Suburban/Yukon XL Vs. Expedition EL

[jgillott]

If you were in the market for a large SUV, which one would you choose and why? For 2015, the Ford now comes with the Ecoboost V6 instead of the 5.4L V8. The GM products are also new for 2015. I'm not real excited about either, but it looks like we need a vehicle that can haul more than our 4 door trucks, at least for a few years.

 

[Wayne M.]

J- how big of a SUV do you need? When you say haul- do you mean tow? Or interior? Please look at a new Durango. Were very happy with ours and it's pretty huge inside. Good value too.
If you're stuck with a monster, I'd probably get the GM. My Ford experience has convinced me that they are just too over engineered. Plus the GM still uses pushrods and a solid rear axle. Been hearing good things on the new hydramatic ( ya they still call it that)

 

[jgillott]

Haul meaing interior space. Do to some unexpected events, we are now caring for 3 elderly relatives. So, we will need seating for 7, one of which will be in child seat. I do really like the Durango, but I think we would be a little more comfortable with the extra space, especially when you throw our German Shepherd in to the mix.

Ulitmately, a van would be best, but where we live, 4x4 is a must.

I'm also considering leasing this vehicle since the use would be somewhat limited and I don't expect this to be a long term situation with the declining health of my mother. Of course, that is a different subject all together.

 

[AEdelheit]

I feel it comes down to dealer support, they both have pros and cons, id drive them see if you really like one over the other and if its a tie then feel out the dealers and how they will take care of any post sale issues.

 

[jgillott]

I feel it comes down to dealer support, they both have pros and cons, id drive them see if you really like one over the other and if its a tie then feel out the dealers and how they will take care of any post sale issues.

I recently rented a Yukon XL for several weeks and a put almost 2000 miles on it. It was OK, nothing to write home about however. We have a GMC and Ford dealer less than 5 miles from the house. Both seem like decent dealers and you hear great things about both.

 

[Wayne M.]

Sorry to hear of task at hand, and I hope you're able to comfort them best as possible. However I don't think a big SUV is gonna be good at all. Impossible to get in/out of. I DO think a 4X4 econoline will be the cats meow. Get one while you can!!!

 

[mwilson]

I'm not up to speed on the new Yukon XL (which I still call a Suburban) as far as interiors and such...

BUT I used to own several mid 80's and early 90's versions, one (3/4 ton 4X4) was even bought new by me in 1990.
I used to get fetch my elderly grandparents with it from time to time and always had a hell of a time getting Gramps into the back seat. He had big feet and for some unknown reason GM never left much room on the floorboard between the supports for the driver's seat and the support for the second seat. I would have to try and twist his foot a little to get it through there ( he was in his late 70's at that time so I was extremely careful doing that). Getting in or getting out was the same story. I even hard a hard time getting my feet through there when getting in the back.
I would certainly check that distance on either vehicle. That is something that you would not normally think of until you have someone's size 11 wedged in there.

Mike.

 

[TFucili]

Quigley does Ford, GM, and Nissan now. Every Ford and GM product I have had since the 80s has been troublesome, including my Dad's '08 Mercury that I have been driving to work, since I sold my CTD. I swear something falls off or breaks every week. I don't envy you that task.

 

[AEdelheit]

I know they make the Toyota mini van in AWD

 

[jgillott]

Sorry to hear of task at hand, and I hope you're able to comfort them best as possible. However I don't think a big SUV is gonna be good at all. Impossible to get in/out of. I DO think a 4X4 econoline will be the cats meow. Get one while you can!!!

LOL. Can you imagine trying to get an 87 year old in a Quigley Ford. :-laf I'd love to own one though.

 

[jgillott]

I'm not up to speed on the new Yukon XL (which I still call a Suburban) as far as interiors and such...

BUT I used to own several mid 80's and early 90's versions, one (3/4 ton 4X4) was even bought new by me in 1990.
I used to get fetch my elderly grandparents with it from time to time and always had a hell of a time getting Gramps into the back seat. He had big feet and for some unknown reason GM never left much room on the floorboard between the supports for the driver's seat and the support for the second seat. I would have to try and twist his foot a little to get it through there ( he was in his late 70's at that time so I was extremely careful doing that). Getting in or getting out was the same story. I even hard a hard time getting my feet through there when getting in the back.
I would certainly check that distance on either vehicle. That is something that you would not normally think of until you have someone's size 11 wedged in there.

Mike.

That's a good point. The Yukon we rented worked well for us so far. With the side steps, they were able to get in fairly easily. I just can't afford to keep renting somthing every time I need it. I haven't spent much time with the Ford. Before we would purchase/lease one, I intended to rent an Expedition also.

 

[jgillott]

Quigley does Ford, GM, and Nissan now. Every Ford and GM product I have had since the 80s has been troublesome, including my Dad's '08 Mercury that I have been driving to work, since I sold my CTD. I swear something falls off or breaks every week. I don't envy you that task.

Worst vehicle I ever owned was a 2005 Silverado. Thing was complete junk from the day we bought it new. One thing after another. I think it was back to the dealer 13-14 times in the first 2 years. It leaves a little sour taste for another GM product.

 

[jgillott]

I know they make the Toyota mini van in AWD

A friend of mine from work has one. They are very nice vehicles. But, they sticker darn close to a low end large SUV. Something to think about however.

 

[KIKER]

I have been driving an 8 passenger Toyota Sequoia since it was new, Sept. '08 and have really enjoyed it. It has the most leg room for 2nd row passengers of anything I have ever traveled in. Getting to the third row is fairly easy, comparatively speaking because the independent rear suspension doesn't take up as much room. It gets good fuel economy, especially compared to the Ford. I can get 20 mpg's on highway trips if I don't have to drive in the wind. Around town is not so good, at about 12. It has plenty of pep, with the 5.7 liter engine putting out 385 hp. We got the base model and added leather seats, tow package, roof rack and the 5.7 and got it new for just over $31, but that was back when gasoline was going thru the roof and big gas hogs were not selling well. I think we could still get over $20 for it now. Back in April this year, I traveled to my uncle's funeral and had my whole family in the car, maybe the first time since I was in high school, and my Dad insisted on riding in the 3rd row seat. He got back there just fine, even at the age of 84! But, he's the exception to the rule because he's still driving tractors for the part time farmers in our home town. Lately, he's been listing ground and then sowing winter wheat and putting in 10 hour days.

 

[Wayne M.]

LOL. Can you imagine trying to get an 87 year old in a Quigley Ford. :-laf I'd love to own one though.

If you get the right curb side step, it'll be the best deal IMHO. plus god forbid wheel chairs get involved, it's the clear winner.

 

[jgillott]

Looked at a left over 2014 Expedition El Limited. Let me tell you, the interior makes the GM products look like a 3rd world country. Interior fit and finish is amazing. I can see why people buy these things.

With that said, there is no way I would buy/lease that particular unit. It's loaded to the max including DVD headrests, and power running boards. Can you imagine those power steps with the salt and ice hanging off of them this winter. Or better yet, the cost of replacing one of them when you high side the thing in a drift.

 

[EGroeneveld]

I've been in a 2015 Chevy Suburban that was loaded up. Loved it! Very great riding and driving truck.

I'm waiting for them to release the 2016 Suburban as a 2500 and we'll jump on it. Diesel would be a bonus.

Totally miss having the good old Ford Excursion diesels, but now they are all getting to be 10+ years old now.

 

[jgillott]

It's been a while since I've posted. Ended up buying a new 2015 MB Sprinter passenger van. Accessibility was so much better than the large SUV's and it is equipped with a retractable entrance step etc. It's the new 2.1L diesel 7-speed auto combo. Only time will tell if it was the right choice, but had to do something.

 

[mwilson]

Congratulations, see more of those out and about every day even up here in the sticks.

They certainly are quiet running.

 

[jgillott]

Hey thanks Mike. It took a lot of searching to find one with the equipment I wanted. Hopefully it will prove to be a decent vehicle over the next few years.