Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
If you solely want an SUV, then I'd second the Acura MDX. If it doesn't have to be an SUV, then there are several minivans that would fit the bill, the Pilot is probably the best one (it's certainly the most common among my friends with children.)
We have loved our 2005 4WD V6 Toyota Highlander with the 3rd row seats..I don't want to sell it even though my kids are grown I plan to look at the new ones soon..
Its decent on gas
Has good cargo and is handy at the local home improvement store with all the back seats laying flat .
It is fun to drive..
The pop up 3rd seat if fine for kids, or small adults for a short trip..I have sat back there
and did fine but I have short legs..
Ours tows a 16 ft skiff and does fine in snow with the 4WD.
X5 has an optional third row, which is essentially a joke, even for kids. I was in the market and saw it first hand and didn't bother test driving it,
Someone can correct me if I am wrong but on the X5 with the 3rd row option, I believe you lose the spare tire. I guess the logic behind it was that since X5 runs on run flats... the spare tire may not be necessary.
If you solely want an SUV, then I'd second the Acura MDX. If it doesn't have to be an SUV, then there are several minivans that would fit the bill, the Pilot is probably the best one (it's certainly the most common among my friends with children.)
The Pilot is not a minivan. Perhaps you meant the Odyssey.
For hauling kids, especially young children, there is nothing better than a minivan with power sliding doors. Easiest entry/exit, best 3rd seat, and usually slightly better MPG. Any of the full size SUVs with rear wheel drive have high floors in the rear because of the axle and are not great places for adults.
I agree with the poster who recommended an AWD minivan if you really don't need an SUV. I have a 2006 Saturn Relay 3 AWD and it is very versatile and consisitently gets in the low 20s on the highway (my best is 24 including 30-35% of mountain travel).
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.