Question Things are changing, need did vehicle

Dorothy

New member
We had decided to get a new pickup next year, but we might be getting transferred. So, instead of getting a dif pickup, it might make more sense to get something more, well, sensible for hauling kids and getting groceries.

Stats-
*Family of four. Not planning on expansion.
*DS will be two, DD is just 4

I'd like-
*The option of hauling six people.
*To have cargo space even with six passengers.
*Decent mileage.
*Lots of safety features!

Other info-
*We will be living where there is snow and ice in the winter. Don't know if it will be all paved yet, tho.
*I am used to driving a big pickup, and I just don't think I'd be happy with a sedan or small SUV. Also, no minivans.
*I don't know if we will buy new or used. I don't really have a budget at this point, so spam me with all of your suggestions. We can narrow down by price once we get a budget nailed down.

ETA- We will still have my current pickup for the trailer and any other towing. This will just be the mom-mobile.

Re-ETA- Perhaps I should mention that many of our family members and some close friends are tall and broad-shouldered. So, I need to make sure I can accommodate the people most likely to be filling these extra seats.

Thanks, all.

Sent from my phone using the app :)
 
Last edited:
ADS

T4K

Well-known member
The Expedition drives like a truck and has an awesome third row. Adults even fit nicely. I can fit groceries behind the third row when it's up.

I own a Navigator which is its twin. We got an excellent deal on it when it was lightly used. It has awesome features if you are looking for a "luxury" vehicle.
 

bubbaray

New member
I've always liked the Suburban/Yukon XL, but have to say that I am impressed enough with DH's 2011 Ford F-150 that I would look at the Expedition (and Expedition Max) if we were looking to replace his truck. Seat installs are soooooo easy, everything fits, etc. The Ford Flex we rented last year for nearly 2w on vacation was similar in terms of ease of restraint instals. I think Ford is really thinking through making restraint installs easy for parents. Well, at least on their larger vehicles. The Fiesta, not so much. LOL.

I'm a Honda/Toyota fan for my personal vehicles, but I'm not really a fan of their large trucks/SUVs. In terms of "work" capability (ie., towing, torque, etc), they just do not compare to the domestics. So, if I wanted a large SUV with towing capacity like a full-size truck, I'd look first at the Expedition and then the Yukon XL. If I didn't care about towing, I'd also add the Sequoia and Pilot to the list.
 
Last edited:

Dorothy

New member
bubbaray said:
I've always liked the Suburban/Yukon XL, but have to say that I am impressed enough with DH's 2011 Ford F-150 that I would look at the Expedition if we were looking to replace his truck. Seat installs are soooooo easy, everything fits, etc. The Ford Flex we rented last year for nearly 2w on vacation was similar in terms of ease of restraint instals. I think Ford is really thinking through making restraint installs easy for parents. Well, at least on their larger vehicles. The Fiesta, not so much. LOL.

I'm a Honda/Toyota fan for my personal vehicles, but I'm not really a fan of their large trucks/SUVs. In terms of "work" capability (ie., towing, torque, etc), they just do not compare to the domestics. So, if I wanted a large SUV with towing capacity like a full-size truck, I'd look first at the Expedition and then the Yukon XL. If I didn't care about towing, I'd also add the Sequoia and Pilot to the list.

Thanks for mentioning towing. I've edited the OP with pertinent info.

Sent from my phone using the app :)
 

beetlemama

New member
We're likely buying a Pilot to be my mom-mobile. It seems like a good balance of fitting people but not driving something as large as a suburban for every day use. We have two kids now and are planning on a third, so we wanted something that has the ability to bring friends home from school or out for fun but also to put three across the middle row and use the entire back for storage on family trips. The Pilot seemed like the best bet, especially since it seats 8, not 7, so each kid could bring one friend.
 

Dorothy

New member
I figured I'd get a lot of Pilot replies. ;-) I just foresee needing cargo space and extra passenger space simultaneously. This was the deal-breaker for me when we looked at Tahoes a few years back. There were five adults and two kids that day. When we were all in it, there was room for the BJCMicroD and purses. Not cool.

I'd like something smaller than a Suburban, but I don't know if seven passenger capability and cargo space exists in a smaller package.

We had a friend who rented a Flex for a trip and loved it, but I'm not familiar with them. Plus, DH thinks they're hideous. ;-)

Sent from my phone using the app :)
 

beetlemama

New member
I think you're either going to need to be open to compromise in terms of space or go for a suburban then. The Pilot has a 60/40 back bench, so you can have 1-2 people sitting back there and keep the other seat down for storage. I'm sure other SUVs have that option (we love Honda so we didn't explore other options deeply enough to find out). But a smaller vehicle will have less passenger and/or cargo space than a larger one, no way around it. We have managed as a family of four with only a beetle, so I'm sure you can adjust to whatever your budget and other options allow with this new vehicle :)
 

bubbaray

New member
You're not gonna like the Flex. Not if you want to seat 6 AND have room for cargo. I was shocked at the lack of room it has, relative to my former Ody. We rented one for 2 weeks last spring and with the 3rd row stowed (and my 2girls in the 2nd row), there was barely enough room for our 2 suitcases and carryons and a small stroller. DH had to puzzle things to get it all to fit. Once at the hotel, we moved DD#1 to the 3rd row, but there is very little cargo room when the 3rd row is in use.

I think if you are used to a full-sized truck, you will NOT like the Flex if you need to actually use the 3rd row.

I'm not a fan of the Pilot, I don't like the styling. If I were looking at that vehicle, I would get the Acura MDX instead -- I prefer that styling and I also prefer the way Acura's handle instead of Hondas.

If it were me, I'd either get the Expedition Max or the Yukon XL (or the Navigator or Escalade, depending on budget). I haven't seen any other vehicle that I like that has 3 rows AND cargo room. All the other large SUVs either compromise on seating or cargo.
 

Dorothy

New member
I'm chuckling at my own thread, thinking about all the small cars my mom drove when I was growing up. Our family of four went on vacation for a week in a Ford Escort! And here I am cringing at the thought of anything smaller than a Suburban. Ha, ha, ha!

Sent from my phone using the app :)
 

Dorothy

New member
I'm looking at photos online. Why, oh, why are there no center headrests in most of these vehicles? Frustrating! The Sequoia is the only one that showed eight headrests. I don't need all those seats for my household, but, dang it, I'd like the option. Sigh...

Sent from my phone using the app :)
 

T4K

Well-known member
DorothyoutofOz said:
I'm looking at photos online. Why, oh, why are there no center headrests in most of these vehicles? Frustrating! The Sequoia is the only one that showed eight headrests. I don't need all those seats for my household, but, dang it, I'd like the option. Sigh...

Sent from my phone using the app :)

Oh yeah. That is frustrating. In the third row of the Expedition/Nav, the center is the only one with a tether for FFing seat. So at least that frees up another headrest.
 

beetlemama

New member
I'm looking at photos online. Why, oh, why are there no center headrests in most of these vehicles? Frustrating! The Sequoia is the only one that showed eight headrests. I don't need all those seats for my household, but, dang it, I'd like the option. Sigh...

Sent from my phone using the app :)

If I'm not mistaken (and I easily could be!) I think many of those are 7 seaters, not 8, so there are only two seats/seatbelts in the back row instead of 3. I could be totally wrong there though!
 

Dorothy

New member
beetlemama said:
If I'm not mistaken (and I easily could be!) I think many of those are 7 seaters, not 8, so there are only two seats/seatbelts in the back row instead of 3. I could be totally wrong there though!

Yes, a lot of them have captain's chairs in the second row and a bench in the third, making for seven seats. The center of the third row is lap-only and no headrest. That's fine for a carseat, but, depending on the space in the back row, there may not be room for a carseat in the center and two adults on either side. That would be limiting. As much as these vehicles cost, I am incredibly annoyed by that. I am positive I'm not the only one who has ever felt this way. ;-) Mind you, I have not looked at any if these irl. This is just my speculating from online views and my experience with that Tahoe. I really just need to go to some lots and do some hands-on research to figure out what concessions I am willing to make.

Keep the suggestions and thoughts coming, though! :)

ETA- It seems some have two seats in the back with the option of three seats in the middle row.

Sent from my phone using the app :)
 
Last edited:

beetlemama

New member
Yes, a lot of them have captain's chairs in the second row and a bench in the third, making for seven seats. The center of the third row is lap-only and no headrest. That's fine for a carseat, but, depending on the space in the back row, there may not be room for a carseat in the center and two adults on either side. That would be limiting. As much as these vehicles cost, I am incredibly annoyed by that. I am positive I'm not the only one who has ever felt this way. ;-) Mind you, I have not looked at any if these irl. This is just my speculating from online views and my experience with that Tahoe. I really just need to go to some lots and do some hands-on research to figure out what concessions I am willing to make.

Keep the suggestions and thoughts coming, though! :)

Sent from my phone using the app :)
Gotcha! For some reason I assumed that they sat 3 in the middle row and 2 in back. I can't believe anyone would make a car these days that has a no headrest and lap belt only position!
 

Melanie

New member
I can't believe anyone would make a car these days that has a no headrest and lap belt only position!

Crazy, huh? I want to say shoulder belts must now be in all seating positions, but headrests aren't mandatory.

OP-If you want to haul 6 and have a lot of cargo room at the same time, you're pretty much stuck with the Suburban/Yukon XL or Expedition XL. Do you need to haul both frequently? If not, maybe a roof carrier or hitch mounted cargo carrier would work on a mid-size SUV. I liked the Pilot a lot when we were looking. Top tethers in all spots, shoulder belts and headrests in all spots. The third row was a little tight, but fine for kids. We wound up with a Ford Flex and I really like it. With the third row up it has more cargo room than the Pilot and a lot of others. It has a well like a minivan. It also sits low like a car...easier to get in and out. But that makes it not have great ground clearance if you need it.
 

Dorothy

New member
Melanie said:
Crazy, huh? I want to say shoulder belts must now be in all seating positions, but headrests aren't mandatory.

OP-If you want to haul 6 and have a lot of cargo room at the same time, you're pretty much stuck with the Suburban/Yukon XL or Expedition XL. Do you need to haul both frequently? If not, maybe a roof carrier or hitch mounted cargo carrier would work on a mid-size SUV. I liked the Pilot a lot when we were looking. Top tethers in all spots, shoulder belts and headrests in all spots. The third row was a little tight, but fine for kids. We wound up with a Ford Flex and I really like it. With the third row up it has more cargo room than the Pilot and a lot of others. It has a well like a minivan. It also sits low like a car...easier to get in and out. But that makes it not have great ground clearance if you need it.

I won't have an occupant in every away plus cargo every day. It would be more when we have visitors or we take family vacations. So, for those situations we could look at some of the extra cargo option you mentioned. Thank you for the info.

ETA- Perhaps I should mention that many of our family members and some close friends are tall and broad-shouldered. So, I need to make sure I can accommodate the people most likely to be filling these extra seats.

Re-ETA- How spacious is the third row? Good for adults? How many TAs?

Sent from my phone using the app :)
 
Last edited:

Dorothy

New member
Is the Traverse/Acadia/Enclave worth looking at? Right at this moment, the vehicles on my mind's look-at list are the Expedition/Navigator, Yukon XL, Sequoia, Flex, and Pilot. Am I missing something? I really think we are going to start smaller and work our way to the larger vehicles.

Sent from my phone using the app :)
 

Dorothy

New member
Thirsty4Knowledge said:
Oh yeah. That is frustrating. In the third row of the Expedition/Nav, the center is the only one with a tether for FFing seat. So at least that frees up another headrest.

If you have a carseat in the center, is there comfortable room on either side for adults?

Sent from my phone using the app :)
 

T4K

Well-known member
DorothyoutofOz said:
If you have a carseat in the center, is there comfortable room on either side for adults?

Sent from my phone using the app :)

Yes, we had a ProSport with a teen and average adult back there. The teen had more than enough room, slightly tight for adult but not uncomfortable.

The big different between the gm third rows and the ford third rows is the foot well. GM's (except Suburban i think) footwell is super small and raised. The Ford third row is fairly spacious. I think it's easier to fit 3 across than my Altima.
 

Car-Seat.Org Facebook Group

Forum statistics

Threads
219,656
Messages
2,196,898
Members
13,530
Latest member
onehitko860

You must read your carseat and vehicle owner’s manual and understand any relevant state laws. These are the rules you must follow to restrain your children safely. All opinions at Car-Seat.Org are those of the individual author for informational purposes only, and do not necessarily reflect any policy or position of Carseat Media LLC. Car-Seat.Org makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis. If you are unsure about information provided to you, please visit a local certified technician. Before posting or using our website you must read and agree to our TERMS.

Graco is a Proud Sponsor of Car-Seat.Org! Britax is a Proud Sponsor of Car-Seat.Org! Nuna Baby is a Proud Sponsor of Car-Seat.Org!

Please  Support Car-Seat.Org  with your purchases of infant, convertible, combination and boosters seats from our premier sponsors above.
Shop travel systems, strollers and baby gear from Britax, Chicco, Clek, Combi, Evenflo, First Years, Graco, Maxi-Cosi, Nuna, Safety 1st, Diono & more! ©2001-2022 Carseat Media LLC

Top