Hi there, we are looking to replace our current car (2008 Outback) and planning for a 3rd kid in the near future. Current kids are age 2 (RF) and 4.5 (FF, but is already 42 lbs and could probably switch to a booster by the time a 3rd kid came along). We would like to essentially buy something as small as possible that is very safe, has AWD, and will transport 5 people and 2 medium/large dogs. Our Outback is ok (but pretty darn cramped) for now, but there is no way we'll be able to fit a third carseat in. Our other car is a 2009 Buick Enclave, which we love, but we don't really want to buy another car that's so big--although we'll go that way if we have to.
Using the data on informedforlife.org, it seems the safest vehicles which fit our criteria and have better mpgs than the Enclave are the 2012 Chevy Equinox, 2012 Honda CR-V, and maybe the 2011/2012 Toyota Highlander, 2012 Ford Explorer, 2011 Volvo XC60, or 2012 Saab 9-4x. As I mentioned, we would also consider another Enclave, or their twins, the Chevy Traverse or the GMC Acadia. For budget, we are trying to stay under $35k.
The Equinox would be my top choice based on price, mpg, safety, and size, but I haven't been able to find good information about fitting 3 across in one. Is it possible? The CR-V would be the second choice--but is 3 across possible there? If neither of those work, any other thoughts on the list above? Also, thoughts on whether it is more convenient to have 3 kids across, or 2 in the second row and one in the 3rd row? I don't love the idea of having a kid in the way back (like in our Enclave)--they seem so far away, and I wonder if the airbags, etc. are as robust back there--but I haven't ever tried it on a regular basis.
Thanks!!!
Using the data on informedforlife.org, it seems the safest vehicles which fit our criteria and have better mpgs than the Enclave are the 2012 Chevy Equinox, 2012 Honda CR-V, and maybe the 2011/2012 Toyota Highlander, 2012 Ford Explorer, 2011 Volvo XC60, or 2012 Saab 9-4x. As I mentioned, we would also consider another Enclave, or their twins, the Chevy Traverse or the GMC Acadia. For budget, we are trying to stay under $35k.
The Equinox would be my top choice based on price, mpg, safety, and size, but I haven't been able to find good information about fitting 3 across in one. Is it possible? The CR-V would be the second choice--but is 3 across possible there? If neither of those work, any other thoughts on the list above? Also, thoughts on whether it is more convenient to have 3 kids across, or 2 in the second row and one in the 3rd row? I don't love the idea of having a kid in the way back (like in our Enclave)--they seem so far away, and I wonder if the airbags, etc. are as robust back there--but I haven't ever tried it on a regular basis.
Thanks!!!