Looking to purchase new 3 row mid size suv. Currently have a 2020 telluride in the family. Considering a new version of that, a palisade, or maybe an atlas (rented one in January on a trip). Currently drive an F150 with 3.5 boost and looking to downsize for a bit. Interested in cabin space, a little better gas mileage because I drive a lot and latest tech (auto start/stop, auto hold, wireless CarPlay, etc). I do enjoy the peppy torque of the boost. Curious on anyone's feedback that owns a new model of the mid size SUV's.
Advice on mid size 3 row suv
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Last: 2 mo ago by 94chem
You are the first person I have ever seen state that they want auto start/ stop. Do you like engine problems?
I assume you can still order a ford with the auto start/ stop delete. I happened to find one in January.
I assume you can still order a ford with the auto start/ stop delete. I happened to find one in January.
You currently drive what I consider to be the best midsize three row vehicle currently made.
I bought a 2021 Pilot because I like Honda's reputation, but, their 10 speed gearbox drives me crazy.
I looked at GM's versions. Rented Buick Enclave during a vacation and really liked the drive and the interior. But, I have no faith in GM.
I was warned off the Atlas by a nephew that has worked on them.
If I bought one today, my ranking would be
1A - Telluride
1B- Pallisade
2 - Mazda CX9
3 - Explorer
4 - Enclave
I bought a 2021 Pilot because I like Honda's reputation, but, their 10 speed gearbox drives me crazy.
I looked at GM's versions. Rented Buick Enclave during a vacation and really liked the drive and the interior. But, I have no faith in GM.
I was warned off the Atlas by a nephew that has worked on them.
If I bought one today, my ranking would be
1A - Telluride
1B- Pallisade
2 - Mazda CX9
3 - Explorer
4 - Enclave
The last thing I want to do is hurt you. But, it's still on the list.
Guess what I meant was auto hold. Like when coming to a complete stop at a light and being able to take your foot off the brake until you hit the gas to accelerate again.
The 2020 telluride is actually a family members. Not my dd.
For some stupid reason, the 2024 telluride doesn't have wireless car play/android auto. That was the only thing I didn't like about it.
Kia Carnival
Mas89 said:
You are the first person I have ever seen state that they want auto start/ stop. Do you like engine problems?
Stop start is definitely a gimmick, but I wouldn't say at least engine problems. Definitely requires a more complex electrical/charging system, but it is also relatively easy to delete/disable on most vehicles.
Kyle Field Shade Chaser
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AG
Grand Highlander/ high lander
btalking said:
Guess what I meant was auto hold. Like when coming to a complete stop at a light and being able to take your foot off the brake until you hit the gas to accelerate again.
This and only using one pedal for normal driving was a biggest surprise bonus in the Tesla
ElephantRider said:
Kia Carnival
SUV?!?!
I know a lot about a little, and a little about a lot.
I own a loaded Telluride. We really like it. But it's not a powerhouse and the gas mileage isn't something that's going to knock your socks off.
But, I'd recommend one to anybody. Loaded, the price is very competitive. Ditto the Palisade.
Mazda doesn't make a CX-9 anymore. It has been replaced with the CX-90. That's a sharp ride and the inline-6 is interesting, especially with the added oomph of the higher spec turbo models.
But, I'd recommend one to anybody. Loaded, the price is very competitive. Ditto the Palisade.
Mazda doesn't make a CX-9 anymore. It has been replaced with the CX-90. That's a sharp ride and the inline-6 is interesting, especially with the added oomph of the higher spec turbo models.
Yes, the auto start/ stop contributes to engine problems. Delete May affect your factory warranty.
GX
I agree. Hopefully it gets added to newer models soon. We got a 2024 in May, and have added the AAWireless dongle (https://www.aawireless.io/) and it seems to handle the wireless aspect pretty good. It has beta support for CarPlay, but as we have android phones we haven't tried it.fire09 said:
For some stupid reason, the 2024 telluride doesn't have wireless car play/android auto. That was the only thing I didn't like about it.
Don't even know where to start with either of those!Mas89 said:
Yes, the auto start/ stop contributes to engine problems. Delete May affect your factory warranty.
No love for the Pathfinder?
Two vehicles that I ruled out during my search were the Pathfinder (didn't like the interior) And Subaru Ascent (rough ride)
The last thing I want to do is hurt you. But, it's still on the list.
Ford Explorer ST is the only answer here...
https://texags.com/forums/46/topics/3480951
Check this post for a recent 2025 purchase...
https://texags.com/forums/46/topics/3480951
Check this post for a recent 2025 purchase...
malenurse said:
Two vehicles that I ruled out during my search were the Pathfinder (didn't like the interior) And Subaru Ascent (rough ride)
Both also happen to have CVTs. Good riddance
Couldn't agree more. I delivered a 25 Platinum Explorer to Wharton yesterday. First time I got to play with the tech and drive one. Man it was nice.texags08 said:
Ford Explorer ST is the only answer here...
https://texags.com/forums/46/topics/3480951
Check this post for a recent 2025 purchase...
OP If you are interested in a Ford or Hyundai my contact info is in my profile.
Dill-Ag13 said:malenurse said:
Two vehicles that I ruled out during my search were the Pathfinder (didn't like the interior) And Subaru Ascent (rough ride)
Both also happen to have CVTs. Good riddance
Milwaukees Best Light
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Volvo XC90
300 horses when the turbos kick.
300 horses when the turbos kick.
zooguy96 said:ElephantRider said:
Kia Carnival
SUV?!?!
It's better than an SUV. We went from an Explorer to a Carnival for my wife's car, and it was the best vehicle decision I've ever made
I would rather take public transit than buy a minivan.
My mom just bought a Mazda CX-70 with the 340 HP turbo inline 6. Her car is identical to the new CX-90, minus the third row which she didn't need. I drove it, and was very impressed with the power, tech and comfort. I would recommend that you take one for a spin before you decide.
https://www.caranddriver.com/mazda/cx-90
GL whatever you decide!
https://www.caranddriver.com/mazda/cx-90
GL whatever you decide!
The Pilot said:
I would rather take public transit than buy a minivan.
This. My wife hated one of the old Pathfinder models… cause it looked like a minivan (I hated it because of the transmission). Sometimes she thinks her Highlander looks like a minivan.
I know a lot about a little, and a little about a lot.
Explorer ST has 400 hrsprs and 415 twerksMilwaukees Best Light said:
Volvo XC90
300 horses when the turbos kick.
Burdizzo said:Dill-Ag13 said:malenurse said:
Two vehicles that I ruled out during my search were the Pathfinder (didn't like the interior) And Subaru Ascent (rough ride)
Both also happen to have CVTs. Good riddance
Oh wow!
Still happy with our 23 Pilot. It was that or a Telluride. Would have been good with either.
Explorer ST is not the best choice if fuel economy is a primary criteria. You will enjoy the 400hp AWD acceleration. But if you want a fun to drive sporty SUV that gets decent but not great gas mileage you can't beat it. There are definitely more potent options out there like Durango Hellcat, Cayenne, X5M... But you'll pay another $20-30K on those options.
You didn't mention towing so maybe that's not a consideration but the ST has a Class IV hitch with 7-pin and 4-pin connectors and a tow/haul mode. It's pre-wired for a brake controller. I don't think there's anything else in it's class that comes better equipped for towing. And it tows quite well. We recently did about 2000 miles with our 18' teardrop through the Arkansas and Missouri hills.
You didn't mention towing so maybe that's not a consideration but the ST has a Class IV hitch with 7-pin and 4-pin connectors and a tow/haul mode. It's pre-wired for a brake controller. I don't think there's anything else in it's class that comes better equipped for towing. And it tows quite well. We recently did about 2000 miles with our 18' teardrop through the Arkansas and Missouri hills.
"Equipped" may be true, as the brake controller pre-wiring and 7 and 4-pin connector is a nice feature, but the Nissan Pathfinder tows 6,000lbs and also has a Class IV hitch (Explorer listed capacity is 5,600lbs). I believe that is best in class.HumpitPuryear said:
Explorer ST is not the best choice if fuel economy is a primary criteria. You will enjoy the 400hp AWD acceleration. But if you want a fun to drive sporty SUV that gets decent but not great gas mileage you can't beat it. There are definitely more potent options out there like Durango Hellcat, Cayenne, X5M... But you'll pay another $20-30K on those options.
You didn't mention towing so maybe that's not a consideration but the ST has a Class IV hitch with 7-pin and 4-pin connectors and a tow/haul mode. It's pre-wired for a brake controller. I don't think there's anything else in it's class that comes better equipped for towing. And it tows quite well. We recently did about 2000 miles with our 18' teardrop through the Arkansas and Missouri hills.
I have no idea how they came up with that number, and it's been consistent since the previous generation with CVT. I can tell you that my wife's 2018 Pathfinder has plenty of power, but the rear suspension is super soft, and the brakes are undersized. I doubt I would attempt to pull up to its rated capacity very far.
The ST's big brakes are a big help as is the stiffer sport suspension. Our camper is less than 4000lbs so it is well below the rated capacity. Tongue weight limit is also really important with these SUVs and is often exceeded before the gross weight limit. The ST spec is 560lbs. Both specs got revised upward a little from the previous front-wheel biased chassis.Flaith said:"Equipped" may be true, as the brake controller pre-wiring and 7 and 4-pin connector is a nice feature, but the Nissan Pathfinder tows 6,000lbs and also has a Class IV hitch (Explorer listed capacity is 5,600lbs). I believe that is best in class.HumpitPuryear said:
Explorer ST is not the best choice if fuel economy is a primary criteria. You will enjoy the 400hp AWD acceleration. But if you want a fun to drive sporty SUV that gets decent but not great gas mileage you can't beat it. There are definitely more potent options out there like Durango Hellcat, Cayenne, X5M... But you'll pay another $20-30K on those options.
You didn't mention towing so maybe that's not a consideration but the ST has a Class IV hitch with 7-pin and 4-pin connectors and a tow/haul mode. It's pre-wired for a brake controller. I don't think there's anything else in it's class that comes better equipped for towing. And it tows quite well. We recently did about 2000 miles with our 18' teardrop through the Arkansas and Missouri hills.
I have no idea how they came up with that number, and it's been consistent since the previous generation with CVT. I can tell you that my wife's 2018 Pathfinder has plenty of power, but the rear suspension is super soft, and the brakes are undersized. I doubt I would attempt to pull up to its rated capacity very far.
I rode in a friends Telluride from Branson MO back to DFW with four adult males after a golf trip. It was awesome. We had four of us in there with four golf bags and four carry on luggage and we were very comfortable.
I just got my wife an Infiniti QX60 autograph. It's really nice and has a true V6. The only downside is the third row only seats 2 people. But other than that it's really nice. I'm actually at a dealership now waiting on a truck, and that's because she wouldn't let me get the same vehicle like hers.
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