GOOD MORNING new Highlander owner and all.
1. I hate consumer reports. They are almost always wrong.
2. When researching cars, use CAR experts who actually spend time with them, like a full year or longer.
3. What has been yur own real life experiences with a brand? Then, ask if this brand sill has the same apeal, aesthetics, and great warranty just in case something does go awry and how long will you keep the vehicle?
I think the Highlander was an excellent choice for where De lives and conditions he and his better half will be driving as well. Toyota has a reputation of making engines that are smooth and long lasting. I have rented several Camry's because I am a mid size sedan driver. I prefer my Sonata Sport well equipped to th Camry LE and SE. It's just what each person feels for themselves.
This said, I checked multiple automotive research magazines for reviews and ratings of compact SUV's for the years 2017 - 2019
The Tuscon did NOT rate number 1 in ANY of them. It was anywhere from 3 - 6 withe Kia Sportage rating right next to it, one time in front, most times the spot behind.
Normally a top 5 rated compact suv.
I have had my Sonata for almost 100,000 miles now.
Aside from changing the front brakes one time and getting a set of tires, fl;ushing out and refilling the tranny fluid, I have had no problems with the car at all. Nada. Zip. It still looks brand new. It has not spent one night in a garage. We do get snow and ice here. And plenty of salton the streets in winter.
Of course, when you buy a car, you do well to think about some add-ons that make good sense for the long term. Such as: having the insides of all doors sprayed with rust preventative emolients with a warranty. Underocat the entire bottom of the car with same material LINE X uses in beds of trucks to kep rust from eating the underside of the car AND keeping the interior quiet.
CAR BRA. For about $600 I had a specialty shop Clay Bar the paint and install a laser cut 7 layer clear film on the entire front of my car, half the hood, side view mirrors and under the door handles.
I have ZERO nicks, or rock road rash on my hood, grille, or anywhere else as a result of this.
Not bad for a car that is outside kept, and driven a LOT over 4 years now.
I never had to use the warranty with this vehicle one time for anything though it has the best warranty in industry.
It was built down south in a Hyundai plant either in Alabama or Georgia, I forget which.....
So I have checked Edmunds, Car and Driver, Motor Trend, KBB, and one other on compact SUV's. They are the people who really test cars every year.
Worth noting: My vehicle orior to this sedan was a Mitsubishi Galant.
EVERY car magazine said they have problems, blah, blah, blah... Well, after 135,000 miles, I had exactly ONE problem that I myself caused because I had sdome stupid idea to increase the mileage by adding some device which required wire cutting on the wire harness.
That was not one of the better decisions I ever made. I did fond a used harness for that part of the system and replaced it ultimately. The only thing other than that was I had to replace a small valve that got oil in it because I tried to switch this car over to full synthetic oil and it simply was too fine and got into this valve body. I changed back immediately to synthetic BLEND and replaced the valve for $35.00 myself.
My experience with the Mitsubishi was very good. Great ride and comfortable seats to sit in. Full width so yer BUTT sits in them and not overlap them. WELL padded with deep cushions. We loved it. Sold it after 10 years for $3500. to a young lady who was a senior in high school 25 minutes after I listed it on Craigs list wih 6 pictures. It opassed the daddy test and grand daddy test easily.
SO, in conclusion, what my experience has been is that if you do not go buy a YUGO or LeCar, most things made by GM or Chrysler or Ford, and you take normal care of them and do the scheduled maintencances, the vehicle that you like best for you should last you a long time....
I like the Tusco's styling, interior quality, (the LIMITED TRIM model), because I get everything I would ever want and then some including an 8 way power passenger seat , cooled seats as well as heated besides the all leahter interior and tons of other upscale features.
I have looked at Mazda CX-5 as a second choice as well as others. I do not like the styling of them and their trim levels do not compare to what I can get in the hyundai at the same price point. I cannot get a powered 8 way passenger seat in MOST for example. THAT is important to me. It might not be to anyone else.
BUT, that is why you should get a vehicle that fits what you want and your needs.... No matter what it is...
Where I live I have NO NEED of All Wheel Drive. all it does it cuts down on fuel economy, the excpetion being Subaru. Hopefully one never haas transmission trouble with that...
This is my car review and my routine of what I do when I start looking at the next vehicle. TIS one would replace my wifes 2004 car. Still in perfect mechanical condition and body is still really pretty nice for the age. Interior is perfect.
So we have been looking for six months and doing our eye tests, and looking at the features and size.
The Limited is not cheap except at the end of the year.
So we shall see. I ususally never get in a hurry to go buy another car. Very slow process.
My best to everyone!
micro... 
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