Some may not value maintenance and reliability and find it boring, but people in this segment are very cost conscious and don’t have time for downtime (most daycares charge $1 per minute past pickup time). Toyota and Honda provide competitive performance and specs with a high degree of execution and reliability. VW is cool but cool don’t pickup kids and haul groceries when it’s -20 degrees... look at all the forums with VW cold start problems. Honda and Toyota... starts all day long even if it’s -40 and has over 150k miles. Now that’s cool.
Personally, I think if I was spending $45K on a midsize 3-row crossover SUV, it would be a Sorento SXL with that 290 hp V6. Way more premium amenities, I think its the most stylish, it has a six-speed auto still which is great for reliability, not to mention a long warranty. To me, the Atlas may be premium driving, but it looks old just looking at the boxy, 1995 Chevy Tahoe styling. Plus, for what VW charges still, it looks so austere to me. They've really been cheapening out on many of their vehicles except the Golf.
Also note that the Sorento is going for way below sticker price. I was thinking the about it but I simply didn't fit into the driver's seat (I'm about 6'5"). The headrest dug into my shoulder and couldn't be adjusted enough to work at all. Ended up in a base CX-9. 3rd Row is small, but it's just for once in awhile, so the Mazda really had no big drawbacks.
The Sorento looks like a fake Highlander in disguise. Especially the black one, I currently own a 2017 black Highlander and mostly mistaken the Sorento as the Highlander specifically from the taillights.
VW seem to understand what Americans has always liked; bigger is better. A decent SUV but it almost looks like a cargo truck, but again that seems to what make it sell.
Should've mentioned the hybrid version of the Highlander as well. For that generation it had the V6 which was almost as fast as the non-hybrid version, while getting significantly better fuel economy (28mpg combined) and being ultra smooth without start-stop ever being annoying.
I don't agree for the pilot to win last year. For me, it has the most unappealing look. This time it's even more disagreeable to me. I guess, my criteria is much different than the participants here.
@@caliboyrob All of these are essentially shortened and lifted minivans (and I say that as a positive, minivans have lots of interior space for their size from extremely efficient packaging).
I guess the way you guys shop for a car is much different than how I make my decisions. I also heavily factor in reliability, not just short term but long term. In the absence of data on a new model I will lean on the data from previous models from that manufacturer. Another very important consideration is resale, a value retention. I suspect your top two choices will depreciate rapidly. The final consideration will be crash test, if it scores poorly it's out of the running regardless. I absolutely consider driving dynamics, appearance, and ergonomics. Fuel economy gets thrown in. Where is your consideration of the other factors that I and many other buyers weigh quite heavily in a vehicle purchase?
VW is the ugliest and reliability is big question on all VWs... I will go for Toyota Highlander for the best looking and known reliability. I did not choose Honda Pilot because of unappealing style. VW is the last choice and rank on my book!
I'd go for Toyota Highlander too but only because of the hybrid model. I personally think the Pilot is the ugliest and I think the VW interior is very nice. The Chevy is pretty nice too.
I’ll take highlander anyway. In my opinion it’s the best looking and definitely reliable. The pilot would be my second choice cause of styling. I love the 1st gen pilot but Honda needs to change the looks of it. VW? I’d stay away!!!
Volkswagen? Interesting choice, I’d say. I wouldn’t consider it since the fact it’s a Volkswagen with spotty reliability and quality. I would head for a Highlander or Traverse out of these 4. But truly, I would spend $45k on a Hyundai Santa Fe.
Some may not value maintenance and reliability and find it boring, but people in this segment are very cost conscious and don’t have time for downtime. Toyota and Honda provide competitive performance and specs combined with a high degree of execution and reliability. VW is cool but cool don’t pickup kids and haul groceries when it’s -20 degrees... look at all the forums with VW cold start problems. Honda and Toyota... starts all day long even if it’s -40 and has over 150k miles. Now that’s cool.
Honestly, I never like VW before I drive one. It was stable and strong ride then Toyota. I used to own Toyota and Honda but if I can choose VW is my top pick.
They picked the VW because of the multimedia screen? Huh? Least powerful engine and fuel economy? Weird! Almost seems like you should reverse the results.
LOL. No wonder Motorweek continues to lag. I have been a viewer for over 30+ years but now in the UA-cam era, these guys are out of date and dead wrong. The two bottoms, Honda and Toyota, are clearly the winners to their new owners and post used owners.
The front end of the VW is just bland. The headlights like morph into the grill and it doesn’t stand out. Also the vw looks like an old Mitsubishi Endeavor from the side
No mention about trailer hauling capability? I guess MW assumes that potential buyers of these vehicles won't be towing anything with them. The progressive urban mentality is well in play here.
Funny how the end of the video claims that this segment is no longer defined by roominess/space, yet that was precisely the top acclaim of the VW Atlas smh
I’m shocked that the Traverse didn’t have 4-wheel drive. Then again, it shows what SUV’s have devolved into: glorified plastic station wagons that probably wouldn’t be able to survive off-road.
Ian V. Raybeck nobody needs 4x4 off road capable SUVs that get 14 MPG. All most folks need is AWD for bad weather. I️ just bought a 2017 Pathfinder. Has a 3rd row and plenty of truck space. That trend is over.
TheManInDboX yes I️ forgot about the 4 Runner. The simple truth is, it’s just a waste of money and a higher maintenance big for owners. If you’re into that stuff, go ahead but most Americans have no use for it. I️ need more room for our newborn because strollers and car seats are massive nowadays.
TheManInDboX it’s really not that big of a difference between my F150 and our AWD Outlander Sport in the snow we had before we just bought the pathfinder. Vans are not cheaper and do not offer AWD. Nobody wants a damn van anyway! The pathfinder is great and we only have 1 child, not 3 or 4.
I am in the market for a midsize 3 row SUV and most of the time found all these reviews useless or irrelevant. These so call auto experts are out of touch with what average people care about the reviews. Their ranking don't mean be jack squad. Every family has something they considered the most important feature they want, so it is pretty much very subjective. Guess I am a sucker hoping I can find reviews somewhere that can help me but so far none is helpful. What I really wanted to see on reviews are features and highlights of each models (mpg, size, tech, options, etc), that's it, don't care about ranking, how it drive, performance. End up doing my own research and check them out in person to decide. For example, my family decided space, captain chair at 2nd row & 3 seats on 3rd row is what we want. That quickly narrow down our choices to only 3, Traverse, Highlander & Pilot. Of the 3 highlander eliminated immediately, the interior space of that SUV is pathetic, so small and tight that I can't understand why all these experts gave it a good review. Space is like one of the most important thing if you need for a 3 row SUV, and Highlander failed miserably. Then comes Pilot, don't understand why 2nd row captain chair only offer on top of the line model that cost $44k + for Pilot. That put Traverse squarely on top of our choice. These experts argue highlander got all these land departure, forward collision warning standard even on base model, and quiet ride blah blah blah. Here is what I say to that, if you need those options to drive, you shouldn't even have a driver license, these techs are the reasons why more reckless drivers on the road cuz they rely too much on those tech. I can go on all day but is a futile attempt to complain. Thanks for nothing. Peace out.
The top cars have the worst fuel economy, weakest engines and least are the least reliable SUV's. Buy the cars recommend here if you only want to drive them for a couple of years when new and don't mind a steep depreciation curve after that.
The Honda ZF 9spd transmission is terrible. I owned a different vehicle with the same transmission. Avoid it. The lower trim Pilot with 6spd is the better buy of the two. Of the four vehicles I'd take the Highlander. Known reliability and known resale value. Older GM Traverse did not maintain its value. I have seen the VW Atlas at the recent new car show. Seemed nice.
wcjeep That 9 speed is used in various other cars from Chrysler and Jaguar as well, and it's problematic in every application to the extent that a class action lawsuit is in the works. Honda and Acura need to drop it entirely.
Some may not value maintenance and reliability and find it boring, but people in this segment are very cost conscious and don’t have time for downtime (most daycares charge $1 per minute past pickup time). Toyota and Honda provide competitive performance and specs with a high degree of execution and reliability. VW is cool but cool don’t pickup kids and haul groceries when it’s -20 degrees... look at all the forums with VW cold start problems. Honda and Toyota... starts all day long even if it’s -40 and has over 150k miles. Now that’s cool.
funny the reliability ranking is reversed.
Today must be opposite day.
Personally, I think if I was spending $45K on a midsize 3-row crossover SUV, it would be a Sorento SXL with that 290 hp V6. Way more premium amenities, I think its the most stylish, it has a six-speed auto still which is great for reliability, not to mention a long warranty. To me, the Atlas may be premium driving, but it looks old just looking at the boxy, 1995 Chevy Tahoe styling. Plus, for what VW charges still, it looks so austere to me. They've really been cheapening out on many of their vehicles except the Golf.
Also note that the Sorento is going for way below sticker price. I was thinking the about it but I simply didn't fit into the driver's seat (I'm about 6'5"). The headrest dug into my shoulder and couldn't be adjusted enough to work at all. Ended up in a base CX-9. 3rd Row is small, but it's just for once in awhile, so the Mazda really had no big drawbacks.
I️ compared it but I️ picked a pathfinder over the Sorento.
The Sorento looks like a fake Highlander in disguise. Especially the black one, I currently own a 2017 black Highlander and mostly mistaken the Sorento as the Highlander specifically from the taillights.
Rob Mock hyy6vfbb es🙄😋😭😡😡😡😡😡😭😭😡
VW seem to understand what Americans has always liked; bigger is better. A decent SUV but it almost looks like a cargo truck, but again that seems to what make it sell.
This vid makes no sense
Where the Mazda?
Mazda CX-9 says hi.
Dee T Great option, why isn't here?
Mario Torrez Quant beats me.
its so small inside
Beast Boì well go buy a Lincoln navigator, plenty of space.
I just purchased the new Toyota Highlander 2 weeks ago, and the ride? Pure luxury! I'm getting an average of 23 mpg combined fuel economy!
Should've mentioned the hybrid version of the Highlander as well. For that generation it had the V6 which was almost as fast as the non-hybrid version, while getting significantly better fuel economy (28mpg combined) and being ultra smooth without start-stop ever being annoying.
I don't agree for the pilot to win last year. For me, it has the most unappealing look. This time it's even more disagreeable to me. I guess, my criteria is much different than the participants here.
Pilot is like a van and cleariance from the ground is so low.
But vw is a real suv. I love it.
This is crap, also where is the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Mazda CX9? This was basically an elaborate way to mask a VW commercial. LOL
No reason given why the traverse was 2nd. Higher price plus only fwd? Content and execution must've equated in the price point
Just get the 6 speed Automatic Honda Pilot and you’re set.
I love the 6-speed auto in our Ridgeline
thought it was a minivan
@@caliboyrob
All of these are essentially shortened and lifted minivans (and I say that as a positive, minivans have lots of interior space for their size from extremely efficient packaging).
Toyota is the Wallmart of cars !!!
1 Rami then you obviously know nothing about cars 🙄
I guess the way you guys shop for a car is much different than how I make my decisions. I also heavily factor in reliability, not just short term but long term. In the absence of data on a new model I will lean on the data from previous models from that manufacturer. Another very important consideration is resale, a value retention. I suspect your top two choices will depreciate rapidly. The final consideration will be crash test, if it scores poorly it's out of the running regardless.
I absolutely consider driving dynamics, appearance, and ergonomics. Fuel economy gets thrown in. Where is your consideration of the other factors that I and many other buyers weigh quite heavily in a vehicle purchase?
I remember when Samsung made the crappiest TV out there. Their previous model suuuuuuuuuucked!
And the Atlas will be worth 10k in like 2 years. You’ve got to be kidding. That would be my last choice
Worst fuel economy. check
Least powerful engine. check
Winner
not everything is about numbers
True. And I haven't driven it either.
Ugliest too, very twisted score
GiovanniRomano vw does have the best warranty
Mario Torrez Quant pilot takes the prize for ugliest exterior
I don't understand why the Highlander is in last when the Chevy is front wheel drive and the Pilot has a bad transmission
VW is the ugliest and reliability is big question on all VWs... I will go for Toyota Highlander for the best looking and known reliability. I did not choose Honda Pilot because of unappealing style. VW is the last choice and rank on my book!
I'd go for Toyota Highlander too but only because of the hybrid model. I personally think the Pilot is the ugliest and I think the VW interior is very nice. The Chevy is pretty nice too.
I’ll take highlander anyway. In my opinion it’s the best looking and definitely reliable. The pilot would be my second choice cause of styling. I love the 1st gen pilot but Honda needs to change the looks of it. VW? I’d stay away!!!
HAHAHA!!! The rankings on this list should literally be *_reversed!!!_*
Volkswagen? Interesting choice, I’d say. I wouldn’t consider it since the fact it’s a Volkswagen with spotty reliability and quality. I would head for a Highlander or Traverse out of these 4. But truly, I would spend $45k on a Hyundai Santa Fe.
still like Toyota 😎😎
Jason Gee me too
I would choose the highlander for it great realibillty
The VW hate in the comments is hilarious! This ain't the only comparo where the VW has faired well, think it may be time to have a look at one people.
GiovanniRomano Gee whizz, that's an intelligent and we'll considered response...
J O How true. Also, how boring is your life if predicted reliability is your number one purchasing decision?
Some may not value maintenance and reliability and find it boring, but people in this segment are very cost conscious and don’t have time for downtime. Toyota and Honda provide competitive performance and specs combined with a high degree of execution and reliability. VW is cool but cool don’t pickup kids and haul groceries when it’s -20 degrees... look at all the forums with VW cold start problems. Honda and Toyota... starts all day long even if it’s -40 and has over 150k miles. Now that’s cool.
Chase Vineland You've forgotten practicality and how it is to drive.
J O No I am not joking nor is the segment. And what about $40k? The average new vehicle sale is $33,560 in 2017. Not sure what you’re missing.
Mazda cx9 or durango would be my choice
Honestly, I never like VW before I drive one. It was stable and strong ride then Toyota. I used to own Toyota and Honda but if I can choose VW is my top pick.
The RX350L is about to make these look like straight junk but sadly won't be anywhere under this price cap.
They picked the VW because of the multimedia screen? Huh? Least powerful engine and fuel economy? Weird! Almost seems like you should reverse the results.
LOL. No wonder Motorweek continues to lag. I have been a viewer for over 30+ years but now in the UA-cam era, these guys are out of date and dead wrong. The two bottoms, Honda and Toyota, are clearly the winners to their new owners and post used owners.
The front end of the VW is just bland. The headlights like morph into the grill and it doesn’t stand out.
Also the vw looks like an old Mitsubishi Endeavor from the side
Mike C I thought the same about the Endeavour
I️ just bought a new Pathfinder. It has a 3rd row. So far so good. I️ guess it’s not in this class. Model year in clearance got it for $6500 off!!
james hawkins See ya in the shop when your transmission goes.
No mention about trailer hauling capability? I guess MW assumes that potential buyers of these vehicles won't be towing anything with them. The progressive urban mentality is well in play here.
Funny how the end of the video claims that this segment is no longer defined by roominess/space, yet that was precisely the top acclaim of the VW Atlas smh
Which one he buy?
There's a new Ford 3 row..
No CX9?!
This was a nice VW Atlas commercial
Where is the cx9 to win this thing?
I’m shocked that the Traverse didn’t have 4-wheel drive. Then again, it shows what SUV’s have devolved into: glorified plastic station wagons that probably wouldn’t be able to survive off-road.
Ian V. Raybeck no one is really taking them off road. You want that, buy a 4 door Wrangler.
james hawkins
Exactly. The Wrangler is the prime example of a true SUV.
Ian V. Raybeck nobody needs 4x4 off road capable SUVs that get 14 MPG. All most folks need is AWD for bad weather. I️ just bought a 2017 Pathfinder. Has a 3rd row and plenty of truck space. That trend is over.
TheManInDboX yes I️ forgot about the 4 Runner. The simple truth is, it’s just a waste of money and a higher maintenance big for owners. If you’re into that stuff, go ahead but most Americans have no use for it. I️ need more room for our newborn because strollers and car seats are massive nowadays.
TheManInDboX it’s really not that big of a difference between my F150 and our AWD Outlander Sport in the snow we had before we just bought the pathfinder. Vans are not cheaper and do not offer AWD. Nobody wants a damn van anyway! The pathfinder is great and we only have 1 child, not 3 or 4.
I am in the market for a midsize 3 row SUV and most of the time found all these reviews useless or irrelevant. These so call auto experts are out of touch with what average people care about the reviews. Their ranking don't mean be jack squad. Every family has something they considered the most important feature they want, so it is pretty much very subjective. Guess I am a sucker hoping I can find reviews somewhere that can help me but so far none is helpful. What I really wanted to see on reviews are features and highlights of each models (mpg, size, tech, options, etc), that's it, don't care about ranking, how it drive, performance. End up doing my own research and check them out in person to decide. For example, my family decided space, captain chair at 2nd row & 3 seats on 3rd row is what we want. That quickly narrow down our choices to only 3, Traverse, Highlander & Pilot. Of the 3 highlander eliminated immediately, the interior space of that SUV is pathetic, so small and tight that I can't understand why all these experts gave it a good review. Space is like one of the most important thing if you need for a 3 row SUV, and Highlander failed miserably. Then comes Pilot, don't understand why 2nd row captain chair only offer on top of the line model that cost $44k + for Pilot. That put Traverse squarely on top of our choice. These experts argue highlander got all these land departure, forward collision warning standard even on base model, and quiet ride blah blah blah. Here is what I say to that, if you need those options to drive, you shouldn't even have a driver license, these techs are the reasons why more reckless drivers on the road cuz they rely too much on those tech. I can go on all day but is a futile attempt to complain. Thanks for nothing. Peace out.
The top cars have the worst fuel economy, weakest engines and least are the least reliable SUV's. Buy the cars recommend here if you only want to drive them for a couple of years when new and don't mind a steep depreciation curve after that.
Ugh Cars youtube channel had this on a few weeks ago, why can't you test them yourself? Bleh on VW.
The Honda Pilot should have came in first place to the Volkswagen Atlas. The Volkswagen Atlas should have came in third place.
The Honda ZF 9spd transmission is terrible. I owned a different vehicle with the same transmission. Avoid it. The lower trim Pilot with 6spd is the better buy of the two. Of the four vehicles I'd take the Highlander. Known reliability and known resale value. Older GM Traverse did not maintain its value. I have seen the VW Atlas at the recent new car show. Seemed nice.
wcjeep That 9 speed is used in various other cars from Chrysler and Jaguar as well, and it's problematic in every application to the extent that a class action lawsuit is in the works. Honda and Acura need to drop it entirely.
Unfortunately we don't see kia mohave or borrego here
This is bullshit, the Highlander is the best!
The Chevy would have been way worse if they went AWD. AWD=$$$$ and MPG would probably be around 19.
Chevy must be number 1
After 50k miles buy a new one lol
I still like my Durango Citadel haha
Why are the "buyers" these guys find always such airheads
Where is Subaru?
I love Chevrolet Traverse.
No Durango ??????
Jose Melendez he said recent update or full redesigns...
Mike C Durango just got an update for 2018
Jose Melendez and is it on sale?
Mike C Yeah
That would be the worst on the list anyways lmao.
No one cares about the highlander and vw, they are boring. I would like to see the Ford Explorer and Mazda cx-9.
Talk all day..... these Jeep Grand Cheokee wannabees. They're just station wagons!
Please Americans buy and make only big V8 cars..only in USA is possibile, think how lucky you are
This makes zero sense lol
Professional Italian Ma sei Italiano!!!😀
Mike C for me yes!😊
Why should we be boxed into only buying and making gas chugging V8s??? They are not needed unless it’s a truck for towing or a sports car.
james hawkins ahahaha you must drive and think about bikes..cars are not for you
Get a Durango and grow a pair...
Why did y’all not compare the Ford Explorer and the GMC Acadia or the Jeep Durango y’all failed at this review terrible.
I don’t get why this channel has so few subscribers, thoroughly enjoy the reviews.
The Highlander is my least favorite.
Traverse FTW
This guys don't know what they talk about. For Famlies who has budgets are all about money and reliability. Toyota are the cheapest at long run.
Where is Acura MDX?? All of those SUV sucks I tried all of them !!!
It is a luxury car loset
Toyota
VW really!
I want to see when the Subaru Ascent comes out and puts all these crossovers in their place.
???
Volkswagen?????
Too much diet coke boys!!
Toyota is always last. Hahaha
Do you really need 8 speed automatic?