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A family SUV that is solid, reliable, well made. I keep my vehicles for a long time, I'd like one that holds up for the long haul.
Priorities: Reliability & durability / Warranty, maintenance cost / Materials & workmanship
Need minimum of 5 seats
Will consider both new and used cars
Maximum mileage: 25000
Maximum age: 3 years
Maximum price: US $ 38000
The rule of thumb here is 7-8 years before repairs start to take a toll. The is the time a Honda V6 will need a timing belt and maybe a water pump while you are in there at close to $1,000.
The time reference of a decade can see new crash standards that were introduced within 5 years earlier. Today, small over lap test and roof strength were poor until 2013 or 2012 where newer models have better safety cages.
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The Toyota Highlander is the most reliable midsize SUV. It is comfortable and practical. It is the most family friendly SUV on this list. It isn't exciting, but none of these are. I would maybe get a fully loaded 2017 Limited Platinum Certified Pre-owned to save some money and get a better equipped car. It is the same car as the 2018, but not the 2016 and older.
You could take a look at the 2018 Kia Sorento. It comes with a 100k mile/10 year powertrain warranty. I have spent some time in an SX-L and I thought it could have been a luxury SUV. It is smaller than most midsizers. The Sorento was recently refreshed. If you drive less than 100k miles within 10 years, this might be the car for you because all powertrain repairs will be free.
The Honda Pilot Touring and Elite trims have a 9 speed auto transmission that is having problems. Every trim except the top two have a better 6 speed. The car is really good otherwise. It is more stylish than the Highlander and the Sorento.
The Chevy Traverse is one of the best family SUVs right now except reliability ratings are low and the interior quality is inferior to most midsize SUVs. It is one of the biggest midsize SUVs.
A minivan is the best car for a family. They hold more people in comfort and have much more cargo space while getting better MPGs. The only thing they can't do is off road and tow over 3500 lbs. The only minivan with AWD is the Toyota Sienna. The 2018 Honda Odyssey is the best minivan right now.
Honda timing belts need to be replaced every 105k miles. We are being quoted $900 at an independent shop for our 2002 Odyssey and are debating paying for the replacement because my wife is getting a new car soon. I don't see this as a reason to not buy a Honda because all cars need maintenance.
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More about the Highlander 
More about the Sorento
More about the Odyssey
Only one thing to add to the excellent suggestions above. If reliability is the top priority, you can't do better than the Toyota 4Runner. BUT the 4Runner is a conventional SUV and doesn't ride or handle nearly as well as the Highlander or the others suggested above. Nor is it as roomy.
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More about the 4Runner
