The urge to buy a new/newer family truckster grows daily as does the mileage on my 13 year old Escalade and I’m mulling over options for new SUV’s under the $50,000 mark. Nothing out there is really that enticing other than a Durango RT (preferably with tow n go) or an Explorer ST since I want something with at least a little bit of scoot. With current pricing new is pretty much out of the question but 2021-22 used market isn’t out of reach financially as they can be found for under $50k with under 50k miles. I don’t need 3 row seating but I do need the space that 3 rows provides and I don’t care for 2nd row bench seats.
I like the way both vehicles look A LOT!
Explorer ST;
400 hp twin turbo V6
Rear bias AWD
Decent mpg’s for what it is
I really like the way they look especially lowered (which would happen if I get one)
Slightly more 2nd row legroom for my very tall 5 year old (odd that this is very important to me)
Sportier suspension
WILL NOT get a 2020 model as they are riddled with QC and reliability issues
Reliability issues bug me
Plagued with problems and constant recalls, even after they fix the problems with the blue screen reverse cameras they come back
Bad solutions for problems like the one bolt rear differential and water leaks
Exhaust systems breaking at the muffler
Catalytic converters cracking
Fuel delivery problems just from parking on a hill
Leaks, squeaks and rattles due to bad quality control.
BUT it’s faster and gets better mpg’s than a Durango.
Durango RT;
2021 or newer, the restyled dashboard and infotainment center looks awesome
5.7 hemi that’s been around forever
Slightly better mpg’s than my 13 year old Escalade, worse than the Explorer
Less power than my Escalade but faster, slower than the Explorer ST (I’m ok with that)
Tow n Go package gives me everything I need for towing plus Brembo brakes via the SRT and adjustable suspension for sport and regular driving
Growly V8 with a sportier exhaust note (my wife might hate that feature, I love it)
The chances of me modding it are minimal
I like the infotainment system a lot more than Fords system.
The interior is nicer than the Explorer
Tires are cheaper and more available than Fords odd 21” sizing
Theft of these is a HUGE ISSUE but easy work arounds for that via aftermarket goodies and immobilizers and Dodge is updating software for the key fob issue.
12 Escalade Premium
118,600 miles on her
I currently own it and it’s taken me until recently to get it to look and drive the way I want it to albeit quite a harsh ride due to the 22” wheels and aging suspension components
This is the car I brought my son home from the hospital in (slight emotional attachment)
It’s rock solid, in great shape and I wouldn’t question driving it across country tomorrow if I needed to.
I still have some of the aftermarket warranty through Endurance that’s a really good warranty and gives me piece of mind.
13-15 mpg’s around town 18-20 mpg’s highway, getting slightly worse as time goes by regardless of the recent tune up.
It’s a beautiful vehicle (I think)
13 years old, no rust and I have yet to find a nut or bolt that I couldn’t get off since it’s always garaged.
I’m tired of maintaining the black paint but it looks good. “I’m never buying another black car again!!” (me, 3 black cars ago).
Exceptionally low tech which is good and bad. Good because less things to go ape shit, bad because there are some things I’d like to be better like wireless Apple CarPlay (Durango). The Escalade was behind the times when it was new.
Escalade is worth $11-$13k traded in according to KBB, I’ll be lucky to get $11k IMO.
So what would you do? 21 or newer Explorer ST or Durango RT or keep driving the Escalade until the car market settles down?
I like the way both vehicles look A LOT!
Explorer ST;
400 hp twin turbo V6
Rear bias AWD
Decent mpg’s for what it is
I really like the way they look especially lowered (which would happen if I get one)
Slightly more 2nd row legroom for my very tall 5 year old (odd that this is very important to me)
Sportier suspension
WILL NOT get a 2020 model as they are riddled with QC and reliability issues
Reliability issues bug me
Plagued with problems and constant recalls, even after they fix the problems with the blue screen reverse cameras they come back
Bad solutions for problems like the one bolt rear differential and water leaks
Exhaust systems breaking at the muffler
Catalytic converters cracking
Fuel delivery problems just from parking on a hill
Leaks, squeaks and rattles due to bad quality control.
BUT it’s faster and gets better mpg’s than a Durango.
Durango RT;
2021 or newer, the restyled dashboard and infotainment center looks awesome
5.7 hemi that’s been around forever
Slightly better mpg’s than my 13 year old Escalade, worse than the Explorer
Less power than my Escalade but faster, slower than the Explorer ST (I’m ok with that)
Tow n Go package gives me everything I need for towing plus Brembo brakes via the SRT and adjustable suspension for sport and regular driving
Growly V8 with a sportier exhaust note (my wife might hate that feature, I love it)
The chances of me modding it are minimal
I like the infotainment system a lot more than Fords system.
The interior is nicer than the Explorer
Tires are cheaper and more available than Fords odd 21” sizing
Theft of these is a HUGE ISSUE but easy work arounds for that via aftermarket goodies and immobilizers and Dodge is updating software for the key fob issue.
12 Escalade Premium
118,600 miles on her
I currently own it and it’s taken me until recently to get it to look and drive the way I want it to albeit quite a harsh ride due to the 22” wheels and aging suspension components
This is the car I brought my son home from the hospital in (slight emotional attachment)
It’s rock solid, in great shape and I wouldn’t question driving it across country tomorrow if I needed to.
I still have some of the aftermarket warranty through Endurance that’s a really good warranty and gives me piece of mind.
13-15 mpg’s around town 18-20 mpg’s highway, getting slightly worse as time goes by regardless of the recent tune up.
It’s a beautiful vehicle (I think)
13 years old, no rust and I have yet to find a nut or bolt that I couldn’t get off since it’s always garaged.
I’m tired of maintaining the black paint but it looks good. “I’m never buying another black car again!!” (me, 3 black cars ago).
Exceptionally low tech which is good and bad. Good because less things to go ape shit, bad because there are some things I’d like to be better like wireless Apple CarPlay (Durango). The Escalade was behind the times when it was new.
Escalade is worth $11-$13k traded in according to KBB, I’ll be lucky to get $11k IMO.
So what would you do? 21 or newer Explorer ST or Durango RT or keep driving the Escalade until the car market settles down?
