I never want a minivan....but I would get one in your situation. The Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid is actually really nice and an excellent value. Almost makes me want to buy a minivan despite us having only one kid lol

We recently bought a Palisades and love it. We also had rented an Atlas a couple of years ago on vacation. Palisades drove smoother IMO and had tons more bells/whistles.

3 growing kids and a MIL + 2 parents...you need a minivan. Soon you will be carpooling to sports. Also, a minivan is low enough that your MIL should be able to do the middle row. Get captains chairs.

Atlas is fairly new so not much reliability history behind it, but research any other VW product and you'll realize that you'll starting having (major) issues soon after warranty is over. Plus, check their second hand value, VWs depreciate more than any other brand, there is reason for that. On the plus side VW products generally handle well....when their working that is Best of luck.

Atlas feels massive while driving, I wasn’t a fan. The Palisade was very nice, roomy and didn’t feel as big driving as the atlas. Ultimately went with the Ascent but I have to agree that a minivan does sound like a good alternative for you.

Palisides are really nice

VW is junk, so there’s that.

Atlas is huge. Have had ours for two years and no issues.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just get a minivan.

I usually find this response obnoxious when people are asking about 3 row SUVs, but if OP will regularly be riding with 3 adults and 3 children, it may actually be good advice here.

It's especially a good idea if MIL has mobility issues, as a minivan is much lower to enter. Look at the plug in Pacifica to reduce your carbon footprint.

Anonymous wrote:Just get a minivan.

I usually find this response obnoxious when people are asking about 3 row SUVs, but if OP will regularly be riding with 3 adults and 3 children, it may actually be good advice here.

Wasn’t a fan of the Atlas when we test drove it. It feels cramped and didn’t handle that well. I LOVED the Kia telluride but they are impossible to get right now. Going to test drive the Palisade this week so tbd, hoping it compares to the telluride.

We have an Atlas and the third row is comfortable. The whole car is comfortable.

Just get a minivan.

Having baby 3. Mother in law lives with us and does not drive. So when we travel to anywhere, we will now either need two cars or a car that seats 6. Was thinking if the Atlas or the Palisade. I have a Tuscan and have been happy with it. Husband has a Passat and loves it.

Anyone tested both cars and can speak to them?

MIL has Parkinson’s so she sits in the front. Most likely I will either sit in second row or third row so would like to to be comfortable (as I am being back seated in my own damn car). Oldest is 6 and can sit in HBB or booster seat. Middle is 2 and still rear facing. Baby will be in baby bucket.