Opinions on the Highlander? Or other options for a third row seat SUV...

I have a friend with a newer Durango, been in it a few times. I like it but it’s probably too small. It has cloth seats and what’s funny is the cloth is really, really nice somehow. It rides well.

 

I just went and googled the Q7 and the Ascent, I guess they’re both a lower profile vehicle, closer to a station wagon size (I know such a thing doesn’t really exist any more) than an SUV. What my wife liked about the Enclave was everyone being able to move around in the cabin. She really loved the captains chairs. She’s after something similar at least as far as interior space.

 

It’s next on the list haha

 

It's a personal preference thing. You gotta try them and see what you like in your price range.
I have a 2008 Highlander and 2018 4Runner.
I use 3rd rows (4 kids).
Highlander is more car-like. Rear has overhead air vents at 3rd row. Don't know if all year models have those. That and good MPG are the pluses it has for me.

4Runner is similar to Tacoma. Only air vents for rear are on center console. Adding a 12v fan in back helps 3rd row though. Wife and I both like it better. More rugged I guess. Factory tires and suspension were a bit too soft. 1.5" lift and 33" tire fixed that without being too tall for kids to jump in.

Neither really has any cargo space when using 3rd row. I use a hitch tray and getting a roof carrier.

You can find new 4Runner SR5 4x4 for about 35,000 out the door but have to look for the ones without all the dealer accessories add-on crap. New Highlanders were more expensive when I was looking last year.

 

I have a 2010 highlander hybrid limited. Love it and have had virtually no issues in 6 years of ownership. The hybrid is peppy and surprisingly quick. The seats are comfortable and all around one of the best, albeit painstakingly boring cars I have ever owned. It is incredibly practical, decent looking and easy to maintain. It drives like a car and has really good rear leg room and overall versatility with folding/sliding/tilting seats.

As a side note, I did have a 2016 highlander hybrid loaner for a week, and that seemed really nice too.

All in all, it is an incredibly practical, comfortable and reliable package. It just has no character. It’s like the Camry of mid size suvs. You can’t go wrong with it, but expect to be bored to all hell if you require any joy when driving.

 

That’s good info about the air vents on the Highlander, little things like that are really important. Yeah she definitely wants a car-like ride not a truck frame. The 4Runner wouldn’t even be a consideration for that reason, although me personally I’d love it.

 

not sure why i assumed you had a turd gen like myself, but the oil filter is relatively easy to get to, no real fluffing about to get to it other than driving the car up on wheel ramps and you should have lots of room to work with. Best to test drive the car around - it's the easiest way to make a decision for it, just don't spend 6 straight months visiting the dealer like my Dad did when he was deciding if he wanted one or not

 

I used to have a BMW 3-Series and once I traded it in for a ‘practical’ vehicle (Accord at the time) that was my last experience with pure driving joy. Been making pragmatic husband and dad choices ever since, but that’s ok. The Highlander would be just fine in that sense then and I appreciate the observations. Someday down the road I’ll drive something really fun, feel the breeze over my scalp, and so on.

On a separate note the new Kia Tellurides have been flying off the dealer lots and I’m not quite sure why. They’re designed to imitate Land Rovers and I’m not sure that’s a good thing. No reliability data scares me even with a 10/100 warranty.

 

Ha 6 months is a little much but we do have a bad family habit of letting decisions hang out there too long sometimes. It’s crazy though how hard it is to set up a couple of test drives when life gets in the way. When the hell did it get this complicated???

 

I hear you. The highlander is my dad/husband mobile. Thank god I have other cars.

 

Wagons are just as practical as any SUV and can be 10000000000000x more fun depending if it has an AMG badge.

 

Honda Pilot, the new gen. We have the last gen and it was cavernous inside and the third row was legit for adults. Ours has taken our family of 5 all over the US east of the Mississippi for 10years. Give them a look.

 

The issue with wagons (for our family at least) is headroom, and lack of captain’s chair style seating. I agree though that wagons are out there that are fun to drive. Trade offs.

 

Pilot is actually on my radar though the wife doesn’t seem interested. I don’t think she likes how it looks. I’ve had a civic and an accord and never had an issue. Dealership is nearby and I’ve had good experiences there with sales and service. Keep in mind my wife comes from a family where an American make is very important, so for her to even be considering some foreign makes is impressive all on its own...

 

My mom has a 2019 Highlander. Even though I love my Taco I definitely like riding in the Highlander. It gives a great ride. When I went to get my Taco they tried getting me into a Highlander. I test drive it and loved it but.......... the taco has my heart so. You will not be disappointed I’m sure.

 

Had an '09 pilot for a few years before it was totalled, Saved my mums life. Long story short; rear ended hard enough that the engine of the other car was in their own passenger seat

 

I picked a 14 out for my mother in law. She is a god awful driver (gas brake gas brake). The highlander has very smooth acceleration and breaking, really comfortable to drive. Interior is comfortable. Id recommend it.

 

I bought my wife a ‘19 Highlander Limited in February and it’s been my favorite vehicle we’ve owned. The third row to me is a little tight but I have long legs so there’s that. My 7 year old loves riding back there. I have one complaint with it and it’s more of a Toyota thing. I wish it had Carplay!! Come on Toyota. Get your sh*t together and update it.

 

Holy cow. That’s nuts, glad she survived!

 

Ok so excellent point about Entune. Last night we were looking at a 2016 limited platinum which looks rather plush. I noticed the Entune and both my wife and I are aware of Apple Play and like it. I started thinking about whether or not I could swap out the box to something with Apple Play but the vehicle has nav and I’m sure it would be complicated, or expensive, or impossible. If I’m wrong that’d be good to know.