For practicality, the minivan will win in almost every category. However, there is just a point in life where you can't handle the stigma of driving one. We have had both SUVs and minivans. I now drive an SUV (Acura MDX), but I have to admit, I do miss the minivan. One big thing is that the third row in most SUVs is pretty much useless except for kids. I needed something that I could get my parents (75 years old) in and still have easy access to strapping DS in car seat. Now that DS is nine -- he can climb in to the third row when necessary and leave the back seats for the grandparents.

How about something in between, like a Chevy Traverse, or Ford Flex? Both are basically minivans, have third rows, but are not that much larger than a medium size SUV. Hyundai/Kia makes a similar crossover.

SUVs and minivans are played out. We have two kids and purchased a pre-owned Mercedes-Benz E55 wagon. It has a third row, rear facing seat and plenty of space to haul all our stuff. The kids (2 and 5) love to sit back there when, especially when the husband finds and empty parking and decides to do some donuts.....so easy in a car with a supercharged V8 engine that has over 500 lb ft of torque.

Thanks for the help.

If you go with an SUV, I would get one that has a third row and has the option for captain's chairs for the second row, so you can access it easily.

This question has been asked and answered numerous times. Do a search.

Anonymous wrote:a good cross between size and performance are the Infinti FX35 . We didn't want a HUGE SUV, needed more room but wanted something that was still sporty and fun to drive.

I can't disagree more. I *hate* my FX35. Too hard to see out the windows in the back, limited leg room in back seat, storage space sucks in the back, gas guzzler, and I have had a bunch of mechanical issues, including having to rebuild my trans.

I LOVE my subaru 2011 outback now. Loads of space, great legroom in the backseat and nice pricetag.

We went from a Subaru Forester to a Honda Odyssey. Even when we had 2 children (we have 3 now), we appreciated the 3rd row for when we had company, but more so, as it allowed us to carpool for preschool. I work part time. I think if I worked full-time, and carpooling was not an issue, we could easily have made a smaller SUV work. We have had it since '06, and love our Odyssey. I find it to be pretty good on gas (though of course, not nearly as much so as my Forester). Comfort wise, especially on long trips, it runs circles around the Subaru (whose interior I found to be nice enough, but the seats were not terribly comfortable for long drives). We went with the middle EX-L model. The one feature I wish my van had was the auto close trunk, especially when my hand are full with bags, and/or the hands of my children.

a good cross between size and performance are the Infinti FX35 . We didn't want a HUGE SUV, needed more room but wanted something that was still sporty and fun to drive.

We are in the market for a new car that will accomodate a 3 year old, and a newborn, and I am torn on which to get. Our small SUV just doesn't have enough room for everything when we want to take a weekend away.