Most reliable used SUV (3rd Row and AWD)?
Posted by SCCM_2020@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 41 comments
As the title says, my wife and I are in the market for a Used "Nice" SUV, maybe not Luxury but Nicer. 3rd Row and AWD is a priority. I have found a few older reddit posts but curious as we know reliability changes year to year. With our budget it appears we can get into 2020-2022 models.
I understand all makes and models have issues, but in these years and price range, what model has a better chance of keeping me out of the mechanic shop?
Our budget is about 30K, She really has interest in:
Lexus RX
Volco XC90
Cadillac XT6
Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Mazda CX-90
Buick Enclave
Lincoln Aviator
BMW X7
SigmaINTJbio@reddit
Any consideration of a 4Runner, or is it too truck-like? The third row is quite small, but I understand it’s still usable. They are extremely reliable and hold their value well.
lowriderdog37@reddit
I considered a 4Runner but couldn't accept 17 mpg. Got a Highlander AWD and like it so far.
SigmaINTJbio@reddit
Yeah, the mileage sucks (I get 19 combined). But my 2016 Limited with TRD wheels and General Grabber AT tires is the best vehicle I have ever owned. It’s a tank in the snow, and a beast off-road. The XREAS makes for a civilized driving experience, and mine has leather seats (heated and cooled).
New-Photograph6190@reddit
Looking at a 16 limited, mybfriend has it.
New-Photograph6190@reddit
Just got a highlander!
New-Photograph6190@reddit
Gas pigs tho. Body roll on turns
SCCM_2020@reddit (OP)
Exactly...too truck like for liking. I owned one years ago and loved it.
First-County-4667@reddit
Look at Honda Pilots too. The EXL and touring trims have leather and are nice inside. 3 rows, 8 seats, AWD, and super reliable. Had 2 and loved them.
Fogbot3@reddit
Yeah, was confused on it being missing from the list. Not going to say it's automatically the best by far, but if most of those listed cars deserve to be on the list, the Honda Pilot has to be worth at least a test drive. I'd think price would be the issue but there's luxury car brands there so a used one would have to be in budget if those are.
SCCM_2020@reddit (OP)
We owned a Honda Odyssey years ago, nothing but problems, she has hated Honda ever since.
New-Photograph6190@reddit
Have a Honda Pilot and its a tank, 275k miles and nothing but basic maintenance Odyssey, I have seen issues with those. But not CRV, Pilot or Passport
stilettopanda@reddit
That's why I found your post. My Honda Odyssey sadly has deteriorated my trust in the brand and now I'm on the market for a 3rd row SUV at the same price point haha! What did you wind up with? And do you like it?
SCCM_2020@reddit (OP)
We went with a 22' Acura MDX SH-AWD. Wife loves it, it's got a bit of that classy feel that she wanted without getting into a German model. Drives great, its quiet, stylish. My only complaints would be the MPG, but we both have lead feet and I feel the AC takes longer than it should to cool the cabin down.
Additional_Savings25@reddit
Bro that's a Honda.
citg0@reddit
Hated Honda... Got a more expensive Honda. 😂
Aggressive-Finish-10@reddit
This
New-Photograph6190@reddit
Lexus, Toyota , Honda Acura, Mazda. Thats it.
70m4h4wk@reddit
The yukon XL and the Suburban are your best bet for a 3rd row that's actually useful.
Tall_Kaleidoscope254@reddit
The transmission is faulty. I’ve been having issues for years. Had to replace cost 7000. Don’t buy one.
Sabonis86@reddit
We just picked up a 2018 Yukon XL. The amount of cargo room is nuts. We have been super impressed so far.
PinkStrawberryPup@reddit
If we were going for a three-row SUV, we'd also look at Acura MDX, Honda Pilot, VW Atlas, and Kia Telluride.
From our recent crossover SUV (five-seaters, new, '25) shopping, we'd probably gravitate toward the MDX and Pilot. Their crossover counterparts just drove and handled better, in our opinion (which may not carry over to the larger of the two).
My in-laws have an Atlas and they love it.
SCCM_2020@reddit (OP)
Scared of the Kia and Hyundai as there are a lot of "oil burning" articles out there right now. But Yes they are great looking vehicles.
PinkStrawberryPup@reddit
That's fair! For what it's worth, the Kia (Sportage) was at the bottom of our six-car list after we test drove it, lol. The side mirror cams were interesting (not sure I'd actually use them) and the 360 cam was nice, but many others had those as well.
shrekerecker97@reddit
Depends on what features you want. A 1st or 2nd gen toyota sequoia has those thingscand are bulletproof if you take care of them
muffmuppets@reddit
Toyota sequoia
Scottoulli@reddit
Second this.
muffmuppets@reddit
2nd gen with the 5.7
Bonus points when you are able to sell it for what you paid for it…..infinite money glitch
Scottoulli@reddit
No 3rd gen for me either
Charming_Ad5286@reddit
Lexus if you want reliability out of those mentioned
I'd add in the Acura MDX. A bit smaller but it's Honda
itsthechaw10@reddit
I’ve had a great experience with Mazdas, they’ve been reliable for me and for the price I think they’re hard to beat.
I would think about how much you’re going to use the third row though.
The third row in my old CX9 was tight, so we usually kept it down for more cargo space since we’re only a family of three. If you need to use the third row regularly for passengers and need to utilize the cargo space behind that third row, I would look at something bigger. I think the CX9 and CX90 are just barely big enough body size wise for a third row.
itsthechaw10@reddit
I’ve really enjoyed my Mazda CX9. It’s been dependable and had a lot of good features for the cost when we bought it.
The third row is tight though. Since we’re just a family of three we usually just had the third row down for extra cargo space. If you plan to use the third row regularly for seating AND need to utilize the cargo space behind the third row with the third row up, then I would look at something different.
tipperist@reddit
These should be the top of your list for reliability/durability:
2nd gen (2008-2022) Toyota Sequoia
3rd gen (2008-2021) Toyota Landcruiser / Lexus LX570
Totally good to go older than 2020, not sure why you're limiting to just 2020-2022.
CertifiedBlackGuy@reddit
Subaru Ascent. They can be had in NE for around 25-35k depending on the year and options. They are \~40-45k brand new. Best in class AWD.
H_Quinlan_190402@reddit
Maybe an Acura MDX.
Great-Ad4472@reddit
The CX-90 is the gold standard of the “near-lux” class. It’s an all around great car, fun to drive, and roomy. We’ve done 3 hour road trips with 6 people and luggage (child in the rear seat and the other half folded down for luggage).
galactica_pegasus@reddit
CX-90 was one of the biggest let downs for me. I test drove one and was shocked at how cheap it feels. Why does Reddit love to sack-ride Mazda so hard?
Great-Ad4472@reddit
My dad owns a CX-9 and I own an Explorer. If you want to talk about “cheap feeling”, nothing beats the Ford 😣
galactica_pegasus@reddit
At least the Reddit hive-mind isn't squawking nonsense about the Ford being "luxury".
PointLucky@reddit
I don’t believe the RX is a 3rd row? Maybe look into the Lexus LX
You have great choices listed, I’d stick around the Highlander andCX-90. What I didn’t see on your list was the Pilot or the MDX. I think that’s a great option
SCCM_2020@reddit (OP)
We are finding RX on Carvana with 3rd row, smaller for a kid but that serves our purpose. We owned a Honda Odyssey years ago that gave us nothing but problems, she has sworn off Honda's since then.
breakffast@reddit
Ford Explorer ST