"Luxury" minivan

[Anonymous]

Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid because it's a kid hauler but we rarely have to fuel up (about every 2 months).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here.

Thanks for all the comments. It sounds like there aren't really that many to choose from, which at least makes it easier.

And as to the last poster, DH is considering a Tesla X for himself (if he can convince me, that is). We test drove one, and I like that it could hold the whole family - but there isn't REALLY enough storage with the back row utilized. I mean, you could fit a couple overnight bags in the back, but not a stroller and the crap ton of stuff we already take when we go on vacation (and that's just with two kids!). It seems better suited for local driving with the family.

I'll look into those 3 mentioned most here.

OP, we have a model X and three kids. Plenty of storage! We do three across in the second row for car trips so between the back and the front trunk, we have more than enough room. Love the automatic doors, which have better clearance than minivan doors, and it’s a very safe vehicle. I’m a big fan.

[Anonymous]

I have a chrysler pacifica and love it.

[Anonymous]

What does luxury even mean anymore besides the name plate you get to show off? It's not like 20 years ago when there was a marked difference in features and interior feel between a Lexus and a Toyota. Today, every domestic car feels luxurious inside and it's hard to buy any car today that's not loaded up with options.

Tell me, what luxury are you looking for?

[Anonymous]

Have you looked at a Buick Enclave? I suppose it is technically an suv but it seems crossover-ish. I sat in one at and the interior is very nice

[Anonymous]

I miss my minivan every day! Iit was totaled and we rushed into getting an SUV thinking our kids were bigger and we didn’t “need” a minivan anymore. The minivan was roomier, more convenient, held more, and drove better. The only thing better about the SUV is I guess I look more stylish. (Big whoop!)

Oh but I miss sliding automatic doors!!

[Anonymous]

I’ve been driving my Sienna for 7+ years. The only things a “luxury” vehicle has that I would want over my van is a quieter ride and a more comfortable seat—it’s not uncomfortable, but it’s not luxurious.

But seriously, DH started a “if I won the lottery I would buy...” conversation and I said I would get a newer Sienna but with the highest trim level.

We’ve owned all sorts of SUVs and the minivan is way more functional than any of them, unless you’re actually going to drive off-road.

[Anonymous]

I’m on my second Toyota Sienna. It is very practical and I love it. Yes, I would like to be in something that didn’t scream “mom mobile!!!” But it is seriously a great vehicle for what I need. Now and then I lean towards an SUV when I trade in my van... but then something happens and I remember why I love my minivan. For instance, a friend offered for us to carpool. She has 2 kids, I have 2 kids. Watching my children try and climb into the back seat of the SUV, and all the fighting about climbing over someone else... and there wasn’ much room in the SUV after getting 4 kids.
My Sienna - which is at 95k miles - can fit a total of 8. Usually when carpooling (which is weekly), 2 kids are in the third row and 2 kids in the middle, and me driving. Everyone has space. And I still have room in the back for all the sports equipment.
I am leaning towards trading it in for a Pacifica. I’ve had a Sienna now for 11 years (2007 then 2012). But the Pacifica gets better reviews.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Have you looked at a Buick Enclave? I suppose it is technically an suv but it seems crossover-ish. I sat in one at and the interior is very nice

We had one. Seriously does not fit that much. Husband traded it in after only a year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’ve been driving my Sienna for 7+ years. The only things a “luxury” vehicle has that I would want over my van is a quieter ride and a more comfortable seat—it’s not uncomfortable, but it’s not luxurious.

But seriously, DH started a “if I won the lottery I would buy...” conversation and I said I would get a newer Sienna but with the highest trim level.

We’ve owned all sorts of SUVs and the minivan is way more functional than any of them, unless you’re actually going to drive off-road.

ROFL! Very similar! My SUV driving husband uses my minivan to go shopping because it fits so much!

[Anonymous]

We have a Sienna XLE. It’s roomy and comfortable and drives like a car. It’s our second Sienna. The first lasted 10 years and never had a serious problem. We anticipate this one will do as well.

My DH also has a Tesla Model X. He’s had it for 2 years, and it has been in the shop for repairs and recalls. He would be the first to say that although it is fun to drive, he probably wouldn’t buy it again.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’ve been driving my Sienna for 7+ years. The only things a “luxury” vehicle has that I would want over my van is a quieter ride and a more comfortable seat—it’s not uncomfortable, but it’s not luxurious.

But seriously, DH started a “if I won the lottery I would buy...” conversation and I said I would get a newer Sienna but with the highest trim level.

We’ve owned all sorts of SUVs and the minivan is way more functional than any of them, unless you’re actually going to drive off-road.

Adding that my AWD Sienna is also better than any SUV we’ve owned (Yukon Denali XL, 4Runner, Explorer, Pathfinder) in the snow. My DH brags about it!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’ve been driving my Sienna for 7+ years. The only things a “luxury” vehicle has that I would want over my van is a quieter ride and a more comfortable seat—it’s not uncomfortable, but it’s not luxurious.

But seriously, DH started a “if I won the lottery I would buy...” conversation and I said I would get a newer Sienna but with the highest trim level.

We’ve owned all sorts of SUVs and the minivan is way more functional than any of them, unless you’re actually going to drive off-road.

Adding that my AWD Sienna is also better than any SUV we’ve owned (Yukon Denali XL, 4Runner, Explorer, Pathfinder) in the snow. My DH brags about it!

Most modern SUVs, with the exceptions of the Jeep Wrangler (by a huuuuuuuge margin) and Toyota 4Runner (a very very distant second), are no better off-road than an all-wheel drive Toyota Camry. Range Rovers in particular, which are so heavily biased towards asphalt driving that as little as 6" of mud will leave them stranded in place. Even pick up trucks are better off road than modern SUVs. The soccer mommy culture has almost completely killed competent off road vehicles. The Jeep Wrangler is the only one left with actual capability. Very sad.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’ve been driving my Sienna for 7+ years. The only things a “luxury” vehicle has that I would want over my van is a quieter ride and a more comfortable seat—it’s not uncomfortable, but it’s not luxurious.

But seriously, DH started a “if I won the lottery I would buy...” conversation and I said I would get a newer Sienna but with the highest trim level.

We’ve owned all sorts of SUVs and the minivan is way more functional than any of them, unless you’re actually going to drive off-road.

Adding that my AWD Sienna is also better than any SUV we’ve owned (Yukon Denali XL, 4Runner, Explorer, Pathfinder) in the snow. My DH brags about it!

Most modern SUVs, with the exceptions of the Jeep Wrangler (by a huuuuuuuge margin) and Toyota 4Runner (a very very distant second), are no better off-road than an all-wheel drive Toyota Camry. Range Rovers in particular, which are so heavily biased towards asphalt driving that as little as 6" of mud will leave them stranded in place. Even pick up trucks are better off road than modern SUVs. The soccer mommy culture has almost completely killed competent off road vehicles. The Jeep Wrangler is the only one left with actual capability. Very sad.

But seriously, how many people in modern America are diving off road? Is there really enough of a market for that kind of car to make it worthwhile to the car companies?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’ve been driving my Sienna for 7+ years. The only things a “luxury” vehicle has that I would want over my van is a quieter ride and a more comfortable seat—it’s not uncomfortable, but it’s not luxurious.

But seriously, DH started a “if I won the lottery I would buy...” conversation and I said I would get a newer Sienna but with the highest trim level.

We’ve owned all sorts of SUVs and the minivan is way more functional than any of them, unless you’re actually going to drive off-road.

Adding that my AWD Sienna is also better than any SUV we’ve owned (Yukon Denali XL, 4Runner, Explorer, Pathfinder) in the snow. My DH brags about it!

Most modern SUVs, with the exceptions of the Jeep Wrangler (by a huuuuuuuge margin) and Toyota 4Runner (a very very distant second), are no better off-road than an all-wheel drive Toyota Camry. Range Rovers in particular, which are so heavily biased towards asphalt driving that as little as 6" of mud will leave them stranded in place. Even pick up trucks are better off road than modern SUVs. The soccer mommy culture has almost completely killed competent off road vehicles. The Jeep Wrangler is the only one left with actual capability. Very sad.

I'm not going to spend a few extra thousands of dollars for feature I don't use.