Look into MDX, Toyota Highlander, Hyundai Palisade, or Honda Pilot...
I've got a 2014 Explorer. 4WD, flex fuel, N.A. V6. The interior is fine but it's a slug in the motor department. Woefully underpowered for it's almost 7000 pounds. Mileage is meh. I do mostly city driving and get between 19-20 mpg. It's been very reliable though.
Unless you're loaded up with a family of 7 and gear, you're closer 5,000lbs. Regardless, the NA 3.5 certainly is lackluster compared to the EcoBoost.
We have a Rav4 Prime.
Inside feels like more of a midsize than compact.
0-60 in 5.2 seconds(car and driver) stock and we get low 80s mpg average.
It's a plug in hybrid that gets us 44 electric mile range(max 52) but also has a 14.5 gallon gas tank.
150k warranty on the battery. Electric bill is only abt $20 per month more. You can also drive it without ever plugging it in and get 40mpg.
Its definitely a weird suv, in a good way. Tries to be a jack of all trades and pretty much succeeds.
Just under $40k but you get a $7500 tax rebate.
I had an explorer back in the day too and loved it. But I ****ing hate spending money on gas now. Even just going to pump is annoying to me. Haven't been in almost 8 weeks.
I almost got a telsa but the built quality isnt there and I like the option of a gas motor, plus it's about 16k more.
Looking at an Explorer ST as well. The X3 and RAV4 were not on my list but these look nice on the surface.
Had an '11 and a '13 I think. Both were great. Wish EcoBoost was available back then though.I don't know why but the Lincoln MKX, '11 and up, is starting to grow on me. I think it's the snobby cousin of the Edge.