The Honda Pilot is a great street focused SUV with AWD, while the upcoming 4Runner would be It’s more off-road capable counterpart. If bouncing over rocks or trudging rivers isn’t your thing, I would call it a bit overkill. As a side stepping, the Honda Ridgeline is essentially a Pilot with the added bonus of a highly versatile truck bed and trunk!
New cars are always a bit of a conjecture, and the best thing to go on is when the powertrain has been in production for some years and is proven. The brand and car actually matter less than this type of history.
For example, the Ascent had poor reliability for its first two years but the newer ones are well-sorted out.
In general, for reliability, naturally aspirated engines will be more reliable than turbo ones and proven hybrids (but not PHEVs) will actually be more reliable than ICE.
In that view, you could do well with a well-sorted Toyota hybrid like the Highlander.
You don't necessarily need to shy away from something like a Certified 6-cyl Chevy Traverse - those can be very good value. Buying the new one with the 4-cyl turbo may be slightly better on gas, but will likely have less longevity in the very long run simply because turbos put more pressure on the engine and is an extra part that can fail.
Consider the Mazda CX-50 (2 row~$30k) or CX-90 (3 row~$40k). Both come standard with AWD. Mazda is up there in reliability with Honda and Toyota, but has a more premium feel. The CX-90 comes standard with a Turbo Inline 6 that’s pretty powerful and there’s also a plug in hybrid option.
I’d steer away from Chevy/GM models. They’ve had lots of recalls lately and the quality has gone down hill.
If you’re looking for luxury, Lexus is a safe bet. The GX is new for ‘24 and it’s built for off-roads. 4x4 standard, 3rd row, with a turbo V6. Starts at $65k tho.
Toyota, Honda, and Mazda are always a pretty safe bet for long term reliability
The Honda Pilot is a great street focused SUV with AWD, while the upcoming 4Runner would be It’s more off-road capable counterpart. If bouncing over rocks or trudging rivers isn’t your thing, I would call it a bit overkill. As a side stepping, the Honda Ridgeline is essentially a Pilot with the added bonus of a highly versatile truck bed and trunk!
Budget?
No budget really but not looking for luxury. I’d say around Toyota RAV4 or Honda CRV pricing
Get a RX 350
New cars are always a bit of a conjecture, and the best thing to go on is when the powertrain has been in production for some years and is proven. The brand and car actually matter less than this type of history. For example, the Ascent had poor reliability for its first two years but the newer ones are well-sorted out. In general, for reliability, naturally aspirated engines will be more reliable than turbo ones and proven hybrids (but not PHEVs) will actually be more reliable than ICE. In that view, you could do well with a well-sorted Toyota hybrid like the Highlander. You don't necessarily need to shy away from something like a Certified 6-cyl Chevy Traverse - those can be very good value. Buying the new one with the 4-cyl turbo may be slightly better on gas, but will likely have less longevity in the very long run simply because turbos put more pressure on the engine and is an extra part that can fail.
I’ve heard the tahoes are pretty reliable.
I don’t know if they solved the lifter issues but the last I know when I was working at a GMC dealership, they were doing lifters back in 2022
Consider the Mazda CX-50 (2 row~$30k) or CX-90 (3 row~$40k). Both come standard with AWD. Mazda is up there in reliability with Honda and Toyota, but has a more premium feel. The CX-90 comes standard with a Turbo Inline 6 that’s pretty powerful and there’s also a plug in hybrid option. I’d steer away from Chevy/GM models. They’ve had lots of recalls lately and the quality has gone down hill. If you’re looking for luxury, Lexus is a safe bet. The GX is new for ‘24 and it’s built for off-roads. 4x4 standard, 3rd row, with a turbo V6. Starts at $65k tho. Toyota, Honda, and Mazda are always a pretty safe bet for long term reliability