BUYER'S GUIDE - LARGE SUVS

 #1 - KIA TELLURIDE 🏆

      The Kia Telluride is the best SUV in the world. That's not even a hot take, it's just plain obvious. People are noticing too, as a Telluride barely rolls off the transport truck before someone snatches it up. What is the reason for all of the madness surrounding Kia's new 8-seater? Because it is superb at everything a large SUV should do. Whether it be everyday functionality, Land Rover-esque style, sumptuous luxury, incredible value, or well-tuned handling, nothing else comes remotely close. The excellent Telluride is joined by a very select group of cars I would recommend to family or friends, and an even equally selective group of vehicles that have earned 10/10 ratings from the highly credible Car&Driver magazine. It's peers? Oh, only some Porsches, McLarens, and the legendary Jeep Wrangler, Honda Accord, and Volkswagen Golf. Kia has made something special here, clearly.

     Since it burst onto the scene in 2019, it has blown away all the major publications, as evidenced by it's MotorTrend  SUV Of the Year Award, 2 consecutive years in Car&Driver's 10Best, NACOTY's Car Of The Year, and ALG's Innovative Design Of The Year, to name a few. It's just that good. Not to mention the value aspect: the Kia is only $31K. That is outrageously inexpensive for something so ridiculously luxurious. I kid you not when I say the Telluride has an interior that is just as good, if not better, as the ones you will find on a Lincoln, Lexus, Jaguar, BMW, etc... If you want an insanely competent, luxurious, attractive SUV, but didn't buy Crypto in 2009, the Kia Telluride (Yes, Kias are competent, so get over any pre-conceived notions you might have) is for you. 

#2 - HYUNDAI PALISADE

  Mechanically identical to the Telluride, the Palisade showcases the same competence as its brother, although it has several small issues that land it in second place. If you can get over the questionable fascia, a slighter higher price, and a loud cabin, then the Hyundai Palisade will surely satisfy you and your needs. Like the Kia, the Hyundai boasts a lavish cockpit, ornamented with beautiful wood and leather, both organically sourced. The big Palisade makes a respectable 24 combined mpg, which ranks higher than competitors such as the Honda Pilot. Although the Hyundai is a phenomenal SUV, it is so similar to the Kia, there really is no reason to buy it over the admittedly superior Telluride.

#3 - MAZDA CX-9

    Although the handsome Mazda CX-9 is by no means better than the Kia Telluride, it is probably more fun than the Kia, and that alone interests a lot of people. The CX-9, despite being a respectable option, comes down to this: It looks great, it drives great, but fails where competitors succeed. There is no excuse for a 3-row crossover having a lack of space. Also not impressive is its subpar transmission, it's overall lack of value, or it's uncomfortable cabin. 

      Still, it is a beautiful SUV, it has a beautiful interior, and it drives like a Miata, albeit after putting on some pounds during the pandemic. If you absolutely need to go fast in your 8-seater, go for it. 

#4 - SUBARU ASCENT

    If I had to describe the enormous Subaru Ascent in one woird, it would be "Unremarkable". If you look at the definition of the word, "Not particularly interesting" then you will see an accurate description of the Ascent. Besides the fact that the Subie has 19 cupholders, the Ascent is a very uneventful experience. Solid, reliable, and competent, but not a very exciting vehicle. Unlike the Mazda, Kia, and Hyundai, the Ascent does not make a compelling case for itself, subsequently falling to the #4 place. 

#5 - VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS

   The Volkswagen Atlas is a big (literally and figuratively) success from the German giant. Although it most definitely is not the best in the segment, it does represent a considerable step forward. It sold close to 200K units over the last 3 years, which makes it, on the face of it, a very valuable part of the VW lineup. While I wouldn't necessarily recommend the Atlas, I absolutely wouldn't criticize those who buy it. Not everything is world class, but the Atlas is solid enough. 

#6 - HONDA PILOT

Not unlike the Toyota below, the Honda Pilot is relatively good, bar from sorry driving dynamics. On top of that, the transmission is also a trip to the dealer for service waiting to happen. Unfortunate, as Honda have been getting a lot right as of late.

#7 - TOYOTA HIGHLANDER

Although it looks relatively good, it's super-safe, and it's efficient, a tight cabin and lazy driving dynamics hold the Highlander back from a higher spot. Still, for last place, it really isn’t horrible at all.