We have 3 kids (age 6, almost 4, and 6 months--all very tall for their ages) and are planning to buy a 2013 or 2014 8 passenger Enclave, Acadia, or Traverse to replace our 2008 Outback that can't fit all three kids. Our other car is a 2009 Acadia which we really like, but it is 7 passengers (has middle row captains chairs instead of a bench). That is fine most of the time, but it doesn't have enough cargo room for big trips, or allow us to bring our two lab-sized dogs with us anywhere.
Right now in the 7 passenger Enclave, our 6 year old sits in the center of the third row (Frontier 85), our 4 year old is FF in a captain's chair (Boulevard), and the baby is RF in the other captain's chair (SnugRide 35). Our 6 year old could move to a booster if needed, but I prefer a 5 point harness as long as possible.
The plan for the new car would be to have all three in the middle row, probably with the 6 year old in the middle since she can buckle herself, and the other two outboard where they are easier to access. Am I missing anything? Is this a good idea/bad idea? Our main goals are 1) a car that fits 2 tall adults, 3 kids, 2 dogs; 2) is super safe; 3) has awd; 4) has reasonably good gas mileage considering requirements 1-3.
Right now in the 7 passenger Enclave, our 6 year old sits in the center of the third row (Frontier 85), our 4 year old is FF in a captain's chair (Boulevard), and the baby is RF in the other captain's chair (SnugRide 35). Our 6 year old could move to a booster if needed, but I prefer a 5 point harness as long as possible.
The plan for the new car would be to have all three in the middle row, probably with the 6 year old in the middle since she can buckle herself, and the other two outboard where they are easier to access. Am I missing anything? Is this a good idea/bad idea? Our main goals are 1) a car that fits 2 tall adults, 3 kids, 2 dogs; 2) is super safe; 3) has awd; 4) has reasonably good gas mileage considering requirements 1-3.