Buying a SUV - Traverse/Acadia/Edge

[underGRADFlame]

We just (5 months ago) upgraded from a '14 Edge Sport to a '17 Explorer Limited... We loved the Edge but really wanted the 3rd row seating, which we love that we can now bring grandparents with us on short trips. We looked at GM SUV's but I really do prefer Ford vehicles over GM... though if I had to pick GM it would be the GMC Denali line...

But I love my Ford's... I just need to hold on to them longer... I have an upgrading problem! which my sales guy loves... Wife's vehicle 2013 Escape SE 1.6L, to 2014 Edge Sport 3.7L, to 2017 Explorer Limited 2.0L. Mine 2012 F150 FX4 Supercab 5.0L, to 2015 F150 XLT Sport Crew 2.7L, to 2018 F150 Lariat Sport FX4 Crew 2.7L..... I think i have a problem.

[Boblobla]

We are currently SUV shopping as well. One of the things we are looking for is a serviceable 3rd row as we need to shuttle kids to and from hockey and the Jeep we currently have is not big enough if we have more than our two kids in the car.

The Acadia is smaller than the Traverse by a little bit. There is more space behind the third row of seats in the Traverse/Enclave than in the Acadia. The Highlander/Explorer/Journey are a similar size to the Acadia. The durango is a bit bigger but from what I understand sucks from a fuel economy standpoint.

Another thing to consider is the bench is in the middle row in the explorer/journey/durango if you want 7 seats, not in the back. The highlanger/enclave/traverse have a bench in the back and captains chairs in the second row. Easier to get kids in and out.

We looked at hyundai and nissan but the Mrs. was not keen.

[SportsJunky]

Originally Posted by Boblobla

Another thing to consider is the bench is in the middle row in the explorer/journey/durango if you want 7 seats, not in the back. The highlanger/enclave/traverse have a bench in the back and captains chairs in the second row. Easier to get kids in and out.

The Explorer has the bench in the 3rd row and captain's chairs in the middle.

[Boblobla]

Originally Posted by SportsJunky

The Explorer has the bench in the 3rd row and captain's chairs in the middle.

Not in the 2018 unless both the dealerships we went to were full of s**t.

EDIT:

https://www.ford.com/suvs/explorer/f...featcta-design

The available PowerFold® third-row seat folds flat at the touch of a button for additional cargo room and a level load floor. In the upright position, it comfortably seats two passengers. Standard on Limited, Sport and Platinum.

[marsplasticeraser]

Surprised nobody has mentioned the new Subaru ascent. Nice third row and with 2nd row captains chairs really comfortable for the family.

We’re just waiting for a good discount to come along and pick one up.

[SportsJunky]

Originally Posted by Boblobla

Not in the 2018 unless both the dealerships we went to were full of s**t.

EDIT:

https://www.ford.com/suvs/explorer/f...featcta-design

Ha, you are right...and I own one!
I just took the kids with me to run some errands in it. I should pay more attention.

[Galakanokis]

Any love for the new VW Atlas?

I have my eye on the Highlander. I have liked every Toyota I have had and they look like great vehicles. The MIL has a '15 Acadia Denali trim and it is nice but I don't really care for it. Feels really big and bulky, don't like the way it handles.

I should probably just buy another minivan as it really checks all the boxes but after 10 years of driving one I want something a little different.

[guzzy]

Originally Posted by calgarygeologist

If you are interested in a Traverse/Acadia why not consider an Explorer or Flex instead of Edge? I love the Flex. It has a huge second row and a useable third row for occasional use. With the third row down it has loads of cargo space. It drives great as well and is really comfortable.

Yes but it looks like it does. Awful. I have driven them. I actually loved driving it. i just dislike looking at it.

[BigNumbers]

OP: Can you provide a price range (maybe I missed it?) This thread is basically 30 people yelling out their personal or wives vehicle... If you have a budget, I bet we can help provide some better-focused suggestions.

[You Need a Thneed]

Originally Posted by Galakanokis

Any love for the new VW Atlas?

I have my eye on the Highlander. I have liked every Toyota I have had and they look like great vehicles. The MIL has a '15 Acadia Denali trim and it is nice but I don't really care for it. Feels really big and bulky, don't like the way it handles.

I should probably just buy another minivan as it really checks all the boxes but after 10 years of driving one I want something a little different.

We test drove an Atlas a couple days ago, seemed like a really nice vehicle. We aren’t quite ready to purchase yet though. Fairly comfortably had 7 inside for the test drive, with some decent room behind the back seat still. The thing had a turning radius probably as small as my Focus.

[Galakanokis]

Originally Posted by You Need a Thneed

We test drove an Atlas a couple days ago, seemed like a really nice vehicle. We aren’t quite ready to purchase yet though. Fairly comfortably had 7 inside for the test drive, with some decent room behind the back seat still. The thing had a turning radius probably as small as my Focus.

I haven't test driven anything yet just internet research for now. I really like the looks of the Atlas but I'm always leery of VW's. Great cars until it comes time to fix them.

Everytime I look at the mid size SUV's my price tag keeps ending up right around $50K. In no hurry to spend that kind of money. I probably don't need such a big vehicle, kids are 7 and 9 and I doubt my parents fly out this way again so I probably don't need all the seats. Wife needs some space for her work shops but other than that. But man the Atlas, Pilot, Highlanders etc sure are nice.

I rented a Volvo SUV a couple of years ago and the thing turned like a fat sow. Awful car to drive.

[browna]

Traverse has more room and capacity then a Tahoe and can tow 5000lbs. Acadia as mentioned has now been put on a shorter platform the last year or two.

Flex probably second on the list as far as utility and if you can the Ecoboost it's got some pop. Engine would tow more then 5000 but the frame can't handle that weight.

Anything else with that interior capacity bump like an Expedition or the large Infinity SUV or a Sequoia, or more is going to be extra pricey. Some of the SUVs mentioned here aren't much bigger then the OPS current vehicle, raised if course and a higher and rounder roofline.

[Boblobla]

Originally Posted by marsplasticeraser

Surprised nobody has mentioned the new Subaru ascent. Nice third row and with 2nd row captains chairs really comfortable for the family.

We’re just waiting for a good discount to come along and pick one up.

Tried to look at one of these last night and they are not in yet. Seems like a nice vehicle though. They are going to give us a call when they come in.

[HitterD]

Originally Posted by GreenLantern

Thanks everyone for the input. We rented an Acadia in the spring to head out to BC, spent 10 days driving around Alberta/BC/Sask in it, I really liked it. It was a 2017. I've heard that if you like the Acadia, you will like the Edge more.

I drive an Explorer for work so I know they are a good vehicle, especially in crappy conditions. It was explained to me that the Explorer is more of your sport utility vehicle where as the Edge is a station wagon with all wheel drive. I've got a 4x4 truck so if I am taking something out of town in dicey weather, or hauling, I use that.

I've got nothing against any other brands, these are just the vehicle companys that I had heard good things about from friends so they are the ones I narrowed the search down to. They also seem to be very economical choices.

I have the 2017 Acadia SLT-1, absolutely love the vehicle. I will say a few things here that sold me on it vs any other comparable in the market.

1. Yes in 2017 they shortened the vehicle by 18 inches, and the interior cargo space has been reduced. It's a major benefit to the handling of the vehicle and fuel mileage compared to the older versions though, and the interior space is very flexible (see point no 2)

2. I have a family with 2 kids (not 5 and 8 years old). I opted for the 6-seat model instead of the 7-seat (2 bucket-style seats in the middle instead of a bench) and this was the big tipping point for me. The Acadia was the only vehicle in its class that offered middle row seats that could lean forward and let a passenger in the back without having to take a car seat out of the seat. this is a bit hard to explain but i'm curious if you played around with this when you rented the acadia. It really is a difference maker when you realize in most vehicles you have to take a car seat out of the car to get the seats to slide/fold forward to allow antrance to the 3rd row. Its a pain in the arse. The Acadia seats kind of lean forward and raise on an angle, again hard to explain. They also still fold completely flat if you are putting large boxes or cargo in the back and need a bunch of space.

It really is a well designed/thought out family vehicle now, and the newer acadia's have scored much much higher on the safety side since the change as well

Highly recommend the vehicle, and i'm available to answer any questions you have as well.

[jwslam]

Originally Posted by GreenLantern

My wife wants a SUV, currently driving a Mazda 3 and it is becoming less feasible the bigger our kid gets, especially when number two arrives.

If you like the 3, Mazda5 is pretty much the same thing but more convenient with the sliding doors
Someone told me they're built on the same chassis but I can't find online evidence of that.

But I guess your intent is to upsize...

[woob]

Originally Posted by jwslam

If you like the 3, Mazda5 is pretty much the same thing but more convenient with the sliding doors
Someone told me they're built on the same chassis but I can't find online evidence of that.

But I guess your intent is to upsize...

Sadly, they're not making the 5 anymore. Which is too bad, as I think it's a great option between a hatchback and a full on mini-van.

[GreenLantern]

Originally Posted by BigNumbers

OP: Can you provide a price range (maybe I missed it?) This thread is basically 30 people yelling out their personal or wives vehicle... If you have a budget, I bet we can help provide some better-focused suggestions.

I am not overly worried about price, but I think the cap we want to spend is probably $35,000. However, if the right vehicle came in for more I would still be interested.

It seems like at that price point the originally 3 I mentioned, Traverse, Acadia and Edge are well within my means from 2017 and lower.

[The Hendog]

We have a 2013 Highlander Sport and a 2014 Edge Sport

Highlander Sport we have had zero issues with besides regular maintenance

Edge we had one weird glitch with the transmission that Ford fixed free of charge under warranty and no other issues besides regular maintenance

Highlander has the third row which has been handy at times and is the better vehicle for hauling around our two boys 4 and under with all their stuff

Now perhaps because the Edge is newer, it is far more user friendly when it comes to technology with the touch screen, the in dash screens that you can change on the steering wheel which is handy, the bluetooth works better with the Ford sync etc. and in general the ride is comfier and interior has a better finish in my opinion

Both have pretty good power with the V6 and both drive pretty well with the AWD systems in most weather but as the Edge is a smaller it is obviously funnier to drive. Fuel economy was about what I expected in the Highlander and not quite as great in the Edge but perhaps that is because I drive that usually by myself and I tend to drive less economically...

Bought both slightly used through dealerships - got a better deal on the Highlander but I think they screwed up and forgot GST when we settled on the all in price but they stood by our handshake agreement

So far both have been great cars and we would defiantly buy both again!
Would also take a good look at the Explorer next time as well to replace the Highlander

[burn_this_city]

We looked at the Atlas when buying an SUV this spring, was turned off by the fuel economy and engine power. Had good luck with our last VW, 70k with zero issues, even warranty work, and remarkably the original windshield with no chips or cracks.