Managing space in a SUV

[Anonymous]

We are looking for a 2-row or 3-row SUV to replace our 10+ year old minivan as a family car.

Must fit two adults, two young teens and one large dog.
Our budget is <$60k.
Planning to drive it for at least 10 years (so reliability is key)
Spacious (good for carpooling etc.)
AWD only.
No minivan.

What car would you recommend us to buy and how would you manage the space?

Thanks for any input!

[Anonymous]

A two-row SUV with rear captain's chairs probably would be ideal with a big dog.

I'm not sure if any company makes such a car, but that would be pretty cool. The dog lays down in the aisle between the two chairs.

In terms of managing space, you can always add a removable roof top box for $500. We take our's on road trips and it's such a life saver.

[Anonymous]

I would do a Pilot if you want cargo area AND an occasional 3rd row to carpool. We had one with 2 dogs. Most of the time they had the cargo area so I kept 3rd row down. When I had extra dogs I just pulled up the 3rd row.

[Anonymous]

Traverse

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A two-row SUV with rear captain's chairs probably would be ideal with a big dog.

I'm not sure if any company makes such a car, but that would be pretty cool. The dog lays down in the aisle between the two chairs.

In terms of managing space, you can always add a removable roof top box for $500. We take our's on road trips and it's such a life saver.

Thanks, but our dog would create a massive chaos if we let her sit between the chairs. She must be confined in the back of the car. My DH loves the idea of roof rack storage for road trips.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would do a Pilot if you want cargo area AND an occasional 3rd row to carpool. We had one with 2 dogs. Most of the time they had the cargo area so I kept 3rd row down. When I had extra dogs I just pulled up the 3rd row.

Do you put your dogs in a crate in the cargo area?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Traverse

We considered this car but were not sure about its reliability.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would do a Pilot if you want cargo area AND an occasional 3rd row to carpool. We had one with 2 dogs. Most of the time they had the cargo area so I kept 3rd row down. When I had extra dogs I just pulled up the 3rd row.

Do you put your dogs in a crate in the cargo area?

I do not no. But you could for crates back there if you wanted to.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would do a Pilot if you want cargo area AND an occasional 3rd row to carpool. We had one with 2 dogs. Most of the time they had the cargo area so I kept 3rd row down. When I had extra dogs I just pulled up the 3rd row.

this should say extra kids, not extra dogs lol

[Anonymous]

We have a Pilot.

Large dog is only an occasional passenger, but he gets the third row with one of those harnesses that clips into the latch. That does not leave a ton of cargo space, though. For road trips, that means some stuff is on the floor with dog and/or kids.

[Anonymous]

We have a Toyota Highlander and checks all those boxes. We have a model with the captain chairs so each kid has their own space. We only use the third row if we are carpooling, otherwise we have it laid down and the dog hangs out back there. With the third row up, there isn't a ton of cargo space though so it's really perfect for 2 kids.

[Anonymous]

Any of the popular SUV’s would fit the bill! I think you need to narrow down which models have AWD. Any other specifics you are looking for?

[Anonymous]

I just did this search. I loved the Hyundai Palisade and the Chevy Traverse. (My 3 kids are younger and we do a lot of driving, so we ultimately ended up with another minivan.)

[Anonymous]

We have two teens and two large dogs and got an Acadia. Luggage goes in a row right behind the 2nd row seats and there’s plenty of room for the dogs.

[Anonymous]

The bigger question isn't WHAT to buy, but what can you FIND without a massive dealer markup over MSRP right now?

OP if you can string along your 10 year old minivan for another ~12 to 18 months you'll have many more options at better price points.