Anonymous wrote:There is nothing like the minivan for hauling young kids. If you want to switch to an suv, we looked at every three row option (except the ones with the xl length designations) and the one that worked best —didn’t have a hump, fit my tall teens even in the third row—was the Ford Expedition. The leg room in the third row exceeds virtually every other three row option.

This
BTDT, ended up with another minivan. Maybe later, once kids are off to college I get myself something smaller

There are definitely alternatives - otherwise everyone would drive Odysees. You probably just need to go and sit in the back of a lot of SUVs, though, to judge the legroom

What’s wrong with getting another? If it ain’t broken, don’t fix it!

Anonymous wrote:My kid is nearing 6 ft and can sit in the backseat of cars and SUVs. Not sure if you have an unusually tight sedan?

When the tall parents at 6ft sit in front and they are adjusted to comfort then the back seat passengers at 6ft are really crampy for a longer trips in the most cars aside from SUVs and Vans

My kid is nearing 6 ft and can sit in the backseat of cars and SUVs. Not sure if you have an unusually tight sedan?

Tiguan. Cheap and tons of leg room and big cargo. 6 year warranty

Keep the minivan - I've heard great things about the Pacifica.

There is nothing like the minivan for hauling young kids. If you want to switch to an suv, we looked at every three row option (except the ones with the xl length designations) and the one that worked best —didn’t have a hump, fit my tall teens even in the third row—was the Ford Expedition. The leg room in the third row exceeds virtually every other three row option.

I think a pilot is a reasonable alternative

The third row is tight and there’s not a ton of space with all 3 rooms open, but the 5 main seats are fairly similar to the odyssey

Also you wouldn’t have to learn to adapt to new electronics if you stay with a Honda

I had a pilot followed my two minivans and i think if/when i go back to a “normal” car it will be a pilot.

I am actually not a fan of Suburus - just mentioned it as an example - I find the Odyssey seats to be far more comfortable than Suburu seats.

Not sure how large our dog crate is, but we do usually have the last row of our odyssey down for road trips for a week at the grandparents' house or beach trip.

I think I am just needing to feel less defined by my mom role - maybe this is a mom version of a mid-life crisis. LOL

If you like Subaru, look at the new Ascent. We don’t have one but we’re also looking to replace our minivan in the next year or so and have started looking around. We also have 2 kids and a dog. The interior of the Ascent seemed roomy. Didn’t look at the Pilot but did look at the MDX, which I assume is similar, and it seemed decent as well but Ascent seemed a little roomier. Highlander seemed cramped.

What size crate do you have? Are you planning to leave the third row down for luggage and crate? We have a 36inch crate, and it fits in DH’s Buick Enclave with the third seat down.

Thanks - we only have two kids but we are tall with long legs...3rd grader already lacks leg room in a sedan. So, Suburu is too small, for example, for a comfortable road trip. The kids will only get taller!

Tell me more about the Honda Pilot - lots of leg room? Will dog crate fit along with luggage?

Honda Pilot

How many kids do you have?

Our Odyssey needs to be replaced. We travel a good amount to visit grandparents = 7 to 9 hour road trips. We are tall, and our kids complain when they ride in DH's sedan being to cramped. I am a little tired of the "mom car" but honestly can't identify an alternative that would be easy & comfy for road trips (we also have a dog!) and easy for grocery shopping.

Is there a car we should consider before I spend a pretty penny on another minivan?