I Was Going To Buy A Bronco, But It’s Smaller Than I Expected! What Should I Buy?

Jason was very excited to lastly get the very cool and retro-styled Ford Bronco, however then he realized that the practical house wasn’t a lot completely different than his ten-year-old CR-V. He needs to think about another choices within the 4×4 house, so what automotive ought to he purchase?

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Here is the state of affairs.

My spouse and I agreed to get into a brand new Bronco, however after sitting in a single throughout one of many “Road Show” occasions, we realized that the inside dimensions are almost an identical to her 2014 Honda CR-V. We want extra space (us, child, canine, and diverse life sort stuff), need one thing that’s FUN to drive, and has the power to tow. 4 wheel drive/AWD can be a plus, and gained’t price an arm and a leg to restore.

Our CR-V has been bulletproof. We’ve had it for five years and put 125k on it and not using a single main fault. That being mentioned, it’s essentially the most boring automotive I’ve ever owned. I like the concept of German imports, particularly wagons, however we’ve gotten a bit gun shy, as our earlier Jetta TDI Sportwagon’s turbocharger ate itself the day earlier than our wedding ceremony. I additionally haven’t had good expertise with GM and Stellantis merchandise so I want to keep away from these.

I’m liking what I learn in regards to the Explorer ST, and my spouse is leaning towards a Telluride or Sorento. We have a price range of round $50,000

Quick Facts:

Budget: as much as $50,000

Location: Central California Coast

Daily Driver: Yes

Wants: 4×4, some towing capability, good for household stuff

Doesn’t need: Something unreliable or costly to take care of

Expert 1: Tom McParland – A Middle Ground

You aren’t the one one who has discovered the Bronco to be large on the skin however too small on the within. I’ve spoken with a number of consumers who simply couldn’t pull the set off on Ford’s cool 4×4 as a result of the precise usability was a downgrade from a smaller crossover.

I used to be about to let you know to stretch your price range and get the brand new Land Cruiser, however I in contrast the inside dimensions to your CR-V and located that but once more the older automotive was nonetheless roomier. Since the Sorento and Telluride have been already in your checklist, how in regards to the Hyundai Santa Fe? It’s received that “boxy” look that some consumers really feel is a bit polarizing, however it actually stands out. For $50,00 you get a top-of-the-line Calligraphy trim which has each choice you could possibly ask for, or you could possibly preserve a few grand in your pocket and go for the the extra rugged XRT. We discovered the Santa Fe to be approach higher off-road than it wanted to be. You will get loads of room for the household, a protracted guarantee, and a simple to dwell with SUV.

Expert 2: Bradley Brownell – What Are You Afraid Of? Ze Germans?

I’m right here to speak some sense into you. If you desire a enjoyable SUV that’s succesful off-road, will get first rate gas economic system and may tow an inexpensive quantity of weight, the one good selection is a Porsche Cayenne Diesel. Porsche has been constructing the very best SUVs on this class for twenty years, and the diesel-powered examples are the very best of the breed, in my extraordinarily humble opinion. I completely love my 2013 Cayenne Diesel, and as luck would have it, I’ve really pushed this actual automotive at the moment on eBay, and I can attest it’s very properly constructed.

Just as a result of a German automotive broke down at an inconvenient time doesn’t imply it’s best to write off all German vehicles perpetually. Sometimes you simply get unfortunate. It might have been any automotive and it might have been any day. This explicit one is on the costly aspect (however nonetheless in your price range) as a result of it has been modified with costly components, however there are many inexpensive Cayenne Diesels on the market. We received ours with 70,000 miles on the odometer for $21,000. Look round and also you’ll discover a good one.

Expert 3: Collin Woodard – A Tactical Retreat

As completely happy as I’m to advocate the Honda CR-V to individuals who desire a sensible every day driver, you’re positively proper that it’s not very thrilling to drive. I additionally favor enjoyable over practicality, so I get it. I imply, I drive my shitty Forester so little, I ought to in all probability have it on a trickle charger since I’ve already needed to substitute the battery as soon as this yr.

Unfortunately, you’re searching for one thing large, and the draw back of going large is that these autos simply typically aren’t very enjoyable to drive. Porsche makes use of extremely costly engineering magic to make it doable within the Cayenne, however that’s one of many few exceptions to the rule. If you really need the Explorer ST, go forward and get it, however I think that while you check drive it, you’re going to understand it doesn’t fairly scratch that itch such as you have been hoping it could. Not as a result of there’s something unsuitable with it however as a result of it’s only a large, heavy car, and there’s solely a lot that engineers can do about that.

So as an alternative, I say get the Telluride (or Palisade.) It’s what you’re searching for, your spouse already likes it, and your price range will cowl both a really good new one or a totally loaded used one. Despite what the press picture could indicate, it’s about as enjoyable to drive as every other minivan, however it’s additionally received your entire different bases lined. You’ll be completely happy you personal it even in the event you aren’t thrilled to drive it, and that’s OK.

It isn’t clear whether or not this would be the solely car your loved ones owns, however assuming you have got a second automotive, let that one be the enjoyable one. Replace it with a Kia Stinger GT or one thing considerably sensible however nonetheless considerably extra enjoyable to drive than the Telluride. Or get a bike. Compared to vehicles, bikes offer you far more enjoyable on your greenback. I’m certain loads of individuals will yell at me for suggesting a bike to somebody with a child, however loads of dads nonetheless trip. Just promise me you gained’t crash and die.

Expert 4: Amber DaSilva – Just Get The Thing You Want

Jason, my pretty coworkers have spent this complete put up telling you other ways you possibly can compromise in your needs. You can get one thing with much less efficiency, or a closely modified German diesel, or one thing else that gained’t have the enjoyable issue you’re searching for. I’m right here to current a special take: What in the event you simply received the factor you’re searching for?

Jason, my buddy, that is the Acura MDX Type S. It’s from the Honda/Acura household that you just already know and love, however a step up in dimension out of your CR-V. Oh, and it has a 355-horsepower turbocharged V6, nimble suspension for its dimension, and Acura’s fancy efficiency AWD system.

Normally an MDX Type S would run exterior your price range, however there’s a CPO mannequin over at Acura of Modesto that firs in your value vary with room to spare. You need the consolation, the efficiency, and the Honda reliability — why compromise on any of these? Just get the automotive that matches your wants.