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.

Tesla X.
Mercedes Metris? Although, no actual luxury.

Sienna AWD Limited. My kids are older now and over the course of the last 20 years we've had a lot of SUVS and minivans, and even when we've had a luxury SUV and a minivan at the same time, we still prefer driving the minivan with our family of 5.

Also, the Toyota never had anything go wrong with it which is a luxury in itself. Can't say that for the BMW SUV, or especially the Volvo SUV.

Oldsmobile Silhouette. The Cadillac of minivans.

Anonymous wrote:After considering several luxury SUVs, we've decided we actually will be happier off with a minivan (we have 2 kids in carseats and 1 on the way).

But I'm sad because I *really* wanted a luxury SUV and *really* didn't want a minivan.

Can anyone recommend their "luxury" (I know it's not really a thing) minivan? Are you glad you have one instead of an SUV?

Honda Odyssey Elite. Full stop.

Love my Odyssey! Have carted kids around, bikes, canoe, and so many people and their luggage all over the place. LOVE it!!

Get a larger SUV that can do 3 across. Done

I didn’t want a minivan but DH insisted on the Sienna. He got a bunch of upgrades and it is comfortable. Not luxurious but certainly practical. Yes, I’m happy we went with it because I can fit a whole bunch of kids and their stuff now that they are always bringing friends everywhere.

Are you buying this car to keep for 10+ years? Buy the minivan. If you want a new car every 3-5 years lease a luxury SUV and reevaluate when they are old enough to start carpooling to sports practices.

Sorry but you need to get what you want which is a SUV; minivans suck

get the honda with captains chair in the back... full options. it will set you back 45-50K that way you can feel like your spending it on luxury....

You really have 3 options:
Honda Odyssey
Toyota Sienna
Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

None are luxury, but if you get the premium package for all, each is pretty nice. I'd test drive all 3. I surprised myself and ended up with the Pacifica. I was sure I'd want the Odyssey, and thought DH was crazy for wanting to drive the other two.

That said, I don't care at all about the status symbol of a car. Just not my thing. I could be a billionaire with a mansion and a private jet and would still buy an Accord. I'm just not a car person. If you're going to be bothered by the status symbol, but are committed to a minivan, go with the Odyssey. It seems to be the most common/popular.

I bought our first minivan (an Oldsmobile - remember those?) around 1998 or so and it had an onboard VCR. Now THAT was luxury!

We drive an Odyssey now. It is really the only way to go, which is why you see so many of them.

You are not ready for a minivan. Go back to SUV.

There are really only two minivans that should exist. Both are ugly and not luxury, but they are practical, and with 3 kids, it's what you need. Get the Toyota if you want AWD and the Honda if you don't care about it. IMO, the Honda is much nicer looking and a lot less plastic looking inside.

After considering several luxury SUVs, we've decided we actually will be happier off with a minivan (we have 2 kids in carseats and 1 on the way).

But I'm sad because I *really* wanted a luxury SUV and *really* didn't want a minivan.

Can anyone recommend their "luxury" (I know it's not really a thing) minivan? Are you glad you have one instead of an SUV?