SUV recommendation

[Melanie]

I'm posting for my parents...they are looking to replace their Suburban with something newer and with better gas mileage.

These are the requirements/wishes:

Needs to seat at least 7. (to haul 5 adult sized people & 2 car seats)
4wd a must (this will actually be taken off road)
storage isn't absolutly critical, but need some room
good gas mileage
good safety rating (I'm adding this to the list since my kids will be in it)
decent price would be nice

Most likely will buy new, but newer is an option too.

I know that's a lot for any one vehicle to do. Any suggestions?

[Loves2sing]

Suggest a Mazdo CX-9. They don't have 4 wheel drive, but you can get it with AWD. They are super nice, and have a lot of power. It seats 7, and has a ton of leg room! If we were in the market for an SUV, that is what we would buy. That is also what we sent my inlaws to get! And for a girl standpoint, they have AWESOME colour options!

[Jeanum]

I'm not sure how truly off-road capable it would be, but I would check out the Saturn Outlook (http://www.saturn.com/saturn/vehicles/outlook/overview.jsp) or its corporate twins, the GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave. They're roomy crossover vehicles capable of seating 7 or 8 passengers depending on the seating options selected, have good crash scores, and optional AWD. Consumer Reports, who is notoriously prone to bashing Saturn and GM models, just gave the Outlook a very glowing review in their newest issue.

[DaniCPST]

Acura MDX:love:

[solmama]

Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot

[twokidstwodogs]

Subaru Tribeca, 7-passenger model. It's an IIHS top safety pick, and gets a G on rear crash protection. And Subaru's AWD system is absolutely top-notch; much better than what you find on most SUVs. I don't know how many seating positions have LATCH, but Subaru does allow LATCH to 60 lbs, which is nice.

[southpawboston]

unfortunately the subaru tribeca gets only 16 mpg city and 21 hwy. :(

[jen_nah]

Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot

Have you sat in the 3rd row of a Highlander or Pilot? Not something I would even put my kids in esp if they are in carseats.

[jen_nah]

I'm not sure how truly off-road capable it would be, but I would check out the Saturn Outlook (http://www.saturn.com/saturn/vehicles/outlook/overview.jsp) or its corporate twins, the GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave. They're roomy crossover vehicles capable of seating 7 or 8 passengers depending on the seating options selected, have good crash scores, and optional AWD. Consumer Reports, who is notoriously prone to bashing Saturn and GM models, just gave the Outlook a very glowing review in their newest issue.

This my vote too. The 3rd row is extremely room. My dh (6'2") & myself sat in the 3rd row of the Acadia we had for 4 days and it was very comfortable for us.