Family member has an old (2001 I believe) Toyota Highlander and is looking for something of similar size. The new Highlander is much bigger than the first generation so it is out of the running. I was thinking of recommending the Mazda CX-5, Kia Sorento, and possibly the last model year Toyota Venza (discontinued, I know). 4Runner is too "truck-like" so it is out also.

For someone wanting a similarly-sized vehicle with an emphasis on ride quality (quiet), reliability, safety, and minor technology (back-up cam is a must) - what other things can I recommend they check out? They will likely buy new or maybe 1-2 years old and keep this vehicle well outside of warranty period so reliability and cost of ownership is really important.

Thanks,

 

Hard to believe that these these two brands will be still kicking 16 years from now like the Highlander you are planning to trade in.

 

If ride quality is important, check out a Kia Sorento. Well-built, comfortable, and at least fairly reliable. Has a 5/60 Bumper-to-Bumper warranty. Has a 10/100 warranty on the drivetrain, but Kia and Hyundai have one quirk with that......if there is second owner outside the immediate family (sister, brother, mother, father), the drivetrain warranty reverts to 5/60. The 10/100 applies only to the original owner and/or immediate family. You may also like the way that the Subaru Outback rides and handles.

 

One obvious choice is the Honda CR-V. The new one won Motor Trend SUV of the year. Previous model is also good and good pricing on 1-2 year old ones being traded on new.
Steve

 

The Highlander is roughly the same size as the Sorrento. Better MPG as well with more power and options, and capacity. Better resale as well. Hyundai/KIA are not exactly on the same level playing field as Toyota or Honda.

 

I thought about this one but hadn't researched it much- I felt it may compete with the Rav 4 which size-wise I'd say is pretty perfect, but the ride quality (on the Rav4) is not really up to the standard she's looking for. You think CR-V is a better ride (smoother, less road noise)?

 

Not sure I agree here. I think looking at brand new cars they are absolutely on the same playing field, if not a notch above in certain cases. However it's hard to predict how the build quality and reliability will look 5, 10 and 15 years from now. That's a known factor (in a positive way) for Toyota and Honda.

 

Good info and thanks for recommendation on the Outback. Wouldn't have thought about that but it may be a great option to consider.

 

CR-V is great all-around, with a better ride than the RAV4. But for road noise, the new CX-5 is notably quieter than most of the mainstream brand Compact Crossovers at the moment.

Outback, as recommended by mmarshall, is also really well done, with some good tweaks for 2018 to improve ride/handling, as well as huge update to the radio/nav infotainment systems.

2016+ Sorento, as you're already considering, is also really well done with lots of tech and features for the money, especially in the SX and SX Limited trims. I feel they're almost a goldilocks in terms of size if you don't really need a 3rd row (which based on the consideration set, you don't).

The Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is a little older, but also recently received good updates for tech/safety.

Nissan Murano would be quiet and comfortable, with available backup camera and nissan-pioneered 360 cam, but it's a little outdated compared to Sorento/Outback/Santa Fe Sport/CX-5.

Ford Edge is another 2 row crossover that would fit in with this competitive set.

 

so many choices... comes down to budget really.
of course i recommend a jeep grand cherokee. My '15 has been excellent and definitely quiet.

 

How about a Chevrolet Equinox?

 

The Equinox has a lot going for it (and, although it doesn't affect the car's reliability, the choice of a lot of interesting paint colors). But it is all-new this year, for 2018, and could (?) have some teething problems.

 

How about a late 3rd generation RX350? Nice size, great ride, and reliable.

 

 

Personally I like the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Looks great, quiet, refined, nice interior(how nice depends on what you spend), plus I like that it does truck things. Goes off road, low range in the transfer case, has good approach/departure angles, etc, has a great tow rating with both the V6 and V8. Main thing it just feels substantial going down the road, the way it drives/cruises. I also like the wide range of trims, engines, and options, I think this truck has the widest spread in price of any car for sale now, $35,000ish starting out to $100,000 for the 707hp Track-hawk version.

If you want to stick to something Japanese and more like what they had before, new RX350(or CPO if they find the new one too ugly or expensive). I also like the Mazda CX-5 or CX-7 or the Honda CR-V if they are more on a budget. Acura RDX is a good option as well, has that nice Honda V6 and isn't as pricey as the Lexus RX.