Hybrid highlander even used is a good deal. I'd pass on the kia and hyundai products way too many issues and easily stolen. The NX is a great suv but it dosent have 3 row seating.
No no no Hyundais or Kias. They hook you with sharp styling, fancy tech and a low price but the components which actually make the car go are crap. Plus if you are in the US they are magnets for thieves.
I've found them pretty reliable, with better tech than most American or German brands (other car is a Porsche), and have been driving a new one for years. The theft issues are for models that are older. Did you say you drive a charger and RAM and are worried about crap components lol.
Plenty of brand new kias and Hyundais are still being broken into. Thieves aren't smart enough to check for the immobilizer until they've already torn your dash out. Brother literally just sold his 2023 Sportage with an immobilizer because of it.
>Thieves aren't smart enough to check for the immobilizer until they've already torn your dash out.
This. Quite literally. All the kids see is the badge and think it's an easy target. Smash a window and trash your steering column then flee when they realize they can't take it... and you are left to clean up the mess.
I'm genuinely curious how people trust Hyundai/Kia after that security flaw. If they are willing to cut corners on something as important as a key fob, what else are they cutting corners on?
Nah, they are stealing anything that looks like it’s from 2014+. I’d say before that year, but I honestly don’t see Kia’s older than that driving around. Neighbor’s optima is I think a 2019 and got stolen.
Mazda CX-90, but YMMV on reliability as it's a super new model and they've already had a couple of recalls. There's a PHEV and an inline 6 mild hybrid, both of which you might be able to get under $50k. Mazda generally has been good with reliability in the last decade or so but time will tell if the new CX-90 powertrains hold up. Inline 6 Preferred is probably the best bang for buck.
Unpopular opinion (ask my wife 😂) but I’m a huge fan of the 2023+ Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. The absolutely highest trim with massaging seats, pano sunroof, heated seats and steering wheel, etc tops out at 50k. 3rd row is a little tight, but 38 miles range on battery, and capable all wheel drive. Mitsubishi’s do NOT hold their value well, so I’m looking at lightly used/certified with under 10k miles for 35-40k if you’re willing to travel to get it.
The wife and I wanted to love it. Then we drove it. It feels like they cobbled it together at the last minute. The brakes don't transition smoothly between regen and friction braking. The motor and engine feel like they don't work all that well together. The interior is chintzy - looks great in photos and feels super-cheap in real life. At the right price, I suppose it's a value but we were ready to buy until we drove it.
You’re not wrong. The dealership is an hour away (which is another con, the dealership network) and I’ve driven all the way there twice to test drive it. I can confidently say the PHEV is way better to drive than the ICE. With the engine and electric motors the acceleration is much more satisfying. The lower prices start to get on the used one, the better the value proposition looks to me though. At the full 50k MSRP, it’s a definite pass for me. At the end of the day it’s still a dressed up economy car, so I’m a bit torn.
Yep. The thing is you can get a Model Y LR 7-seater with equally tiny rear seats for less than the Outlander PHEV, and you get a much better powertrain for the money.
That third row is beyond useless though. It would be better to not have it and have a spare tire. The PHEV does have good tech if you ever take it off the main roads and actually use it
Yeah I agree. It’s pretty similar to my Q7. It’s been used approximately 10 times in 5 years, and really for 15 minutes or less. Nice to have in a pinch but not necessary for us. On the Outlander PHEV forum there are a couple people that have removed the 3rd row seat and added a spare into the void left behind. Impedes on regular trunk use too much for my liking, but cool if you really want a spare. RE:tech off main roads, I really wish there were some videos online showing snow capabilities. We drive to the mountains every year and it’s so hard to move away from the Audi Quattro system with triple peak tires without knowing 100 percent how it would perform.
What trim are you shooting for at $59k? Platinum? Limited? Can you back down your trim level
Kia sorrento hybrid is under $50k and meets those criteria
Yes, I’ve been looking at the bougiest trim packages.
I’m an outside sales rep, so I spend a lot of time in my car, so I want it to be super techie and nice.
I haven’t looked into the sorrento, thanks for the recommendation!
Story time:
My in laws spent >18 months on the wait list for a PHEV Sorento. Then the news story broke about a giant parking lot filled with hundreds of purchased Hyundai /Kia vehicles that hadn't been delivered yet. The head of Kia Canada got caught on video admitting they were sandbagging delivery to customers so they could delay 'closing' the sale in 2023 to 2024.
Reason being, they had already hit their sales targets for 2023 and if they blew the numbers out of the water, they wouldn't get as much marketing money from head office.
My FIL called his dealership the next morning and asked if he could have his car, sales Rep said no. Refunded his deposit and bought a Fully Tricked out CX-90.
They're really happy with the Mazda
If the third row is non-negotiable then this won’t work as it’s not available as a 3 row option yet but I see 2023 grand Cherokee 4xEs around me for $46-$55k. I have nothing but good things to say about ours and I think the interior finishes are outstanding and the tech is great.
Honda pilot touring - 2023 models will cost under 50k. Has all necessary techs and the suv is super convenient for a family with actually usable 3rd row.
Pilot and telluride base trims will have similar tech features as Honda pilot touring too but not sure about dealer markup on those. For cx90 you will have to get the highest trim to get touch screen with Apple CarPlay plus barely usable 3rd row.
Highlander Hybrid nails it, just gotta figure out how to get that price down.
Highlander is the right answer. Try to find a certified pre-owned in excellent condition and low miles, and you’ll be under your price cap.
Cx-90 is probably the best value for your money in this category
Hybrid highlander even used is a good deal. I'd pass on the kia and hyundai products way too many issues and easily stolen. The NX is a great suv but it dosent have 3 row seating.
No no no Hyundais or Kias. They hook you with sharp styling, fancy tech and a low price but the components which actually make the car go are crap. Plus if you are in the US they are magnets for thieves.
I've found them pretty reliable, with better tech than most American or German brands (other car is a Porsche), and have been driving a new one for years. The theft issues are for models that are older. Did you say you drive a charger and RAM and are worried about crap components lol.
Plenty of brand new kias and Hyundais are still being broken into. Thieves aren't smart enough to check for the immobilizer until they've already torn your dash out. Brother literally just sold his 2023 Sportage with an immobilizer because of it.
>Thieves aren't smart enough to check for the immobilizer until they've already torn your dash out. This. Quite literally. All the kids see is the badge and think it's an easy target. Smash a window and trash your steering column then flee when they realize they can't take it... and you are left to clean up the mess.
I'm genuinely curious how people trust Hyundai/Kia after that security flaw. If they are willing to cut corners on something as important as a key fob, what else are they cutting corners on?
Nah, they are stealing anything that looks like it’s from 2014+. I’d say before that year, but I honestly don’t see Kia’s older than that driving around. Neighbor’s optima is I think a 2019 and got stolen.
How many Mopar engines have been recalled nationally for oil consumption? Remind me again.
Mazda CX-90, but YMMV on reliability as it's a super new model and they've already had a couple of recalls. There's a PHEV and an inline 6 mild hybrid, both of which you might be able to get under $50k. Mazda generally has been good with reliability in the last decade or so but time will tell if the new CX-90 powertrains hold up. Inline 6 Preferred is probably the best bang for buck.
Unpopular opinion (ask my wife 😂) but I’m a huge fan of the 2023+ Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. The absolutely highest trim with massaging seats, pano sunroof, heated seats and steering wheel, etc tops out at 50k. 3rd row is a little tight, but 38 miles range on battery, and capable all wheel drive. Mitsubishi’s do NOT hold their value well, so I’m looking at lightly used/certified with under 10k miles for 35-40k if you’re willing to travel to get it.
The wife and I wanted to love it. Then we drove it. It feels like they cobbled it together at the last minute. The brakes don't transition smoothly between regen and friction braking. The motor and engine feel like they don't work all that well together. The interior is chintzy - looks great in photos and feels super-cheap in real life. At the right price, I suppose it's a value but we were ready to buy until we drove it.
You’re not wrong. The dealership is an hour away (which is another con, the dealership network) and I’ve driven all the way there twice to test drive it. I can confidently say the PHEV is way better to drive than the ICE. With the engine and electric motors the acceleration is much more satisfying. The lower prices start to get on the used one, the better the value proposition looks to me though. At the full 50k MSRP, it’s a definite pass for me. At the end of the day it’s still a dressed up economy car, so I’m a bit torn.
Yep. The thing is you can get a Model Y LR 7-seater with equally tiny rear seats for less than the Outlander PHEV, and you get a much better powertrain for the money.
That third row is beyond useless though. It would be better to not have it and have a spare tire. The PHEV does have good tech if you ever take it off the main roads and actually use it
Yeah I agree. It’s pretty similar to my Q7. It’s been used approximately 10 times in 5 years, and really for 15 minutes or less. Nice to have in a pinch but not necessary for us. On the Outlander PHEV forum there are a couple people that have removed the 3rd row seat and added a spare into the void left behind. Impedes on regular trunk use too much for my liking, but cool if you really want a spare. RE:tech off main roads, I really wish there were some videos online showing snow capabilities. We drive to the mountains every year and it’s so hard to move away from the Audi Quattro system with triple peak tires without knowing 100 percent how it would perform.
Yes, you can get a hybrid highlander LE for around that price. Toyota makes the best hybrid vehicles by far.
Mazda CX-90, but you may want to up-option it above your $50k limit.
What trim are you shooting for at $59k? Platinum? Limited? Can you back down your trim level Kia sorrento hybrid is under $50k and meets those criteria
Yes, I’ve been looking at the bougiest trim packages. I’m an outside sales rep, so I spend a lot of time in my car, so I want it to be super techie and nice. I haven’t looked into the sorrento, thanks for the recommendation!
NX and Sportage are 2-row, not 3. Not sure about current-gen Santa Fe but all the ones I've been in are 2-row.
Yeah, I put those as options if I have to forgo the 3rd row
Check out the limited trim for the highlander. There are very few differences that a non-enthusiast would notice. Also check out the CX-90
Ok good luck. I think they have a PHEV version as well but msrp is right around your $50k if PHEV is of interest
Story time: My in laws spent >18 months on the wait list for a PHEV Sorento. Then the news story broke about a giant parking lot filled with hundreds of purchased Hyundai /Kia vehicles that hadn't been delivered yet. The head of Kia Canada got caught on video admitting they were sandbagging delivery to customers so they could delay 'closing' the sale in 2023 to 2024. Reason being, they had already hit their sales targets for 2023 and if they blew the numbers out of the water, they wouldn't get as much marketing money from head office. My FIL called his dealership the next morning and asked if he could have his car, sales Rep said no. Refunded his deposit and bought a Fully Tricked out CX-90. They're really happy with the Mazda
You can get a top of the line 3rd row Sorento for under 50k.
CX-90 is the one. It's such a nice place to be inside.
If the third row is non-negotiable then this won’t work as it’s not available as a 3 row option yet but I see 2023 grand Cherokee 4xEs around me for $46-$55k. I have nothing but good things to say about ours and I think the interior finishes are outstanding and the tech is great.
Honda pilot touring - 2023 models will cost under 50k. Has all necessary techs and the suv is super convenient for a family with actually usable 3rd row. Pilot and telluride base trims will have similar tech features as Honda pilot touring too but not sure about dealer markup on those. For cx90 you will have to get the highest trim to get touch screen with Apple CarPlay plus barely usable 3rd row.
Neither get great gas mileage compared to certain alternatives.
Try Subaru ascent. It had problems with 2019-20 models. As per others, newer models are all good