ORIGINAL REDDIT POST
Looking for a full sized SUV but can't decide on which one.
I've made a short list that includes: VW Atlas, Subaru ascent, Toyota Highlander, Honda pilot. A couple of things that are important to me: Reliability. I like to do basic maintenance myself. Oil changes, brakes, spark plugs etc. Towing/cargo. Current main…
I've made a short list that includes: VW Atlas, Subaru ascent, Toyota Highlander, Honda pilot. A couple of things that are important to me: Reliability. I like to do basic maintenance myself. Oil changes, brakes, spark plugs etc. Towing/cargo. Current main ride is a Corolla, and I don't want a side-grade. Am I missing any obvious makes models? Which would you choose? I am wrong and will repost with more correct title.
Collected discussion
Explorers are decent, but out of your list the Highlander is bulletproof for reliability and the Pilot has a ton of cargo space If you're doing your own wrenching, the Ascent's boxer engine layout puts the spark plugs right up against the frame rails so that's a knuckle-busting nightmare every 60k miles. The Atlas has a weird oil filter housing that loves to crack if you look at it wrong, and the plastic drain plug is just offensive I'd skip the VW and Subaru entirely if you plan on doing your own maintenance. The Highlander is boring but you'll never have to touch it beyond the basics, the Pilot feels a bit more truck-like if you care about that
Except the Highlander (non hybrid) transmissions seem to be pretty bad and crapping out for pretty expensive replacement. Just check the Highlander sub. Though the hybrid should be very solid
When I hear "full size SUV" I think Suburban, Escalade, Expedition L, Grand Wagoneer, etc.
This is the standard line up right now. GX if you want reliable off-road. TX if you want more family based. We went Rivian because one you drive it, nothing else compares.
I believe they are. what is an example of one?
Well the actual automotive industry doesn’t think they are. Tahoe, Expedition, Armada, sequoia
Yes I was incorrect. I've reposted with a proper title.
I've reposted with a correct title.
Hadn't considered that I will look into the pathfinder
I've reposted with a correct title.
Nissan Pathfinder will be more reliable than the VW/Subaru and cost way less than the Toyota/Honda with incentives (pretty sure they're still doing 60-month 0% APR).
None of those are full size suvs OP
I like the Explorers in this class
Someone misspelled mid-size CUV
Toyota Grand Highlander, Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade.
Vr6 atlas would be cool. Pretty sure its the aisin 8 speed. Same stuff toyota uses. If you can do your own maintenance save the money and buy the vw. Though the transmission is kinda crap tbh. If its the same aq450 they put in the tiguan
Do you care how boring the vehicle is? It no than Highland or Ascent As far as cargo space goes the highlander is much smaller compared to ascent but also gets substantially better fuel economy especially if you get the hybrid. None of the vehicles listed are towing vehicles. They may have hitches installed that can pull maybe 3k-5k pounds tops but don't make a habit of it. Ive rented all of these vehicles and frankly none of them were vehicles that made me feel compelled to buy them but if i had to choose it would be highlander or ascent
I just traded in my 2014 odyssey for a 2026 atlas r line. The interior is so nice. I felt like the atlas offered the most for the money. Had all the options. My dealer offers a 7 year 100k power train warranty which helps my concern on reliability and I don’t mind getting it dealer serviced. My ody got dealer serviced. I’ve only had the car 2 weeks but it’s so nice. We just did a mini road trip out of state and it got 27mpg. I thought this was good on a brand new car (500 miles). It’s also an iihs top safety pick.. the GH and pilot isn’t.