Montero, Explorer, or Durango? And how about those hills?

[DiverDrew]

My family is returning to St. John for the 3rd time in May of next year. It's a long way off but we can't wait!

This time we're bringing my parents (their 1st visit).

We need a vehicle that can accomodate 4 adults and 2 car seats, which leaves us looking at the 7 passenger options: Montero, Explorer, or Durango.

Any opinions on which one is the best option as far as space, comfort, and traction (I've heard the villa we will be staying in is up a really steep hill )?

The vehicle choice will help narrow down the list of rental agencies too.

Thanks!

[CariBert]

We just got back a couple of weeks ago, and we rented a Durango. There were 6 adults, and we pretty much went everywhere we wanted, no trouble. The Durango had all wheel drive, and optional "Positraction" whatever that is.

It was plenty big enough for 6 adults, but we had to make two trips to the ferry dock on our way home because we had too much luggage. All 6 of us and our snorkeling gear fit just fine. I don't imagine you'll have any trouble with 4 adults and two car seats.

-Bert

[Steve S]

I would favor the Montero due to it being the smallest of the three. Villa parking space is not always generous and don't forget trying to navigate Cruz Bay!

[RickG]

We've rented Monteros for years, probably the same ones. The Monteros I've seen on STJ are getting older and show it. The seating for passengers 6 and 7 is a jump seat in the back and is not appropriate for car seats. With your configuration you are likely to be putting adults in the jump seat - very tight. I would go with the Durango.

Cheers, RickG

[nothintolose]

Just go with one that lets you park in their lot and parking won't be an issue because of the size.

We had a Montero (our Escape had been rented the last day of our trip so they gave us a Montero)for one day two years ago and it was the first time we ever used 4WD on the main roads but it was no problem.

nothintolose

[Nic in KC]

Any way you'd look at renting two smaller vehicles? Just a thought with your group. If the kids were say 9 and 11 or something than the third seat would work better.

I'd go with the Durango too. I don't find that the 3rd seat is usable with car seats and it gets pretty crowded for two adults especially if either has long legs!

If you did two vehicles, it would give you and the parents the option of going separate ways if you wanted. I know my parents nor myself and hubby would enjoy the hassle of climbing in and out of that back seat!

Just my two cents!

[DiverDrew]

Thanks for all the input. I think we'll go with the Durango. We'll put my wife in the 3rd row with the rest of the luggage

I had thought about the 2-car thing but couldn't get a volunteer to be the 2nd driver. My wife, who has been to St. John, won't do it. My mother doesn't drive and my Dad said driving the Road to Hana in Hawaii was as adventurous as he's willing to be.

We'll probably get the Durango from Budget in STT and do the car barge as I just found out how much the land taxi/Red Hook ferry would be for the six of us and luggage. I'd be saving ~$250 by driving from the airport. That's a lot of Red Stripes. And yes I realize I'd be on my own if something went wrong with the car on STJ.

Thanks again for the input.

[Ksea]

DriverDrew, We had a party of 5 and tons of luggage. We rented a Jeep Commander (7 passenger) and it was very comfortable and drove like a dream up and down the hills. We rented from Bougainvillea and they were super efficient and nice. I think it was $480 for the week.