Smaller SUVs

TarheelsInNJ

Hello! If you have a smaller SUV (Rav 4, CRV, etc.) how do you like it? Do you think it's big enough, with all the baby gear and such?

DH and I currently just have a Corolla, and we're looking into buying a second, bigger car. The smaller SUVs are better for our budget, but since we'll want to keep this car at least through our second baby I want to be sure it's not too small. After that it's on to the minivan, I'm sure!

Obviously we'll look at cars in person and do test drives, but I was just wondering your thoughts.

Mack924

We have a Chevrolet Equinox and it has plenty of space in the back for baby gear.  It also gets great gas mileage & I love it!

AfterAll

I have a Jeep Patriot.  I love the car--great gas mileage and extremely roomy.  I can fit his carseat and stroller no problem.  The only issue is that if I go food shopping or buy anything, the stroller takes up the entire trunk so I either have to load the stuff on top of the stroller or on the back seat next to him.

madameladauphine

We have a Hyundai Santa Fe (an older one) and while it's a good size for 1 baby, I would need something bigger if we have another one.  I do love Hyundai though.  It's a very good vehicle (never broken down in 6 years, and all I've had to replace are the brakes).

GiniMcGlothin

I have a Saturn Vue and I LOVE it, great mileage & never had any problems, but it's PACKED when my step-daughter is here, which is not too often, so we will ahve to get something bigger shortly.  But we have a dog too, so the back is full with her crate and our suitcases (stroller won't fit when we have the dog). HTH

lovesazzie

We love our Ford Escape!

beccabrad

our is more mid-size, but we have a Nissan Pathfinder.  We chose this vehicle b/c it had a third row.  That way we have seating for other ppl if necessary and more storage space if not.  Plus we have 3 dogs so we can put them in the back.  We did quite a bit of research and looked at the smaller SUV's as well and decided this one to be the better deal regarding space and price.  Also we looked at the Jeep Commander, but I didn't like the stadium seating it had, but it also was very roomy.

IEtoLA

We have a mid-size Mazda CX9.  They have a smaller one, the CX7.  I would go with the mid-size though if you are planning on #2.  We have a good amount of space with the 3rd row too, but just add another child and you have a small SUV, you can't fit anyone else in really.

aSp6907

I second the Chevy Equinox. I love it! We have not had any problem with fitting any baby gear. We plan to go camping Memorial weekend and should not have any problem fitting camping gear and baby stuff in the back.

MrsWanee

i love my CR-V! i have it w/ GPS and 4 wheel drive. it fits baby gear really well. the trunk is really spacious!

krisim

I have a Nissan Murano, which I love.   I would say that the "trunk" area is a little tight because we have a retractable theft cover that takes up some space (we could remove it, but I'm lazy and haven't).  I'm so glad that we got an SUV because the car seat seems to take up a lot more space in the backseat than I realized.