I currently have a 2015 Ford Escape SE. While I definitely like the car overall, it does have its flaws and it’s missing a few key features I’d really like to have such as a button to close the trunk, heated seats, better entertainment console, etc.
But on top of all of that, I recently became a parent and it has already occurred to me that it would be greatly beneficial to have a bigger SUV as just a stroller currently takes up just about the whole trunk of my Escape.
I am looking to make a pretty simple switch to the Ford Explorer as I know a few people who have one and they like it a lot. However, I wanted to check this sub and see what some people’s opinions are on some other bigger SUVs comparable in size to the Explorer. I’m looking to spend $35k MAX (although if I could get something in the mid-to-high 20’s that’d be great) on an SUV with less than 40k miles on it. I would prefer it to be 2015 or newer.
Any suggestions or ideas would be greatly appreciated, thanks in advance.
Tatum said:
How is a Ford Escape not big enough for having one child?
Get a hitch cargo rack if that’s not big enough.
Well, we’re probably going to have another kid and I also have a dog that occasionally needs to travel with us and I can’t imagine being crammed in the Escape should we all need to go somewhere together at the same time. It’s definitely doable with the hitch but I’d rather invest in a more suitable vehicle considering I’m not entirely attached to the Escape.
New CX9 with the Touring and Premium package - we have had ours for 3 years now and love it. Has enough seats but drives smaller than it is, if that makes sense. Has all the “luxury” features you could need, including the safety suite, leather, Bose, moonroof, power hatch, 2nd row thermostat, 2nd row window privacy screens, etc., without the higher price of the bigger packages. Should be able to get a new one right at that price point, as we did in 2018.
@Ash
Thank you for responding. My brother-in-law has the CX5 and seems to really like it, and that’s about all I know about Mazdas. What’s the upkeep like? How does it drive? Thanks again.
Colby said: @Ash
Thank you for responding. My brother-in-law has the CX5 and seems to really like it, and that’s about all I know about Mazdas. What’s the upkeep like? How does it drive? Thanks again.
Exact same as any other torque-converted Japanese car. Oil changes, transmission changes, diff changes if applicable. You’ll probably want new struts around 70-110k.
If you don’t need a third row or heavy towing, there are some in-between options that are bigger than your Escape but not as expensive and mediocre-driving as the Explorer. Ford Edge would be the obvious Ford choice. Honda Passport, Lexus RX, and Subaru Outback are all roomier.
I’m not sure it’s accurate to say that vans are much safer. Looking at IIHS data for deaths per million registered years, the Explorer has better numbers than four out of the six minivans.