She has worn out her Hyundai finally. Yesterday, she told me she thinks her A/C has now failed. That little car has earned it's keep, and I'm wondering if we should stick with the brand and upgrade or switch camps. This time she gets a 4wd SUV. Are the Hyundai's still running strong?

My specs...

4WD
Power everything
Class 3 tow pack with electric brake controller
Power to tow the Gator or the bikes cross country
Nicely outfitted with whistles and bells
Reliability and ease of repairs
Reliability and ease of repairs
Reliability and ease of repairs
Comfy enough to travel in with the family
Low operating costs
Less than full size to fit small parking spaces
Affordable would be nice
Great warranty

Thanks.

Why does your mom need a 4wd?

Mudding of course

Does it matter? What mama wants, mama gets.

This is a contradictory statement.

Wife not mom.

She still works full time. Driving on ice and snow. Sometimes needed while towing. So she can back up to the Point Blank house to unload and pull back out (Piney Woods loam). Because I think she will be safer with it.

I bought the wife an Expedition because it was full sized and came with the Ecoboost, but I had considered the GMC Acadia for a mid-size option. They make a Denali trim that is top notch.

You had me until the word Affordable.

Why leave what has worked for you?

That is the problem with trying to sell these days and why it is all about price.

There is no brand loyalty. If I can't sell you on a brand that worked perfectly for you, my only option is to knock down the quality in an effort to reduce the price and win you over on that.

the new durangos fit that pretty well

Not sure if you need 4WD or AWD

Towing capacity and reliability rating look to be priorities.
I'd look at:

Toyota Highlander
Chevrolet Traverse
The V6 AWD model of the Honda Pilot is rated up to 5000lb towing capacity

If you want reliability, get a Lexus or Toyota.

How many miles does the Hundai have on it?

Was it a Sante Fe?

Range Rover