off topic - but still a car question
 

Wifey looking for a new ride.

SUV/Crossover.

Probably 7 seats, but that limits things.

I want 30 mpg on the highway that limits things even more (likely a diesel, but it doesn't have to be).

So far looked at:
- the diesel Audi Q7. Great car, but just too big and heavy, but nice inside and solid as can be. Weighs 5700 lbs and you feel it. Expensive for what you get.
- the diesel BMW 5 has optional tiny seat in the back. Good overall, good on the road. But it seems like its been around forever and didn't impress like the others. Seats were poor, and lacked grunt on the road like the Mercedes and Q. Expensive for what you get.
- Diesel Mercedes ML350. I was very impressed by the Mercedes, the new ML is a big improvement over prior cars. Unbelievable engine with 450+lb-ft of torque. Literally like a monster truck. Drove it in the rain and it just ate it up. A clear value compared to the BMW and Audi. I am unclear on their MB Tex (synthetic leather) and it seems like you can't even get one with Xenons yet.
- Jeep Grand Cherokee. Interestingly, the Jeep stands out as a solid value and far exceeded my expectations. You probably think it's outclassed, but it's in the mix with the "outlander package" and $20K less than the others... Neither the jeep or Mercedes have the 3rd row. I drove the jeep with the understanding there is a diesel coming later this year. I'm concerned about Jeep's reliablility and the fact they load up the thing with so much off-road gear (air shocks, etc.).

I want to look at the Cayenne, but reasonably equipped it's breathtakingly expensive ($15K+ more than the Mercedes!) which is more than I'd like to spend, and fails both of our tests (3rd row and gas mileage).

This is a vehicle that I can see keeping for 10+ years, so I am willing to spend up a little to get what I want.

Any recommendations or suggestions?

I recently drove a full size Jeep & was astounded at how well it drove as I have driven several of the previous generations. My advice is to drive a base V-6 Cayenne, it's amazing how well they handle! :)

Think the VW Touareg V6 diesel is still in market, but doubt it gives you 30+ mpg...

First of all the Cayenne (with the 6) will get you around 17 mpg. Go for the S and you'll get 12-13. First hand experience. Almost every SUV is available with a 3rd row seat so there's no limiting factor there. What it sounds like you're describing is a mini-van :). Otherwise look at the Lexus hybrid SUV's.

I'm a Ford guy. Love my 2004 Explorer. Not so great on gas only 20-22 on the highway. But very comfortable and easy to get around with. 4x4 is nice when we go off roading and when it snows.

I would look at the Landrover LR3. Third row, nice interior, lots of power. Gas will be a little shy of 30 HWY. We get about 25 HWY. New maybe a pricey but a couple years old you can get a CPO warranty which is as good or better then original.

All I can say is " Our local Judge has his Cayenne serviced at my indy and he has 250,000 K miles on the OD. He also pulls his Bass/Duck boat behind it almost every day. And our INDY told me that he (the Judge) has had no Big problems at all. And NEVER has had any major repairs. That is all that I know !?? And He smokes...Cigars.. A "Prince of a Guy".

I didn't realize the Cayenne has been around long enough for miles like that! Nice to know.

I don't think that guy has a third row, or it would be a great candidate.

I hadn't considered a Land Rover. I'll look into that., thanks. Although, I think the CPO part might be important with one!

I love our LR3 or Discovery 3 as its badged over here!

I get around 33mpg from the TDV6 motor I'm manual form, it does everything you could ever ask, and 7 full size seats.