If the minivan is your "family" car/road trip car, etc. I would just get a Honda pilot. Rather than getting captains chairs, get the bench and put the 2 middle row car seats next to each other and let the 3rd seat slide forward for access to the third row.

Update-we have been test driving tons of suvs-Mazda 9, Santa Fe, pilot, explorer. It seems like the only one that will possibly fit four car seats is the vw atlas. The third row in all the other suvs is too tight for car seats, or more accurately, too tight for little legs sticking out from the car seat. I tend to think the minivan is the way to go. Gotta get my husband on board.

Everyone I know that got one of the non minivan options hated it and eventually just got the minivan. They really are brilliant for kids. And I never get why people think they are unattractive. For looks, suburban are the worst.

There's a volvo model with captains chairs and a third row- check that one out too

Get a minivan.