SUV advice

I'm shopping for a new truck. I have narrowed it down to the Enclave and the Acadia. They are basically the same truck-one us sportier, one is more streamlined. It will come down to which I can get newer and with lower miles.
But here's the problem. What I really want is the Suburban. It also fits into my budget and I can get a 2013 as opposed to a 2012 with the other two. But DH hates it! He thinks it's way too big for my needs. It's a gas guzzler. I won't be able to park anywhere. The driveway will be too tight. You get the idea.
Which truck would you choose? And why?

Edit- please don't suggest the Tahoe as a compromise. I already looked at it and was so disappointed with the third row. Completely unfunctional.

Message edited 2/15/2014 10:17:23 AM.

SUV advice

DH and I test drove both. The Enclave handles beautifully.
The difference to me was : Acadia is a good 'mom' car, the Enclave is more luxurious.
We did not get either as they were both big for just the two of us.
If I had to choose, it would be the Enclave because of its appointments and ride.

We drive a SRX.

Re: SUV advice

I don't have any experience with the Acadia but a family member has the Enclave and loves it. I have driven it myself a few times and it handles well and is a smooth drive. I have also sat in the third row and was totally comfortable as a grown adult. Good Luck!

SUV advice

my dh and I are the opposite - he wants me to get the suburban and I want something smaller

my best advise is to test drive it - even just go and try the 2014 at the dealer - they are the same as a 2013 or 2012 (2015 are different) but when you test drive it see if you can find a parking lot near the dealership that you can try parking it in and see how it is on narrow roads

I am all for space but I say no because the parking lot at preschool is so tight that I know I can't handle it and would get annoyed almost every day

Re: SUV advice

We just got the Acadia. We could probably use the room we would get in the Suburban or Yukon XL for when we go on trips, but in the end I decided I didn't want to drive/park a vehicle that large. Day-to-day the Acadia is perfect for us (three kids) as I don't have babies anymore and don't need room for a stroller. I'm really happy with it so far.

SUV advice

I have driven a suburban and IMO it's huge and drives like a bus. Unless you have a million kids I don't think its necessary. I flew through gas when I had it (rental).

SUV advice

What about a tahoe

Re: SUV advice

I have 3 kids and had the Yukon XL. I loved the truck but really is a pain to drive. You don't realize how big it actually is. I learned very quickly how to drive it and felt comfortable, but it really felt like a bus.
For 4 or more kids its great, for 2-3 not worth it!

I drive the Infiniti QX56 and it has 3 rows and a good amount of trunk space. I love it. It drives great and is still big. We got it at end of last year and to a great deal on the lease.
I would take a look at it.

Re: SUV advice

Re: SUV advice

I've had both the Acadia and Enclave and hands down I like the Enclave so much better. I had an '09 and I got a newer '13 last year. I like how it drives very smooth, and quietly. It has a little less of a plastic feel inside. I do have to say, I wasn't digging the look of the new Acadia, but the more I see them, the more I like them. I don't think you can really go wrong with either. I do think option for option, the Enclave is going to be more money. Good Luck!

P.S. Yesterday I drove a Yukon XL and really liked it. But it is BIG! A little too big for my needs, but drove wonderfully in the snow.

Re: SUV advice

No on the suburban and Tahoe, the Arcadia is just ok. We rented the enclave for 2 weeks, I loved it! It's a very nice car.

SUV advice

Wanted to add that I sat in the 3rd row of the Enclave and had plenty of room for my head and legs. Was able to manuever well too.
I am 5'10"

Message edited 2/15/2014 7:08:06 PM.

Re: SUV advice

I had an Acadia and it was a mess of mechanical problems. I would go Enclave in white. Btw I love my Durango RT and the '14 has captains chairs to the 3rd row :)

Message edited 2/15/2014 10:58:58 PM.

Re: SUV advice

Hmm. I just looked into this and now thinking I should've gotten a different SUV (I have the pilot), but for what it's worth the enclave is ranked #1. See link below


http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/rankings/Affordable-Midsize-SUVs/

SUV advice

DH is a GM aficionado. We always debate about our next car, etc... And I want a Yukon Denali, he wants me to go Tahoe....
Anyway, I asked him. He said "the Enclave is slightly more luxurious, but in terms of drive train, they're the same. Unless you're going for a sporty suspension pkg on the Acadia, then you won't notice much of a difference. At that point, it's about jewelry- do you like the square AC vents or round? Is the grille prettier on one than another? Price, incentives, etc"
I looked at both last year and I liked the enclave. The glow trim on the inside and the moon roof were nicer. I also liked the optional wheels on the Enclave better than the GMC wheels.
I hope this helps!

Re: SUV advice

Besides the stigma of a "soccer mom", why not a minivan? They are usually cheaper, better on gas mileage, more functional, bigger 3rd row, more versatile, and for many of them, even better in the snow than an SUV.

I looked up the specs, and a full-size Suburban is the exact same width as the Acadia/Enclave. The Suburban is more than a foot and a half longer, though.

SUV advice

My dad is a HUGE researcher and he was between the Arcadia and the Enclave. He ended up with the Enclave and it's AWESOME! The 3rd row is super comfy and it rides REALLY smoothly. He has taken it back and forth to Florida twice and hasn't had 1 complaint (I hope I didn't just jinx him).

I agree with Alli on the Sub. It's HUGE and drives really heavy.

Re: SUV advice

Re: SUV advice

Posted by LIRascal


Your dad and my DH should hang out. DH does "research" as a hobby

SUV advice

I have a 2011 Acadia & while I do love it (it drives nice, is roomy/a nice size & has great features), I've had a few problems with it already. The transmission went at 13,000 miles. When it did the tow truck driver that came to get it knew what it was right away, but was surprised because most of the ones that he tows tend to go at 30,000 miles I did some research & he was right - it was a very common issue around 30k miles. I also just had to bring it in for 2 days of warranty work because of an issue with something misfiring with the ignition/in the engine. It was apparently not that big a deal, but I was again without a car for a few days. I know stuff happens even with new cars, but this is my 4th new car/truck and none of the others needed this much work in the first 3 years, so even though I love it, I won't be getting another...in fact, I'm currently looking to trade it in for something a little more gas efficient (I only average 12-13 mi per gallon).

Re: SUV advice

Re: SUV advice

Posted by Faithx2

Posted by GoldenRod

Besides the stigma of a "soccer mom", why not a minivan? They are usually cheaper, better on gas mileage, more functional, bigger 3rd row, more versatile, and for many of them, even better in the snow than an SUV.

I looked up the specs, and a full-size Suburban is the exact same width as the Acadia/Enclave. The Suburban is more than a foot and a half longer, though.

Most minivans are absolutely horrible in the snow. You can't compare an SUV to a minivan in bad weather. I was with you on every other point but that

Re: SUV advice

Re: SUV advice

Re: SUV advice

Posted by CunningOne

Posted by LIRascal

Your dad and my DH should hang out. DH does "research" as a hobby

My DH is a GM employee. Add him to the GTG, LOL!