Anonymous wrote:Do as previous post said and look into Suburban/Yukon XL. Really the only cars that have enough 3rd row legroom while still offering space for gear in the back. Especially since it sounds like you do not want a minivan.

This. I’m a pilot owner with two small kids, one of whom plays hockey. With the 3rd row up, you wouldn’t be able to fit anything besides hockey equipment (crammed) in. While the cargo space isn’t really any smaller than a sienna from a width perspective, you do lost the depth that the minivan provides. I cannot fit much more than my younger child’s stroller standing upright with the 3rd row up to give you pespective.

Anonymous wrote:Interesting. The Ford Explorer fits the hockey bag behind the third row. But it doesn’t come with 8 seats. 7 is the most.
The next size - the expedition- just seems so huge to me. But I guess I’ll get used to it.
The Sequioa (Toyota) is more manageable size wise, but gets bad reviews.

You want the Expedition EL if you want the cargo space + 3 row up. Expedition (regular) has barely any cargo space with the 3rd row. The new Traverse offers more than Expedition or Tahoe with the 3rd row up but the traverse is a 7-seater, not an 8.

Anonymous wrote:Subaru ascent. 8 seat available in all trim lines. Safest midsize suv on the market, according to IIHS reports. More car seat anchors, more third row space, more space behind third row.

I saw the new Ascent outside REI a few weeks ago. No way is there enough cargo space behind third row for the OP's needs.

Interesting. The Ford Explorer fits the hockey bag behind the third row. But it doesn’t come with 8 seats. 7 is the most.
The next size - the expedition- just seems so huge to me. But I guess I’ll get used to it.
The Sequioa (Toyota) is more manageable size wise, but gets bad reviews.

Subaru ascent. 8 seat available in all trim lines. Safest midsize suv on the market, according to IIHS reports. More car seat anchors, more third row space, more space behind third row.

Honda Odessey

Anonymous wrote:Other ones to consider

Vw atlas (i don't know if it seats 8)
Subaru Ascent (it seats 8 on some trim levels)

I would think Honda and Toyota must make something that seats 8 Which is what I would look at first.

Sorry, no. None of these have significant cargo room with the 3rd row up, even if they have 8 seats.

Anonymous wrote:Buick Enclave

There is almost no room in cargo with the 3rd row up.

I also have an 7-seater Acadia and there's no way you'd fit hockey gear behind the 3rd row.

You're looking at long wheelbase SUV - a Ford Expedition EL, Yukon Denali XL, Suburban, Escalade ESV, etc. Or get a Sprinter Van!

Anonymous wrote:Buick Enclave

I love my Acadia, which is the GMC equivalent of the Enclave. But I have the 7-seat version. I test-drove the 8-seat version and getting to the third row all the time over the folded-down seat would be really annoying.

Anonymous wrote:Do as previous post said and look into Suburban/Yukon XL. Really the only cars that have enough 3rd row legroom while still offering space for gear in the back. Especially since it sounds like you do not want a minivan.

For those of you recommending the Atlas, Enclave, Pilot etc, have you ever sat on a long road trip in the 3rd row of one of these vehicles. Kids grow. Often before it’s time to buy a new car. My 14 yr old is 5’8 and still growing. I’m 5’3. The 3rd row of some of these vehicles is uncomfortable fore me. It would be worse for him.

Now, in the Expedition, everyone clamors for the 3rd row. It’s like being able to sit in the way back when we were kids.

Op—get the big SUV. It is so comfortable and there is plenty of room for everyone with all their stuff.

Other ones to consider

Vw atlas (i don't know if it seats 8)
Subaru Ascent (it seats 8 on some trim levels)

I would think Honda and Toyota must make something that seats 8 Which is what I would look at first.

No way you can fit a hockey bag behind the third row of a Pilot or Highlander
-Highlander owner and Hockey Mom

Buick Enclave