Based on your description, I'd consider an Ascent. You'll then land in having a non-FWD based vehicle (true AWD with a longitudinal engine) that has good handling for a 5K# vehicle, good reliability, and a turbo 4 which is quicker than a GX. It will be a downgrade from a GX in terms of luxury and style but will provide some of the zippier handling while doing a good job at kid hauling. Subarus are very safe vehicles and both easy and cheap to service. Not as reliable as a Toyota/Lexus but they are Japanese and are much better than a domestic or a European car.
Despite having Subarus for nearly 14 years in the Rednexus household, we are going with a Highlander due to the hybrid option (MPG) and Toyota build quality/resale value. The amenities of an upper-trim Highlander are near-Lexus level in quality and execution. Don't really care about it being FWD-based as I still have my GX for unpaved roads.
Despite having Subarus for nearly 14 years in the Rednexus household, we are going with a Highlander due to the hybrid option (MPG) and Toyota build quality/resale value. The amenities of an upper-trim Highlander are near-Lexus level in quality and execution. Don't really care about it being FWD-based as I still have my GX for unpaved roads.