Author Topic: GMC Acadia, Veracruz ... others? (Read 2325 times)

Sawyer · « **on:** January 07, 2011, 02:39:45 am »

Has anyone done the switch from old mini van to one of these SUV crossovers with the 3 row seating?

First test drives of SEVERAL brands - interior space for cargo and seating people the Acadia is hard to beat for our needs. We like the way it handles and drives. Just unsure on its dependablity as I've read alot issues with the 3.6L engine. Wouldn't mind buying a used one a year or two old but have found they are sure holding their value.

Liked the Veracruz, not bad would do fine too if priced right. They are cheaper to find used as they seem to loose their value more then the GM's currently. Also I have heard they are no longer making them in 2012 as the Santa FE will go back to the 3rd Row seating option. I actually wouldn't mind something the size of the Santa Fe as there would be many more options out there but the wife feels we still need the 3rd row for when the kid's friends come along. Also we have teenagers that continue to grow so we'd need a roomy 2nd row if there was now 3rd row. I noticed that Kia's new Sorento has a 3rd row option though its a bit tight. It might do the job for those few times a year to haul a friend along providing the 2nd row is roomy for 3. But I'm unsure of Kia's realiablity. I know they are improving lots but I've heard they have their issues.

Leviathan · « **Reply #1 on:** January 07, 2011, 03:20:07 am »

You may want to check out a Mazda CX9 too.

inco · « **Reply #2 on:** January 07, 2011, 08:32:42 am »

Acadia/Traverse/Enclave are good and rear access is a breeze. After four years with the Acadia I can say I really enjoyed it.

CanuckG35 · « **Reply #3 on:** January 07, 2011, 08:43:07 am »

A couple of others to consider with 3rd row seating.....Ford Flex, Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota Highlander, and Subaru Tribeca.

Railton · « **Reply #4 on:** January 07, 2011, 08:43:44 am »

Quote from: inco on January 07, 2011, 08:32:42 am

Acadia/Traverse/Enclave are good and rear access is a breeze. After four years with the Acadia I can say I really enjoyed it.

+1
Rented a Buick Enclave while down at CTC South last year. Very nice!

Railton

rrocket · « **Reply #5 on:** January 07, 2011, 08:53:34 am »

Quote from: CanuckG35 on January 07, 2011, 08:43:07 am

A couple of others to consider with 3rd row seating.....Ford Flex, Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota Highlander, and Subaru Tribeca.

Yea, I was going to say Highlander also, as it seems closest to a "minivan" than the others in the segment IMO...

Levi also points out the CX9....very stylish.

And yea, the Enclave is very nice.

Sawyer · « **Reply #6 on:** January 07, 2011, 09:22:43 am »

I should have mentioned I have drove the CX-9, Honda Pilot and Kia Borrego also. I also have looked at the Highlander which I really would like to to get as for reliablity ratings they do very well. However they had a poor 2nd and 3rd row seating arrangement for my size of family. It doesn't fit 3 passangers very well in the 2nd row. The 3row is not split like the others so the back seat is ether up or down. My boys are in sports and when the 3rd row seat is up there is next to no room behind it!

The suburu was nice too but on the small side of this class and a bit more $$. Basically I think we've looked at pretty much all of them. The ones that "fit us" the best are the Acadia, CX-9, and Veracruz. The Honda pilot has enough room too, but we found it didn't drive as nice at the 3 I mentioned. It drives more like a truck then a car we felt. Plus the road noise and heater noise seemed quite loud for as nice a vehicle it is.

I didn't want to go GM this time but it seems in this class of vehicles they did their homework as their unit is quite nice. I'm only hesitant because of their reliabilty ratings etc.

rrocket · « **Reply #7 on:** January 07, 2011, 09:40:47 am »

^^If going GM, I'd go with the Buick. The interior really is beautiful, and the exterior design is very appealing.

ktm525 · « **Reply #8 on:** January 07, 2011, 11:42:17 am »

Honda Pilot, Land Rover LR4 (depending on your budget) are my picks..

With growing teenagers how about Chevrolet Suburban, Expedition Max or a full size van. A Sprinter with the diesel addresses the fuel economy issue too.

Kia Borrego is cheap used if you can find one.

bridgecity · « **Reply #9 on:** January 07, 2011, 11:48:58 am »

If you're going to be using the 3rd row regularly, and need some volume behind it, you can throw out anything smaller than the Acadia/Enclave/Traverse. That means SUVs like the Explorer/Pilot/Highlander/Pathfinder/CX-9/Veracruz will be too small. It really sounds like a minivan would work the best, but if that doesn't suit your fancy, you'll need a large SUV.

Sawyer · « **Reply #10 on:** January 08, 2011, 12:02:52 am »

I may take another look at the Cx-9 its pretty darn close to the same size as the Acadia. It drove pretty nice too and I don't think it has any major reliablity issues.

Loudpedal · « **Reply #11 on:** January 08, 2011, 08:34:29 am »

Quote from: bordercity on January 07, 2011, 11:48:58 am

If you're going to be using the 3rd row regularly, and need some volume behind it, you can throw out anything smaller than the Acadia/Enclave/Traverse. That means SUVs like the Explorer/Pilot/Highlander/Pathfinder/CX-9/Veracruz will be too small. It really sounds like a minivan would work the best, but if that doesn't suit your fancy, you'll need a large SUV.

Although not a GM fan I totally agree. They delivered the only 3rd row SUV that can even be closely considered to having minivan like room for occupants and still have a modicum of storage.

sailor723 · « **Reply #12 on:** January 08, 2011, 09:02:13 am »

Quote from: Loudpedal on January 08, 2011, 08:34:29 am

Quote from: bordercity on January 07, 2011, 11:48:58 am
If you're going to be using the 3rd row regularly, and need some volume behind it, you can throw out anything smaller than the Acadia/Enclave/Traverse. That means SUVs like the Explorer/Pilot/Highlander/Pathfinder/CX-9/Veracruz will be too small. It really sounds like a minivan would work the best, but if that doesn't suit your fancy, you'll need a large SUV.

Although not a GM fan I totally agree. They delivered the only 3rd row SUV that can even be closely considered to having minivan like room for occupants and still have a modicum of storage.

+1 Most 3 row SUV's I've looked at have third rows that are basicly a joke. The GM Acadia siblings are about the only exception unless you want to go the "jumbo" Suburban-type vehicle route. An AWD van would seem the better solution unless you need to tow or something.

Sawyer · « **Reply #13 on:** January 08, 2011, 10:15:22 am »

Nope don't need AWD or 4WD, I have a 4x4 pickup if things are tough going. With AWD there is more stuff to wear and maintiain is my thinking. So unless a person needs it I can't see the point. My issues in the winter are... stopping no going

. The current van I have is FWD and does pretty darn good. I'm thinking these heavy SUV's should be no worse or better as most have more ground clearance.

Yes the GM's are pretty well layed out for room thats for sure. Looked at a used Escalade last night and the GM Lambda's & Mazda CX-9's have way more room behind the 3rd row.

Careener · « **Reply #14 on:** January 08, 2011, 10:27:35 am »

If you want room behind the 3rd row take a look at the Ford Flex. Its looks are polarizing but it definitely is roomy.
I like the CX9 as well but prefer the pricing south of the border for sure.

sailor723 · « **Reply #15 on:** January 08, 2011, 10:38:11 am »

Quote from: Sawyer on January 08, 2011, 10:15:22 am

Nope don't need AWD or 4WD, I have a 4x4 pickup if things are tough going. With AWD there is more stuff to wear and maintiain is my thinking. So unless a person needs it I can't see the point. My issues in the winter are... stopping no going . The current van I have is FWD and does pretty darn good. I'm thinking these heavy SUV's should be no worse or better as most have more ground clearance.

Yes the GM's are pretty well layed out for room thats for sure. Looked at a used Escalade last night and the GM Lambda's & Mazda CX-9's have way more room behind the 3rd row.

OK...maybe I'm missing something. Why not another van? They seem to do the 3rd row/more than 5 passengers thing better than most SUV's

Sawyer · « **Reply #16 on:** January 11, 2011, 03:51:05 pm »

[/quote]
OK...maybe I'm missing something. Why not another van? They seem to do the 3rd row/more than 5 passengers thing better than most SUV's
[/quote]

Had van for 12 years .... wife says she's done with them!!! Believe me have suggested a nice van but that didn't go over very well.

blizzard35 · « **Reply #17 on:** January 11, 2011, 04:08:16 pm »

I would suggest the 2011 North American "TRUCK OF THE YEAR" winner, the all new Ford Explorer. YOu can get it in front wheel drive and the 3rd row seating is standard. Plus, even the "base" model comes we loads of features, standard.

5 Wheel Drive · « **Reply #18 on:** January 12, 2011, 02:48:39 pm »

Quote from: inco on January 07, 2011, 08:32:42 am

Acadia/Traverse/Enclave are good and rear access is a breeze. After four years with the Acadia I can say I really enjoyed it.

I have 1 issue with the back seats (middle row) in these vehicles. Lots of leg room, but they're way too close to the floor for me. I'm 6', any time I've sat in the middle row of these, it's only my butt and the top third of my thighs that actually sit on the seat. The lower 2 thirds of my thighs don't even tough the seat bottom.

ktm525 · « **Reply #19 on:** January 12, 2011, 03:02:01 pm »

Quote from: 5 Wheel Drive on January 12, 2011, 02:48:39 pm

Quote from: inco on January 07, 2011, 08:32:42 am
Acadia/Traverse/Enclave are good and rear access is a breeze. After four years with the Acadia I can say I really enjoyed it.

I have 1 issue with the back seats (middle row) in these vehicles. Lots of leg room, but they're way too close to the floor for me. I'm 6', any time I've sat in the middle row of these, it's only my butt and the top third of my thighs that actually sit on the seat. The lower 2 thirds of my thighs don't even tough the seat bottom.

Chevy Express 1500 passenger van for you. Seriously