Have until Dec. to decide on a new 3-row car

[stoptothink]

I wasn't going to but I test drove VW Atlas. There was lot of things I liked about the car but since I want to own the car for long term, I am not too sure how reliable and expensive VW parts will be down the line. I mean, compared to American or Japanese brands, I am pretty sure it will be more expensive.

I owned a VW Jetta, and failed to learn my lesson when our first kid arrived and bought a Passat wagon. Both were maintenance hogs. Fun to drive, though. The Mazdas are both fun to drive and very reliable.

Other than or windshield randomly being busted 3 times (we're getting the 3rd replacement tomorrow - a giant chunk of ice fell off our roof and destroyed it on Friday), we've had a totally maintenance-free experience with our '17 jetta. 6.5yrs and 72k miles and nothing but general maintenance, it's even still on the first set of brake pads. We bought it knowing it could be a maintenance nightmare, but the deal was so good (<$14k OTD brand new, thanks to Dieselgate) that we figured it would hardly be a loss if we just got rid of it when the warranty was up. Not sure we'd buy another VW unless we got a screaming deal again, but it's been great.

[Scorpion Stare]

I’m surprised so many people are recommending Kia/Hyundai SUVs. The sheer number of recalls over the last year alone would give me pause for concern. Last summer there was a recall of almost 300,000 of the current model due to them catching on fire.

Just a few months before that, Toyota recalled 460,000 vehicles because of a failure that would disable stability control.

And in 2020, Toyota recalled six million vehicles for a fuel pump problem that caused running vehicles to stall.

Every automaker has recalls on a regular basis.

[welloiledinvestor]

I’m surprised so many people are recommending Kia/Hyundai SUVs. The sheer number of recalls over the last year alone would give me pause for concern. Last summer there was a recall of almost 300,000 of the current model due to them catching on fire.

Just a few months before that, Toyota recalled 460,000 vehicles because of a failure that would disable stability control.

And in 2020, Toyota recalled six million vehicles for a fuel pump problem that caused running vehicles to stall.

Every automaker has recalls on a regular basis.

You are right about that. The reliability reports from Consumer Reports and other sources go so far. It all comes to little luck and how you take care of your car as well, not just being diligent with maintenance stuff but how you use the car etc.

[Outer Marker]

I wasn't going to but I test drove VW Atlas. There was lot of things I liked about the car but since I want to own the car for long term, I am not too sure how reliable and expensive VW parts will be down the line. I mean, compared to American or Japanese brands, I am pretty sure it will be more expensive.

I owned a VW Jetta, and failed to learn my lesson when our first kid arrived and bought a Passat wagon. Both were maintenance hogs. Fun to drive, though. The Mazdas are both fun to drive and very reliable.

Several users have mentioned Mazda, especially the CX-90. I have got nothing to lose, maybe I test drive it and check out the cabin. Do you think Mazda would be as reliable as (or close to) Toyota and worth owning?

I owned a Miata for ten years - only maintenance it required was changing the oil and wiper blades. Equally reliable as Toyotas and much more “drivers” cars.

[meebers]

My history with cars since 1960. )
3 Oldsmobiles drove and beat the heck out of them, little to no problems
2 Pontiacs, 1 is a 1965 and still have it today. Rebuilt the engine 2x
2 Mazda's 1st made in Japan, beat the heck out of, long lasting, #2 not made in Japan, after 20k miles get rid of it, just a piece of junk.
2 Chevy trucks, 1st no problems, 2nd shook, rattled, wore out tires < 10K miles.
1 GMC truck 07, still have it today. No problems.
1 Toyota Highlander, ok, v6 gutless motor, no abnormal problems
1 2013 Kia Sorento, ordered with no 3rd row seat, no problems, still have it today
Undecided what my next vehicle will be if any. Waiting until prices become realistic. [One reason I am following this thread].
YMMV.

[bwalling]

Your list is good for the suburban lifestyle, but I don't think I would take any of those models off-roading. For that you need to look at a 4-Runner or Jeep.

Personally, I'm planning to buy the Grand Highlander (or its Lexus equivalent).

This. OP mentioned off roading. Most of OP's list will get torn up if that off roading is much more than a gravel or dirt road. Check out the 4 Runner, the Lexus GX, or a Jeep product. The 4 Runner and the GX will last forever.

[welloiledinvestor]

Your list is good for the suburban lifestyle, but I don't think I would take any of those models off-roading. For that you need to look at a 4-Runner or Jeep.

Personally, I'm planning to buy the Grand Highlander (or its Lexus equivalent).

This. OP mentioned off roading. Most of OP's list will get torn up if that off roading is much more than a gravel or dirt road. Check out the 4 Runner, the Lexus GX, or a Jeep product. The 4 Runner and the GX will last forever.

Just want to clarify about the "offroading." It was my mistake to include that requirement. Going to state parks is the only off-roading that I can think of.

My history with cars since 1960. )
3 Oldsmobiles drove and beat the heck out of them, little to no problems
2 Pontiacs, 1 is a 1965 and still have it today. Rebuilt the engine 2x
2 Mazda's 1st made in Japan, beat the heck out of, long lasting, #2 not made in Japan, after 20k miles get rid of it, just a piece of junk.
2 Chevy trucks, 1st no problems, 2nd shook, rattled, wore out tires < 10K miles.
1 GMC truck 07, still have it today. No problems.
1 Toyota Highlander, ok, v6 gutless motor, no abnormal problems
1 2013 Kia Sorento, ordered with no 3rd row seat, no problems, still have it today
Undecided what my next vehicle will be if any. Waiting until prices become realistic. [One reason I am following this thread].
YMMV.

Thanks @meebers for sharing your experiences.

[bonfireofthevanities]

We were looking at all the 3-row vehicles you referenced, but happened to end up at an Acura dealership and test drove the 2023 MDX. We took it home the same day and have been extremely happy with it.

[MorgansRun]

Mazda fan here, so definitely would recommend the brand. Plus the CX-90 looks great inside and out. It can't hurt to let either dealership know you are cross shopping with the other. Yes, I realize there may not be any discounts, but you don't get for what you don't ask.

[pizzy]

There are two brands that I have an unfounded, stupid reasoned negative feeling about and I can't shake it...

Mazda because of the "zoom zoom" marketing from years ago.

Kia because of the "buy one get one free" marketing from years ago

[stoptothink]

I’m surprised so many people are recommending Kia/Hyundai SUVs. The sheer number of recalls over the last year alone would give me pause for concern. Last summer there was a recall of almost 300,000 of the current model due to them catching on fire.

Just a few months before that, Toyota recalled 460,000 vehicles because of a failure that would disable stability control.

And in 2020, Toyota recalled six million vehicles for a fuel pump problem that caused running vehicles to stall.

Every automaker has recalls on a regular basis.

Toyota has a lot of the Costco and Apple mystique going on...Toyota probably manufacturers the most reliable vehicles (overall) of any manufacturer (anecdotally, my corolla was by a HUGE margin the most unreliable car I've ever owned), but they still can have their issues. Toyota has had some pretty scary recalls in the last decade, including on the corolla and tacoma which have this reputation for being bulletproof.

[dsmclone]

I just got back from renting a 2022 Toyota Highlander and I currently own a 2021 Kia Telluride. I have the highest end Telluride and the Highlander was more of a middle of the road model so I won't factor in things like HUD that the Highlander didn't have. The Highlander had the V6, which was smooth and powerful. I see now that they are moving towards a 4 cyl Turbo, which I generally hate, even if they are faster/more fuel efficient.

Powertrain-Seem similar with both having a V6. I think the Highlander seemed more peppy to me. The ride, noise and comfort are better in the Kia. I got about 22 MPG with a mix of city and 80mph highway driving. I get similar MPG with the Telluride but usually run E10 Ethanol (live in Midwest). The Highlander was a little sportier. Just thought of something.....the Highlander was FWD not AWD like my Kia. Probably a lot lighter.

Fit/Finish-This one surprised me. The Highlander with 7k miles had plastics that were creaking. I got into my Kia after driving the Toyota for a week and the Kia seemed a lot better put together. The door closing sound, the up/down on windows, the steering feel.

Safety-I'm not going to penalize the Highlander for not having a front camera, I'm sure the upper models do have one. Both units have adaptive cruise and I instantly chose the most aggressive setting. The highlander is more aggressive and I like it. With the Kia, I feel like even on the most aggressive setting I have to move over in the passing lane way too early. I don't like that the Toyota makes me choose that aggressive setting each time I start the car. Also, making me turn on my cruise is annoying. I've owned a lot of Toyotas and they have a tendency to never change, even when it's dumb. The rear window in the Toyota, because of design, is a little small for my liking.

Infotainment-Both have Android Auto/Apple Carplay, which is great. The design of the Highlander infotainment system looks dumb and has for awhile. Looks like it's an after thought that they just plopped on the dash. My 2021 Kia is better but the 2023 is a ton better with the with in all in one design, which the Hyundai Palisade has had since the start.

In the end, I really cant imagine how someone would pick the Highlander over the Telluride if they drove each one back to back.

[welloiledinvestor]

Quick update:

I decided to test drive some models again:

• Highlander (Bronze trim)

• Honda Pilot (Trailsport trim)

I kept an open mind and took some of your suggestions and test drove some minivans:

• Chrysler Pacifica (gas version)

• Kia Carnival

• Honda Odyssey

• Toyota Sienna

We haven't made any final decision yet. I think we are deciding between Sienna and Odyssey. We will still test drive Mazda CX-9 in April but I don't think it will make me change my mind about minivans. They are way more practical and spacious for families, period.

[welloiledinvestor]

Quick update:

I decided to test drive some models again:

• Highlander (Bronze trim)

• Honda Pilot (Trailsport trim)

I kept an open mind and took some of your suggestions and test drove some minivans:

• Chrysler Pacifica (gas version)

• Kia Carnival

• Honda Odyssey

• Toyota Sienna

We haven't made any final decision yet. I think we are deciding between Sienna and Odyssey. We will still test drive Mazda CX-9 in April but I don't think it will make me change my mind about minivans. They are way more practical and spacious for families, period.

[Luke Duke]

Keep in mind that most smaller SUVs don't have a big enough second row to accommodate a rear-facing car seat without having to move the corresponding front seat forward.

When our kids were young we had a 1st generation (2004) Highlander and I couldn't comfortably sit in the passenger seat with the rear-facing seat behind me and I'm not a tall person. The rear-facing seat behind the driver would have been impossible.

[welloiledinvestor]

Keep in mind that most smaller SUVs don't have a big enough second row to accommodate a rear-facing car seat without having to move the corresponding front seat forward.

When our kids were young we had a 1st generation (2004) Highlander and I couldn't comfortably sit in the passenger seat with the rear-facing seat behind me and I'm not a tall person. The rear-facing seat behind the driver would have been impossible.

Yes, that's a great point. I am not going to get an SUV anymore but a minivan instead.

[JC CPA]

We have a 2015 Acura MDX and front seat leg room is fine with rear facing car seats in second row

Third row seats are ok for short trips but if you need for a road trip you need a pilot, minivan or a Tahoe type sized vehicle

It’s a great vehicle - would recommend the AWD version. Probably going to get a fully loaded new-er one in a few years