Nobody asked but here's my favs from OP's list in post #1.

1: Mercedes
2: Volvo phev
3: Bmw X7

What's yours?

 

Watching reviews tonight. I think the right vehicle on the merits really is the TX550h+. It ticks all the boxes, issue would be getting one and the very unattractive lease deals because of its scarcity. Going to the TX500h loses the PHEV and that would drive us to really consider a much more affordable loaded hybrid Grand Highlander or many other vehicles like Palisades etc.

The TX is larger than the XC90 inside which is important. In talking to her the PHEV or EV is really important to her, going back to no fill. EV driving to her feels like a big step back.

Grand Highlander etc wouldn’t give her the pizazz we’re looking for though. She had an open house today at a $1.7M house and she took the S580 lol.

 

Custom order an X7 and get it in ~4 weeks or better yet do a PCD delivery.

The other choices are not even close unless you really want an EV.

 

X7 is kind of tight inside, and no PHEV. I would choose the GLS over the X7 for space alone but I'd rather not spend that much and we really want a PHEV.

 

Go with the TX 550H+

If we don’t buy another X7, the TX 550H+ would be the next option especially now that it has a pano roof. And if the 550h+ wins out I will go wherever it’s located (nationwide hunt) to bring it home. Good luck whatever you decide.

 

Issue is TX550h+ is more to lease than an X7 and about the same as a GLS despite being $15k cheaper. So, while it ticks the boxes on paper financially it doesn't make a lot of sense since the X7 and GLS are better cars for the money. So...I'd have to buy the TX but since we're not going to keep it beyond 3-4 years regardless the payment is really the focus, and it just makes more sense to get the GLS for the same monthly outlay

 

toyota/lex is such a pain in the *** with this ****... by the time you're actually getting the spec/trim worth having there's suddenly no more 'good value' when it comes to comparisons with the german cars (and they lease terribly)

from what i've read the TX pretty much sucks unless you get that 550h+ trim, i've yet to see anyone be pleased with the TX 350, but i KNOW that regardless of powertrain no TX is ever driving as nice as a GLE/S so if there's no longer savings from it i'd say GLS is the move here

 

What is the benefit of PHEV if you’re buying a 3row SUV?

The fuel economy savings are minimal and I doubt you care about the cost anyway. 🤷‍♂️

The only true 3row SUVs that have great room are American ones like Navigator, Escalade, Grand Wagoneer etc. Toyota Sequoia maybe?

 

If Rivian is still in the mix, just note how close/far a service center is from you in the event there are issues. My buddy here just got rid of his (2023 I believe) because he kept having issues - the service center was in Miami and just a constant pain for him having to deal with the logistics of that. The newer ones may be better, but he had a handful of different problems and just wasn't willing to tolerate it anymore. That may have been different if he lived 15-30 minutes from a service center. But they are sparse.

And since Rivian was initially listed and is 100% EV, what about the Cadillac Vistiq? I think those are really nice and they have the 3rd row and can seat 7 I believe.

 

The TX is pretty basic inside compared to GLS/x7.
The driving dynamics and engine can’t compare to BMW/MB.

 

Well if you do sell the TX in 4 yrs or so, it will likely retain its value, especially given its rarity. Heck you might get more than you owe, especially if you sell to Carvana. I'm sure you already know that but not so deep down inside you want the GLS and wants to justify it. Just get what your heart desires instead of buying the backup and then complain about it later.

 

yea with toyota it's either a variation of the camry platform or an old truck frame... always annoyed me that they've never bothered to compete with an actual FR layout legit unibody SUV like the GLE or X5

 

And the scarcity issue with Toyota products is maddening. Rav4 Prime also had that issue some years back. Why can't they produce the volume?

 

well for one, a big way toyota revolutionized car manufacturing is with their just-in-time production system so the goal was always to avoid excess inventory piling up... but also they seem to focus their efforts on the models that sell quickly, since the more expensive trims that we enthusiast types like will never sell enough to pay the bills

now idk how much covid and the chip shortage has an effect on any of this, but my parents had to wait AWHILE for their GLE450 so i'm not sure if it's just a toyota specific problem

 

The number of rows doesn't change the benefit of the PHEV. What we like is the around town EV driving and the ability to not have to worry about recharging on trips. Not about cost, she likes the all electric driving.

The big BOF SUVs are too big. Most of the vehicles we're looking at have plenty of room.

We have a Rivian center just down the road actually. Definitely will consider the Vistiq.

Its a family vehicle. If I were buying a 3 row for myself I would buy an X7. I'm only going to drive this every once and a while and on trips.

Honestly I would be just as happy with the TX550h+ if it were cheaper to lease, all things equal I would want the GLS but I'd rather not pay that much. So, if I'm going to pay that much anyways may as well get the GLS. I wish there were more PHEV options in the mainstream sector.

If they made a PHEV Grand Highlander that would be an easy choice.