Anonymous wrote:

It's called a minivan.

Truth

The third row in the Highlander was cramped, so we went with the Hyundai Palisade.

I love the minivan for this purpose. We have the Pacifica because we wanted a hybrid. We never have to buy gas, as it goes about 30 miles without gas, and that's all we really need for the kids' activities. We also have a large dog. He can sit between the captain's chairs, or on the third row. I guess we could also collapse part of the third row and put him there, but I think he's just come up to be with the humans.

We have a VW Atlas with captains chairs and a 3rd row...The trunk space isn't amazing, but its good enough for groceries and the stroller.

Yes I'd say a minivan is the right car.

But otherwise maybe look at the Pilot. I think the Highlander can do captain chairs (maybe?) but not sure about trunk space.

If you need bigger than that you are into Suburban territory which is just a MASSIVE car. I'd go minivan over that any day.

OP here: my kids are young, but the 7 and 5 year old have carpool issues often, and I am using my third row more and more, which is harder to access with 3 seats across.

i only need a lot of trunk space for a few road trip vacations a year

One of the reasons I’ve kept my minivan as my kids have gotten a little older is that my dog has gotten older too. The low chassis compared with an SUV makes it easier for a dog to jump in and out.

SUV with a 3rd row in use and trunk space = Expedition or Surburban.

Enclave

I just got the Volvo XC90 with captains chairs (t6). I love it. It drives like a car but has lots of space. Not as big as a mini van but also a lot prettier and smoother ride.

Your kids are so young. I have a 6 seater and really regret not having that 7th or 8th seat. Once the kids are bigger and you are hauling more kids around, if you have a big car it just doesn't make sense to not have more seats. My friend has a honda pilot that seats 8 and I have major car envy.

3 kids? For sure get a minivan.

Acura has a model with captain's chairs, but acura quality has taken a steep nosedive.

The xc90 also has captain's chairs. I think this will be my next car.

It's called a minivan.

I have 3 kids age 2, 5, and 7.5 - and a dog!

Have an Acura MDX but want to get captains chairs.

Thanks!