Looking for a New SUV

[Johnnymac]

What Firm says is likely true and I would definitely recommend the V6 as that's their most reliable engine, plus decent power and efficiency.

But I will say I would understand if you are nervous about the Jeep reputation of reliability, as I would be hesitant also.

[Johnnymac]

How about just a new version of your old highlander just with a lot less kms.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1SMsueAcHC/?mibextid=wwXIfr

[Tortoise]

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.

I do like the looks of the Pathfinder, so sharp. But, I don't really trust them long term. Am I wrong?

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.

Same with the GM. I can't help but think these things will be a death by a thousand cuts.

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.

I don't really need the 3-row capacity, seating for 5 will cover me 99% of the time. And the boat and trailer is a max of 1200 lbs, though I may eventually get something bigger. My issue with the small CUVs isn't the towing capacity, it's the GCVR limits. Between the 4 of us, the 100 lb dog and all the food and gear for a week at the cottage/camping I think a RaV4 will be over matched. For reference, our cottage is on an island that's a 30-40 minute boat ride so we have to bring all our food/gear when we go. Our Highlander sagged when towing the boat with a full load, though it drove fine. I can't imagine a RaV4 would be better.

I would seriously consider a previous generation (up to 2022 I believe) Grand Cherokee.

Hmmmm, thanks for the left field suggestion, they do look great inside and out. I watched a video last night and it painted a grim picture. Lots of stuff is buried and pain in the ass to get to, meaning even simple repairs become a massive hassle. This was for a first year model so I will see if the later versions are better. I did like Gurgie's when I rode in it, but he had a few issues that shouldn't have been happening at such low mileage. So, colour me jaded. And it seems like the 3.6 is starting to have some head gasket issues that is a massive job to fix.

The other two options are the Subaru Outback or Ascent. I don't mind the Outback, but I am not sure what the Ascent brings to the table that the others don't. And I am not a fan of the 2022+ models where everything is incorporated into the giant screen.

[Tortoise]

https://www.facebook.com/share/1SMsueAcHC/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Ha! My wife would kill me if I bought that. But man, it seems really clean.

[Firm]

I think Gurgie's Grand Cherokee was an EcoDiesel, but I don't recall if his issues were related to the EcoDiesel or not? Either way, that's definitely an engine to avoid. I haven't heard much on the 3.6L in terms of head gaskets, and there's tons of examples of fleet vehicles with massive miles on them, so if there is anything I suspect it's the exception rather than the norm. The biggest risk, I think, would be the electronics....Stellantis does some weird stuff, but done of it would be a deal breaker for me.

For what it's worth, I'd avoid any GM with a turbocharger under the hood....They're all trash.

Outback & Ascent are just too bland IMO. A friend here has an Ascent and I hate riding in it, it's just extremely mediocre at everything and good at nothing.

[Tortoise]

I seem to recall that Gurgie had some suspension issues, nothing related to the Diesel. I also watched a Car Wizard video on the JGC, he mentioned that head gaskets are becoming a pretty common failure and doesn't recommend the motor. Could just be for the likes, but a google search suggests it's not that rare.

If I did a lot of my own wrenching then it would be easier to justify.

Outback & Ascent are just too bland IMO. A friend here has an Ascent and I hate riding in it, it's just extremely mediocre at everything and good at nothing.

This is also how I feel.

[GreatBigAbyss]

^^^ Since my buddy's Pentastar in his Ram started ticking (the same issue the Hemi's have) at 200 000kms, I've revised my recommendation for that engine.  Our mechanic said it's not worth fixing, and quoted him a re-man engine at $10k. 

There is now nothing in Chrysler's fleet that I can recommend with good conscience, especially for 2nd and 3rd owners (which is the market I play in myself...)

[GreatBigAbyss]

I still think that 4Runner is the best option.  It's actually a vehicle that can haul and tow, being a body-on-frame truck.  Even with 200 000kms on it, it's got plenty of life left.  Plus they look so cool. 

As long as you can put up with the horrendous fuel economy.  I've got a buddy with a 2018 SR5, and it drinks more fuel than a 5.0 F-150. 

[GreatBigAbyss]

Here's a 3-row Limited with 150 000kms for $37k.
https://www.autotrader.ca/offers/toyota-4-runner-limited-7-passengers-gasoline-blue-e5e86dc6-c2c7-4f9d-b6ad-6e331ebc43ef?ipc=recommendation&ipl=expireddetailpage-engine-itemBased&source=detailpage_expired&position=1&source_otp=t10&ap_tier=t10&boost_level=b1&applied_boost_level=b1&relevance_adjustment=organic&boosting_product=none

[Tortoise]

Assuming that the non 3-row version has more cargo room I'd go that route.

Thing is, you can get a 2022 Passport with 65k kms for that price. It's more comfortable, has more passenger room, is more refined, etc. I don't care how reliable the 4Runner is, the prices are bonkers.

[GreatBigAbyss]

Sure, but when the Passport is twenty years old with 200 000kms on it like that old Highlander, it'll be worth $5-6k.  The 4Runner at twenty years old with 300 000kms on it will be worth $15-20k.

[Tortoise]

I am not so sure. I just did a FB Marketplace search of 2007 4Runners and 2007 Pilots and the difference maybe $4k-5k. I think $15k-20k is ambitious. But that could be the Ontario/Quebec market where salt eventually takes its toll.

And I don't see myself holding onto this vehicle until its 20 years old.

[dkazzed]

Consider helper air bags or a weight distribution hitch to reduce/eliminate the rear sag. Some WDHs help with sway too.

[Firm]

The issue with 4Runners is that they drive pretty poorly on-road; way less refined than anything else discussed here. Good friend of mine had a 2021 that he bought about a year ago, just had their first baby and quickly traded it on a 2018 Yukon. Made $ on the trade, improved fuel economy (5.3L in the Yuk), plus way more space and refinement. He's a Toyota guy, but ended up being really disappointed in the 4Runner's driving dynamics as a daily on-road family vehicle.