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We have an '05 Honda Odyssey with almost 130k miles. Wife loves it, but it's about time to renew things. I've already told her I think she needs something a little smaller, and she doesn't disagree. The Honda is heavy and big. And, unfortunately, she has an affinity for hitting things. Haha! So, we definitely won't get a new vehicle, but something a few years old.
We are a family of 5, but it's rare for us to all ride together. She's does the travel sports thing with the oldest, so it's usually just the two of them. Or, if I'm lucky, she takes #2 with her, as well. So, I've been thinking something like a Honda Pilot, Ford Flex, or Explorer, would be suitable replacements. I like the idea of 3rd row seating. But, if the 2nd row leaves enough legroom and head distance from the front seats (we would prefer to keep the kid noise as far back as possible), then we might be able to skip 3rd row. As an example, I have 2013 Tacoma Double Cab, and it's too close quarters for long periods of time.
I like the ride height of an SUV, and so does she. So, what are some other good options for us to consider?
Really consider keeping a 3 row vehicle, IMO. We had a 95 minivan for #1&2, 01 Yukon XL for #3&4, traded for an 07 Explorer with 3rd seat since the wife wanted something smaller and the oldest had his own car, and then we downsized to a 13 Equinox when the older two were 21 and 18 thinking we would not really need room for all 6. Now, since the twins are 15, they take up practically the whole back seat. It does limit the ability for us to take any extra kids along, and all 6 of us can't fit in one vehicle. Five of us is a challenge for anything longer than a short trip.
Wife wanted an Enclave, and hindsight, we should have bought it, but my cap was $30K and she wanted leather/ power liftgate, etc, so that put the Enclave out of our budget. So think about it in the long run as to what you would need. We should have kept that Explorer, even though it was a cramped 3rd seat.
Smart 4 2? So that she does not scrape it on everything?
Toyota Highlander. I'd definitely recommend hybrid, I am very partial to them. Mine has 3rd row, but it's always down. AWD, higher seating, infamous Japan made Toyota reliability, great mpg.
Sorry, and I wouldn't even consider a single car on your list, OP. Fords for infamous NOT reliability. Pilot is a cow and a gas hog and quality is no match to Toyota.
If you want an actual adult-useable third row that can be used while also having decent cargo space, you either need a minivan or a full size SUV like a Suburban. For something that can be used in a pinch, a midsizer would do it.
Toyota Highlander- as others have said is a good choice, however they keep their resale value VERY well, so if you want one you're really better off buying it new. Same goes for its cousin the 4Runner.
Nissan Pathfinder- Like a Highlander, but a little more under the radar, especially resale wise.
Jeep Grand Cherokee- Current model has a LOT of cash on the hood, might almost be cheaper to buy a new one vs used. Pretty reliable by now, they've made so many of them.
If you want an actual adult-useable third row that can be used while also having decent cargo space, you either need a minivan or a full size SUV like a Suburban. For something that can be used in a pinch, a midsizer would do it.
Toyota Highlander- as others have said is a good choice, however they keep their resale value VERY well, so if you want one you're really better off buying it new. Same goes for its cousin the 4Runner.
Nissan Pathfinder- Like a Highlander, but a little more under the radar, especially resale wise.
Jeep Grand Cherokee- Current model has a LOT of cash on the hood, might almost be cheaper to buy a new one vs used. Pretty reliable by now, they've made so many of them.
I'd go with that of the three you listed... but if the OP decides that a 3rd row is a must-have, the GC is disqualified.
They'd have to go across the lot to get the Durango.
What makes you think that any of the SUV's you listed are smaller than the Odyssey?
The 2005 Odyssey is 201" long (new model is 203"). Also the new model Odysseys are wider also which is a no go for me.
The Explorer is 5" shorter at 197" and the Highlander is 191".
One of the biggest reasons we downsized is because the Fusion is much shorter and also gas mileage.
The 2005 Odyssey is 201" long (new model is 203"). Also the new model Odysseys are wider also which is a no go for me.
The Explorer is 5" shorter at 197" and the Highlander is 191".
One of the biggest reasons we downsized is because the Fusion is much shorter and also gas mileage.
But the Explorer is 79" wide and 71" high vs the Odyssey at 77" and 70". When we went from an Odyssey to an Explorer we were surprised at how much bigger it felt although it was shorter. It has much to do with the chunky front end.
Honestly, I would keep the Odyssey. It's paid for (right?), it doesn't have a lot of miles, and it gives you all the utility you need.
All the alternatives you suggest as a replacement for something that is, in your view, too heavy, are heavier than the Odyssey. If you really want a change what about a Subaru Outback? Plenty of room inside, shorter, narrower, and almost as tall as the Odyssey.
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