https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Mon, 06 Apr 2026 23:31:29 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sell-me-on-your-van-or-larger-suv#post-2578872 Thu, 30 Jun 2016 14:10:51 +0000 hilary 2578872@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We just got a Dodge Grand Caravan (3 convertible car seats here as well). My oldest is big enough for a high back booster but we couldn't move her to it because with 3 seats across she couldn't access the buckle, so minivan it was. We picked the Dodge though because it has stow and go seats which means you can fold all of the rear seats into the floor and transport drywall and such if that's your thing. And when the seats are up, those floor compartments hold a ton of stuff. Plus the kids can't reach each other anymore (decreased the whining in our car by at least 75%). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sell-me-on-your-van-or-larger-suv#post-2578854 Thu, 30 Jun 2016 14:04:47 +0000 MrsSRS 2578854@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I looooooove my Flex, but the only reason we don't have a van is because DH is too tall to fit. Minivan 💟 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sell-me-on-your-van-or-larger-suv#post-2578829 Thu, 30 Jun 2016 13:47:20 +0000 Mrs D 2578829@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Just picked up my new Pacifica...Chrysler did a great job designing their new minivan... </p> [attach=2617/16/o9llix.600x600.13516447_10108465991971044_3325902967710450509_n.jpg] https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sell-me-on-your-van-or-larger-suv#post-2574298 Fri, 24 Jun 2016 05:59:01 +0000 avivoca 2574298@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsRcCar: I found a Sienna as well! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sell-me-on-your-van-or-larger-suv#post-2574172 Thu, 23 Jun 2016 21:46:57 +0000 coopsmama 2574172@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I looooooove my Honda Odyssey. I would think a Sienna would be a great choice, too. I'm really glad we went the van route instead of the SUV route - so much more convenient and I say that as someone who had a 3 seat SUV as my last vehicle (with kids). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sell-me-on-your-van-or-larger-suv#post-2574160 Thu, 23 Jun 2016 21:31:01 +0000 MrsRcCar 2574160@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Late night bump! I may have a lead on a Toyota Sienna. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sell-me-on-your-van-or-larger-suv#post-2573485 Thu, 23 Jun 2016 11:56:17 +0000 Mrs. Yoyo 2573485@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Another new Pathfinder owner here :happy: I also really liked the Flex, and I think one of those with the captains chairs would be easiest room/access wise short of a minivan. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sell-me-on-your-van-or-larger-suv#post-2573465 Thu, 23 Jun 2016 11:42:33 +0000 Charm54 2573465@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I adore my Nissan Pathfinder. Though I think if I had to fit 3 convertibles I would get a minivan. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sell-me-on-your-van-or-larger-suv#post-2573457 Thu, 23 Jun 2016 11:36:27 +0000 MrsRcCar 2573457@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We travel often so trunk space is needed. We don't generally tote a stroller just a lot of other gear. I am having a hard time getting on board with a van. 🙈 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sell-me-on-your-van-or-larger-suv#post-2573382 Thu, 23 Jun 2016 10:57:06 +0000 2PeasinaPod 2573382@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have a 2015 Nissan Pathfinder and love it. I think one of the best features is that you can have part of the 3rd row folded down and still have a 3rd carseat in the upright part. If you have the whole 3rd row up, you still have a good amount of trunk space. That was a huge selling point for us.</p> <p>We checked out the Toyota Highlander and the Jeep Grand Cherokee as well. The Toyota Highlander felt cheap to us - sorry @bluestriped bee! We have a 2003 Highlander, and it didn't seem as if there were any upgrades to it in 13 years except for the 3rd row and power lift gate. For the price, we were unimpressed. The Jeep Grand Cherokee was just too small. It didn't have a 3rd row, and overall, it didn't have enough room for us. We only have 2 boys, but we have a ton of gear and are runners. So we take our Bob everywhere, and wanted the extra row for our nieces and nephews as we plan activities with them often.</p> <p>We wanted to check out the Honda Pilot, but didn't get there. We were so impressed with the deal we got at Nissan and loved the Pathfinder and the way it handled, so we went for it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sell-me-on-your-van-or-larger-suv#post-2573368 Thu, 23 Jun 2016 10:47:45 +0000 BSB 2573368@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Canoli: Jealous! There was a short fleeting idea that I would trade in my CRV for a newer one and thought the power lift gate on the Touring model looked awesome. I really wanted those side mirror turn signals when I bought my car but it wasn't available for my year. I still love my CRV, though. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sell-me-on-your-van-or-larger-suv#post-2573356 Thu, 23 Jun 2016 10:39:10 +0000 Canoli 2573356@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@bluestriped bee: I probably didn't word my sentence correctly. I have a 2015 CRV and have the power lift gate. Seriously so convenient. Love it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sell-me-on-your-van-or-larger-suv#post-2573355 Thu, 23 Jun 2016 10:39:10 +0000 josina 2573355@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Just bought a used Chevy Traverse LT2 AWD, with the 2nd row captains chairs. LOVE it. We were told it's "Chevy's version of a mini-van" in a SUV. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sell-me-on-your-van-or-larger-suv#post-2573345 Thu, 23 Jun 2016 10:30:38 +0000 BSB 2573345@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Canoli: I think my DH's power liftgate is great, too. I wish the feature was available on my CRV. (I do know the newer CRVs have it.) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sell-me-on-your-van-or-larger-suv#post-2573138 Thu, 23 Jun 2016 08:59:27 +0000 Canoli 2573138@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My husband has a 2013 Honda Pilot and we love it! We currently have 2 Diono Radian's and a Chicco Keyfit 30 in the second row and it still feels roomy. We rarely use the third row but it comes in handy if needed. I'm sure a lot of other cars have this too but my favorite feature is the automatic lift gate. Best thing ever! I actually convinced my husband I needed this in my car and it was only available on the most expensive model of the CRV. Seriously though with kids hands free is a must! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sell-me-on-your-van-or-larger-suv#post-2572960 Thu, 23 Jun 2016 07:22:17 +0000 Alivoo01 2572960@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have Toyota Sequoia, which is pretty large, but omg. I absolutely love it! We can utilize all 3 rows with 8 adults and be super comfy since the 2nd row can be moved forwards and backwards to allow more or less room for the adult! The space just can't be beat compared to other SUVs. The 3rd row also folds flat should you need extra cargo space and only utilize the 2nd row. We can comfortably fit 3 car seats in one row. Or 2 car seats on either side and an adult can comfortably sit in the middle without feeling tight/claustrophobic.</p> <p>My friends have the Toyota Highlander and the Honda Pilot which they really like. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sell-me-on-your-van-or-larger-suv#post-2572895 Thu, 23 Jun 2016 00:45:29 +0000 jill_a55 2572895@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I currently have an older model Jeep Grand Cherokee and want to upgrade as well. I'm going this weekend to check out the Chrysler Pacifica, GMC Acadia, and Ford Explorer because of the captains chair middle row.. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sell-me-on-your-van-or-larger-suv#post-2572874 Wed, 22 Jun 2016 22:44:36 +0000 BSB 2572874@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>2013 fully loaded Toyota Higlander. Drives like a car. Second row slides so DH who is 5'11 has no issues having his driver seat touch the car seats. Has backup camera. Power lift gate. Plus the high resale and reliability of a Toyota. Resale is big for me because I don't want to buy a car and if the unfortunate happens and I get in a car accident that totals it. I don't want the check the insurance company pays me to be no where close to paying the loan off. Speaking from a sister who was an insurance agent. She's seen people have to pay for a car they no longer own.</p> <p>Oh, it has a third row but we fold it down and utilize the trunk space for the double stroller.</p> <p>I don't know about fitting 3 across but if you have some of the narrow car seats. You should look into this though. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sell-me-on-your-van-or-larger-suv#post-2572867 Wed, 22 Jun 2016 22:15:50 +0000 Mrs. Pen 2572867@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Oh my goodness I love love love my Ford Edge sel limited AWD. It is my dream car and I finally own it. It is so comfortable and sleek, but practical. Cobi has so much room in the back now, and we have so much room in the front. The trunk is huge and large enough for anything we could possibly need. It doesn't feel awkwardly large while driving it and I adjusted quickly to the feel of it.<br /> The nice thing about a ford is we were able to get a nicer model with more features for a lower price than we could have with a different car brand. We have leather seats and a Bluetooth console and I love it. </p> <p>I haven't driven it in the winter yet, but I know I'll love how it handles in winter driving conditions. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sell-me-on-your-van-or-larger-suv#post-2572841 Wed, 22 Jun 2016 21:31:00 +0000 PinkElephant 2572841@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsRcCar: ack that does look wide! I've got two Maxi Cosi Pria 70s (1 FF, 1 RF), and have tested it and can get a Maxi Cosi Mico (with the base) in between with a little bit of wiggle room, if that helps you visualize, at all. I really do like my MDX, though! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sell-me-on-your-van-or-larger-suv#post-2572828 Wed, 22 Jun 2016 21:05:20 +0000 youboots 2572828@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We loooooove our Ford Flex. It's awesome. 2nd row captains chairs are a nice feature </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sell-me-on-your-van-or-larger-suv#post-2572824 Wed, 22 Jun 2016 21:03:54 +0000 MrsRcCar 2572824@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@PinkElephant: I presently drive a 2006 Pontiac torrent (sport edition) I can't fit 3 convertible seats much less just 3 seats. So I just want to be able to fit three of these seats!<br /> <a href="http://www.evenflo.com/Products/Evenflo/Car_Seats/Platinum_Symphony_DLX/" rel="nofollow">http://www.evenflo.com/Products/Evenflo/Car_Seats/Platinum_Symphony_DLX/</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sell-me-on-your-van-or-larger-suv#post-2572816 Wed, 22 Jun 2016 20:59:59 +0000 Mrs D 2572816@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsRcCar: I just checked out my friends new Pacifica (chrysler minivan) this week and it's super nice...I'm going to consider it for my next car </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sell-me-on-your-van-or-larger-suv#post-2572815 Wed, 22 Jun 2016 20:58:34 +0000 Silva 2572815@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We just got a 2015 sienna and I love it. We drove some 2013 models and they were great too.<br /> Everything in it was designed for families. It handles like a much smaller car, but has a V6 engine- I can accelerate so quickly in it. It's honestly fun to drive. It was super easy to install our convertible car seats in the middle seats. It's very comfortable. And you just can't beat the space. Its kind of like having a truck, when the seats are down/out.<br /> We were in a very flat area driving 55/60 for two hours and averaged 27/mpg. With town/faster highway driving it's more like 20-24 mpg, but that's really not bad considering it's a tank.<br /> We went with the Sienna because we've had incredible experiences with reliability with Toyota. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sell-me-on-your-van-or-larger-suv#post-2572813 Wed, 22 Jun 2016 20:58:14 +0000 MrsSRS 2572813@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have a 2011 Flex. I haven't tried to RF in the third row, but I regularly have 2 RF in the second row and 2 FF in the third. I can fit our giant stroller in the trunk. It has good climate control in all the rows. Adults can fit in all the rows. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sell-me-on-your-van-or-larger-suv#post-2572806 Wed, 22 Jun 2016 20:54:19 +0000 PinkElephant 2572806@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsRcCar: Do you actually want it to be larger, or just to be able to fit the three convertible carseats in the second row? I'm pretty confident that the mid-size SUV I drive (an older Acura MDX) is going to fit three convertibles (or two and a harnessed booster). It's supposedly one of the wider SUVs of it's length out there, which I agree with after street parking it for almost a year, haha. :)</p> <p>It has a third row you CAN flip up, but to access that with carseats in you have to climb in through the trunk, and you basically can't fit a full size stroller easily in the trunk once the third row is up....so if you need the third row, nevermind! :) :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sell-me-on-your-van-or-larger-suv#post-2572800 Wed, 22 Jun 2016 20:48:08 +0000 MrsRcCar 2572800@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I am in the market for a new to me car. I need to fit 3 convertible car seats. </p> <p>So sell me on your vehicle and please list any nice features! </p>