3 Row SUV $50K Budget

[chassis]

Originally Posted by gatorfast

VW Atlas checks all those boxes. It has been our family car for years. Tons of room for passengers and all the creature comforts you need. Great price point as well.

How is reliability of the Atlas? I have heard mixed reviews.

[Shiza]

Originally Posted by chassis

How is reliability of the Atlas? I have heard mixed reviews.

Being a big VW hater I will admit the Atlas has a TON of space inside. I had one for a loner recently and while the interior quality wasn't great in my opinion (to be fair it was a base model), I was impressed with the cargo space. It had much more than our X5.

[T0RM3NT]

Originally Posted by Clark_Kent

Good looking SUV. Did you cross shop the Telluride? If so, what were the material differences?

Hi...yes, for a minute.

This all started with my wife's 2017 Honda CR-V getting totaled in a recent hail storm here in Colorado. It was the first time we've ever had a car totaled. We knew we wanted to replace it instead of salvaging it so we both started some research. My wife loved the size of the CR-V and it just worked for her. After doing some research, I was kinda set on the Telluride or the Honda Pilot. When we started looking at the dealerships, and considering my wife's wants and needs, (who am I to complain with the car I have) she wanted something a little smaller. So, the Telluride and Pilot research shifted to the Sorento and the CR-V.

For us, the Sorento just seemed a better fit. At 45k you can definitely step into a Telluride, but much lower down on the trim level...or you can get a decked-out Sorento with some amenities you usually find in higher-end/priced SUV's. Apples to apples in trim levels, I think the Telluride would run ~7-8k more. I think it all depends on what works for you and what you're wanting.

*Side Note* I'm very careful with my car parked as far over as I can in the garage to mitigate the margin for mistakes. The smaller Sorento helps with that mitigation...the Telluride or the Pilot would be a bit cramped for my style in the garage.

The Telluride is pretty damn nice IMHO...but the size difference is noticeable. It's about 3.5" wider, (before the larger doors are opened) and about 8" longer. I think the height is very comparable.

It's all about what's important to you and what fits your needs. A nice comparison page here: https://www.edmunds.com/car-comparis...veh2=401972549

[StradaRedlands]

Toyota Sienna Woodland with AWD and increased ground clearance. Has a usable third row and TONS of storage room. Highly encourage you and your spouse to check it out, especially the third row. Actually climb in it and compare it to any SUV out there. Leave the ego at the door, and embrace the minivan life!

[TboneS54]

I'll soon be in the market for a 3rd row SUV as well.

Looking at 2020-2021 X7s (40i) coming back from lease for mid $50s up to $60k, hoping they drop to low 50s by fall/december.

Also looking at 2016+ Lexus LX570s. I love the idea of a toyota truck, but I think the X7 gives you a lot more at the price point (~$60k). I like the lower cost of ownership and better reliability, but a V8 and its size/not the best handling/susp have me looking at the X7.

[JP10]

Telluride - it’s great vehicle. We’ve had ours for 2-1/2 years, 40,000miles. Zero issues. Very spacious. Great warranty. Smooth and quite ride. We got our EX before the price rise though so idk what they’re running now.

[stein_325i]

CX-90, Telluride, or Palisade (if you can tolerate the looks).

[pbonsalb]

Originally Posted by StradaRedlands

Toyota Sienna Woodland with AWD and increased ground clearance. Has a usable third row and TONS of storage room. Highly encourage you and your spouse to check it out, especially the third row. Actually climb in it and compare it to any SUV out there. Leave the ego at the door, and embrace the minivan life!

Most SUV buyers are buying for the image, even though a minivan is way more practical and has way more space and that space is much more useable. Remember, these are rugged, outdoor enthusiasts who are usually driving over challenging terrain where they need extra ground clearance in order to do adventurous physical activities. And the car makers love the high profits they make on SUVs and market them well to these unfortunately very typical average people who are dreaming of more interesting lives.

We have a Porsche Cayenne S because we are rich and pretending to be adventurous even though we don’t actually like hiking, camping or mountain biking. The Porsche handles the best of the SUV, so it’s like driving a car instead. No minivan for us because we don’t need that much space for our French bulldogs and occasional shopping trips to Sams Club.

[Alfisti]

Originally Posted by StradaRedlands

Toyota Sienna Woodland with AWD and increased ground clearance. Has a usable third row and TONS of storage room. Highly encourage you and your spouse to check it out, especially the third row. Actually climb in it and compare it to any SUV out there. Leave the ego at the door, and embrace the minivan life!

This is the correct answer. If you're not towing i cannot for the utter life of me understand why anyone goes 3 row monster SUV instead of minivan. It does nothing better except towing.

[allinon72]

No doubt vans are the best value and practicality, but let's be honest, people want to like what they drive and want to look good doing it. There's a small percentage of the population that just views it as transportation and could give a shit less, but the people have spoken: they want SUVs/crossovers.

[fanofbmwe46]

Originally Posted by allinon72

No doubt vans are the best value and practicality, but let's be honest, people want to like what they drive and want to look good doing it. There's a small percentage of the population that just views it as transportation and could give a shit less, but the people have spoken: they want SUVs/crossovers.

Correct, I will never own a minivan.

[StradaRedlands]

That Sienna is nice... Just for shits and giggles, check it out back to back with a Highlander at your local Toyota dealer. Definitely won't give off a basic transportation vibes!

[gatorfast]

Originally Posted by chassis

How is reliability of the Atlas? I have heard mixed reviews.

We have had a trouble-free experience in our ~3 years.

[Rocket455]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

We have a Porsche Cayenne S because we are rich and pretending to be adventurous even though we don’t actually like hiking, camping or mountain biking.

I LOL'd hard at this, full marks for honesty!!

[T0RM3NT]

Just came out today...maybe worth the watch?

[billnchristy]

A buddy at work has a Telluride, he loves it. I think it has a very nice interior, it's definitely worth looking at.

[86Zed]

Originally Posted by TboneS54

Also looking at 2016+ Lexus LX570s. I love the idea of a toyota truck, but I think the X7 gives you a lot more at the price point (~$60k). I like the lower cost of ownership and better reliability, but a V8 and its size/not the best handling/susp have me looking at the X7.

Lexus GX, gently used. This is the correct answer, just helped my brother purchase one and they could not be happier. Yes it is an aging tank but it'll run forever with minimal maintenance.

[spazzyfry123]

Originally Posted by TboneS54

Also looking at 2016+ Lexus LX570s. I love the idea of a toyota truck, but I think the X7 gives you a lot more at the price point (~$60k). I like the lower cost of ownership and better reliability, but a V8 and its size/not the best handling/susp have me looking at the X7.

I’ve got its brother, the 2016+ Land Cruiser. Great vehicle, but it’s not a home run if you need the third row. Fine in a pinch, but we keep them stowed in favor of the cargo room. Otherwise, it’s fantastic.

If a “true” 3-row SUV is the need, the answer is Tahoe/Suburban/Yukon.

If people moving is the goal, mini-van.

[Germanauto]

Somebody help this single guy understand why two toddlers = "I need a soulless 3 row mom car"

I fail to see why an X3, Volvo V60, or even a 3-series can't get the job done..

[chowser51]

Anyone try the Subaru Ascent?

[StradaRedlands]

Originally Posted by Germanauto

Somebody help this single guy understand why two toddlers = "I need a soulless 3 row mom car"

I fail to see why an X3, Volvo V60, or even a 3-series can't get the job done..

Ha, welcome to America, we hope you enjoy your stay here!!!

[Nugget]

Originally Posted by Germanauto

Somebody help this single guy understand why two toddlers = "I need a soulless 3 row mom car"

I fail to see why an X3, Volvo V60, or even a 3-series can't get the job done..

You can make a 3 series work with three kids, just requires some thought and experimentation to fit three child seats.


Even comes with a bonus reading nook if it's a wagon


And it's still fun to drive when the opportunity arises