Best Large Family Vehicle?

michaela080 · February 2014

We will be getting a new car this spring before our 2nd baby is born. I want something big, like a minivan or SUV. What is the best large family vehicle? DH is talking about a Toyota 4 Runner, but I am leaning more towards a van. I've heard the Honda Odyssey is good. I think DH wants more of an SUV type for looks, but I will be the one driving it most often, and I would prefer lower gas mileage, space, maybe some extras like DVD, automatic start and doors if we can afford it. DH is also willing to pay more than I am. We are thinking a few years used, but if there are 0% interest deals going on, new might be the way to go.

hokiemama06 · February 2014

Another vote for the Toyota Sienna. We just bought a 2011 Sienna LE about a month ago, and LOVE it. I had a Hyundai Elantra Touring (hatchback), which was fine for one kid, but with #2 on the way, and traveling with a dog, it makes sense to get something bigger.

We looked at the Odyssey and the Sienna at Carmax, and for me the functionality of the Sienna won. DH is tall, and we have two boys (who most likely be tall), and I like that the middle seats in our Sienna are adjustable. The rear seats folded easier, and overall, the space I felt was better. Extremely smooth ride - I just have to watch the speed, since it's so easy to go faster than you realize in a large vehicle.

I like that I can just get both kids in the car and lock the door so I can focus on safely getting each one in their carseat. There's also the privacy of needing to nurse/change a diaper and there is more than enough room to do that in the van while having strollers in the back. I highly recommend the Sienna!

steelermama86 · February 2014

We went back in forth between a van and suv. Finally we decided on a Toyota Sequioa. While I love the car it's HUGE and not the easiest to drive around in lots of traffic. With a growing family and plans on getting a dog it fits us best right now.

SallySunrise · February 2014

We also have the swagger wagon (AKA Toyota Sienna) and love love love it!

lilahbean13 · February 2014

I have a Tahoe like every other real housewife of east texas. I wanted a smaller SUV but hubby wanted me to get the 4wd Tahoe plus the third row seating comes in handy. I do love it. I've never been short on space

BransonsBecca · February 2014

I looked at minivans as well but I really, really did not want one, even though they are super roomy. The guy at the dealership had us try a Ford Flex and I am so glad that he did. It is HUGE. Fits 7 when you have the 3rd row up and tons of backspace when the 3rd row is folded down- it has that stow and go thing going on. They aren't for everyone since they are boxy but I prefer boxy cars. We got the base model and it really has a lot of stuff. If you go up in price you can get the DVD and panoramic sunroof.

Biggest selling point: my husband is 6'3 and has to have the seat back all the way to sit or to drive. It was the only vehicle he could do that in and still have DD rear facing with room to spare. Other than a van. They are way bigger on the inside than they look. I am more than happy!

Kdoy705 · February 2014

kimmer1412 said:

We got a new Honda Odyssey a few months ago and I love it. We did get top of the line so it does have the DVD player, navigation,power everything, leather and a built in vacuum. I really never thought I could ever like or drive a mini van but I really do love it. We compared every van and SUV and the honda had the best options for the price, toyota being a second runner up.

@kimmer1412 - Same here - we just got the new Odyssey and absolutely love it! Its much more convenient than our old CRV. It drives very smoothly and the automatic doors are amazing - I think once you get used to them, you just don't want to go back. I agree it is nice to be able to put Riley in and she can walk around while I am putting bags in the back, etc.

The dog currently has her own row for road trips - which is a huge plus because before she'd sit next to Riley and Riley would literally try to pull her hair out and make little dog hair piles. I also swore I wouldn't be a minivan driver, but at this point, comfort is much better than style, and it's not THAT unstylish. It's a really nice ride!

dgancz · February 2014

We have a Honda odyssey and like it. The sliding doors are great , we do not have any extras but my friends do and they really are fun.

We have three kids and we could not find a car that would fit three car seats plus let us take another person,other than a mini van.

ashleynaka · February 2014

We love our Honda Pilot! My H will not drive a minivan.

hokiemama06 · February 2014

chipmunk112511 said:

hokiemama06 said:

Another vote for the Toyota Sienna. We just bought a 2011 Sienna LE about a month ago, and LOVE it. I had a Hyundai Elantra Touring (hatchback), which was fine for one kid, but with #2 on the way, and traveling with a dog, it makes sense to get something bigger.

We looked at the Odyssey and the Sienna at Carmax, and for me the functionality of the Sienna won. DH is tall, and we have two boys (who most likely be tall), and I like that the middle seats in our Sienna are adjustable. The rear seats folded easier, and overall, the space I felt was better. Extremely smooth ride - I just have to watch the speed, since it's so easy to go faster than you realize in a large vehicle.

I like that I can just get both kids in the car and lock the door so I can focus on safely getting each one in their carseat. There's also the privacy of needing to nurse/change a diaper and there is more than enough room to do that in the van while having strollers in the back. I highly recommend the Sienna!
I was looking at the Elantra GT before we found out we would be moving (put it off to keep our debt down until we get the house) but its still high up on my list. Did you like it? I would be downsizing from my current Jeep Liberty but I honestly don't use all the space that I have b/c I dont take much with me.

I loved it! We wouldn't have gotten rid of it except for needing the extra space. It rode well, had great gas mileage, and was easy to find in a parking lot. I recommend it highly!

hokiemama06 · February 2014

@chipmunk112511 - I think it would be fine with two carseats, depending on how tall you/your DH are. I'm a total shortie (5'2"), but DH is 6' and was uncomfortable driving it long distances (he didn't think the seat went far enough back). Honestly, though, he's got a touch of OCD about things like that, so I'm not sure it's really that big of a deal. And, it's something you're going to come across with any vehicle that's modeled after a sedan.

I always had a lightweight stroller in the back, and sometimes the PNP too, and had plenty of room for a week's worth of groceries. My ILs thought we needed an SUV when we bought the Hyundai, but the Touring had more cargo space than the Nissan Rogue.

Seriously, the only reason we traded it was because when we visit DH's family, it would've been too much with two little ones, all the stuff necessary for them, and our dog. Simply not enough room for everyone to travel. I hope you get one, because I absolutely loved mine, and was sad when the time came for us to trade.

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