Ford's three-row workhorse splits into two distinct eras, and knowing which you're buying matters more than the badge. The 2013-2019 generation hides a ticking time bomb: the water pump lives behind the timing cover, turning what should be a $400 maintenance item into a $5,000 engine-out ordeal that replaces timing chains whether they're worn or not. The 2020 redesign fixed that engineering blunder but stumbled out of the gate, 2021 models left the factory missing sunroof drain tubes, flooding cabins and triggering $26k repair bills, while infotainment screens freeze mid-drive across the lineup. Police fleets rack up 300k miles through daily beatings, proving the bones can take punishment, but the third row stays cramped and cost-cut bushings needed a recall. If you need the space and can stomach Ford's quality control lottery, buy 2022 or newer. Otherwise, the Highlander costs the same and won't make you wonder what breaks next.
The R1S is the electric SUV that actually goes off-road, with supercar acceleration and 410-mile range wrapped in a thoughtful three-row package, until you hit the systematic wind noise, suspension rattles, and software bugs that plague both generations. Gen 2's emergency door release requires removing interior trim panels to escape, a design choice that borders on reckless in a family vehicle. If you're willing to beta-test a startup's learning curve at $78k-$127k and can live with inconsistent service access, the capability is genuinely special; most buyers will find more polish and peace of mind in a Model X or established luxury brand.