Question SUV vs. Van

Unregistered · Aug 6, 2008

Odyssey lease is up. Considering 09 Pilot, 09 MDX or possibly another Odyssey or Sienna. Husband really wants 4WD so the Odyssey is out on that count. We are both sick of driving a minivan so leaning toward the first two. We have two kids: 6 and 3 1/2 years old. I do a ton of carpooling (short trips) so we need easy access to the third row. Longer trips, it is almost always just our two kids in the back. Obviously safety is our first priority, but after that convenience and ease of use. Does anybody have any experience comparing these vehicles?

mommyto2angelgirls · Aug 6, 2008

ease of use would depend really on what seat your two kids use. if your 6 year old is in a belt positioning booster then an SUV would be easy. just undo the belt and move the booster to get to the third row. if your 6 year old is in a harness and the seat is belted in how often do you want ot be moving the seat. remember that the more you more it the more chance there is for an incorrect install.
i test drove a pilot before deciding on my odessey. it depends on who you are putting in that third row. you need to remember they are shorter then the minivans leaving less room between the second and third row. not comfortable for a teen or adult for more then 1 or 2 hours. they are quite tight. also you need to check your child in there seat my daughter in the third row of the pilot in her marathon was very unconfortable.

Melanie · Aug 7, 2008

mommyto2angelgirls said:
ease of use would depend really on what seat your two kids use. if your 6 year old is in a belt positioning booster then an SUV would be easy. just undo the belt and move the booster to get to the third row. if your 6 year old is in a harness and the seat is belted in how often do you want ot be moving the seat. Remember that the more you more it the more chance there is for an incorrect install.
i test drove a pilot before deciding on my odessey. it depends on who you are putting in that third row. you need to remember they are shorter then the minivans leaving less room between the second and third row. not comfortable for a teen or adult for more then 1 or 2 hours. they are quite tight. also you need to check your child in there seat my daughter in the third row of the pilot in her marathon was very unconfortable.

Was this in a 08 & prior Pilot or in an 09 Pilot? Just wondering if there is a difference in leg room. I looked them both over but I can't remember about the 3rd row seat.

I really liked the 09 Pilot & am still deciding between that or another van. I'd also recommend taking your car seats. With your kid's ages, I don't think the SUV would be difficult if you can get both car seats side by side in the second row & still flip the second row seat. I know people do it, but I think it's silly to have a vehicle where you have to load passengers through the hatch. Especially if there is another option. :twocents:

anh0371 · Aug 11, 2008

Right now our car seats are an Eddie Bauer convertible for the 3YO and a Safeguard Go for the 6YO, but we are will buy new ones for the new car. We test drove the 09 Pilot last week and I was impressed with the leg room in the third row. I sat back there - briefly - and had an unexpected amount of space (I'm 5'4"). We do need easy access to the third row for school carpooling, but other than that, our third row won't be used for passengers.

southpawboston · Aug 11, 2008

if convenience and easy of access are high priorities, i'd rule in favor of a minivan over an SUV. you can get some minivans in AWD (but why is your husband so insistent, anyway? 4WD really isn't necessary unless you live in an extreme climate).

anh0371 · Aug 12, 2008

snowy wisconsin winters

Question SUV vs. Van

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mommyto2angelgirls

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