Opinions on mid and full size SUV's

[srh3trinity]

This may not be the right crowd, but surely you guys will have some experience with mid/large SUV's. I am about to buy my wife something new to drive so this would be the family truckster. I may also use it occasionally for light towing (small utility trailer) If I tow a boat or a car, I can use my dad's Silverado. We are upgrading from a Trailblazer (which is too small for our family and we have never really liked it). We looked at a Tahoe, an Expedition, a GMC Acadia and a Honda Pilot this weekend. All 2010 and up, so the newer body styles of each model. If anybody has any feedback on these or any other models, I would be open to hearing about it. My wife doesn't want a car or a van, so we are pretty set on an SUV. We have an 7 month old currently, but our family will be growing in the next five years so we want a little room to grow.

Here are my initial thoughts:

The Tahoe is the nicest, I am traditionally a Chevy person and I have spent time driving the previous generation Tahoe, I like the idea of V8 power. The interior was fairly nice, but it had the least cargo space in the back with the third row in place and the third row doesn't fold flat, you have to remove them. Third row seating also didn't have much cushioning and were very low profile. They also were the most expensive.
The Expedition was the surprise of the day. Not much experience with Fords, but the interior was fairly nice, it seemed roomy and it has the electric fold flat third row. Again, also a V8, but I think it had the worse advertised mileage of the bunch. Slightly better deal than the Tahoe. I like the look of it, but not quite as much as the Tahoe.
The Acadia seemed like a minivan in SUV clothing. Middle row slides and that is nice, fair amount of cago with the third row seats up and they fold flat. I like the looks of it, but not quite as much as the Tahoe or Expedition. We also looked at one that had two sunroofs which was really cool. The lot had several of these with various options and it seemed to be the most family friendly of the bunch.
The Pilot was probably my favorite. My mom has one and it seems to do everything pretty well. Fair amount of room, third row is probably the smallest of the bunch so that would be a tradeoff. Cargo area was pretty nice and the third row folds flat. Best mileage of the bunch, but by a very small margin. Newest model has more HP than previous models. Pricing on them is fair.

[Z06killinSBF]

The new Explorers are pretty nice. I know you said you looked at the Expy, how'd you like that? The "Limited's" are VERY VERY nice inside and Ford routinely receives good praise on their vehicles... but I'm a Ford guy. And look at something with the Ecoboost V6.

[Ron.in.SoCal]

I've owned a Tahoe and then went to a full size GMC Yukon XL SLT. Both were great cars and adequate tow vehicles. The GMC was one step down from the Denali version and I loved it. Drove like a car, plenty of room and towed my 7000lb boat well. Turning was easier w the shorter wheel base Tahoe with the boat in tow, but that was a minor issue. Once I had a 3/4 ton turck the Yukon became a family only vehicle. The Tahoe was a great road trip vehicle if you don't require third row seating.

I'm thinking about a Tahoe next. What can i say, I'm a Chevy guy...

[srh3trinity]

The new Explorers are pretty nice. I know you said you looked at the Expy, how'd you like that? The "Limited's" are VERY VERY nice inside and Ford routinely receives good praise on their vehicles... but I'm a Ford guy. And look at something with the Ecoboost V6.
The Expedition was very nice. I had polled some friends and he has an F150 and his wife has a Tahoe and he told me he would buy the Tahoe over the Expedition based on how much he likes her SUV vs. his truck. So, we were a little surprised at how much we liked the Expedition. The Flex probably would be another great option (more similar to the Acadia), but my wife doesn't like the look. I will look into the EcoBoost.

[srh3trinity]

I've owned a Tahoe and then went to a full size GMC Yukon XL SLT. Both were great cars and adequate tow vehicles. The GMC was one step down from the Denali version and I loved it. Drove like a car, plenty of room and towed my 7000lb boat well. Turning was easier w the shorter wheel base Tahoe with the boat in tow, but that was a minor issue. Once I had a 3/4 ton turck the Yukon became a family only vehicle. The Tahoe was a great road trip vehicle if you don't require third row seating.

I'm thinking about a Tahoe next. What can i say, I'm a Chevy guy...

We liked the Tahoe a lot, but I was not impressed with the third row seat. We don't need it now, but we will eventually as we tend to keep our cars for a long time. We were thinking that was going to be the slam dunk pick. We may look at the Suburban and XLT's next trip out.

[FlyDoc]

the Dodge Durango's are nice and you can get 3rd row seating, 7100lb towing with the 5.7 Hemi so it should GO!

[analyte]

I'd avoid the Hemi if you're concerned about mileage. My wife's RWD Magnum RT gets at best the same mileage as our GMC 6.0L crew cab with AWD.

[FirebirdSteve]

I know it's not an SUV....but have you considered?
I fell in love with mine!!!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/dsc_0024-1.jpg

[srh3trinity]

That is a great looking Flex. I like them, the wife doesn't. Keep the input coming.

[trapin]

I have always LOVED the Ford Flex (and that's coming from a GM employee).

Stephen, if light towing is all you "might" need it for have you considered the Chevy Traverse? Also, be advised that the Acadia is getting a facelift for 2013 and it looks much better than the current model.

If gas is not a big deal than I would go Tahoe. They look KILLER in black with 20" wheels.

Honda Pilots are good for Interior Designers and Cake Decorators. :smoke:

[Z06killinSBF]

I know they don't have the MOST room but the Ford Edges are great cars. We still love my wife's '07. Sporty but room for 5. Just another thought.

[66SuperSport]

The wife's last 5 vehicles were Tahoe, Tahoe, Suburban, TBSS, and TBSS. She recently got a 2012 Buick Enclave and loves it. Basically the same as the GMC you looked at, but nicer lines and a few more options. You can get the nifty double sun roof too. I think this a great sized vehicle. Smaller than a Tahoe, but quite a bit bigger, especially inside, than the TrailBlazer. I'm 6'4" and I have at lest 4" more headroom in this than the TrailBlazer.

[srh3trinity]

I have always LOVED the Ford Flex (and that's coming from a GM employee).

Stephen, if light towing is all you "might" need it for have you considered the Chevy Traverse? Also, be advised that the Acadia is getting a facelift for 2013 and it looks much better than the current model.

If gas is not a big deal than I would go Tahoe. They look KILLER in black with 20" wheels.

Honda Pilots are good for Interior Designers and Cake Decorators. :smoke:
The 2013 Acadia does look really nice. We will be buying used though. I just can't get into the Traverse. Chevy's current styling that they use across the line just doesn't appeal to me. The truck line still looks great, the Tahoe looks great, but the rest of the cars just aren't there.

[srh3trinity]

I know they don't have the MOST room but the Ford Edges are great cars. We still love my wife's '07. Sporty but room for 5. Just another thought.
I think the Ford Edge is another home run as far as appearance goes, but it wouldn't be big enough.

[indyjps]

Im in the same spot , 2yr old with 1 on the way. Trailblazer to what? Looking at the Acadia. Im considered a GM retiree_worked there 7 yrs_so th employee discount applies. Wife likes the pilot. I have a silverado so the towing is covered. Tahoe is too much for me, wont fit in the garage, dont need to tow with it.

[MK69RSSS]

As I am a car dealer ... We have had them all... I think best all around ( room,gas mileage
3rd row seat,ride and cash return) is the Cadillac escalade and the Yukon
Been through all of them
And we got 24ish on hiway in Cadillac on the last trip

[zombiekiller]

Does your wife have issues with driving a vehicle that is much larger than her current ride? I know it's not an suv, but I LOVE my f-150 ecoboost. 22-24 mpg highway, seating for 5 very comfy adults, tows like a freight train, and it a twin turbo that runs on 87.

As for safety, I got rear ended in mine. I was stopped, he way doing 50 in a Tahoe. I needed a bumper and tailgate, he totaled his truck.

The warning is that even the shortest super crew has a much longer wheelbase that a trailblazer.

I personally think ford is light years ahead of gm right now. I rented a Yukon and felt like I had teleported back to 1998 as the interior hasn't changed much at all since then.

[harleygolf1]

We had a trailblazer before and did not care for it! We are on our 2nd Armada now and me wife loves it! Tows the boat and has plenty of room! Had the base model and now have the platinum model with all of the bells and whistles! My .02 worth!

[jy211]

here's all the different SUV's we've had

Suburban - Hands down the best. Plenty of room for everyone. Captain chairs in the back, entertainment center from the dealer.
Tahoe - Was a awesome SUV, even when I lifted it and put 33's on it. Used it to tow a 71' Impala around with no major problems. Captain chairs in the back are the way to go.
Armada - Was great SUV, again captain chairs keeps kids seperated LOL
SRX - out grew very quickly with second kid - up graded to the Armada
Flex - Kids love it as the entertainment unit is simple for them to operate themselves. Nice ride.

[srh3trinity]

I think we probably have narrowed it down (slightly) to the Acadia, Tahoe and Expedition. I will keep you guys posted when we go out and drive some again.

[damannhw]

Good choices, but I think if you consider resale values and long term durability, the rear wheel drive platforms (Tahoe & Expedition) will be your best choices. Good luck, I've had both, and both are great vehicles.

[ndians68]

I would sugest the suburban, the few newer tahoes i have been in were nice, but not as roomy as the suburbans. If you keep cars for a long time you are also going to have to think about that kids growing, as they get bigger you may decide to take long road trips to events, and maybe even vacation. We all know that NO ONE wants smushed in an uncomfortable car for 18 hours to go to the beach.

[BuddyP]

We had just recently went through the buying a SUV and Tahoe vs Acadia ordeal. It started off with me wanted to replace my '03 Avalanch with a newer Avalanche. It basically went like this:

Wifey: I want a third row
Me: Ok we'll look into a suburban
Wifey: Suburban is too big, I like the Acadia and it drives more like a car
Me: I need something that can tow

We settled on a Tahoe and picked up a nice low mile '07 LTZ. Now with this said we are happy with the Tahoe but there are a couple differences in the mix. If I didn't need the larger tow rating I would've agree'd to go with the Acadia. Also I am in the northern US and had the want/need for AWD or 4X4 which both Acadia and Tahoe offer.

Now onto what i know of the Acadia and Tahoe. In your senario being in AL you could stick to the 2WD version of either unless you have the want for AWD/4x4. After doing a test tow with my enclosed on the back of a Traverse, I can tell you that the Acadia will tow a light trailer perfectly fine without issue. If you go the Acadia route be sure to get the towing package just to have the benefit of extra engine cooling and tranny tow mode. As you may know the Tahoe and Acadia have the same wheel width and the Acadia is actually 3" longer wheelbase but is just narrower up top than the Tahoe. While the Tahoe is wider inside, both had comfortable interior room. Benifit of the Acadia interior is the full rear doors allow ample access to the rear seat. While the rear seat of both is more for children, the Acadia allows a slight bit more legroom but tighter if you try going 3 wide. The Acadia does offer better rear cargo space when 3rd row is in use. Obviously gas milage is a plus for the Acadia. Also the Acadia does drive very nice. I liked driving it more than the Tahoe. It just feels more stable and rides the bumps and "in and out of parking lot" transitions a whole lot better.

As far as the Tahoe, If you get one, try to get a '09 or newer so you can have the 6 speed. The lack of low end torque on the new V8's (Ford or GM) doesn't mate well with the tall geared 4 speed autos. It's not that it won't do well, just a big difference after driving the two, especially if you get any weight on the back of em. Also the 6 speed allows a little better gas milage. All the Acadias came with a 6 speed auto which is a plus.

Now, IMO, if you decide on the Tahoe, step back and look into the suburban for several reasons (and same reasons I noted to wifey but still lost the battle).
- Suburban is only 18" longer so it's not really "that" much bigger
- Full rear doors allow a lot better access in and out of both the 2nd and especially 3rd row (rear fenders on the Tahoe makes for more diffecult rear seat entry)
- With suburbans axle moved further back it allows a lower floor and more leg room for the 3rd row seat since the axle isn't right under your feed as it is in the case of the tahoe.
- plenty of cargo space with 3rd seat in use
- longer wheelbase is better for towing
- gas milege and market price no different than tahoe

[UNGN]

If you are going to buy something and keep it forever, and don't care too much about gas mileage, you can't go wrong with a suburban/yukon XL. There are few other trucks I'd drive 1,000 - 1,500 miles straight in a one day and I've done often in our YXL.

If you need 3 rows and want better gas mileage, the ugly ass Lincoln MKT is a best buy. We just bought one for my dad last month. $31K for one with 12K miles on it that stickered new for over $53K (We could have bought a similar Ecoboost for about $4K more). Drives great, voice command, 2 rows of air conditioned seats, power everything... much nicer than an used Acadia for thousands less and he gets over 24 Mpg Highway @ 70+ mph. The ugly kills the resale

[Taylor1969]

I'll break the trend here a little...

I absolutely love the 4runner we got for my wife. Third row folds flat, drives great and averages over 18mpg.

The interior is really nice and it is a blast to drive.

SR5, sunroof and 4wd. We paid under 33k for it.

[vintageracer]

Ditto on the Ford Flex for a lady driver and the family.

Wife loves her Flex as with the refrigerator/freezer, AWD, Glass roofs, ability to haul 6 people when needed, 20 inch wheels and reasonable fuel mileage.

She when from a Hot Rod VW Touareg which also like to the Flex and has not looked back! Yes the Touareg was faster, stopped quicker (14 inch 6 piston brakes), got less fuel mileage and only hauled 4 people. The "Flexibility" of the Flex with 2 children and their friends is truly a great feature of vehicle!
'

[trapin]

Let me settle this for you....

If you go GM - go Tahoe

If you go Ford - go Flex

If you go Toyota - go home.

[srh3trinity]

Let me settle this for you....

If you go GM - go Tahoe

If you go Ford - go Flex

If you go Toyota - go home.

I like it, have you seen how much the Sequoia goes for? Ridiculous pricing on them. I rode with a friend in a Flex the other day and it was really nice. I am still trying to talk her into trying one of them out, especially with the EcoBoost option. We are probably going to buy in mid-July or August.

[vintageracer]

What about our brothers in Auburn Hills????

[FirebirdSteve]

I like it, have you seen how much the Sequoia goes for? Ridiculous pricing on them. I rode with a friend in a Flex the other day and it was really nice. I am still trying to talk her into trying one of them out, especially with the EcoBoost option. We are probably going to buy in mid-July or August.

Once you get her in a Egoboost Flex.....it will be a done deal!!!

[Bryce]

Have you looked into the Jeep SRT8?

[Bryce]

Have you looked into the Jeep SRT8?

[srh3trinity]

Have you looked into the Jeep SRT8?
That is likely not any bigger than the Trailblazer we have (it would be more fun to drive and with better looks).

[dadto2jays]

I'll break the trend here a little...

I absolutely love the 4runner we got for my wife. Third row folds flat, drives great and averages over 18mpg.

The interior is really nice and it is a blast to drive.

SR5, sunroof and 4wd. We paid under 33k for it.


Toyota 4runner here also I just bought the wife one in april for our anniverssary. Toyota sequia also a great reliable vehicle too big for our needs. My in laws own an Acadia and it is also a great vehicle I have driven it in georgia while on vacation.

[Bryce]

That is likely not any bigger than the Trailblazer we have (it would be more fun to drive and with better looks).


I have not been in the new jeeps. It would be a fun ride though.

I have a 2000 durango, mildly modified, I love the thing. It holds 7 people without alot of extra storage.

[trapin]

The Dodge Journey SUV's are the best bargin right now if you decide to go New.

[srh3trinity]

Just to give the thread some closure. We picked up a 2011 Acadia AWD SLT1 this weekend. It had 7400 on the clock and was probably 11K less than new by the time everything was said and done. The dealer was easy to work with and I actually walked away from the deal with a smile on my face. I realized while we were making the deal that I had owned the Trailblazer we traded in longer than any other vehicle (7 years). The wife is loving it so far, she drove this and a Yukon XLT back to back and she was sold on the Acadia. Now I can get back to plotting and planning on my project. Thanks for the responses guys. I will try to get a pic up later.

[CreepinDeth]

Acadia's are pretty nice Mid-Size SUV's. Only downside is the transverse mounted maintenance.
I also like the cousin Buick Enclave ALOT, but the Acadia looks nicer on the outside.


I know it's not an SUV....but have you considered?
I fell in love with mine!!!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/dsc_0024-1.jpg

I'm not a big Ford guy coming from a GM history but that Ford Flex does look pretty badass.
Got any more pics ?? I'd like to know what rims you used.

The interior is awesome too......just can't remember if it's a CVT transmission or not.
I've been told to steer clear of the CVT's.

[Tony_SS]

I was just going to post that my buddy is a tech at GM and there are some issues with the Arcadia... I wish I had the details but you already bought it so I wont bother asking.. good luck, I'm always in favor of GM but the Flex and ecoboost sounds really nice.

We ditched our HHR (loved the mileages, hated the cramped space) for an 01 Tahoe, and I can not believe the turn radius in this thing. It's like a compact car.

[FirebirdSteve]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/DSC_0010-1.jpghttps://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/JulieandSteveFlex-1.jpg

Wheels are MHT Carnal Black
The Flex is a 6 speed Auto. no CVT. Will run a mid 13.00 quarter at close to 5000# right out of the box. Can be tuned and injected into the 12's with little effort!

[FirebirdSteve]

Just to give the thread some closure. We picked up a 2011 Acadia AWD SLT1 this weekend. It had 7400 on the clock and was probably 11K less than new by the time everything was said and done. The dealer was easy to work with and I actually walked away from the deal with a smile on my face. I realized while we were making the deal that I had owned the Trailblazer we traded in longer than any other vehicle (7 years). The wife is loving it so far, she drove this and a Yukon XLT back to back and she was sold on the Acadia. Now I can get back to plotting and planning on my project. Thanks for the responses guys. I will try to get a pic up later.

Good luck with the new ride! Happy wife = more time and money for YOUR project!!!:firefire: