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Family car. Luxury SUV or Off-roading SUV?

The Right Car for Me | TrueDelta

ArmandoNLauren

Currently have a 2013 honda pilot that is RWD and has third row. We have three children, ages: 3,5, &10....so still in carseats and a booster. I am possibly wanting to downsize to a smaller suv, but maybe stay aruond the same. I have been looking at Audi Q5 or Q7, BMW X5, Jaguar F-Pace, Toyota 4-Runner, & Subaru Ascent.

I need it to be an AWD vehicle, we live in the PNW in WA state. Back seat needs to be spacey enough for the kiddos, while still allowing my husband to ride in the front seat (he is almost 6 ft) & not crowding their leg room. Third row is not a must, but a nice option. Only leather seats (kids are messy!). Sun roof is a must, Panoramic roof is a plus!

Please give me opinions and recommend anything else that fits within my description!

Thank you

Priorities: Safety & braking / Rear seat room & comfort / Handling

Need minimum of 5 seats

Will consider both new and used cars
Maximum mileage: 75000
Maximum age: 5 years

Maximum price: US $ 28000

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Response from Sea-Dan

1:02 am May 20, 2020

Given your price range and the list you presented you are probably limited to an Audi Q5 or BMW X5. Both are nice cars but the Q5 is going to be more reliable and comfortable. The 1.8T provides adequate performance with reasonable fuel economy for its size.

With 3 growing kids, it is questionable if this is a good time to downsize to a two row vehicle. I suggest you add a 2015 or later Toyota Highlander to your list. This will be slightly smaller than your Pilot and more reliable than either the Q5 or X5. The Highlander commands a higher used price reflecting is reliability and popularity.

Happy shopping; please let us know hat you decide!

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Toyota Highlander

Response from Sea-Dan

5:15 pm May 20, 2020

Dang, I forgot one other excellent option for you -- Kia Sorento. The Sorento gets overall excellent ratings, has a 10 yr warranty, loaded with both comfort and safety features... The 3 row model will be modestly smaller than your Pilot & tad smaller than the Highlander. With a new version coming in 2021 the 2020s are available at some pretty good prices in the Seattle area. The EX trim is the sweet spot for the best combo of features and price (leather but no pano moonroof). If you can stretch your budget about $4K you could probably pick a 2020 at 0% for 75 months (early payoff possible). Or get a 1-2 yr old model well within your stated range.
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/new/nl-New-Kia-Sorento-d162#listing=261506592

Don't let the Kia's of the past predjuce you. Kia has come a long way in the past 5 yrs and their quality is quite high these days. Consumer Reports overall rankings have it just below the current Pilot with higher reliablity than the Pilot.

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Kia Sorento

Response from LectroFuel

12:49 am June 2, 2020

I think the Kia Sorento is a good choice in your situation. It is a smaller SUV, but still offers a 3rd row. Kia and Hyundai put pano roofs in a lot of their less expensive cars. They also take a big depreciation hit in the first few years. So, I would look for a 2016 or 2017 Sorento CPO.

With a budget of only $28k, I don't think a luxury SUV would be a good option unless you want to pay for expensive repairs. Also, the 4Runner isn't as practical as a unibody offering like any other SUV except the Tahoe/Suburban and Expedition. I would honestly never get rid of your Pilot for a newer 4Runner. Yours rides nicer and has similar technology.

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Kia Sorento

Response from Member5683

3:12 pm July 5, 2020

Just bought my wife a new Mazda CX-9. Only bought new because of rebates and financing. You can get a 2017-2019 AWD used or certified for less than 30K. She really likes it but the third row is only good for younger kids. We had a CX-7 and it was getting cramped when eveyrone piled in.

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Mazda CX-9
Kia Telluride
Audi Q7
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