[tonya71]

I have been test driving a lot of vehicles in this category. Tested a Hyundai Santa Fe today.... it was not good in my opinion.... it was a loaded version and it had all the bells and whistles but could feel the lack of quality. It also only tows 2000 lbs! More road noise. Not impressed at all.

 

[tonya71]

I thought the Highlander was similar but it is marginally a third row seater. My issue is that the Highest Trim (Limited )comes with second row captains chairs that forces use of those crap seats for 5th person. The XLE has a second row bench but it does not interest me. Toyota should offer both seating options in their Limited Trim like Honda does for the Pilot. I did find the Highlander cabin noise to be a bit much but that can be fixed for a price.

The Highlander is scheduled for a big redesign in 2020. My understanding is that it will be s little longer, sportier body exterior and upgraded tech to include Apple car play. May want to look into it.

 

[tonya71]

Ya, I find getting bigger a bit of an odd move since they already have the 4 Runner and the the other even bigger monstrosity. My thought is that most people just buy it for a more comfortable version of the Rav rather than more seating. If they make it bigger, they may start losing sales to other nice two row models.

I hear what your saying. The 2019 Highlander is currently around four inches shorter than the Pilot. They are likely trying to stay competitive with Pilots interior space. My understanding is the 2020 highlander will sit on a new frame/platform .... it will be interesting to see. I am pretty sure they will unveil it in New York Auto Show in April.

The salesman got back to me on the Passport. As I expected , the dealer is not willing to move much off MSRP yet. Also found out adding tow package is over $1500! The adventure package is almost $4k Just not worth it to me. The viewing public will hardly be able to tell the difference between a pilot and passport.

I will sit back ... watch and chomp on some popcorn until the 2020 highlander comes out. Still have Kia, Subaru and Lexus to look at.

 

[tonya71]

I love the looks of the RX 350. But we only have one dealer in Delaware and they are asking way over MSRP on their stock

 

[tonya71]

The Ascent is a fine SUV for the money. Love my wife’s Impreza Sport with added accessories. A tank in the snow!

The Ascent is a fine SUV for the money. Love my wife’s Impreza Sport with added accessories. A tank in the snow!

 

[tonya71]

Yes, I plan on checking out Subaru. They have a great reputation

 

[tonya71]

Test drove the passport and santa fe last weekend. Size wise they aren't in the same ballpark. Passport much roomier and wider. I didn't care for the way the santa fe shifted in normal or eco mode. Sport felt much better. Engine was much more gargolly than the passports v6 also.

highly suggest you test drive a Kia Sorento ex with the touring package....looks like they can be bought for 34k plus tax and tags.

 

[tonya71]

u sure thats with the touring package? How is the size compared to the passport? We really liked the passports width and the v6 engines power. Is the sorento v6 and size comparable? we planned on test driving tomorrow.

 

[tonya71]

Yes with touring package. Very comfortable in front and mud seats. I would just leave the third row down for cargo. Not quite as much cargo room as Passport but it's an unbelievable value. And comes with 5 year 60 k bumper to bumper and 100 k 20 year power train.

The Harmon Kardon stereo is amazing sound. Take some time to play with it.

I will send you some of my research below.

If you test it let me know what you think

 

[tonya71]

interesting. Although I'm not sure I like the looks as much of it. How does the size of the sorento compare to the santa fe? We did not like the santa fe's size was too small for us. Consumer reports dimensions for the exterior and interior make the santa fe and sorento almost identical.
I test drives a sante fe about a month ago... it felt low quality to me in many aspects. As far as interior size , you will have more in the Passport but looking at the overall value the Kia smashes it. The Kia felt much higher quality than Santa Fe. The Kia Sorento ex AWD with touring package is worth a spin. Never hurts to look.


First is Sorento second number is Santa fe

Specification


Length (in.)
189
188


Width (in.)
74
74


Height (in.)
66
66


Wheelbase (in.)
109
109


Turning Circle (ft.)
39
39


Curb Weight (lb.)
4290
4020


Max. Load (lb.)
1120
860


Towing Capacity (lb.)
5000
3500


Front Shoulder Room (in.)
58.5
58.0


Front Leg Room (in.)
42.0
42.5


Front Head Room (in.)
4.0
4.5


Rear Shoulder Room (in.)
56.5
56.0


Rear Leg Room (in.)
27.5
30.0


Rear Head Room (in.)
3.5
3.5

 

[tonya71]

Lol, this is soooo true, my wife and I noticed the same thing when in Florida.

 

[tonya71]

They have the money and the wisdom. Plus mainly what your gonna see in a retirement community is retired people???

We were visiting family in a Florida retirement community and every other vehicle was either a white or silver RX 350. You may have to be 65+ to purchase a RX 350.