Topic: Mid SIze SUV

[migelis]

looking at Honda Pilot vs Toyota Highlander and likely leasing..... any advice or thoughts as to cost per month and other similar products?....family of four looking for space for grandma and no vans please...  thanks in advance

[wing]

Four with grandma or 4 plus grandma.  Depending the age and physical shape of grandma, you may not want an SUV as it will be difficult for her to enter and exit the vehicle.

You may want to look at the acura mdx as well and nissan murano.

[Bullet Blue]

The ride quality of the Highlander is very cushy. That might be a plus for all the passengers you will be carrying. Pilot is based on the MDX, but I woul definately look at the MDX anyway. Other than that, I second wing's suggestion. Maybe an SUV isn't the best idea, since it may be difficult for the grandmother.

Perhaps a Ford Freestyle?

[mdxtasy]

A midsize SUV with some good side steps (not those stylish step bars) would take care if ingress/egress issues.  As for the Highlander/Pilot comparo.  I own an MDX.  I love it.  It's large enough for all of the required duties it has to do, it's very comfortable and roomy.  The MDX (Pilot) is wide, allowing 3 to sit in the back with ease.  I have a car seat in the middle of the rear bench and one person can still sit comfortably on each side.  The 3rd row is a joke, I can fit people there on occaision but it's not a comfortable place to be.  Cargo room is very good (better in the Pilot because of the boxy rear) and the engine is very strong.  The Highlander (and RX330) are also very good choices.  I believe the Toyota sits lower to the ground so getting in and out may be easier.  It's not as large as the Honda twins but it's still a very good size.  I would have to say the Toyota engine/tranny is a bit smoother than the Honda and a little more nimble.  It's the trade off you've got to take when you go with the larger Pilot/MDX.  Both Honda and Toyota equip these things very well.  If you have the budget and want the fancy doodads, the RX330 and MDX are the way to go.  The Highlander and Pilot are good family haulers....the Lexus and Acura versions are that with a bit of gravy on the side. 

Alternatives, Murano is a good idea, as is an FX35, a Volvo XC90, BMW X3, Cadillac SRX, and possibly look at a Land Rover LR3.  I don't know what you are planning to spend but the sky is the limit really....if you are looking in the $40K range, the Toyota and Honda are hard to beat.  Also another consideration is the station wagons.....Subaru Legacy, Mazda 6, BMW 3 and 5 series, Audi A4 and A6.  Volkswagen Passat.  Volvo V70.  Saab Sportcombi.  Lots to consider. 

[Driver]

Grandma will have problems with the X3 black side trims (whether sitting in front or rear) as it will require her to raise her leg further to avoid contact... especially when it's all slushy and dirty during winter.  Not really ingress/egress friendly like the others. You can scrap the X3 from the list

[Craig]

My 90-year-old grandma gets in and out of the 4Runner pretty well, all things considered.  I just wish she'd stop flirting with every twentysomething guy she sees.  It's embarrassing.

But seriously, the two grab handles - one on the B-pillar and the other above the door - help her tremendously, as she uses them both when climbing in.  Look for this feature, if available in the Highlander or Pilot.

[mdxtasy]

Grandma will have problems with the X3 black side trims (whether sitting in front or rear) as it will require her to raise her leg further to avoid contact... especially when it's all slushy and dirty during winter.  Not really ingress/egress friendly like the others. You can scrap the X3 from the list

I forgot about those friggin' things.  I hated them when I gave the driver's seat a whirl.  Way to big, but I guess that frame is pretty bulky.  On the other hand, it is a lot lower than a Pilot is.....but it's not as roomy inside. 

The VW Toureg is another mid-sizer....not as big as the Honda (probably the biggest midsize) and the new Subaru B9 (if you're into that sort of thing) are other suggestions.  Moving up the price spectrum, the Porsche Cayenne and Mercedes M class as well as the BMW X5 are pricy alternatives.  Lots to choose from. 

[ovr50]

Highlander has 4 grab handles, one above each door. No handles on the A or B pillars tho.

Migelis - Although I have an '05 Highlander which suits my needs just fine, either it or the Honda Pilot would be a good choice. They are both good vehicles - between the two, it would come down to the one YOU liked the best. Prices, equiped similarily, should be close to the same.

[migelis]

Wow.. thanks for all the input....  great site...

also appreciate the apa and carcost sites provided by a poster on another thread... does anyone know if they provided leasing estimates ie price to pay per month? ie any tips for leasing would be much appreciated... have a small business I would like to write off lease payments against.. have been hesitant about leasing in the past bc of km limits per year and door dings at the end of the lease (what are they going cost me???)

thanks again in advance

[wing]

Well typically leases are 20 or 24,000 km a year, so if you do not exceed that it is fine.  You can buy km ahead of time or pay the penalties after.  Door dings really depend, you are allowed a certain amount it all depends on the company and I believe it is hard to get this information out of them beforehand.  Usually 2 or 3 per panel is allowed, and no more than 1-2" long scratches etc.