SUV Recommendation and Pricing- help

Husband and I need to turn in our Nissan Maxima soon and we are looking to lease our first truck. Have a four year old and a 5 month old presently. Looking for a mid-sized SUV. We are going back and forth on the need for a 3rd row. So far we have looked at the Nissan Pathfinder and Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited. Plan to investigate the Ford Edge as well.

Can anyone offer their opinions on these trucks or any others they feel might fit the bill. Also if you guys don't mind we are curious to see what we can realistically expect to pay for these vehicles in terms of downpayment and monthly payments thereafter. If you guys prefer to FM your thoughts that's fine too. Also looking for dealer recommendations if you have any.

Thank you for all of your help

Re: SUV Recommendation and Pricing- help

Anyone?

SUV Recommendation and Pricing- help

I liked the Nissan Rougue and Murano. I also liked the Forester. We feel in love and got a great deal on a Sante fe. I thought the Edge was smaller.

Re: SUV Recommendation and Pricing- help

the edge is definitely smaller on the outside, not sure about the inside.

when we went looking, i actually walked around with a tape measure to measure the back seat. the edge was bigger than the pilot, which was surprising because the pilot LOOKS bigger.

we settled on a used 2009 edge and we could not be happier. DSs car seat fits, and still leaves room for 2 people in the back. there is plenty of leg room, the trunk is very spacious. i LOVE the 40/60 split for putting the back seats down. DSs chair is on the smaller one so we can always put down the backseat for big shopping trips (like IKEA)

we love our new car

that said, if you put two car seats in, you'll have very little room for someone to sit in the back. you can probably fit a skinny person, but that's about it. if it's just the kids, they'll have plenty of room in the back.

good luck!

Re: SUV Recommendation and Pricing- help

We have a new 2014 ford explorer with a third row…I have a 3 year old and a 6 month old….
its very roomy./...not TOO big, but a nice size trunk and doesn't seem like ur driving a truck (I've driven bigger) and I like the ride!

My father has the new edge…and its a lot smaller than the explorer

Re: SUV Recommendation and Pricing- help

I'd really consider a third row if you are thinking about having a third kid in the future.

I got my SUV before kids & love it... But it only fits 2 real car seats.

Re: SUV Recommendation and Pricing- help

We have a Honda pilot. It fits everyone and everything comfortably. It's decent on gas. We have an 18k mile lease. We pay $485/ month , nothing down

SUV Recommendation and Pricing- help

We found the SUV with 3rd row too small with 2 kids. We traded DH's Murano in at end of lease and got a Dodge Journey bc of 3rd row. When 3rd row is up, limited trunk space and with 2 babies (2 and NB) that was hard. We felt same way about the Edge, Pathfinder, Acadia, and Santa Fe. So we waited and when Chrysler had their big interest free financing we jumped and traded in my almost new Subaru Outback for a Chrysler Town and Country minivan.

I swore I'd never go minivan route, but honestly I LOVE it and the space it has even with 3rd row up. We put only a couple thousand down and have a payment of $430 for 5 years.

SUV Recommendation and Pricing- help

I currently have a pathfinder with the 3rd row. overall it has been a great vehicle and is very roomy. i only have one DS but if we have more i would likely move over to an Acadia-- it has two bucket seats in the middle and the third row is much more accessible. Right now we have to drop the middle seat down to get to the cramped third row.

Message edited 1/7/2015 8:46:22 AM.