Should I get an Explorer ST or something else for my growing family?

Seeking Help
1

We’re a family with a 2-year-old and another baby on the way. Right now, we have a Mazda3 Turbo, which has been perfect for one child. It’s never felt too small, but now with baby #2 coming, we can’t fit a rear-facing car seat without cramping the driver’s seat.

Here’s what matters most:

  1. Enough space for now and the next five years.
  2. Driving performance.
  3. A smart choice financially (upfront cost, reliability, resale value, fuel efficiency, etc.).

I’m looking at the Explorer ST because it seems to tick boxes 1 and 2, but it might be more car than we actually need. I’d like to spend a bit less if possible.

Other cars we’re considering:

  • Lexus RX350
  • Ford Edge ST

Open to midsize cars too—don’t think we necessarily need an SUV.

2

I rented an ST for a trip from Kansas City to Oklahoma, and it was amazing. Tons of power, plenty of space. Fit three of us comfortably on the way there and managed to haul three guys plus six hogs on ice on the way back. Highly recommend it.

3

Have you checked out the 2024 VW Tiguan? They’ve got 0% for 60 months financing, and the Atlas is at 1.9%. Might be worth a look if you like VW.

4

But OP said performance matters.

5

It’s too bad you don’t get the Tiguan with the GTI engine in the U.S. It’s genuinely a fun car.

6

Yeah, they don’t bring any of the cool engines to the U.S. anymore.

7

A lot of the decision-making seems to come from people in big cities who don’t even like cars. They assume the whole country is like them, so we get stuck with boring options.

8

That’s not exactly why, but okay.

9

Consider a 2019+ BMW X5 xDrive40i. It’s got the B58 3.0L inline-6 and the ZF 8-speed automatic transmission. Both are very reliable. You can find lots of them under $50K with low mileage and solid warranty options on places like CarMax.

10

Finally, some practical advice! Not everything has to be a $65K Highlander because ‘Toyota.’

11

The Highlander is solid but lacks exciting driving dynamics.

12

True, but the price skyrockets because people buy them without even seeing them.

13

This sounds interesting. Haven’t seen many X5s locally—might have to expand my search area.

14

CarMax can deliver from other stores for a fee. Also, the Audi Q7 with the supercharged 3.0L V6 is another good luxury crossover option. Lexus RX and GX are great if you’re looking for something to last over 250K miles.

15

Not sure if CarMax is as easy to use in Canada, where OP is based.

16

Even if they don’t have CarMax, there’s probably something similar in Canada.

17

What about a used Acura MDX Type S?

18

We love our MDX, though the headroom and infotainment system aren’t the best. If you’re taller, the Explorer might be a better fit.

19

If you’re going with an Explorer, look at Certified Pre-Owned to save on the depreciation hit. Or maybe consider an SRT Jeep or Durango?

20

Are you just listing the least reliable SUVs?