Baby and Dog Friendly Car??

ktyrd007

We currently own a Nissan Juke which is a nice, little, zippy crossover. The hatchback would allow for our pocket pit bull to ride in the way back, and the car seat fits rather tight behind the passenger seat (when the seat is pulled forward all the way). However, as I'm looking at this configuration I realize that A) unless we put the stroller in the seat next to baby, there's no room for it and if we have a third passenger, or a second kid, there won't be any room. I just feel like we need a bigger car at this point...

Any SUV or crossover recommendations that could accommodate our dog/kid/full size stroller? I'm used to small cars, and realize it's not very practical for this scenario, but a big car with a small car feel would also be ideal.

jtenkorang

I know you don't want a minivan but I love my Honda Odyssey. But I always wanted a Nissan Murano. I'm not sure how it does with car seats and space though good luck hunting!

oneblessedmess

I have a Nissan Rogue that I love, it should be able to hold dog and stroller in the back. If you check it out and think it's too small, I also second PPs suggestion of the Murano, it's basically a somewhat bigger version of the Rogue. I actually was looking into the Murano when we went car shopping, but I went with the Rogue because, like you, I wanted a bigger car that didn't FEEL too big and the Rogue seemed like a good compromise.

ETA: The Kia Sorrento is also a good pick, if you're not feeling the Nissan.

greatgrandbaby7

Lol I feel the same way about the set up with the car seat and large dog in our Nissan X-Terra and it's an SUV!

kyrenora

We have a Subaru Forester. The stroller either fits on the floor of the backseat or in the way back with our 140lbs dog.

audi681

We bought a Suburu Outback in March in prep for baby and I love it!! It's not as station wagon-y as it used to be. The trunk is huge, and most importantly, I feel very safe in it. It's like driving a tank. I used to drive a mini and loved to zip around. There is zero zip in this car, but it's perfect for this chapter of my life!

KAR8706

I drive an FJ Cruiser, and while I love it and worked my butt off to get it & won't trade at all. I wont be able to fit our dogs and the stroller, I have a pretty sturdy barrier to keep the dogs all the way in the back but the back seat is pretty limited.

tkduke

We just bought an Acura RDX for the same reasons and we love it. The trunk space and 40/60 split rear seats are awesome for dog + stroller + groceries. We have a Buggaboo so it takes up a stupid amount of space but our RDX manages it and some. We are super pleased with our purchase and it drives like a luxury charm.

2babes3angels

We got a Toyota Rav4 when our first was born. We had always only planned on 2 kids, so it's just big enough for us. For travel: We have 2 pit mixes and they usually ride in the trunk area; we also installed a hitch and my husband welded a big mesh tray sort of thing to go on it and hold our bags, etc. It's tight for travel in my opinion, but for every day use, it's awesome. I like that it's an SUV, but still small and zippy feeling.

lovermyboys

I have a Jeep Compass and I love it. Fits two kids and a stroller. Our dog is a 100lb golden retriever aNd we can fit his small travel kennel. With all that said tho. We travel a lot and after everything there is no room for luggage. We are now looking into the Dodge Durango. It is bigger and has third row seating. I will never own a van so this is a good option for us.

rzaccardelli11

I second the RDX!

Billingsleymommy

We have the Dodge Journey and I love it!

ktyrd007

Thanks everyone! I have compiled this list based on your suggestions:

Jeep Compass

Toyota Rav4

Acura RDX

Subaru Outback

Subaru Forester

Nissan Rogue

Nissan Murano

Dodge Durango

Honda Odyssey (minivan)

I'm going to research them all tonight and hopefully we'll find one that fits our lifestyle! Any additional suggestions highly appreciated!

Poppy1099

One more...since you like the crossover check out the Toyota Veneza. I got a used one (they're pricey) I can fit both my eight year olds comfortably plus baby seat in the middle plus the stroller in the way back. I'm used to smaller cars too, since it's on a car frame it's easy to get used to.

roseec

We got a Mazda 5...all the perks of having a van with out looking or feeling like a van. We love it!

Razzledazzlerazcal

I sold my ANCIENT Honda Accord and got a Nissan pathfinder with the exact space concerns you have in mind .... loving the Pathfinder and super happy with my decision. :-)

corndogrobot

We love our VW Jetta wagon
We call it the grocery getter.
However, we have two small dogs.