I've bought something like 17 new over the years, and four have been vans, two mini and two full size. Just about everything I had, I'd put 150k+ on it. Right now I need to buy something, a Highlander looks to be something to handle my needs.
Hallelujah.....can I get an Amen! I don't even like riding in a minivan. I drive a Denali. Plenty of room for all the sports/camping equipment, dog, and yes, lots of kids when required. It was liberating to get rid of the car seats. When my kids get off to college, I want one of these....
Not bad looking but you'd be better off sticking with GM. Your Denali is on the same frame as a Chevy or GMC pickup.
An F-250 still seems like overkill . . . but if you are moving to Georgia, you may to have to pull a big honking' boat. I'm trying to find a smaller 4x4 SUV TRUCK that still has plenty of power to tow my two small trailers. I still have a full-size '85 chevy farm pickup to tow the big flatbed. Most of the time I'm hauling around a lot of expensive air with low fuel efficiency. I only use my rear seats two or three times a year, I damn sure don't need a third row. All that weight, long wheelbase and width inhibits some of my backroading on jeep trails in the mountains. But all of the small SUV's have turned into sleek, crossover Mom-mobiles with no serious off-road capability. I wish Ford would bring back the old Bronco. Light, powerful and few frills.
Why stick with GM? I have had pretty good luck in terms of repairs but statistics suggest that it's just that...luck. Ford trucks have a better service record from what I have been able to find. If that is incorrect, I am all ears. Aesthetically I have always preferred Ford trucks but I wouldn't be opposed to certain models of Chevy or GMC. I could live with a 150. A big boat may be an option. Very true...I almost don't think of some SUV models as sport utility at all. I liked the Bronco.
