My daughter drives an 04 RX to college and my son will be driving before long. He wants to be different from his big sis, which is understandable.

With safety and reliability heavily weighted, we are looking at:

2007-2010 Acura MDX
2008-2010 Volvo XC90 (CPO of course)
2009-2011 Honda Pilot
2009-2011 TOyota Highlander
2009 350 Z......Ooooops sorry that what I would get him and borrow all the time.

Which one(s) of these would you purchase for your offspring?

 

If you are a Toyota guy, stick with highlander......

 

How come HE gets a newer vehicle???

Highlander would be my choice, though I would also consider the smaller RAV4. Does he need a big SUV? Bigger is not always safer.

 

I'd actually, if possible, throw the last generation 4Runner into that equation V6 model (if gas is an issue) as it has a very good insurance rating and is arguably one of the best quality Toyota vehicles ever built.

 

Look for something with stability control, etc.

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2...vers/index.htm

 

highlander

 

Save him some embarrassment and do not buy him a girl SUV!

 

They're all fairly close in according to NHTSA testing. All 5 star except for rollover where they're all 4 star. The other exception being that the Highlander is 4 star frontal. What other criteria do you have? Randomly polling isn't the best way to decide. Done any test driving? The driver's comfort (operating it -- not how comfortable the seats, etc are) can be a plus if you're safety minded.

 

If he doesn't want an RX, I would definitely go with an 08-10 Toyota Highlander. He doesn't have to worry about it being a chick car either, just let him put some 20's on it and your in business. Show these pictures to your son and see what he thinks. (Thought I would include a picture of my RX parked next to it for comparison.)

 

Pilot and MDX are definitely manlier than the alternatives, especially the high-tech MDX, although, for a college student, I'd go for the lighter, fuel-saving Highlander. Plus, you have an option of getting a HYBRID Highlander for even a better gas mileage!
I'm torn here since I'm both a Honda and a Toyota guy. I love the Honda/Acura styling, but feel that Toyota are more conservative and reliable.
WIth that being said, after driving the MDX he probably won't want any other of the above. It drives/handles a lot sportier than others and the dash board is from a space ship! Yea!
I would NOT recommend an XC90 - poor reliability and even worse resale value!!!
Hope this helps.

 

I wouldn't recommend an XC90 either. Way too many problems.

 

I'm about your sons age and honestly, I would probably get a 4runner. I'm fairly positive they come with stability control, don t they? Even if they don't, they are super reliable, and very safe.