My adult DD just got a Hyundai Elantra hybrid sedan and is getting 58 mpg. She really likes it and it's not small, nor huge.

The new Toyota Prius has been completely redesigned and looks incredible. It’s getting good reviews. Give yourself a nice ride.

Keep the van for when you’re hauling two teens and two dogs + luggage. That’s probably, in reality, 1-2x per year. No big deal.

Your daily driver is where you want the best MPG and comfort.

I'd recommend a small SUV like a Chevy Blazer, Ford Escape etc. No more cars for me ever, so I would never suggest one for someone else.

Do you usually go out all together? If it's only a few times a year, I think Rav4 is fine. Actually, your post screams for a SUV. I'd look into Rav4, CRV, or a Subaru (Outback is a good choice).

Are you sure your son wants to drive Odyssey? Make sure of that first.

Anonymous wrote:RAV4 or Outback!

I think the problem with the RAV4, although it's a great vehicle and fits your hybrid/smaller vehicle specifications, I don't know how you're going to squeeze 2 teenagers plus 2 fifty pound dogs in there. I guess if you have the minivan as the primary kid/dog transport vehicle, and you want a smaller car that can fit everyone in a pinch, it could work, but definitely bring the kids along for the test drive to feel it out. The RAV4 back feels a bit cramped tbh.

RAV4 or Outback!

I feel like this is what the subaru outback was built for? Roomy cargo area suitable for dogs as well as humans, nice back seat for hauling kids around, ample space for teens that just keep growing taller?

OP here - thanks for the suggestions so far! Dogs are spoiled - right now the kids will each take a dog and sit in the second and third rows with them. They’re medium sized - 45/50 lbs. I’ll have to think about that - whether a sedan would be roomy enough.

Are the 2 dogs in the cargo area frequently? How big are they?
I love the Honda Pilot, 2 large dogs, only one kid but do use the 3rd row on occasion to carpool.
If the dogs are smaller you could do a Honda CRV or Toyota RAV4. No3rd row in either though as far as carpooling.

Hyundai Tucson

We love our Hybrid Camry. It’s great. But if you want a small SUV you could to a small Honda/Toyota one. Most of them come in Hybrid too.

I’m a mom with two sons and two dogs. We take road trips 2 or 3 times a year, but otherwise just drive around town and I do a short (10ish mile) commute to work. Right now I drive an 8 year old Odyssey with 100,000 miles. My older son will be driving soon, so I’m thinking of getting a new car for myself and handing the minivan down.

I’d like to keep the cost at/under $40,000 and want something reliable. I don’t think I qualify for tax credits for electric cars, but want to make an environmentally friendly choice, so maybe a hybrid? My younger son is still in elementary school so anticipate carpooling kids from time time.

I’ve thought about a Camry or Accord hybrid or a small SUV. If I get a sedan, I’d still want a good sized trunk for Costco runs, etc. Any suggestions? It’s been 8 year since I’ve looked at cars, and I don’t know what’s good now.