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.
VW built a crossover with a genuinely clever AWD system and a cabin that feels more expensive than it is, then saddled it with an engine that gets outrun by a Corolla and a repair history that reads like a warranty company's nightmare. The 2025 redesign adds 17 horsepower and fixes some proportion issues, but still skips the hybrid powertrain every competitor offers. The real trouble is the 2018-2024 generation most buyers will encounter used: valve guide failures requiring cylinder head replacements, a water pump class action lawsuit, and the kind of repair frequency that turns $250/hour labor rates into a recurring expense. Lease it new and hand it back before 60k miles, or buy the RAV4 and sleep better. Long-term ownership means budgeting for European repair costs on a vehicle priced like a mainstream crossover.