Pags993

+ 1 on the Exploder, had a 2011 as company car and beat the hell out of it with zero issues. Comfy ride, more than enough room and good towing power. The Sync system was crap but I think they solved that in later years.

Bud Fox

2015/2016 discovery. You'd be surprised how well it drives and starts at 42k

Dr Mitch

Young kids as in strollers? If so, they are probably too young for the "play dates" - so you may not need the 3rd row right away (unless you have grandparents who drive somewhere with you). For us, the third row was nice at the beginning - but now a necessity with kids (8 and 11) and friends coming over etc.
I like the look of the Explorer (especially the white on black), but for awd ruggedness and drive (and looks IMO), I'd lean towards the Jeep, in a few years, when the kids get bigger and you really need a 3rd row then consider the Ford, who knows, MAYBE Jeep will re-introduce a 3row SUV!
We were looking at the Explorer and a few other 7 seaters - we ended up narrowing it down to the Highlander and Pathfinder - and went with the Pathfinder...
If Jeep made a 7 seater, it would have been a top contender - but man they can really get up there in price I noticed.

PPo

Depends what you are doing with the vehicle. Towing? Off-roading? or just s(h)itty and hwy driving?

If you are not towing or off-roading, I am going to make a suggestion that I know you did not ask for:
Personally... Once you get past the looks (ugh), I think a used Mercedes R-Class diesel 4matic is an absolute killer deal. They are extremely well designed as a people carrier and very well engineered from a comfort driving perspective. Because of the looks and the fact that Mercedes totally missed the target market, the used ones are a really great deal. Stay away from the gas engines however, they are a PAIN to maintain because of the design...

With that said... Both your choices are cool... I think the new Exploder... errr... exploder... darn it... Explorer looks a little more bad ***. But all things considered, I don't think you can go wrong with either...

Good luck.

CamsPorsche

Drive them all then make your decision...

Its fun hunting!

StanThePorscheFan

Ford Edge Sport. I rented one for two weeks last year in Miami and loved it. Kids (19,14 and 9) said more room in the rear than our Cayenne S, we did not even have to use the 3rd row. Was great on gas too and had plenty of power.
In July this year we rented the Explorer while we explored California and we did not like it as much. It felt much heavier and bigger but the interior did not have more room than the Edge. It was not as good on gas than the Edge. It was more top heavy and not as well planted on the road as the Edge.

LastMezger

How about this?

http://www.autotrader.ca/a/Rolls-Roy...&orup=13_60_49

I know...I'm not helpful at all... ;-)

9964runner

Our family vehicle is an 2012 4Runner with third row seating, a novel extra in the beginning, now our girls are almost 8 its a must have. Not sure of your intended use or how long you'll keep the vehicle, but I will say the 3rd row gives the Ford a huge advantage with kids (and in-laws)

carrera

Not sure about used models, but my neighbour has a new exploder and he really likes it.
I recently searched and searched for an suv, considered everything out there
and bought a new 4runner.

John 996 TT Cab

He's talking Grand Cherokee which is larger than the Cherokee by quite a bit. I think of the Cherokee as Macan size and the Grand Cherokee as Cayenne size (or very close to those sizes).

Thor911

Thanks fellas, have read all your feedback and it's been helpful... Still have not landed on a decision but am still considering the Grand Cherokee and Explorer, I have also added the Touraeg and 4Runner to the list. The 3rd row seating sounds like good future thinking (my oldest is 2.5). I had an offer in on a GC, I was only $700 less than their asking price and they wouldn't budge... Business must be really good!

Eric

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Thor911

Not helpful at all.. -1 point. .

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peritus

I just ordered a 2016 Explorer, so I'll tell you in 12-16 weeks when delivered!

StanThePorscheFan

3 month wait?

peritus

Yes... custom build, getting bucket seats in second row so kids can walk through. 12-16 weeks max. It might come earlier. I could use awd in this snow!