We have a Pilot and an Ascent. Both are pretty nice. The Pilot gets better gas mileage and the 3rd row has a little more legroom. Both drive well imo. With 2 kids, you could even keep the 3rd row down and have better trunk space, and pop up the seats as needed for carpooling. The next car after this can be anything you want...

How much carpooling are you really doing?

Are any of your kids already 80 lbs? Or will they be 80 lbs soon?

That kid can sit in the front seat. Then there is still room for 3 in the back.

Be honest about how much carpooling you really do, really NEED to do, and think about whether that will be the case in the future. Most people I know just aren't carpooling unless it is with one other kid --- especially as kids get older.

It just seems silly to buy a car for something that is an occasional use and may become a "never" use.... especially when it costs you $5,000 or more to share an occasional ride, and it causes you to spend a lot more on gas every week.... (lower mileage with the larger SUVs/Vans).

We bought an MDX but almost got a CX-9, they are very nice!

Anonymous wrote:Look at the Hyundai Palisade

This. I was surprised I liked it better than the others.

I'm in the same boat, OP.
I looooooved my Mazda 5 before it died. So sad they don't make those anymore.

Love my Ascent! Top of the line safety features, feels roomy, easy to drive.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here, I need a third row for carpooling only (2 kids.) I am coming from an old minivan.

if kids are still young, why not just get another minivan? no SUV will beat the space/driveability of a minivan

I just don’t want to. My youngest is 10.

Well then you'll have to settle for a less than exciting 3 row SUV. That's just kinda how this works. The best designed 3rd row option is a mini van. In the SUVS it's all an after thought.

I went with the Highlander with second row captains chairs, so the kids going into the third row could climb through. And as a Toyota, it’s kept its resale value and hasn’t caused me a whisper of trouble.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here, I need a third row for carpooling only (2 kids.) I am coming from an old minivan.

if kids are still young, why not just get another minivan? no SUV will beat the space/driveability of a minivan

I just don’t want to. My youngest is 10.

Anonymous wrote:OP here, I need a third row for carpooling only (2 kids.) I am coming from an old minivan.

if kids are still young, why not just get another minivan? no SUV will beat the space/driveability of a minivan

Look at the Hyundai Palisade

OP here, I need a third row for carpooling only (2 kids.) I am coming from an old minivan.

Are you getting this car because you have kids?

If yes, get a minivan.

If not, get a CRV - why do you need the 3rd row?

Do you need a third row? I feel the same as you and between the list above, I prefer the MDX because it’s fun to drive and roomy.

Looking at:

Pilot
Highlander
Ascent
MDX
QX60
Traverse
enclave
Cx-9

Don’t love any of them. And they all have their detractors. How do I decide?