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Yeah, we have a CX-3 too, and been reliable, not a single repair. Only complaint is that once in a while the blind spot monitor thinks something is there that isn’t.Quote:
Originally Posted by aragon
Had a Protege 5 that had no issues at all either.
Had a Mazdaspeed Protege that had issues with pretty much everything that made it a Mazdaspeed, but that wasn’t developed by Mazda themselves, and was low volume for US only, so I don’t take that as being representative.
Sorry if you've already addressed this, but has Honda sorted the transmission problems on the Pilot? My mom has owned a 2016 limited since new and the transmission has been nothing but trouble, I think ~80k on hers right now. She has done multiple flushes/controller resets/etc. through the dealership but seems resigned to live with it. Shifting from 2 -> 3 is absolute garbage. I would agree that the Honda interior is better thought out than the Toyota interior.
If you are planning on any sort of city driving the instant torque from the electric AWD in the hybrid Toyota makes a huge difference.
I have a Honda Ridgeline with the 9-speed ZF transmission. It shifts a little weird, but internet anecdotal data suggests it's reliable. The 6-speed Honda-built transmission in the earlier ones is reportedly trouble prone.
I assume any other Honda product with the same engine, like a Pilot, Passport, etc, has the same issues.
Nice. And that's good to hear about the airbags - last I looked, they hadn't released them yet for the hybrid. So yeah, I'll probably end up copying your setup. Thanks for the tip!Quote:
Originally Posted by Yonder_River
These are the airbags I used. There are other brands I'm sure but most in the sienna forums we're using this one. They definitely work on AWD even though it doesn't say it in the specifications. Near the gas cap is the best place to route the inflation tube.Quote:
Originally Posted by toast2266
Firestone W237604155 Coil-Rite Kit https://a.co/d/eJV4wmB
I think this was mostly resolved with more recent models. I'm more concerned about the "infotainment" system which has given a lot of people problems.Quote:
Originally Posted by ghosthop
^ wifey has a 2019 Ridgeline approaching 45K miles. No issues with transmission. Interior on Hondas is far superior to Toyotas even at the higher trim specs. Hondas just drive better too. The infotainment system is slow af. Seems to have Commodore 64 tech (with better graphics). No "problems" other than growing old waiting for screens to change.
Honda seems to use wildly different infotainment systems across their vehicles. The Accord has a really nice head unit, vs the one in my Ridgeline that is pretty dated, but it functions fine - there are just a lot of better ones out there.
Some of them lacked a volume knob, and just used a touchscreen slider for volume - those were annoyingly difficult to adjust while driving.
Sound quality is acceptable, not great, in mine. I haven't changed anything on the stereo - I may try changing the tweeters, as the sound seems kind of harsh to me, and internet discussion says tweeters make a good difference on these.
I'm not picky about my infotainment experience or anything. I just want bluetooth that works every time and radio. There was a lawsuit and recall along with many horror stories regarding the infotainment system in Pilots, Passports and Odysseys. As always it is hard to know how common the problem. The internet amplifies this kind of thing.
I have a 2017 Honda Stepwagon minivan, fwiw. The infotainment is rarely used for anything other than a conduit for my phone. The GPS never gets used. Again, phone. It's nice for hands-free phone calls, and sometimes I watch the TV during sports tournaments, but frankly, I'm of the belief that all infotainment systems become obsolete fairly quickly. Just as quickly as phones. Also, all car controls should be on the steering wheel at this point. My stereo buttons and sensor options are on the wheel, but my heating/AC should be, too.
With paddle shifters, thumb toggles, index finger buttons, ring finger buttons, my phone magnetized to the dash to my side, I don't even know why we have infotainment systems anymore. Everything should be right in front of me and tactile. Touch screens that I have to reach out to are annoying.
Also, Honda Sensing got worse in version 2. I have version 1 and it's subtle. I think they're on version 3 as of 2022 or 2023. Version 2 is too aggressive, the lane-stay almost won't allow the driver to switch lanes in an emergency, and the front sensor for emergency braking is downright dangerously aggressive, constantly slamming on the brakes if you're within 50 feet of anything. Hopefully ver3 is better. Test that if you're going Honda Sensing. Still appreciate my version 1, though.
We just went through this in late ‘21. Started looking at xc90 but decided the maintenance was going to be a challenge (live in a remote area). Then peaked at; telluride, pilot, cx9, and highlander. And the mdx…forgot about that.
Telluride was our fave but the thing was loaded with features. On a first gen car we had a hard time with that. Plus they’re like 50k. For a fucking Kia.
Then went through the others….drove them all. Some for multiple days. Mdx was too small and had no captains seat option at the time. Same for the pilot I think. Pilot was also sorta pricey and wasn’t getting awesome reviews. So we moved to the Highlander figuring all prices equal, get the yota. Highlander was a great option but we actually found the ascent had more space in the 3rd row, did better on fuel, and was quite a bit cheaper.
Ended with the ascent. 30k miles so far and it’s fine. I don’t love it, but I don’t think I would’ve loved anything that we were looking at unless it was a bmw or a Volvo. Im a snot I guess. They’re just all built for function, which I appreciate. The ascent is functional and was reasonably priced. I’d not write it off since they’re all watered down imo. Drives like a car with space like a suv. And bomber in the snow, and we drive in the snow almost daily here.
Side note I kinda wanted a Pacifica but wifey said no way she’s driving a van.
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Tangent rant: all stereo controls should be on the left side of the steering wheel (on left hand drive cars). My current and previous car both have 4 different ways I can adjust volume or skip a track with my right hand, and zero ways to do that with my left hand. And I'm usually a only-the-left-hand-on-the-wheel kind of guy.Quote:
Originally Posted by gaijin
I think I've decided. Looking for a low mileage 17-19 Highlander Hybrid with leatherish seats and as few other features as as possible. There are good deals on low mileage used Pilots right now, and I prefer it to the Highlander, but there are a lot more Pilot owners complaining about their cars than Highlander owners. No doubt it is a small but vocal minority, but more than anything else I want this car to be utilitarian and easy to own. If I sell it in 3 three years to buy an EV it should still be worth plenty. And if I drive it into the ground like I did my Volvo it should handle that better than just about anything. Like justcuz said, none of these cars are exciting. I just want to ski, fish, bike, roadtrip and not worry about the car. Plus it burns less gas. And my younger kid won't be too big for the 3rd for for a loooooooong time.
Smart move me thinks. Good luck with the search.Quote:
Originally Posted by I've seen black diamonds!
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Highlander is a great choice. My father in law has been informed we'll most likely be buying his 22 Highander Hybrid when he is ready to trade. It is a comfortable ride. Nothing spectacular. Typical Toyota.
The decision is also framed by the experience we have had with our Prius V, which other than routine maintenance and a radiator/condensor from a deer strike, has only needed a front wheel bearing, new front sway bar bushings, and I had to replace the upper brake LED the other day ($71 aftermarket). 11 years old and 245k.
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We are liking our Highlander hybrid. I can't stand the climate control system, but otherwise no major complaints. We did LE trim and put on some rugged seat covers.
^^^^ How has the AWD system been? That's my lingering concern.
Edit to add. What seat covers? How are they?
We have a 2021 Sienna AWD (hybrid, platinum) and the thing FUCKS so hard. Best car in snow I've ever driven. The AWD is legit at both low and freeway speeds.
Also best roadtrip vehicle ever. 30++ mpg, totally chill cruising at 90+.
My only complaint is that my wife doesn't let me drive it on a daily basis so I'm stuck in the Tacoma.
Big highlander recall yesterday, 814,000 btwn 2020 and 2023MY. Apparently they used "resin" to glue the back bumpers on and they might fall off pretty easily. Of course the remedy is to add more glue, but I'd insist on nuts and bolts.
Very jealous of you awd hybrid sienna people. I have a slightly older lifted FWD one which just great for adventuring but it does get stuck going up snowy/icy hills, even with chains. Some day...Quote:
Originally Posted by RootSkier
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Coverking 2 Rows Genuine Neoprene Wetsuit Custom Fit Seat Covers from costco.com for $300. A little warm, but holding up really well (3 kids under 8).Quote:
Originally Posted by I've seen black diamonds!
Awd system seems great so far. Obviously not for legit off-road, but it got me out of a gumbo mud road that I accidentally went down. Did well on packed snow with a few inches of new snow up a steep switch back logging road, figured out best to let the traction control do the work. Icy highways and fresh snow stormy highways seem to do great. And I still have the so-so original tires. I like that the rear wheels are all electric so not wasting MPGs when not needed.
Pros/cons between current awd hybrid sienna vs Highlander?
Our 2006 fwd sienna with 150k miles is still going strong. Gremlins are fairy minimal and engine and suspension/steering systems are all working well. It’s permanently grubby and it’s body has been abused nicely. Plastic interior stuff is wearing out.
I think it is the exact same system. For sure the same cvt.
https://www.motortrend.com/features/...arison?slide=4
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We just rented the Pacifica for five days. Other than being a big old beast for two people that we didn’t need. (We wanted the smallest car they rent, but they gave us a choice between the Pacifica and an F150.) It’s a great car. Made us miss our old Honda Odyssey, which is basically identical. Solid, fast, quiet and they make an all-wheel-drive version.
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We returned 2 Chrysler minivans under the Lemon Law in 2 different states. Worst vehicles we ever owned. Seemed great when new but developed unfixable problems in the first 20,000 miles.
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Rented a hybrid Pacifica last summer. The infotainment required a hard reboot a few times in the week we had it. The drivers assist systems were borderline dangerous. It couldn't keep a preset distance from the vehicle in front and when you tried to pass on a two lane it would slam on the brakes when you were along side the vehicle you were trying to pass. It was a hot mess.
RE: Midsize SUV's
We went down the same road a few months ago but have been looking for the last two years. Our short list included the same vehicles and we settled on the VW Atlas and picked up a loaded '19 with low miles. It just does everything well. Every button, switch and lever is exactly where you expect it to be and does exactly what you need. The 12 speaker Fender audio sounds amazing and the sunroof is the size of an aircraft carrier. It handles well, has adequate power, and is massive inside. We were coming from a Discovery 2, so a pogo stick would probably have felt like an improvement. We've put about 5K miles on it and have had no complaints or problems. I threw some Falken Wildpeak A/T3W's on it and it absolutely slaughtered the snow. I've made some adjustments to it with OBD11 and did a resonator delete to let the VR6 sing. Highly recommend.
We've had the awd hybrid sienna for a few years now. Never owned the highlander, but test drove it when we were shopping. I didn't like how the highlander drove at all. Felt like a big sloppy vehicle with shitty body roll and vague handling. Sienna (somewhat surprisingly) handles much, much better. Sienna also feels like about the same size vehicle, but has a massive increase in space compared to the highlander. Sienna can fit *a lot* of shit inside.Quote:
Originally Posted by bodywhomper
My gripes about the sienna: the back end is low and the rear springs are soft. A bike rack on the back grinds pretty often. A lift kit and some airbags are in our future. I also really dislike the brakes, which I think is just a hybrid thing with the regenerative braking. They're not predictable; the same foot pressure yields different results on different presses. Not sure if that is the case for other Toyota hybrids. The infotainment is mediocre, but that's par for the course. My sienna also came stock with whining children in the back. Not sure if the highlander includes those.
^^^Might want to have them look at brakes, that sounds odd.
I agree sienna drives better than Highlander, and that is what I wanted to get, but wife didn't want something that long as a daily driver.
Drove a 2020 MDX today. Wanted to drive one since I liked he Pilot and the MDX has fewer transmission and infotainment complaints. The suspension/ handling was pretty darn dialed for a big car, easily better than the Pilot or Highlander. It was as smooth over bumps as the Highlander but cornered at least as well as the Pilot. And while it shares a transmission with the Pilot the shifting was much better. Most cars I've driven that have an auto with 8+ gears have some weird shifts now and then. The MDX did not. The interior is notably nicer than the Pilot but it also gives up 3rd row and cargo space for the sake of styling. Interior space is more like the Highlander. The two screen infotainment thing was confusing but worked fine. It is not a good design at all. Won't bother me. My wife will hate it.
Oddly, 2019-2020 MDX's seem to be a bit cheaper than Pilots around here, and much cheaper than Highlanders. And the one I drove today was immaculate. I might but it, especially since finding a Hybrid Highlander in good shape at a decent price looks... difficult.
^ My daughter has an MDX and absolutely loves it. She can be a picky snot sometimes and she has no complaints whatsoever. She traded whatever the Lexus smaller SUV is and she says the difference is night and day. I know Toyota has a lot of phanbois but my take is that Honda products are just better from a driving perspective.
Does she have a roof box that can hold long skis? Now I'm going down the hole of figuring out hatch clearance.Quote:
Originally Posted by MyNameIsAugustWest
I'm guessing that all MDXs in recent years will have a power hatch. Those can be set at a limit on opening height - which allows you to limit the hatch from hitting a roof box. On your next test drive, see what that's like for access under the hatch when stopped at rocketbox height.Quote:
Originally Posted by I've seen black diamonds!
^^^^ You cannot adjust the tailgate height on the 3rd gen MDX. Also living with a tailgate that doesn't open higher than my head is a no go for me. A roof box will be on the car more often than not. I use it for waders, boots and skis pretty much weekly.Quote:
Originally Posted by El Chupacabra
There is an Inno box that fits on the factory bars and holds 189cm skis, or so they say. That would just barely fit my current skis, but I've certainly owned longer and may again. I'll bet there is a way to make a longer box work though. I contacted a couple of the big car rack sellers to ask about solutions.
Well, I just heard back from etrailer. Apparently this thing fits on the factory bars and fits 192's: https://www.etrailer.com/p-MPG902.html
Never heard of Malone Cargo boxes before. Looks fine I guess.
Sorry for the delay and it looks like you found what you need. She doesn’t ski any more. Decided to not follow in my footsteps (skiing instead of going to class) and hasn’t skied since HS. She is a PA now and makes north of $175K in teh upstate’s. Still not convinced I was wrong.
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I thought all motorized hatch gates could be adjusted to limit opening. Oops.
Quote:
Originally Posted by I've seen black diamonds!
Looks like you can?Quote:
Originally Posted by El Chupacabra
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmfBIrBRDvo
Not the 2020, which is what I've been looking at.Quote:
Originally Posted by Touring_Sedan
Drove another car. Did some more math. Did some more thinking about what my kids and dog would do to real leather seats vs leatherette. Reflected on what I really want to get out of this car. I considered how the complicated 2-screen infotainment cluster on the MDX would piss my wife off endlessly. I really like that MDX, but I'm going with 2020 Highlander hybrid. Still need to get it checked over by a mechanic.
In addition to the above, my decision came down to this.
-The better gas mileage of the current gen Highlander Hybrid (around 33 mpg in real driving) will almost certainly make up for the fact that it costs more than the the MDX (21 mpg) and 3rd gen Highlander Hybrid (26 mpg). I also just care about burning less gas.
-I think the Highlander will hold up to abuse better than the MDX. The seats, for sure, will be more durable, but it also has fewer unnecessary electronic bits, more utilitarian carpet, a generally more burly (if less appealing) interior build, and fewer shiny trim bits than can break off. The MDX would be a much nicer car to start off, but few years down the road I think it would be the other way around. I loved our XC70 because it was incredibly reliable (yeah, I was probably lucky), and stood up to a ton of abuse. I'm confident the Highlander will do this better than the MDX
-The Pilot is more utilitarian than the MDX, but at least around here I'm seeing better deals on the MDX. I'll bet there are just more MDX's coming off leases. Plus the Pilot is notably bigger in the back which will matter to some folks.
-The MDX is undoubtedly a better car to drive than the Highlander. This almost swayed me. But it's still giant crossover. Even compared to my mom's unremarkable X3 the MDX feels cumbersome and dull. I ended up driving her car a bit this week and it made the advantage the MDX has over the Highlander in this area feel a good bit less consequential.
Anyway, hopefully the car checks out.
Wait,you’re using logic over emotion? This is not the way….
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