Minivan vs Third Row SUV? Question added: Which Minivan?

We're expecting our third and are looking into a new vehicle. We really don't want a minivan, we're not minivan people but we're so disappointed with the huge lack of trunk space in the Traverse, Acadia, Darango, etc.

I'd love to hear from both sides why you chose either a third row SUV or minivan. Right now we're leaning towards the minivan because I just can't imagine how we'd go on a road trip when the double stroller will probably take up almost all of the trunk space. We really don't want to deal with putting luggage on the roof.

If you have a third row SUV, how do you deal with the lack of trunk space? I know we could have a car seat in the third row then fold down the seat(s) next to it for more storage space but I'm imagining that this would be a safety issue having suitcases, groceries, etc stacked up next to DD's car seat.

We definitely don't want to go larger than the above mentioned vehicles. I know another option is putting three across in a regular vehicle but that sounds like it would be a big hassle. Any opinions are appreciated!

eta- Added question: Which Minivan and why did you choose it?

Message edited 10/18/2015 11:31:24 AM.

Re: Minivan vs Third Row SUV?

I have the Acadia & agree cc lack of trunk space.
I do prefer the inside arrangement vs a minivan & the handling.
We just take less stuff to deal with trunk space.
We only take a single stroller (a small one). When we go food shopping at Costco, we fold a seat down... But small trips do fit in trunk with stroller.
For a road trip, we would have to take one of those boxes that go on top of the car.

If you really need to tote a lot of stuff, the Yukon XL is an option. It was too much car for me!

Re: Minivan vs Third Row SUV?

We ended up getting a minivan Bc we needed the trunk space. Honestly it's a great car for 3 kids (we have #4 on the way), everybody has a lot of room, we can put all 3 in one row if we need extra space, but we usually keep it with 2 captains chairs. I love the doors especially, it's very easy to open both sides while I'm locking my front door and letting the kids jump in and get buckled. We live OOS so we do take a bunch of trips to my parents for the weekend, so we really needed the bigger trunk.

I always said I'd never drive a mini van lol, but it works great for now, but yes I'm counting down the days that the kids are older and I can get away with a large suv.

Minivan vs Third Row SUV? Question added: Which Minivan?

Thank you. Added a question!

Re: Minivan vs Third Row SUV? Question added: Which Minivan?

I have 3 and for us, the only option that met all we needed was a minivan. We wanted captains chairs so we could easily get in and out of the third row. Do I love it...no...I am not a minivan person but it makes the most sense for us now. My kids can get in easily in the rain, it has a great trunk space and we have storage in the floors too. We will move up to a suburban as our next car, but for where we are now, with little ones still in car seats, it was the most sensible car for us.

Re: Minivan vs Third Row SUV? Question added: Which Minivan?

I have the Honda Odessey- 8 seater exl. We chose Honda because it has the best car seat configurations, we will have 4 in car seats, so I wanted to make sure we could use the car seats everywhere. We also got the 8th chair just so we can bring my mom or somebody with us if we need too. But we rarely use it. I also love little stupid things that are in the mini van like a mini vac in the trunk, we have a little cooler in the front where I keep waters in the summer during hot practices etc.

Minivan vs Third Row SUV? Question added: Which Minivan?

We have a Chrysler town and country and while I LOVE it and all the space, I was unaware that it was the least safest mini van as far as the seat belts go. So I will be looking at the Honda Odyssey and the Toyota Sienna next year. Space wise I love my T&C. The stow and go storage is great when we take road trips. I never pictured my self as a minivan mom but I've had it for 4 years now and with three kids still in Car seats I won't switch from a minivan anytime soon. My DH has a 3rd row Honda Pilot and and we've had all three kids in there once and we absolutely hate getting DD in the car seat in the third row.

Re: Minivan vs Third Row SUV? Question added: Which Minivan?

Choosing between highlander and sienna. Went with sienna and soooo glad we did. All wheel drive was important to me for work so got xle awd

Re: Minivan vs Third Row SUV? Question added: Which Minivan?

I have 3 kids 4 and under.

I have had both a minivan and now a Ford Explorer.

Yes there is more space in a mini van. We had one seat out and had room to put the big wagon in main "cabin" area. For long trips it was nice for me able to climb back and forth into the back and we would keep a small cooler in the space where the seat was taken out. (I kept my older 2 in the back),. We still needed to use a carrier on the top for luggage since we were using alot of the space for us.
I had the honda odyssey. We had alot of problems with it and traded it in for the Explorer a bit earlier than we had planned on. (I wanted to wait until my twins were 6) It was also terrible in the snow! We got stuck a few times going in/out of peoples driveways and we go to vermont in the winter and would have trouble accessing the house we stayed in.

We have the explorer now. I have all 3 across. I like the fact that they don't have room to run around the car. They get in their seats quicker. they do argue more because they can touch eachother. I have plenty of space this way. I can even fit my triple jogger in the back.
We have a hitch and bought a hitch luggage rack which we used this summer for trips. We put the big cooler on it, the step 2 push car, beach chairs etc. We have yet to go on a long trip (we drive to florida and northcarolina often) so I am not sure how I will set up seats for that.

Overall I like the explorer much better. It did take a little time getting used to no sliding doors, this kids arguing etc As the kids are getting older I don't have to pack as much (pack n play, etc) so it is getting easer!
Good luck with your decision.

Minivan vs Third Row SUV? Question added: Which Minivan?

Odyssey is the most car seat/seat belt friendly followed by the Sienna. The Town & Country, Grand Caravan, and Routan (pretty much the same vehicle) are the worst as far as car seats and seatbelts go.