If he went to a 4runner He wouldn't sacrifice size and he'd gain actual off road capability.

Sadly in my recent experience the Fords will be nicer inside, nicer to drive, and just as well made. Toyota has really slipped in the last decade.

I rented a new Explorer a couple years ago when I was somewhere snowy and needed AWD, it was all they had to give me. Didn't like it, seemed large and stupid inside but then I frequently hate new cars and their touch screen BS, etc.

Disliked it so much that I was able to switch it for an Escape AWD w small ecoboost motor and liked that as much as anything I've ever rented. Just a brilliant little rig but enough room inside for me.

Large and stupid = good family car. The Explorer was really the only of the crossover SUVs with a usable 3rd row seat, and in Sport trim with the Ecoboost was pretty decent to drive. You probably had a rental spec model with the normal V6 and standard suspension which isn't nearly as good. Ultimately the Flex offered a little more room, a more carlike ride, the same power, and better seats. Plus you don't see them on every street corner like the Explorer.

You are 100% correct on the Ecoboost Escape though, they are really really good. My parents have had a string of brand new Honda CRVs bought new, I prefer the Escape in every way.

I just sold my 2016 4Runner Trail and picked up an F150 4x4 w/ the 3.5 Ecoboost. No comparison, the F150 is roomier, better ride and better MPG than the 4Runner. And it goes like stink compared to the Runner.

I guess I wasn't so much comparing it to a 150 as much as against the SUV's he's asking about. My issue with the Ford Edge and Explorer is that they aren't even in the same solar system as the Runner when it comes to off road capability.

That's tue. Don't get me wrong, I loved the 4Runner and it's offroad capability but I was averaging just over 15 mpg and the acceleration is a bit anemic. It's a great truck if I was 25 years younger, surfing, mtn biking and rock climbing. I just needed something to get me and the trailer to the lakes and streams to fly fish the Sierras. Runner tows 5k lbs and the F150 tows 11k.

The Ecoboost is really a great engine and i couldn't justify having both vehicles. Personally I'd go with the Explorer for comfort and the Ecoboost for mpg and acceleration.

We have a 2012 Exploder at work with about 60K miles on it. It still feels pretty solid. I'd put better shocks and brake pads on it if it was mine. I'm not fond of the controls layout like turn signals and cruise control but then I'm a Porsche snob :) The sport would be nice with the twin turbo V6 but they're pretty proud of them.

100k? Just broken in.

My last two full-size pick-ups went over 250,000 miles.

Yes, you are right.

I'm frugal and the one and only extravagance I allow myself is knowing that I (almost) never have to worry about my transportation vehicle breaking down or the hassle of putting it in the shop. I hate those things.
So when a vehicle I own starts showing signs of age and I get the feeling it's only a matter of time until it craps out and needs repair, I dump it.
That's not smart, it's not rational, and it goes against most of my values.
But like Joel said in risky biddness, sometimes you just gotta say what the heck.

My father died a wealthy man and for most of his life he drove old beaters.
My kids have good cars, the wife gets a new car ever 4 or 5 years, so I can rationalize it.
sort of.

If you are interested in an Explorer or Edge, odds are off road capability aren't top of your priority list. Like the other 99% of SUV buyers out there.

I am the same, but the truck gets bumped down to farm truck status and the farm truck get sold.

I look at 150k as my limit as a prime people mover for trips, etc.

I cannot get my wife out of the 2003 4Runner I bought from OWP - she doesn't want anything else - nearing 300k.

Sound advice.
I test-drove the edge and explorer this morning. Wasn't impressed. Said i'd think about it.
On the way home I stopped at the toyota dealer and drove the highlander. Wow. A go-zillion times better.
295 hp V6, a ride smoother than anything I've ever ridden in, an 8 speed transmission and top notch quality and fit-finish. I made a low-ball offer on a highlander LE-plus with the upgraded interior of $27k plus trade out the door, they countered $1000 higher. I was surprised, figured they tell me to take a hike. I made one more offer to split the difference and it was done.
According to Kelly blue book I got a good price for trade in and a good price for the vehicle.
It's got all the gadgets, bells and whistles a dinosaur like me can't use without the help of my kids ;)
It's very comfortable but it is an isolated ride. I could fall asleep driving this thing. Lots different than the old pickemup.

Now my wife has a white RAV4 and I have a white highlander, his and hers cars parked in the garage.
If one of my friends or neighbors did that I'd be teasing them over it big-time.
What's weird is I hate the RAV4 because it's got a terribly noisy harsh ride, but the highlander is zackly opposite. And i fit in the highlander and it's got a telescopic steering wheel so I can kick the seat back a ways, perfect.

https://www.toyotaoforange.com/new/Toyota/2018-Toyota-Highlander-0003b93d0a0e0aea34f5602732da4edf.htm

I had the last gen Highlander before yours...2012 model year I think.

I would still have it but I thought I would only need the 2wd version since I had other 4x4's.

Stupid mistake on my part.

I have five Toyota's (99 Tacoma, 2003 4Runner, 2007 FJ, 13 FJ, 15 Tundra) so my opinion is bit biased!

Enjoy. You will likie.

In line with the Explorer, for a few $ more you could get a Lincoln MKX. I'm on my second one and love it.

Congratulation on your Highlander purchace.

nice choice.

I went with a Sorento...got more for the $$$ but the Highlander will probably be a better bet in the long run..

Congrats, glad you found something you like. My parents have a 2017 Highlander, it’s not my thing but to each his own. I’m sure it will be a good car.

Congrats!
The Highlander is a very nice vehicle and will serve you well.
I have a Venza AWD and it has been a very reliable vehicle for us. It is not an exciting driving experience either and kind of reminds me that I am driving a very reliable appliance.

My wife felt the same way about the RAV and ended up getting a CRV.

White Highlander eh? Maybe you can score an "I'm With Her!" bumper sticker on Ebay! :D

Congratulations, I do miss my 4Runner a bit.

Does anyone know where Sammy parks? I’ll send the sticker if someone will go apply it. :D