I'd go with the previous gen MDX.  Great AWD system, sweet V6, solid reliability, good handling for what it is. There may be a TSB/recall on a year or two of the V6, can't recall so maybe look that up.  Sold my '14 with 140k kms for 21k in fall of '24.  Great value for someone considering shit boxes are 10k. 

Passport is a solid choice also.  Again, I'm biased.

Timing belt on the Honda 3.5 has never been a concern for me.  $1500 for water pump/tensioner/belt service at the dealer every 100-160k kms depending on driving habits.  I know chains can last a lifetime, but they can also require work (tensioners mostly) and are far more expensive to repair. 

[Blueprint]

I don't know how's the reliability for one of these things with the V6, but it tows 4,000 lbs (with the tow pkg) and is sized closer to your Highlander. Resale probably much lower than Passport et al (the Honda IS an excellent choice, in any case, but thirsty), thanks to depreciation. Easy service at rural dealers and shops all over the place.

We had quite the roadtrip with this presser and liked it. A bit of a squeeze for 5, but fold the 3rd row and you'll have plenty of room. Good on gas on long stints.

https://www.autohebdo.net/editorial/20230823/gmc-acadia-slt-2023-essai-routier

[Gurgie]

I think the Honda Passport would suit your needs the best. I kinda miss mine, it's a little more simple than my CX-70 tech wise. The V6 is a bit thirsty, but the AWD system is fantastic. I'd stretch to get the top trim Touring version as the options do make it a little more luxurious. Other soft spot I have would be for a Grand Cherokee, the Pentastar V6 has been quite reliable, the AWD system is second to none & the towing capacity is very good. A 4runner would be a fantastic choice as well, just would have to go older & higher mileage. I haven't ever dug into what an Explorer's reliability is like, but they do look good, great powertrains, not sure how they hold up, but the cops like em.

[Blueprint]

I think the Honda Passport would suit your needs the best. I kinda miss mine, it's a little more simple than my CX-70 tech wise. The V6 is a bit thirsty, but the AWD system is fantastic. I'd stretch to get the top trim Touring version as the options do make it a little more luxurious. Other soft spot I have would be for a Grand Cherokee, the Pentastar V6 has been quite reliable, the AWD system is second to none & the towing capacity is very good. A 4runner would be a fantastic choice as well, just would have to go older & higher mileage. I haven't ever dug into what an Explorer's reliability is like, but they do look good, great powertrains, not sure how they hold up, but the cops like em.

The Pentastar's rep is going downhill these days, and the cops love their Explorers because they have a smooth atmo V6 the public can't have. The Ecoboost four (Mustang engine) is a great match, but reliability is so-so. Great on gas, drives well, although the rwd architecture hurts the room. Great for towing though.

[Johnnymac]

Couple of questions, how many passengers and maybe dogs do you need room for (seeing if 3rd row is a must) and how much towing capacity do you need to feel comfortable.

I know that some small CUVs can have decent towing capacity in certain models, like the Subaru Crosstrek as an example has a single model capable of towing I think 3,500lbs as opposed to maybe 2,000lbs in all the other models.  There was also a Toyota RAV4 with a similar model capable of towing more than all others.

[dkazzed]

Couple of questions, how many passengers and maybe dogs do you need room for (seeing if 3rd row is a must) and how much towing capacity do you need to feel comfortable.

I know that some small CUVs can have decent towing capacity in certain models, like the Subaru Crosstrek as an example has a single model capable of towing I think 3,500lbs as opposed to maybe 2,000lbs in all the other models.  There was also a Toyota RAV4 with a similar model capable of towing more than all others.

Absolutely. With the current RAV4, any trim level except LE has a 3,500 lb towing capacity. In the two previous gens, you would look for the RAV4 Trail.

[Firm]

I would seriously consider a previous generation (up to 2022 I believe) Grand Cherokee. Should be able to find one well under budget, and since you're buying used I'd find a fully loaded up top trim like a Summit, or the TrailHawk if you're into it. The interior in the Summit blows anything else mentioned here out of the water IMO. 3.6L Pentastar is really good, there is a 5.7L Hemi available if you're interested, and it has a properly capable 4x4 system unlike a lot of the other stuff mentioned here.

That platform dates back to the Daimler partnership days, and actually shares a lot of it's structure and components with the Mercedes ML from the mid 2000's. As a result, it feels quite German, rock solid, handles well, rides well, and they seem to hold up to abuse well. I have a couple of female co-workers with these who absolutely rag on them, no maintenance, careless driving, etc and they've been rock solid. I've changed an evap hose that's prone to cracking in the engine bay on both of them, done brakes on one of them, pulled out a crunched fender on one of them, plus oil changes, filters, etc...They're easy to work on with plenty of DIY resources online.

Don't even think about the current generation - straight up Stellantis junk. Ride, feel, build quality, etc, all a serious downgrade from the older generation.