Wife is all over the board on new purchase....

Have you considered a Highlander? They have tons of room, a third row that is actually usable and has roof vents in the back.

 

We just went through this for our family. Test drove 15 SUV/crossovers at $40k and under. We really liked the way the VW Atlas rode and it's comfort levels but the reliability scared us (18 recalls last count). We ended up getting a '19 Outback 3.6r Limited. They are blowing them out for the new 2020's. $7k off before any negotiations. I've never been a fan of the thought of a CVT but damn if that thing isn't smooth as butter. it's comfortable, quite, kids have a ton of room in the back seat and can haul my German Shepard when needed. Only negative is the not so great gas mileage of the 3.6r but coming from a lifted tacoma, it's still a 8-9 mpg improvement in city driving.

 

Sounds like good time to buy. Not much on resale value. Probably because Subaru spends money on publishing dog magazines and other nonsense.

 

She sounds like a Highlander girl .

 

It probably has to do with the teeners ragging out WRX’s too.

My thoughts here too, but she says she feels like she should be in the drop off lane at the elementary with it.

 

Oh thats one of those that can't be countered with logic. Do not make the mistake of rebutting that with "have you seen an elementary school line? Passports, explorers, tahoes and durangos galore..." The only way to win that one is to nod and redirect.

Check out a Palisade. Thats a pretty nice looking landbeast.

 

+1 on the Highlander. drives good (like a Camry) and is plenty roomy. Looks good too.

The 4Runner is also nice but is not as wide and drives like a truck. Higher ground clearance. Not as refined as the Highlander.

If all you are doing is driving around city go Highlander.

You can't go wrong with either one.

 

Functionally and for exact needs:

1. Highlander
2. Passport
3. Outback

For being different than all the other moms (around here) and still serving the needs:

1. Blazer
2. Durango
3. Passport
4. Discovery, sort of (tons of RR around)

 

Well I just got hoisted by my own hubris today. The dealer couldn't finish my oil change in time so they sent me home with a loaner. By the fates, it was a Highlander. I've put seven miles on it so far, that was enough to eat my own words and agree 100% with your wife. It has all the character and drivability of a 20 year old minivan. There is no joy in this vehicle to be found, only the sad remnants of pumpkin spice and skating lessons.

On the plus column, check out the center console. It's big enough to transport 5 Guys for the whole crew.

 

+2 in your man card deck. +1 for owning the opinion change, and +1 for awesome analogy.

 

I’m just not that into you, says wife to Highlander.

The Atlas is my dark horse right now. Trying to sort through my conflicted feelings on VW right now.

Agreed! I see them running around and I guess we should look into it.

My impressions as well.

 

Add the Kia Telluride to the list.

 

Not if they are still trying to see those things for 4-5k over MSRP.

 

Ouch. Haven’t been to see them, just ran across them online.

 

I was just going to suggest this as I think it's worth mentioning.

We have a '17 outback premium 2.5l

Can't say I'm 100% satisfied. 90% yes.

Three complaints are
-oe tires are only good for 30-35k.
-paint scratches really really easily.
-infotainment system as follows:
--when the backup camera is on you can't change the radio volume.
--the mpg calculator is of by ~5-8%
--the screen doesn't like -5* or colder , nor semi direct sunlight.


- around town not great on gas but we get 33-36mpg calculating by hand on the highway
- rear seats are comfortable for adults but only 4 not 5 adults.
- comfortable highway car fits dog crate in back and baby stroller for us with plenty of room for luggage in the foot wells.

 

Well, we ended up at our local Cadillac dealer. XT6 on order to spec and it should be here in another 6 weeks.

It was an enlightening process. We learned what we(she) like and disliked.