I think my commute killed my transmission. What should I look for in my next auto?

My work commute requires me to climb the Cuesta Pass which is a high grade pass of about 3 miles. I started taking this commute about 5 months ago. Now my 2008 Ford Escape is in the shop because the automatic transmission went out. Looks like I'll be in the market for a new car.

I'm wondering if this daily grind may have been too much for the 4 cylinders my trusty Escape was running on.

So, what kind of specs should I look for in my next ride? I like having a mid/small SUV like the Escape. I'm hoping to pay at/under 20K.

I highly doubt it, I'm thinking that you do not maintain your "trusty Escape."

Ford's CD4E slushbox is not particularly sturdy. (Number of cylinders is not much of a factor.) Fix it and add an aftermarket cooler; it's a lot cheaper than a new trucklet.

I suggest you get the transmission fixed and keep the 2008 Escape. The newer ones have not really improved that much and you will not be gaining much for the higher investment.

My guess is that your transmissions was going bad anyway and the tough drive simply made it happen a bit sooner. You'll have about as much luck with a properly repaired or replaced transmission in your Escape as you would with a new car. Ideally for such steep climbing, you would want a larger more powerful SUV or truck designed to have good low-end torque, such as that needed for pulling trailers.