Help on SUV Choice for Wife

[Van Huskey]

Most suv’s In this class can fit a 4x8 sheet at least on an angle. I used to worry about that and wanted it in my next vehicle (there’s a thread about what vehicles will fit 4x8 sheets), but I don’t anymore since buying a cheap trailer makes a lot more sense. I use that trailer all the time and it’s a heck of a lot easier than cramming things into the car.

There are 2 Traverses in my neighborhood and they seem happy with them. Don’t forget the Highlander, they’re rated #1 by consumer reports, but the Ascent hasn’t been fully reviewed yet I don’t think.

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Thanks Jim! Looking forward to finally getting my hands on it, hopefully soon.

First 100% agree on the trailer, DIY stuff/wood can be tough on an interior...

Second 100% agree on the Highlander. If you keep a vehicle for 2-3 years it doesn't make much difference what you buy (well maybe unless it is a Fiat Chrysler product) but if you plan to keep a mid-sized CUV for the long term the Highlander (or Lexus RX) are absolutely the best bet.

[Mike Goetzke]

Most suv’s In this class can fit a 4x8 sheet at least on an angle. I used to worry about that and wanted it in my next vehicle (there’s a thread about what vehicles will fit 4x8 sheets), but I don’t anymore since buying a cheap trailer makes a lot more sense. I use that trailer all the time and it’s a heck of a lot easier than cramming things into the car.

There are 2 Traverses in my neighborhood and they seem happy with them. Don’t forget the Highlander, they’re rated #1 by consumer reports, but the Ascent hasn’t been fully reviewed yet I don’t think.

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Thanks Jim! Looking forward to finally getting my hands on it, hopefully soon.

Maybe I’ll check out the Highlander too.

FYI - the new Traverse fits a 4’ sheet of ply FLAT with maybe 3/4” to spare.

Strange, I looked at the Acadia with my wife and since it has 2-3-2 seating it is narrower than the Traverse maybe 45” vs 49”. The Buick Enclave is nice plus 49” wide but sort of pricey.

[Ole Anderson]

My 2015 GMC Acadia (same older platform as the current Traverse) would fit 48" sheet goods flat on the floor but not quite shut the hatch. My 2018 Acadia is on the new smaller crossover platform 700# lighter, only 43" between the wheel wells, but on a recent 250 mile trip up north I got 29 mpg with the 310 hp V6. And it sports a more advanced AWD and with a 4000# towing capacity towed my 4 place enclosed snowmobile trailer just fine. I really like the styling. Partial to GMC, as my FIL worked there his whole life and we still get the employee discount. Being in the Detroit area we are not as open minded with other than the big 3. I can still get 10' boards in with the front up on the dash. Third row seating is for very small folks though.

[Yonak Hawkins]

Based on this thread, I bought a Toyota Highlander today. Figuring I'm mostly retired, I traded in my pick-up truck and I will sell our "people-mover" van.

[Jim Becker]

That's a good vehicle, Yonak. Enjoy!

[Matt Day]

An excellent vehicle Yonak! They’ve got a lot of history in that suv, lots of well planned little things too.

Only reason I choose the Subaru was I liked the way it drove better and liked the cvt transmission. Oh, and I’m a Subaru guy! But I considered everything, from Ford Transit Connect to minivans.

[Jim Andrew]

If you look at the used market, there are a lot of older Toyota Highlanders around, that still look good that are well over ten years old. Saw a nice 03 the other day.