https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sun, 10 May 2026 02:26:09 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-drive-a-ford-explorer-gmc-acadia-or-chevy-traverse#post-1940162 Tue, 11 Nov 2014 20:49:21 +0000 Treytonsmom2011 1940162@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have an Acadia and I LOVE it!!! We have the captains chairs in the middle row and normally leave the 3rd row flat, but even with it up there is decent room behind it. More than a Tahoe with the 3rd row installed. Most people don't realize that the middle row seats slid forward and back 6" to give more room in either the 2nd or 3rd row. We've had 7 people (6 adults and 1 child in a rear facing carseat) in my Acadia and everyone was comfortable. You can fit 2 forward facing car seats and a no back booster or small adult in the middle across the 3rd row. And if you have a bench seat in the middle row you can put 3 car seats across. Done it with my niece and nephew with my son in the middle. Works best if the middle seat is rear facing to puzzle better but doesn't have to. I get pretty decent gas mileage too--20-26mpg. I got in 2012 brand new (56 miles on it) and have had ZERO problems with it. </p> <p>We drove the Traverse and even though they are supposed to be the same vehicle, we didn't like it as much. And especially didn't like the cargo/3rd row area side windows....seems like they were smaller and had a bigger blind spot. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-drive-a-ford-explorer-gmc-acadia-or-chevy-traverse#post-1937475 Mon, 10 Nov 2014 12:30:55 +0000 travellingbee 1937475@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have an Enclave which is just a slightly fancier version of the Traverse and Acadia (they are all essentially the same vehicle). We love it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-drive-a-ford-explorer-gmc-acadia-or-chevy-traverse#post-1937466 Mon, 10 Nov 2014 12:28:19 +0000 Mrs.KMM 1937466@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DH and I had the chance to go out to Carmax this weekend and climb around in a bunch of cars, checking space, testing seats, etc. Unfortunately we didn't have time to do test driving yet but I think we've narrowed it down to either the Ford Explorer, GMC Acadia or Chevy Traverse for sure.</p> <p>I'd say that the Ford Explorer is our front runner with really the only strike against it being the lack of bucket seats in the second row. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-drive-a-ford-explorer-gmc-acadia-or-chevy-traverse#post-1935607 Fri, 07 Nov 2014 23:58:17 +0000 StbHisMrs 1935607@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We replaced my Explorer with a Honda Pilot last year and I love it. Mine was an '02 without a third row, it was great! I like my Pilot too, they tie! We looked at the Volvo XC90 (too small) Nissan Armada &amp; Infiniti QX56 (so so reviews), GMC Acadia (terrible reviews), the Honda won! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-drive-a-ford-explorer-gmc-acadia-or-chevy-traverse#post-1935606 Fri, 07 Nov 2014 23:56:32 +0000 mrskc 1935606@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have a Chevy Traverse and so far it's been great! I looked at so many SUVs and ultimately the price of the traverse sold me. We have rarely used the third row so it stays down all of the time. There is plenty of room for traveling and strollers. I can't really think of anything bad to say about it. It's been a great car for our family of 4. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-drive-a-ford-explorer-gmc-acadia-or-chevy-traverse#post-1935554 Fri, 07 Nov 2014 22:03:09 +0000 T.H.O.U. 1935554@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had a Volvo XC90 and loved it. But once we got two car seats in there the third row wasn't usable. We couldn't find any mid size SUV that would let you have two car seats installed and still give access to the third row (even assuming you gave up all trunk space). We looked at the traverse because the idea of the captains chairs intrigued me. But the third row was ver uncomfortable and there wasn't much room in the middle row. </p> <p>We ended up with a minivan. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-drive-a-ford-explorer-gmc-acadia-or-chevy-traverse#post-1935542 Fri, 07 Nov 2014 21:47:09 +0000 winniebee 1935542@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have been leasing a Ford Edge and we have loved it! Previously drive a Forester and what an upgrade. Our lease is up this month and we have a second kid due next month so we are considering the Explorer with bucket seats and will test drive that as well - can't decide if we want the extra row of seating or if it is even worth it for cargo space. FYI Ford just did a redesign on the Edge for 2015 -- I haven't seen them yet but it means the there are great deals for the 2014 model through the end of the year. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-drive-a-ford-explorer-gmc-acadia-or-chevy-traverse#post-1935536 Fri, 07 Nov 2014 21:38:32 +0000 jetsa 1935536@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have a Honda Pilot and we love it! It has a third row and it folds completely flat so 95% of the time we just use it for trunk space but when we need it it's there. You can also fold the second row without removing the car seat when you need the third row. The honda pilot and Nissan pathfinder are about the same size but we felt the honda had way more legroom, my tiny husband couldn't fit his legs in the third row of the pathfinder.</p> <p>ETA: we have 3 dogs so we have a gate behind the second row and use it for storage and dogs when needed ;) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-drive-a-ford-explorer-gmc-acadia-or-chevy-traverse#post-1935535 Fri, 07 Nov 2014 21:37:20 +0000 sunshineandsushi 1935535@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have a ford explorer. Love it. It works well for us with two kids and a large dog. The third row comes in handy too for squeezing more people in, it fits 7. With the third row up I can still for our full size double stroller in the cargo area. I think the 2014 models offer bucket seats for be second row, which makes it easier to get back to the third row. But you do lose a seat then to 6 total. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-drive-a-ford-explorer-gmc-acadia-or-chevy-traverse#post-1935393 Fri, 07 Nov 2014 19:03:26 +0000 meganmp 1935393@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I very much enjoy my parents' Explorer, and I have an Escape. The Escape is a bit small for two kiddos, gear and the dog. The Explorer has quite a bit of room. We also have an Outback which I ADORE. It's a great kid car. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-drive-a-ford-explorer-gmc-acadia-or-chevy-traverse#post-1935349 Fri, 07 Nov 2014 17:54:23 +0000 MamaG 1935349@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs.KMM: The Rogue is significantly smaller than the Pathfinder. In terms of size for Nissan, they go Rogue, Murano, Pathfinder, Armada. The Rogue is probably on the same level (or even smaller) than the Chevy Equinox. There is definitely not a third row seat. The Pathfinder and Armada both have the third row seat in the Nissan lineup. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-drive-a-ford-explorer-gmc-acadia-or-chevy-traverse#post-1934640 Fri, 07 Nov 2014 12:42:27 +0000 JMOM 1934640@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs.KMM: I know, the Flex can be an acquired taste. I had a mini cooper before the kids came so I'm used to boxy cars. I do sometimes feel like I'm driving a tank, thank goodness for back up cameras! But, all the ones you are looking at will probably be the same way. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-drive-a-ford-explorer-gmc-acadia-or-chevy-traverse#post-1934560 Fri, 07 Nov 2014 11:51:48 +0000 LindsayInNY 1934560@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs.KMM: My in-laws have a Flex. Yes, it's spacious but, to me, it looks like a lunch box! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-drive-a-ford-explorer-gmc-acadia-or-chevy-traverse#post-1934474 Fri, 07 Nov 2014 11:21:17 +0000 Mrs.KMM 1934474@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Charm54: Do you know what the differences between the Pathfinder and the Rogue are?</p> <p>@JMOM: Honestly - based on looks alone - I'm not a fan of the Ford Flex. I know that is totally a stupid reason and we should probably test drive one though. :)</p> <p>@MamaG: Good to know that those are all essentially the same. I'd never heard that before! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-drive-a-ford-explorer-gmc-acadia-or-chevy-traverse#post-1934221 Fri, 07 Nov 2014 09:14:15 +0000 MamaG 1934221@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Charm54: I appreciate the recommendation. We want to replace my DH's Altima in the relatively near future. While we don't need to SUV's it's what we both like to drive. I was considering the Murano (had one and loved it!), but with the Pathfinder re-design it's an appealing option. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-drive-a-ford-explorer-gmc-acadia-or-chevy-traverse#post-1933457 Thu, 06 Nov 2014 19:18:19 +0000 JMOM 1933457@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Have you looked at the Ford Flex? We have one and really like it. With the 3rd row down it has a ton of space and it is not too bad with the 3rd row up. It's very comfy to drive. It may not be everyone's style, though. It reminds us of a Mini Cooper on steroids. :happy: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-drive-a-ford-explorer-gmc-acadia-or-chevy-traverse#post-1933392 Thu, 06 Nov 2014 18:33:10 +0000 Charm54 1933392@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have a Nissan Pathfinder and I LOVE it. The third row is awesome mostly for the extra trunk space when it's folded down. When we do use the third row it is easily accessible , you don't need to take the car seat out.</p> <p>I love love it and would buy it again in a heartbeat. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-drive-a-ford-explorer-gmc-acadia-or-chevy-traverse#post-1933357 Thu, 06 Nov 2014 18:09:22 +0000 MamaG 1933357@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and Chevy Traverse are all essentially the same. The styling is a little different of each - but GM keeps their vehicles fairly consistent. The Enclave will be the most expensive of the three. My sister drives and Enclave and while she loves it, she had all the electric nightmares that someone else mentioned they had with Acadia. It might have been relative to a certain year? Ours Acadia is newer than her Enclave. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-drive-a-ford-explorer-gmc-acadia-or-chevy-traverse#post-1932795 Thu, 06 Nov 2014 14:01:48 +0000 Mrs.KMM 1932795@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MUI831: I think the Equinox is a little smaller than we want to go but glad to hear you like Chevy in general. I'd love to convince DH to go for the Buick Enclave but it does cost a little more than some of the other options.</p> <p>@MamaG: I really like the thought of the captains chairs! DH doesn't really understand but I think they make it so much easier to get to the back when you are using the 3rd row. Plus they just look nice! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-drive-a-ford-explorer-gmc-acadia-or-chevy-traverse#post-1932529 Thu, 06 Nov 2014 12:28:43 +0000 MamaG 1932529@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have the Acadia and love it. We have the captains chairs in the second row and rarely use our third row seats (which affords us much cargo space. We do occasionally throw up the third row and while the space is less it's been adequate for our needs. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-drive-a-ford-explorer-gmc-acadia-or-chevy-traverse#post-1932479 Thu, 06 Nov 2014 12:03:23 +0000 Mommy Finger 1932479@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have the Chevy Equinox, which is one size down from the Traverse but my FIL had the Traverse for awhile. I wanted to go with the bigger one with the 3rd row but I was more about the mpg at the time so the Equinox won out. My parents have the Buick Enclave and I really like it. We test drove the Sante Fe but weren't impressed with it at all. I can't really remember why but it just didn't feel right. And I think even though it had the 3rd row option, it was still super small. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-drive-a-ford-explorer-gmc-acadia-or-chevy-traverse#post-1932443 Thu, 06 Nov 2014 11:48:25 +0000 Mrs.KMM 1932443@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsBrewer: Boo for the not so great Acadia reviews. They are such pretty SUVs but apparently it doesn't carry over to function.</p> <p>@LuLu Mom: DH (and my brother) have both owned Explorers before and really liked them and had minimal issues so I feel like DH leans towards that as his first choice.</p> <p>I've always been a VW driver (Jetta and Passat are our two current cars) but the VW SUVs are a bit pricey. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-drive-a-ford-explorer-gmc-acadia-or-chevy-traverse#post-1932430 Thu, 06 Nov 2014 11:45:48 +0000 LuLu Mom 1932430@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have an GMC Acadia, and are actually planning on getting rid of it soon. While I love the style (both inside and out) we've had a lot of electrical/computer problems with it. It's by far the vehicle we've had the most issues with. </p> <p>I'm a former Ford driver (Focus and then Fusion both cars) and I had way better luck with them! I wish we would have went with the Explorer which was my #1 choice, but DH wasn't in love with the interior. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-drive-a-ford-explorer-gmc-acadia-or-chevy-traverse#post-1932423 Thu, 06 Nov 2014 11:42:35 +0000 LindsayInNY 1932423@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We bought a Ford Edge about two months ago. It's a cross-over and, size-wise, in between the Escape and the Explorer. No third row option but trunk is decent sized. I love it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-drive-a-ford-explorer-gmc-acadia-or-chevy-traverse#post-1932421 Thu, 06 Nov 2014 11:41:08 +0000 Mrs.KMM 1932421@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@catomd00: I like the Mazdas but DH's family had a couple of Mazda lemons growing up so he really isn't a fan. I really am drawn to the second row bucket seats in some of the SUV models. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-drive-a-ford-explorer-gmc-acadia-or-chevy-traverse#post-1932417 Thu, 06 Nov 2014 11:40:29 +0000 MrsBrewer 1932417@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We test drove the Acadia and we were very unimpressed actually. We were in love with the exterior design and style , but the inside was SO much smaller than envisioned, also cargo room in the back the bumper came up soooo high, that you didn't have as much space (tall-wise) if that makes sense?? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-drive-a-ford-explorer-gmc-acadia-or-chevy-traverse#post-1932406 Thu, 06 Nov 2014 11:36:24 +0000 catomd00 1932406@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We were deciding between the Traverse and the CX-9. I liked the bucket seats of the Traverse, but we went with the CX-9. It was more of an aesthetics thing for me. I found them to be really comparable. Love my Cx-9 and would highly recommend it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-drive-a-ford-explorer-gmc-acadia-or-chevy-traverse#post-1932391 Thu, 06 Nov 2014 11:29:06 +0000 Mrs.KMM 1932391@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So DH and I have started looking at cars. We always knew that when we had kids we'd upgrade one of our cars to some kind of SUV. So now that I'm 8 weeks pregnant, we've started taking a look at things.</p> <p>Right now, I feel like the Ford Explorer, GMC Acadia and Chevy Traverse are our front runners (taking into consideration size and price point). DH really would like to have the option of a 3rd row but we both agree that we don't want to sacrifice trunk space just to have the extra row of seats (since we know we'll be driving around with strollers, diaper bags, etc).</p> <p>Anyone hear drive a Ford Explorer, GMC Acadia or Chevy Traverse? What can you tell me about it? Do you like it and would you recommend it for a new mom? Or does anyone have any recommendations for similar vehicles we may not have thought of?</p> <p>ETA: I'm also looking at Nissan Rogue, Buick Enclave, Toyota Highlander and Hyundai Santa Fe so if anyone has feedback on those, I'd love it too! </p>