Family SUV suggestions?

93Cobra#2771 · Dec 20, 2022

Family of four, two (barely) adult children. Would be wife's primary driver. Coming from a turbo Sonata, so something that's got a bit of zip to it. Would really like to stay under 60k, and even open to something used. Getting ready to build a house so trying to not go crazy on price but daughter's car is ready for a trade-in due to some reliability issues. Wife wants something sporty looking and wants it to have at least a bit of get up and go. She likes the look of all three of the below choices (so far).

Top choices in no particular order are:
Explorer ST
Bronco ecoboost (not raptor)
Jeep 4 door

Pros/cons for the above vehicles? Any personal experience with any of them?

SID297 · Dec 20, 2022

Expedition all day.

Russo · Dec 20, 2022

SID297 said:
Expedition all day.

gonna be hard to keep an Expedition under $60k..

We were in the same boat as OP, but my wife works from home and we needed something to tow our camper. we decided on a 21 Durango RT. $53k otd and got 0% for 72..

01yellercobra · Dec 20, 2022

Having ridden in the back of a 4 door Jeep I'd have to say no. And I'm not tall at 5'8". Out of those I'd probably do the Explorer.

DriftwoodSVT · Dec 20, 2022

We have a 2020 Explorer ST and it's crazy fun. Sporty, tons of power, still gets good MPG.

Jeep is going to be a slug compared to the ST.

SID297 · Dec 20, 2022

Russo said:
gonna be hard to keep an Expedition under $60k..

We were in the same boat as OP, but my wife works from home and we needed something to tow our camper. we decided on a 21 Durango RT. $53k otd and got 0% for 72..

He said used is fine. We had a well equipped new one in for testing that stickered for $65,000. So $60k is not out of the realm of possibility.

KilledbyKenne · Dec 20, 2022

Short of the 392 engine option, a wrangler isn't going to be anything close to quick.

If you're open to used you can find nice Durango SRT or Jeep SRT for $50-60k. If you're willing to tap into tuning for an ecoboost Explorer that could be fun too.

Ramairgt1 · Dec 20, 2022

If you decide to get a new EXST let me know. The dealer I bought mine from in Alabama is still offering invoice pricing if you order.

B7BlownSnake · Dec 20, 2022

Explorer ST. Pretty fun truck, and 11s are as close as a tune and some E50 in the tank.

The Bronco would be cool, but not particularly fast. Same with the Wrangler.

Expedition is nice, but pricey.

A Durango SRT would fit the "fun" bill (not sure on the pricing used), but a tune-only ExST will be passing you.

93Cobra#2771 · Dec 20, 2022

B7BlownSnake said:
Explorer ST. Pretty fun truck, and 11s are as close as a tune and some E50 in the tank.

The Bronco would be cool, but not particularly fast. Same with the Wrangler.

Expedition is nice, but pricey.

A Durango SRT would fit the "fun" bill (not sure on the pricing used), but a tune-only ExST will be passing you.

As the owner of a tuned F150 EB, I like the sound of that. Of course, if I buy new I wouldn't be tuning anything until the warranty runs out.

13COBRA · Dec 20, 2022

I'd gladly order you a Ford at invoice.

TAF · Dec 20, 2022

Chevy Suburban - HANDS DOWN the ultimate "Mommy Assault Vehicle"

Blown 89 · Dec 20, 2022

My sister in law has a Kia Telluride that's been pretty good to them so far.

I wouldn't touch an Explorer or Jeep with a 10 foot pole IMO. Everyone I know with a either has had major problems with them.

B7BlownSnake · Dec 20, 2022

93Cobra#2771 said:
As the owner of a tuned F150 EB, I like the sound of that. Of course, if I buy new I wouldn't be tuning anything until the warranty runs out.

Where's the fun in that! Ford Performance makes a weak-sauce "tune" for the ExST that maintains the factory warranty, but I haven't heard of any issues from the countless people running an actual tune.

DriftwoodSVT · Dec 20, 2022

Blown 89 said:
My sister in law has a Kia Telluride that's been pretty good to them so far.

I wouldn't touch an Explorer or Jeep with a 10 foot pole IMO. Everyone I know with a either has had major problems with them.

Telluride doesn't exactly fit the bill of sporty and get-up and go. 291/262 is pretty underwhelming compared to the 400/415 of the Explorer ST.

Ramairgt1 · Dec 20, 2022

B7BlownSnake said:
Where's the fun in that! Ford Performance makes a weak-sauce "tune" for the ExST that maintains the factory warranty, but I haven't heard of any issues from the countless people running an actual tune.

Just put an intercooler, exhaust, and ZFG tune on mine with under 10k miles. Only reason I waited was to get the Black Friday sales.

BOOGIE MAN · Dec 20, 2022

+

In all seriousness, I've loved the Tahoe for a while. Sister's got an expo that is also a great vehicle

patc84 · Dec 20, 2022

explorer gets my vote

Relaxed Chaos · Dec 20, 2022

Mazda.

Bought our Cx9 new in 2007. Still have it today at 175,000 miles and 12 years in Wisconsin. All four of my kids grew up in it, learned to drive in it, and drove it as their primary vehicle for a while. It gets used by my youngest (19) near everyday today. Overall it's been a very reliable and robust vehicle. I don't hesitate to recommend Mazda.

The Mazda replaced a '99 Durango. It was OK (5.9L, all options, 14mpgs maximum and great for off road Colorado adventures) until 90K miles and then it went to shit.

Ghost11 · Dec 20, 2022

Hemi powered.

Wife loves it.

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