With a budget of $70,000, I am looking for a vehicle in the format of the Volvo XC90 to replace my 2008 Toyota RAV4 with a V6 engine. I would like a vehicle with a V6 (no four-cylinder turbo), easy to maintain, very reliable and able to deal with our winters and the rough roads so that we can get to the chalet, located 300 km from the house.
A vehicle with good ground clearance, able to face snow banks, but with tires of reasonable size (not 21 inches). Thank you for helping me.
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Hello Martin,
Your criteria allow me to eliminate many vehicles from the intermediate segment, including all American offers. However, with a budget of $70,000, taxes included, you can buy a quality, very well-equipped vehicle that you can keep for as long as your Toyota RAV4.
Right off the bat, the model that comes to mind is the new Honda Pilot. A vehicle with angular shapes, a little more “truck” than its rivals, and still equipped with that good old 3.5-litre V6 that has proven its great reliability. Efficient mechanics, paired with an excellent all-wheel-drive system, nestled in a freshly renewed truck.
Photo: Honda
The Trail Sport edition, admittedly a little firmer on the ride, might be the one for you: 18-inch wheels, more aggressive tires, raised suspension and underbody plates. In short, this SUV will allow you to deal with the worst situations without fear of damaging it.
Otherwise, the most viable option is definitely the Kia Telluride X-Pro. It has the same characteristics as the Pilot Trail Sport, also equipped with 18-inch wheels and a suspension calibrated for off-roading, with, in addition, a towing capacity increased to 5,500 lb (compared to 5,000 lb for the Pilot). .
Photo: Kia
The two vehicles also have a very similar technical sheet. The Kia’s advantage is of course its basic five-year warranty, although reliability is nothing to worry about either way.
Now, if you hardly need a three-row SUV and the size seems a bit over the top, know that Honda also offers the Passport. An aging vehicle, but with the same technical elements as the Pilot, and which should undoubtedly meet several of your criteria.