Thoughts, experience with new SUV models from AKB

[PSUFBFAN]

@massimoManca II

MMII - I followed your input and advice regarding an SUV purchase a few years ago. That was in 2015 when I bought a Mazda CX-5, at least in part due to your recommendations. It is still going strong at 107K miles. I am keeping that SUV and looking to buy or lease without trading in. Don't want a smaller SUV, so no smaller than a CX5. I'm open to the larger, 3rd row seat models if they are worth the extra costs. But I really need just the basic, two seats with decent cargo space.

I've looked at Car&Driver and KellyBB and other online input, so I have a decent idea of what is being said online. However, not having any great car knowledge myself, I know that sometimes the best advice comes from the guys who follow it all very closely, above and beyond the online information. If that input matches up, all the better, but I'm not taking that for granted.

MMII and others - your expert input is welcome. Many thanks in advance.

If you want to be the most uncool, most conservative, most "dweeby" guy in the neighborhood, who doesn't care what other people think, but is more concerned with practicality rather than popularity or style (like me) ... you can get a vehicle that does the following ...

- comfortably haul 6 adults and their luggage (one carry-on and one backpack each) on a long road trip ...
- comfortably haul 8 adults on trips around town to the restaurants, theaters, etc. ...
- pull a boat/trailer, etc up to 3,600 pounds ...
- get reasonable gas mileage exceeding 20 mpg around town and high 20's on the highway ...
- provides relatively easy access/exit for adults to both the middle and third rows via sliding side doors ...
- has the full safety technology package, including bells and whistles such as automatic parking ...
- more cargo space than any SUV on the road ...
- the ability to haul stacks of plywood, if necessary

There is not an SUV made that can do all of the above until you start looking into the Suburban/Expedition sized vehicles.

There's only one answer ... but you have to be "man-enough" to not give a **** about what your friends are saying ...

2024 Chrysler Pacifica | America's Most Awarded AWD Minivan

Explore the 2024 Chrysler Pacifica minivan with available all-wheel drive, 7-passenger seating, safety and security features, and buy online today.

www.chrysler.com

 

[Bob78]

If you want to be the most uncool, most conservative, most "dweeby" guy in the neighborhood, who doesn't care what other people think, but is more concerned with practicality rather than popularity or style (like me) ... you can get a vehicle that does the following ...

- comfortably haul 6 adults and their luggage (one carry-on and one backpack each) on a long road trip ...
- comfortably haul 8 adults on trips around town to the restaurants, theaters, etc. ...
- pull a boat/trailer, etc up to 3,600 pounds ...
- get reasonable gas mileage exceeding 20 mpg around town and high 20's on the highway ...
- provides relatively easy access/exit for adults to both the middle and third rows via sliding side doors ...
- has the full safety technology package, including bells and whistles such as automatic parking ...
- more cargo space than any SUV on the road ...
- the ability to haul stacks of plywood, if necessary

There is not an SUV made that can do all of the above until you start looking into the Suburban/Expedition sized vehicles.

There's only one answer ... but you have to be "man-enough" to not give a **** about what your friends are saying ...

2024 Chrysler Pacifica | America's Most Awarded AWD Minivan

Explore the 2024 Chrysler Pacifica minivan with available all-wheel drive, 7-passenger seating, safety and security features, and buy online today.

www.chrysler.com

Thanks.
I'm retired, hardly ever want 4 adults in my car, let alone 6, generally need only enough cargo space for a few suitcases and for tailgating 'stuff', and have lived comfortably with a Mazda CX-5 for years. Yes, I too am interested in practical and hassel-free cars. MMII gives a deeper and more interesting analysis of what is practical and hassel-free in cars than what I can find online.

I had my share of uncool minivans back in the day. They served their purpose. I never - well, almost never - care what someone else thinks of my taste in much of anything material/aesthetic, and I don't really care about anyone else's taste in most material/aesthetic things.

 

[Moogy]

"blocking" motorcycles? exactly who do you think you are?

Someone who doesn't take kindly to a-holes on 2 wheels weaving in and out of traffic, creating problems and safety hazards for everyone else around them. If you ride your motorsicle in a respectful manner, as if it was another motor vehicle on the road, and you have to obey basic safety standards ... no issue ... but those are few and far between (the only time it seems to happen is when they're riding in packs and can't lose the rest of the group). If you're darting around on a highway, creating your own lanes, or you're creeping up between vehicles/lanes at stop lights so you can get ahead of traffic, and revving your engine like a tool, as is often the case, then I'm taking care of business.

 

[Nitt1300]

Someone who doesn't take kindly to a-holes on 2 wheels weaving in and out of traffic, creating problems and safety hazards for everyone else around them. If you ride your motorsicle in a respectful manner, as if it was another motor vehicle on the road, and you have to obey basic safety standards ... no issue ... but those are few and far between (the only time it seems to happen is when they're riding in packs and can't lose the rest of the group). If you're darting around on a highway, creating your own lanes, or you're creeping up between vehicles/lanes at stop lights so you can get ahead of traffic, and revving your engine like a tool, as is often the case, then I'm taking care of business.

well, I don't ride like that, but I still wonder who you think you are- but keep driving like you're somebody by all means- sooner or later you'll likely encounter somebody who actually is

 

[LafayetteBear]

Here's an older model. Not much to look at, but she has plenty of features.

 

[Moogy]

well, I don't ride like that, but I still wonder who you think you are- but keep driving like you're somebody by all means- sooner or later you'll likely encounter somebody who actually is

Good lord. Who do I think I am? Someone who doesn't put up with nonsense. Yeah, I've encountered the "tough guys" before ... the ones with the cool vests filled with all sorts of crap you only thought was cool when you were 6 (like eagles, or flames, or skulls, or some combination thereof), and "I don't give an eff" on their helmets. They gave an eff. Wannabe tough guys are babies. You just have to treat them like the children they are and teach them right from wrong.

 

[massimoManca II]

Good lord. Who do I think I am? Someone who doesn't put up with nonsense. Yeah, I've encountered the "tough guys" before ... the ones with the cool vests filled with all sorts of crap you only thought was cool when you were 6 (like eagles, or flames, or skulls, or some combination thereof), and "I don't give an eff" on their helmets. They gave an eff. Wannabe tough guys are babies. You just have to treat them like the children they are and teach them right from wrong.

An Assshole *

 

[Moogy]

An Assshole *

Stick to self-loathing because you can't afford to drive anything but a company-issued Subaru you hate.

 

[step.eng69]

I’ve researched and test driven almost all of them in the last 3 months. Why don’t you tell us which ones you like the looks of and I can give you a breakdown. We are searching for a hybrid SUV but my wife is very picky.

Your wife is very picky? Remove yourself from the selection of the vehicle.

 

[Moogy]

Your wife is very picky? Remove yourself from the selection of the vehicle.

That's not how having a very picky wife works. They want you to do all the leg work to narrow down all the truly "important" features so they can then swoop in and run down the list of options and say "no no no no no no no no no no no maybe no no no no no no YES!"

 

[Manofsteel200]

Subaru’s don’t go above 45 mph tho right? (JK)

subarau Ascent is a very nice vehicle and might click most of your boxes.
The Telluride was the nicest SUV we drove. Interior was Reaaaaaallly nice.
We liked the Sorrento but didn’t love it. Front seats were ver u comfortable
Ford Explorer was actually fun! And it comes in hybrid if you are looking to save on gas.
I have a close friend who works in the warranty department for a large car buyer. KIA and Hyundai are still having Motor issues.
Toyota Highlander is ok. But Toyota has gone the cheap route with their interiors….everything feels like cheap plastic.

 

[Nitt1300]

Good lord. Who do I think I am? Someone who doesn't put up with nonsense. Yeah, I've encountered the "tough guys" before ... the ones with the cool vests filled with all sorts of crap you only thought was cool when you were 6 (like eagles, or flames, or skulls, or some combination thereof), and "I don't give an eff" on their helmets. They gave an eff. Wannabe tough guys are babies. You just have to treat them like the children they are and teach them right from wrong.

an internet tough guy

 

[laKavosiey-st lion]

and I don't really care about anyone else's taste in most material/aesthetic things.

You’re simply not recognizing a huge subset of people (who are not here apparently) who bleed gasoline. I’m not buying my next fun car cause you think I’m trying to make a materialistic statement.
You’re a to b, I get it but you should also accept that some people LOVE cars, the driving, culture and fellowship

and pro tip, I HATE my wife’s CX5, it blows.

 

[StamfordBridgeVikingatLeftOffensiveTackle]

and I don't really care about anyone else's taste in most material/aesthetic things.

You’re simply not recognizing a huge subset of people (who are not here apparently) who bleed gasoline. I’m not buying my next fun car cause you think I’m trying to make a materialistic statement.
You’re a to b, I get it but you should also accept that some people LOVE cars, the driving, culture and fellowship

and pro tip, I HATE my wife’s CX5, it blows.

This one's for you. I love this song. Great song.

Told my girl I'll have to forget her
Rather buy me a new carburetor
So she made tracks sayin'
This is the end now
Cars don't talk back
They're just four wheeled friends now

 

[laKavosiey-st lion]

If we’re forsaking our girls for material things, I prefer this song

 

[laKavosiey-st lion]

My girlfriend asks me which One i like better….

 

[Bob78]

and I don't really care about anyone else's taste in most material/aesthetic things.

You’re simply not recognizing a huge subset of people (who are not here apparently) who bleed gasoline. I’m not buying my next fun car cause you think I’m trying to make a materialistic statement.
You’re a to b, I get it but you should also accept that some people LOVE cars, the driving, culture and fellowship

and pro tip, I HATE my wife’s CX5, it blows.

Can't tell for certain, but if this is directed at me, you're way off in your interpretation of what I said in response to another post. But, you don't know me as the long-time BWI posters do, so understandable. I'm pretty confident that the long-time BWI posters understand what I was saying.

I was asking for experiences and opinions, hoped for a variety of both, and got what I asked for. Thanks to all.

 

[VaDave4PSU]

pro tip, I HATE my wife’s CX5, it blows.

How come sir? I've had my eye on one for about 3 years. Mazda guy myself. '05 B-4000 truck with 178xxx miles. Basically a Ranger, but plain Jane. Goes like a beast in snow. Only issue as with brake lines needing replaced due to lack of driving and probably winter wear (plus being 14 years old at the time). Drives great right now. Trying to move it once a week, and to work once a month.

'12 Mazda 6 with 238xxx miles. Absolutely nothing but brakes tires oil. Maybe a wheel bearing or two. Drives awesome.

Test drove a CX-5. Handled like my 6. Was very impressed, but didn't take it home.

Like your input. Thx.

 

[laKavosiey-st lion]

Moms car is a 2014 2.5 4 cylinder, 73k perfect miles. It’s SO SLOW. It’s buzzy. It’s dated. It can’t legally tow my waverunners,
the headlights are 1985 technology, there’s a spring or heater component in the drivers seat that digs into my hip, and it’s super slow.
Not a Mazda hater, I daily drove this, even in Chicago winters, for 7 years

 

[laKavosiey-st lion]

Can't tell for certain, but if this is directed at me, you're way off in your interpretation of what I said in response to another post. But, you don't know me as the long-time BWI posters do, so understandable. I'm pretty confident that the long-time BWI posters understand what I was saying.

I was asking for experiences and opinions, hoped for a variety of both, and got what I asked for. Thanks to all.

Did you say cars are a materialistic pursuit? If you did, then yes.

 

[Bob78]

Did you say cars are a materialistic pursuit? If you did, then yes.

No. The poster I answered talked about me caring or not about what the neighbors may think about my car. He said it in a light-hearted manner, and I responded in kind.
My answer referred to having no concern or judgment about anyone else's taste in anything material or aesthetic. To each their own, as it has no impact on another's life, nor should it make a difference as to how one views another as a person.
Your not liking Mazda CX5s, for example, is of interest to me as to the mechanical or technical aspects of your opinion or experience, but not styling. You not liking CX5s tells me nothing about you as a person, nor should it, imo. My wife likes her Honda CRV, I don't like it all that much. We somehow coexist.

 

[LB99]

Subaru’s don’t go above 45 mph tho right? (JK)

subarau Ascent is a very nice vehicle and might click most of your boxes.
The Telluride was the nicest SUV we drove. Interior was Reaaaaaallly nice.
We liked the Sorrento but didn’t love it. Front seats were ver u comfortable
Ford Explorer was actually fun! And it comes in hybrid if you are looking to save on gas.
I have a close friend who works in the warranty department for a large car buyer. KIA and Hyundai are still having Motor issues.
Toyota Highlander is ok. But Toyota has gone the cheap route with their interiors….everything feels like cheap plastic.

We just got a Highlander Hybrid for my wife. I drive it on days when my commute is farther. Some days I get close to 40 mpg in a AWD SUV. They advertise 35mpg, but a day last week, I got 39.9 on my way home from work. It rides as smooth as silk. So far, we love it. Just for reference, I’m not a “totally practical” kind of guy either as I have a ‘18 Camaro SS 1LE as well, but I really like the Highlander.

 

[massimoManca II]

Moms car is a 2014 2.5 4 cylinder, 73k perfect miles. It’s SO SLOW. It’s buzzy. It’s dated. It can’t legally tow my waverunners,
the headlights are 1985 technology, there’s a spring or heater component in the drivers seat that digs into my hip, and it’s super slow.
Not a Mazda hater, I daily drove this, even in Chicago winters, for 7 years

“Can’t legally tow...”

ygbfkm

 

[laKavosiey-st lion]

“Can’t legally tow...”

ygbfkm

In the US, the cx5 can tow 2k, when wet my waverunners are 2100

 

[Whart]

@massimoManca II

MMII - I followed your input and advice regarding an SUV purchase a few years ago. That was in 2015 when I bought a Mazda CX-5, at least in part due to your recommendations. It is still going strong at 107K miles. I am keeping that SUV and looking to buy or lease without trading in. Don't want a smaller SUV, so no smaller than a CX5. I'm open to the larger, 3rd row seat models if they are worth the extra costs. But I really need just the basic, two seats with decent cargo space.

I've looked at Car&Driver and KellyBB and other online input, so I have a decent idea of what is being said online. However, not having any great car knowledge myself, I know that sometimes the best advice comes from the guys who follow it all very closely, above and beyond the online information. If that input matches up, all the better, but I'm not taking that for granted.

MMII and others - your expert input is welcome. Many thanks in advance.

I ordered a Kia Telluride for my daughter from a friend in the business. It took 5 months to get it delivered but has been worth the wait. They are exceptionally popular and Mostly must be ordered with a significant wait.