re: Best SUVs on the market?

Jeep Grand Cherokee - Overland

I have a 2015 0verland that I bought new and I've had it since Oct. 2014. I bought it as a nicely equipped vehicle and did not need any off-road capabilities (6cyl. 2x4). 24k Miles so far and I have no complaints and still love the ride.

Jeep has a bad reputation, and they may have earned it in the past, but I think the JGC model has worked out the kinks after a mid-year change in 2014. If you are not looking for off-road capabilities or a 3rd row seat, then at least test drive an Overland model before buying anything.

Good luck, there are a lot of conflicting opinions out there.

quote:

---

I dunno... people love the MDX and it has a lot of loyalty and a good reputation. The old XC90 had a reputation as a car you lease, not buy, because it's a maintenance headache.

---

Man, I own a 05 Accord with 170k on it that I bought brand new. Its never been in the shop one time so I absolutely understand the brand loyalty and it weighs heavily on my mind.

That being said, if you compare a comparably equipped XC90 vs MDX its pretty much on another plane as far as design both outside and in. We drove them both back to back and it was pretty jarring. The new 90 has been receiving universal praise for a good reason and tends to be compared to the germans over the jap lux. Also, the MDX has become ubiquitous at this point(for very good reason). I think people will be interested in something fresh.

This is, of course, all a matter of personal taste and I VERY much enjoyed the MDX. I dont mean to cast it in a negative light and wouldnt blame anyone at all for going MDX. Its a great vehicle....Volvo has just stepped up their game. Per the XC90 reliability...I wouldnt be surprised to see that change either. The new ownership is allowing the designers to explore a lot of new territory. I think this is a make or break moment for Volvo.

quote:

---

Jeep has a bad reputation, and they may have earned it in the past, but I think the JGC model has worked out the kinks after a mid-year change in 2014. If you are not looking for off-road capabilities or a 3rd row seat, then at least test drive an Overland model before buying anything.

---

Have they worked out the transmission issues? I love the look of the JGC but I was scared shitless after reading the Edmunds reviews and trolling the Jeep forums. Dont want to be fricking around with a bad transmission.

quote:

---

If you are not looking for off-road capabilities or a 3rd row seat, then at least test drive an Overland model before buying anything.

---

For off-roading, I'd argue that any 4x4 Jeep Grand Cherokee model is well above average.

Most modern crossovers such as the CR-V, Equinox, Rav4, Escape, or Highlander are based on a minivan chassis and would likely fall apart or wear very quickly with even moderate repetitive off-road use or occasional towing.

SUVs like the Tahoe Z71, Grand Cherokee, Toyota Sequioa aren't in the same league as the 4Runner Trail Edition or Wrangler....but they are far, far from being a crossover, which probably shouldn't be taken off pavement at all.

Got a 2014 4Runner SR5 Premium CPO. Love it.

The Mrs and I are expecting our first child in April. I researched affordable, safe, dependable SUVs for a few months and we ended up with the 2016 Honda Pilot Ex-L. So far, so good. gets 22 mpg around town. havent gone on any long trips yet. We bought it right before Christmas so we haven't had it very long. It is pretty roomy and has a decent amount of power. anyway, do with this info what you wish.