Car vs Smaller SUV?

So, I didn't realize I'm getting a new(er) car when I posted the other day trying to find to Convertible carseats that can go side by side, and because I'm a younger mom and single my dad has decided to buy me my second car. And well I didn't actually get to buy the carseats either because my aunt just went and bought 2 Cosco Apt 40 carseats. So now I have the question of space of a vehicle, plus gas, and safety.

I'm new to all of this even though my daughter is 5 I didn't get to choose much with her. So my Main ultimate question would be what is best?
I'm considering another smaller SUV. I had a 99 Honda CR-V but it was just big enough to bearly fit all 3 seats in the back and even now it's still a tough fit(my dad has the car now.) with my daughter just in a backless booster.

I was really ultimately thinking an '05 Xterra because it's bigger than my CR-V and I figured gas shouldn't be so bad. I'm scared of minivans, they're so huge I had to drive my dad's 01 Quest and it's so huge I was scared to park too close to anyone. So I'm thinking cars(larger) or smaller SUV's. I never drive with anyone else other than my kiddos so other people are not a problem for me, and no one else I'm friends with have kiddos either.

Thanks so much sorry for rambling and Thank you guys so much for helping me with the carseats!!

How old are the kids riding in the Apts? Rear facing or forward facing? What booster is your 5yo in?

My friend has a newer Xterra, not sure of year but its the newest body style and there are no air/heating vents in the backseat! I was shocked when she told me since its a 3 row car. We live in Georgia and her poor little girl sweats so bad! Just thought I would throw that out there so you can double check if the 2005 has vents in the back.

jgomez411 said:

My friend has a newer Xterra, not sure of year but its the newest body style and there are no air/heating vents in the backseat! I was shocked when she told me since its a 3 row car. We live in Georgia and her poor little girl sweats so bad! Just thought I would throw that out there so you can double check if the 2005 has vents in the back.

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Do you mean Pathfinder? There is no Xterra with 3rd row.

canadiangie said:

Do you mean Pathfinder? There is no Xterra with 3rd row.

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Oh yeah whoops! She has a Pathfinder! Forget what I said then OP