https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Wed, 22 Apr 2026 10:22:43 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-i-need-to-buy-a-mini-van-or-a-3-row-suv#post-2832088 Tue, 03 Jul 2018 11:36:11 +0000 hilary 2832088@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Personally I am a Honda person (every car I've ever owned has either been a Honda or an old Acura). However, when we bought our used minivan, my husband would only consider Dodge/Chrysler because we do a lot of renovation projects and wanted all of the seats to fold into the floor to get sheets of drywall in without having to remove rows of seats. Also for road trips, the stow and go under the floor by the captains chairs is amazing. Maybe other minivans have this feature too now? At the time these were the only brands that had this. Also the price point of a Dodge or Chrysler used van is incredibly cheaper than Honda or Toyota but I'm guessing the long term ownership costs are cheaper? We haven't had issues with our Dodge yet so only time will tell. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-i-need-to-buy-a-mini-van-or-a-3-row-suv#post-2831888 Mon, 02 Jul 2018 15:53:03 +0000 Dandelion 2831888@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It’s not in your polls, but I love my Honda Pilot. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-i-need-to-buy-a-mini-van-or-a-3-row-suv#post-2831669 Sun, 01 Jul 2018 13:39:09 +0000 ShootingStar 2831669@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have a plug in Pacifica and love it. Let me know if you have questions! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-i-need-to-buy-a-mini-van-or-a-3-row-suv#post-2831664 Sun, 01 Jul 2018 12:13:57 +0000 anbanan15 2831664@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Peas: We just went through this! We were 3 across in a Ford Escape and are expecting our 4th this fall, so an upgrade was essential. </p> <p>I originally wanted a Honda Pilot based on reviews when we had looked when I was expecting our 3rd. However, the latest redesign puts the 3rd row seat lower, making even a person at 5'1" sitting with their needs in their throat, so this was out. </p> <p>I really wanted to stick with an SUV, so I checked out the car seat lady's schematics for car seat configurations and found that the only SUV that left me with a lot of options to set the kids both RF and FF was the Ford Expedition. You can use both RF and FF in nearly all 6 back seating positions! The 2018 also has a feature where you can move the 2nd row seat forward and tilt it while a car seat is installed. The only downfall is it's huge and pricey (we were interested in the mid-range, Limited Max).</p> <p>So basically yesterday we went to look at cars and ended up walking out with a 2018 Honda Odyssey Touring and I am now the proud owner of a minivan :silly: What changed was the nearly $25,000 price difference (reven more if you went with a less expensive model), the Odyssey still offered the same options for RF and FF in as the Expedition, and the fact that the Odyssey (Touring and Elite) offer CabinWatch so I can keep my eyes on the four at all times. This was a huge selling point for me as we have been having fighting and unbuckling issues lately. Getting a minivan also just made sense for our family at this time, as much as I didn't want a minivan. In the end I think we are going to be really happy with our purchase. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-i-need-to-buy-a-mini-van-or-a-3-row-suv#post-2831321 Fri, 29 Jun 2018 11:13:29 +0000 Mrs. Peas 2831321@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@jennlin821: I am definitely going to test drive the Ascent at least. We probably should upgrade both our vehicles in the near future so even if we don't opt for it this time we may look to trade in our 2011 Subaru Outback for the Ascent once we get the other new car paid off (hopefully in a year or 2). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-i-need-to-buy-a-mini-van-or-a-3-row-suv#post-2831311 Fri, 29 Jun 2018 10:52:30 +0000 catgirl 2831311@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Peas: she has an album on Facebook specifically for three row vehicles - both SUVs and vans of various model years. Great graphics that break down everything! Fitting car seats in cars is way more challenging than a lot of people realize. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-i-need-to-buy-a-mini-van-or-a-3-row-suv#post-2831310 Fri, 29 Jun 2018 10:51:50 +0000 Mrs. Peas 2831310@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@misolee: We test drove a Sienna awhile back and were impressed. We also have several friends that drive them and LOVE them, so it's definitely on our list even if it's not as trendy a pick these days (or so it seems) as the Odyssey or Pacifica. We also looked at the 3-row Highlander and pretty much ruled it out for the reasons you mentioned, but I also have a lot of friends who simply preferred it to the Sienna or another mini van option so it's still on the list but likely won't end up being our pick. Thank you for your helpful feedback on seats! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-i-need-to-buy-a-mini-van-or-a-3-row-suv#post-2831308 Fri, 29 Jun 2018 10:49:57 +0000 Mrs. Peas 2831308@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@catgirl: Thank you! I forgot about that site and will definitely check it out. It was like car seat roulette trying to get 3 seats in the back row of our 2 small SUVs, and I'm still worried we didn't do it right!!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-i-need-to-buy-a-mini-van-or-a-3-row-suv#post-2831298 Fri, 29 Jun 2018 10:12:54 +0000 Mrs. Peas 2831298@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mamatimes3: The sales guy we talked to at Honda was def pushing us toward the Odyssey over the Pilot, mostly because all 3 of ours are still in 5-point harnesses and still require assistance buckling. But we will probably test drive it anyhow since we'll be at Honda and it'll be a helpful point of reference. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-i-need-to-buy-a-mini-van-or-a-3-row-suv#post-2831296 Fri, 29 Jun 2018 10:11:24 +0000 Mrs. Peas 2831296@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@codeitall: So I meant to add the Kia Sedona to my list actually - we randomly got to "rent" a fully-loaded Sedona for free last summer as part of my husband's job and really liked it. It was sad to have to turn it and go back to our too-small cars. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-i-need-to-buy-a-mini-van-or-a-3-row-suv#post-2831288 Fri, 29 Jun 2018 10:06:40 +0000 Mrs. Peas 2831288@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Hypatia: The Pacifica is probably at the top of my list right now!!! I'll def do a post about our test driving experience. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-i-need-to-buy-a-mini-van-or-a-3-row-suv#post-2831246 Fri, 29 Jun 2018 08:39:35 +0000 Mamatimes3 2831246@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>With 3 kids, I had a Honda Pilot and loved it. Third row had room and you still had trunk space in the back. But we just traded it in for an Odyssey. We wanted more storage room for trips as well as easier access to the 3rd row. My mom lives with us so she is frequently in the car with us as well as my FIL. We needed something a little easier for the grandparents who aren’t getting any younger. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-i-need-to-buy-a-mini-van-or-a-3-row-suv#post-2831216 Fri, 29 Jun 2018 07:26:44 +0000 dc yoga bee 2831216@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ElbieKay: I’d love to hear more about your experience with the atlas. I test drove it for like two minutes and wasnt in love, but it could’ve been that particular trim level. I love love my mdx but the third row is a joke. I’m expecting #2 and usually have 5 adults and DD already so we use the third row on a regular basis. A van is not an option for us. Did you look at the pilot? </p> <p>Op we just looked at the pilot in case I trade in my mdx and the third row had enough space for an actual adult. I’m 5”5 and had plenty of space and was able to easily get in. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-i-need-to-buy-a-mini-van-or-a-3-row-suv#post-2831173 Thu, 28 Jun 2018 20:32:57 +0000 autumnlove 2831173@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I love our Sienna! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-i-need-to-buy-a-mini-van-or-a-3-row-suv#post-2831170 Thu, 28 Jun 2018 19:46:31 +0000 raspberries 2831170@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Echoing @josina: - not on your list, but we're actually traveling now and renting a Dodge Grand Caravan, and we like it enough that we'll probably buy one when we're ready for a second car. (We've also recently rented a Chrysler Pacifica, a Toyota Sienna, and a Buick Enclave, and the Grand Caravan is my favorite, hands down.) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-i-need-to-buy-a-mini-van-or-a-3-row-suv#post-2831138 Thu, 28 Jun 2018 15:51:41 +0000 dolphin 2831138@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We test drove the Sienna and Odyssey and went with the Sienna and have been happy with it. I don't think you can go wrong with either but definitely test drive to see how it feels to you! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-i-need-to-buy-a-mini-van-or-a-3-row-suv#post-2831100 Thu, 28 Jun 2018 11:47:02 +0000 WinterBee 2831100@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I drive a Ford Escape right now. Our plan is to move to a Honda Odyssey.<br /> We’ve found Honda to be reliable for us, the space and features look great, and price is comparable to other vans.<br /> Our friends recently purchased an odyssey and can’t say enough good things about it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-i-need-to-buy-a-mini-van-or-a-3-row-suv#post-2831099 Thu, 28 Jun 2018 11:34:55 +0000 codeitall 2831099@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It isn't on your list, but I love my Kia Sedona. It felt a lot zippier than the Odyssey or boat-like Sienna. It also came with a lot of bells and whistles at a lower price tag. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-i-need-to-buy-a-mini-van-or-a-3-row-suv#post-2831087 Thu, 28 Jun 2018 09:50:34 +0000 josina 2831087@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had a 2014 Traverse and loved it... until it had tranny issues. We had 3rd row with middle captains chairs, 2 car seats in front, and 15 yr old in back.<br /> Now I have a 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan GT, which isn't on your list but is a great low-price minivan. I LOVE everything about it except that it's a van, lol. I would've bought a new traverse but for the $$$.<br /> My must-have was the super console and remote start, which is apparently NOT standard? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-i-need-to-buy-a-mini-van-or-a-3-row-suv#post-2831085 Thu, 28 Jun 2018 09:45:31 +0000 JennyPenny 2831085@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have 2 in a Mazda CX-9 and I wish we had gone ahead and gotten a mini van. The third row is mostly useless and it had the easiest access (in our opinions) of any of the 3 row SUVs without captains chairs. Once we have 3 we'll probably try and do 3 across in the 2nd row instead of trying to figure out how to manage the 3rd row. So at least I would get an SUV with captains chairs, but I would love some sliding doors so much right now... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-i-need-to-buy-a-mini-van-or-a-3-row-suv#post-2831084 Thu, 28 Jun 2018 09:45:03 +0000 MrsSRS 2831084@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I love, love, love my ford flex. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-i-need-to-buy-a-mini-van-or-a-3-row-suv#post-2831075 Thu, 28 Jun 2018 09:02:01 +0000 snowjewelz 2831075@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>You def should look at the Odyssey and Sienna. At the very least they can server as 'standards'! If we had a choice, DH would have gotten the Odyssey b/c he's a die hard loyal Honda guy. But we got the Sienna as a trade/hand me down and it's totally fine too. </p> <p>I also think you should just go for a van. I was super anti van too but it's just so functional and practical with young kids! I figure we can go back to SUVs when they're older. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-i-need-to-buy-a-mini-van-or-a-3-row-suv#post-2831065 Thu, 28 Jun 2018 08:26:59 +0000 jennlin821 2831065@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm so curious about the new 3 row Subaru!! We got an outback in 2016 which I love. Our next vehicle will definitely be a three row SUV, and i'm hoping the ascent is great.<br /> . (I only have one kid, no need for a mini-van). Also, my sister-in-law loves her Odyssey for her three kids, and I think they test drove every mini-van out there after driving a pathfinder for years. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-i-need-to-buy-a-mini-van-or-a-3-row-suv#post-2831060 Thu, 28 Jun 2018 07:49:19 +0000 ElbieKay 2831060@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We just got a VW Atlas.</p> <p>We looked at the Subaru Ascent, but it has a CTV transmission which was a dealbreaker for my husband.</p> <p>We have successfully put our three car sets into the second row. (We opted against captain's chairs because we have a 4yo and are expecting twins. I was not ready to punt any of the three kids to the third row yet, though I'm sure we'll do that later.)</p> <p>Once the babies show up, then I can report back on that aspect.</p> <p>It's a really nice car. It's a little unwieldy compared to our old sporty sedan, but that is to be expected.</p> <p>It gets terrible gas mileage though.</p> <p>It was one of the few 3-row SUVs that had a legit 3rd row with reasonable legroom. If you put all the seats down, it has 90 cubic feet of cargo space which was about 10ft more than its competitors that we considered.</p> <p>We went to the NY Auto Show in April to kick off our car search and sat in a TON of 3-row SUVs and minivans. I was really biased against a minivan. I also expected to splurge on a more luxury car like an Audi or a Lexus. My husband would have loved to get an Q7. But the third row in both brands was a joke and it would be impossible for an adult to sit there. So we ruled them out almost immediately.</p> <p>The VW Apple Play integration is great if you are an iPhone user. We splurged on a package for the huge sunroof. Those are my two favorite features of the car. Plus I am sooooo glad to be out of the stupid bucket seats in our old car! They were so uncomfortable!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-i-need-to-buy-a-mini-van-or-a-3-row-suv#post-2831056 Thu, 28 Jun 2018 06:58:58 +0000 HappyBaker 2831056@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We love our Odyssey - the 2018 and newer models have "magic slide" second row seats - so in ours we removed the middle seat and its basically 2 captains chairs, and you can slide them together or apart with car seats installed. It makes 3rd row access and carting lots of cargo around really easy! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-i-need-to-buy-a-mini-van-or-a-3-row-suv#post-2831051 Thu, 28 Jun 2018 05:39:27 +0000 Charm54 2831051@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I like our Nissan Pathfinder, no real complaints.</p> <p>But we test drove a Subaru Ascent last week and loovveee it. We currently have a Subaru Legacy which we really like and the Ascent drove very much like a “Subaru”. So we pre ordered an Ascent and are waiting for the first shipment to come in. I love the captains chairs, it makes getting to the 3rd row so easy.</p> <p> Our Pathfinder advertised the ability to get to the 3rd row even with car seats installed - but we soon discovered that doesn’t work with rear facing or seat-belt installed forward facing seats. So captains chairs are better for accessing the 3rd row often, I think. </p> <p>That being said, I only have 2 kids... if I had 3, I would most likely be getting a minivan. Probably a Toyota Sienna. Trunk space in a SUV is pretty limited when the third row is in use. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-i-need-to-buy-a-mini-van-or-a-3-row-suv#post-2831036 Wed, 27 Jun 2018 22:06:50 +0000 birdofafeather 2831036@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have 3 and have an outback now. I love it but I’ll probably be getting a van in the next two years. My mom just got a Pacifica and it’s sweet. You can’t go wrong with a odyssey or sienna though. The highlander isn’t gonna give you a lot of space for cargo if you use the 3rd Row a ton. I’m super interested in the atlas because you can keep the car seats installed to use the 3rd Row. I’m also in love with my outback so I’ll look at the ascent when they have some in stock locally. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-i-need-to-buy-a-mini-van-or-a-3-row-suv#post-2831035 Wed, 27 Jun 2018 21:48:52 +0000 misolee 2831035@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I’m a Toyota girl so I have the Sienna. Can’t gonwrong with a minivan with multiple car seats. </p> <p>I also loved my Highlander but we switched to a Sienna when I had my second. I also just had my 3rd so it was the right call. The Highlander only fits two cart seats in the second row and not in the middle seat bc there’s no latch there. So we had to put the two car seats on the outer seats. Which meant the 3rd row was basically inaccessible unless you wanted to climb through the trunk. Also, with two car seats, no adult could sit in the middle seat comfortably. It was tight. </p> <p>My husband is thinking Honda Pilot for his car bc it fits three car seats in the middle. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-i-need-to-buy-a-mini-van-or-a-3-row-suv#post-2831018 Wed, 27 Jun 2018 19:00:46 +0000 catgirl 2831018@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Check out the car seat nerd on Facebook. She has some great info on vehicles, especially about fitting car seats, boosters, kids, and adults. Info on belt fit, headrests, tether locations, etc. So helpful! </p> <p>Also I would avoid anything with inflatable seatbelts, only a few car seats are compatible. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-i-need-to-buy-a-mini-van-or-a-3-row-suv#post-2831016 Wed, 27 Jun 2018 18:46:03 +0000 Silva 2831016@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Hypatia: but hybrid is still really cool and worth doing! </p>