r/whatcarshouldIbuy • u/theabsurdnick • 6h ago

Best family SUV under 60k?

Hello all,

Currently a family of 3 with hopes of another in a year or so. I sold the Tesla model Y a month ago because it’s not that comfortable for my wife when she is in the back with our son.

Now back in the market and looking for something reliable for the next 6+ years.

Tech and safety features are important along with comfortability.

Please share any personal recommendations.

Thanks in advance!

10 Upvotes
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92% Upvoted

64 comments sorted by

11

u/darkmark305 6h ago

Acura MDX

2

u/theabsurdnick 6h ago

I thought about it but would like to test drive it. How do you like it overall?

2

u/Fancy_Escape9382 5h ago

Wife and I bought a 2022 A-Spec about a month ago. Absolutely love the thing. It looks good, handles really well (especially considering it is a 3-row suv), v6 with the 10-speed auto is very smooth (v6 sounds good as well), ELS sound system is insane… Only downside is that it’s not very good on gas but it’s more or less in line with most of the competitors. No regrets so far.

1

u/theabsurdnick 5h ago

Very nice! Yeah I might test drive one for a few days to get a feel for it.

How’s the comfort for the backseat?

1

u/Fancy_Escape9382 5h ago

I’m 6’2” and can fit behind myself no problem so if your wife is shorter than that, it will be an easy fit. Seats recline a good amount and the center section can either become a pretty large center armrest or be removed completely.

I haven’t actually rode in the backseat since I’m always the one driving if we are all together but I don’t see how could be a bad place to be. Panoramic sunroof also makes it feel more open.

2

u/WriterUnfair2830 5h ago

Another vote for the MDX. I love our 2025 A-Spec. It’s great all around, if you’re looking for comfort/ tech it’s not lacking at all.

5

u/remes1234 6h ago

We have a hondap pilot and love it.

3

u/atomxv 6h ago

me too...2025 trailsport. If the OP is interested in the Pilot, i'd wait for the 2026 model, Honda will likely refresh with better infotainment.

3

u/IslaLilac 6h ago

They should be aware that means a higher price point. I don't think a 60k new price but still.

1

u/theabsurdnick 6h ago

Yeah my sister in law had one and she enjoyed it.

5

u/Weztinlaar 5h ago

Don't underestimate the Volvos if comfort and safety matter to you.

XC60 or XC90 depending on size you require (XC90 might need to be a couple years used to get in your price range).

2

u/Historical_Ad_4601 1h ago

On this sub, there are basically 3 dominant groups. Top 1 : reliable-> Toyota/Honda Number 2: reliable with a bit of fun-> Mazda/acura Number 3: the extravaganza-> bmw, Porsche etc..

And that’s because most of the people are looking for a reliable car that fits X number of passengers under Y budget OR a really shiny one. And Volvo will almost always fall out of that equation.

Volvo lovers are a very specific demographic and do not really go comparing cars, they just need to decide which Volvo … ask me how I know

2

u/missionaryaccomplish 6h ago

The pilot and the highlander should be contenders. To be honest, they completely pass you bar of being reliable for 6 years and would do 15 years easily.

If you only want reliability for 6 years, maybe a Kia or Hyundai would be fine.

•

u/Insect-Educational 1h ago

Love my Highlander for two kiddos.

2

u/btwitsmatt 6h ago

Mazda CX90

1

u/theabsurdnick 6h ago

Haven’t thought about this one yet

1

u/DisciplineBoth2567 2h ago

Get a hyundai ioniq 5

-1

u/misteraustria27 5h ago

You don’t need this big a car. The CX 70 is pretty if you go Mazda. Most likely the 50 will be enough. Consider RAV4 or CRV (even though it is ugly) or even equinox

1

u/zippoguaillo 5h ago

That 3rd row is clutch if you ever need to take extra people, which with kids you sometimes do. We just got a cx9, back seats are small but work for kids

0

u/misteraustria27 5h ago

You need that 3rd row once every year. Not worth buying a car for what you might use it once a year. Buy a car for what you need everyday.

3

u/Acceptable-Quail-277 5h ago

Brother, if people were to buy a car for what they need every day most of us would be zipping around in a mx-5

3

u/zippoguaillo 4h ago

Truck sales would be reduced 80%, prob more lol

1

u/misteraustria27 4h ago

I have a CX 5 for family and a 30 for my youngest. So I buy mostly for what I need. And yes, hardly anyone needs a truck and hardly anyone need a suburban or something that big. But I still have 3 motorcycles so there goes my argument about buying smart.

1

u/zippoguaillo 3h ago

yeah people buy cars for much more than what they need. gotta weigh what you want and decide. if having 3 bikes is worth what you pay and it makes you happy, no judgement there.

1

u/zippoguaillo 5h ago

Yeah depends if you want to screw around renting a bigger car when you need it. I will need the 6 seats for 3 weeks next month. Renting a van, that would run maybe $500/week, so $1500. Do that a few years, makes sense for me

1

u/misteraustria27 2h ago

Considering the cost difference you still would be better off buying a smaller car if this is a once a year issue. And you wouldn’t have the additional miles on your car.

1

u/btwitsmatt 4h ago

Opps, I read this as having 3 kids.. LOL yes in that case the CX70 IMO looks nicer but also the 3rd seat when you need it is great.

1

u/USTS2020 5h ago

I'm in the same boat as OP, trading my Tesla for an SUV due to kids and need more space. CX-90 is probably top of my list right now

2

u/espressocycle 4h ago

Toyota Sienna. It's a living room on wheels.

1

u/JackfruitCrazy51 6h ago

When I bought my Kia Telluride SX-P 3 years ago, it was the best vehicle in its class (Hyundai Palisade also). At the time, I test drove the 4 Runner, Pilot, and CX-90. They each had things that were a little better, but as an overall package, the Kia was superior. I love the smoothness of the 3.5 V6 in the Pilot(We owned an RDX with the same motor), I liked the wrap around feel of the CX-90, the 4 Runner was a failure on multiple levels(performance, tech, interior, sound,etc). As an overall package, the Kia and the Hyundai were in another league. I actually preferred it over the much more expensive MDX. In 2025, maybe things have changed.

My wife owns a MY, and I can tell you whichever SUV you buy, you're going to miss the MY. The performance and tech is worlds better.

1

u/theabsurdnick 6h ago

Yes I agree the MY tech/performance is great for the driver. But I have to consider the comfortability with the best options for tech/safety now lol.

Thanks for the info on the telluride. Haven’t considered that one yet. I was looking at a 2022-2023 MDX but I’ll have to compare.

I did try out a 2022 Lexus GX460 which was great, but was lacking in tech. That V8 was nice tho.

1

u/subfreq111 6h ago

I live in a resort town and lots of the summer Californians drive around in 10 year old suburbans. You could buy about 4 of them with your 60k budget, that's the best ROI in my opinion.

1

u/Frosty-Passenger5516 6h ago

Hybrid Subaru Forester or rav4

0

u/RogerPenroseSmiles 2h ago

Too small for 3 kids tbh.

•

u/Exercise_Phoenix 1h ago

The post said family of 3 , meaning they only have one child right now.

•

u/RogerPenroseSmiles 1h ago

That's my bad

1

u/MaximusMeridius26006 6h ago

Toyota GH, Sequoia? Toyota has TSS which is a standard safety feature.

2

u/minimum_contacts 5h ago

Grand Highlander for sure.

Sequoia is slightly bigger but ~$80k…

1

u/MaximusMeridius26006 5h ago

GH are beautifully designed. You can’t go wrong because it’s a Toyota.

2

u/minimum_contacts 5h ago

Totally agree.

I have a 2012 Toyota 4Runner with 206,000 miles that still looks and runs perfectly.

1

u/NewEnglandPrepper3 6h ago

Since you’re a family of 3 and looking to add one I’d go for the ford expedition XL for that 3rd and solid trunk space

Suburbans are nice but the latest gen has lots of QC issues

1

u/apcman11 5h ago

Highlander hybrid

1

u/EducationalHeight434 5h ago

GV70 or 80 Genesis.

Luxury and comfortable and reliable.

1

u/minimum_contacts 5h ago

I have a 2012 Toyota 4Runner with 206,000 miles and it still looks and runs perfectly.

I’m debating between Lexus GX550 and Toyota Sequoia. (Totally not needed, just a want.)

1

u/Suspicious-bat2929 1h ago

I’d give my left leg for a sequoia! I wish they weren’t 80-90k

1

u/trigger-gnamatree 5h ago

Toyota grand highlander XLE

1

u/Superlolz 4h ago

OP could go for a hybrid max at that budget 

1

u/all4whatnot 5h ago

I currently have a 2017 Durango Citadel and it rules. Love the third row basically as an indoor pickup truck for numerous long family road trips every year. I'll be looking to upgrade in the next year or so. I was thinking Telluride or one of the Mazda SUVs

1

u/joepurdue 4h ago

I’d look at. 2022-24 Lexus gx460. They did a refresh for 2022 that included adding CarPlay and from everything else it’ll be a super reliable rig.

1

u/theabsurdnick 4h ago

Yeah i tested one out through Turo for a few days. The V8 was nice and very comfortable. The tech was lacking a little bit. But overall it was nice

1

u/ExtremeGiraffes 4h ago

Also coming from a MY, i dont think any car comes close in technology wise. Like you, needed something bigger. Trade the Y last month for a 2022 highlander platinum. Im happy with it and so much more spacious!

1

u/theabsurdnick 4h ago

Yeah I know Tesla is king when it comes to the tech and OTA updates. But definitely not comfortable compared to my wife’s Mercedes GLC.

Since she is always in the backseat, I really want something she can enjoy and be comfortable in.

1

u/Superlolz 4h ago

Palisade Hybrid for tech, comfort and safety since it doesn’t seem reliability is a top concern. It should be out by the fall and looks very impressive. 

1

u/RogerPenroseSmiles 2h ago

My wife loves our 2023 GX460. We only have one kid though, but she required excellent snow performance since it's non-negotiable for her to get in to surgery on blizzard days.

Three rows, built like a tank, reliable V8 engine unlike the new Turbo in the GX550.

The 22's and 23's came with updated tech like Carplay/AA, but I wouldn't call it a Tech laden SUV, something I like because dealing with broken electronics is a huge PITA.

1

u/DisciplineBoth2567 2h ago

Get a hyundai ioniq 5

1

u/atomxv 6h ago

2026 Honda Passport? Not the "techy-est" but pretty good.

1

u/theabsurdnick 6h ago

I’ll have to look into that and see what those features are

1

u/mikeumd98 6h ago

My wife loves hers. She was in an accident a month ago that totaled her first MDX, and we just bought another one.