https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Tue, 14 Apr 2026 16:04:56 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toyota-sienna-or-subaru-ascent-car-shopping-before-baby3#post-2882854 Wed, 01 May 2019 19:56:21 +0000 Ms. RV 2882854@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@SouthernGothamCityMama: How old are your two other LOs? I have #3 due in November and keeping my Outback until I no longer need the double stroller (my LOs will be 4 and 18 months when #3 comes... so probably two more years.) I just can't sacrifice the trunk space. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toyota-sienna-or-subaru-ascent-car-shopping-before-baby3#post-2882583 Mon, 29 Apr 2019 23:13:49 +0000 QBbride 2882583@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I’m pregnant with baby #3 and we seriously considered the Subaru Ascent, as well as the Honda Pilot. But after being in both of them, we decided there was no way we could fit all our stuff in the back, and trying to buckle my oldest in the 3rd row would drive me absolutely crazy. I was (still sort of am haha) anti mini van but we ended up buying a Chrysler Pacifica. Honestly I think it was for the best with three kiddos. My husband said the reviews on the Sienna say that the interior is super outdated. So... I don’t know which one is pick, but I think you can find something better!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toyota-sienna-or-subaru-ascent-car-shopping-before-baby3#post-2882571 Mon, 29 Apr 2019 21:55:10 +0000 PinkElephant 2882571@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@SouthernGothamCityMama: Do you have a garage spot, or do you street park? I used to live in Brooklyn, where we drove an Acura MDX (with three kids). I now have an Odyssey, and the thought of having to street park that, even in a little "downtown" in the suburbs, makes me super anxious because it is really really long compared to a mid-size SUV. So if you street park, you might want to opt for the shorter car and just use a roof rack when needed for long trips.</p> <p>I also really don't think you need AWD if a Sienna is not the minivan you like. I know a few friends who drive them because they're scared not to have AWD, but really, how often do you encounter snow that isn't cleared promptly, and how often do you HAVE to drive in those conditions? For me, I ultimately decided that AWD wasn't a dealbreaker. I have an Odyssey now, and it has handled fine on the few occasions I've needed to drive it when caught in the middle of an unexpected snowstorm in a relatively hilly area.</p> <p>One thing to note on captains chairs with one kid in the back - the kid in the back really needs to be able to reliably buckle/unbuckle his or her own carseat - it's still very hard for an adult to access the third row between the other carseats. That is why the Honda MagicSlide seats sold me on the Odyssey! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toyota-sienna-or-subaru-ascent-car-shopping-before-baby3#post-2882569 Mon, 29 Apr 2019 21:47:58 +0000 PinkElephant 2882569@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LadyDi: I opted for an Odessey over a Sienna (NYC suburbs in NJ, where it is hilly and we get a few solid snows each winter). DH accused me of choosing the car on the MagicSlide seats over all wheel drive, and warned me not to call him the first time I got stuck in the snow. We had a rapid, heavy snowfall about three weeks after I got my mini van, and thankfully, it handled just fine while cars and trucks were sliding out all around me. There is a "snow switch" that supposedly does something to the rotation speed and suspension of the wheels. But I LOVE my sliding seats - they are a game changer for accessibility and quick rearrangement of configurations (school pick up lines, changing a diaper in a parking lot, making it easier for my third-row child to reach stuff in a seat back organizer when she needs to do homework on the road, etc.) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toyota-sienna-or-subaru-ascent-car-shopping-before-baby3#post-2882564 Mon, 29 Apr 2019 20:38:07 +0000 LadyDi 2882564@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DH and I are purchasing a Honda Odyssey tomorrow but I went between the Sienna and Odyssey for a long time because I strongly wanted AWD. We live in Pennsylvania and it's snowy and hilly here in the winter. After being in both, I just really didn't like the Sienna. It hasn't been updated in a while and even the 2019 ones feel very "meh" to me. Also, the Odyssey has "magic slide" seats in the second row, which make accessing the 3rd row very easy. I will have two rear facing in the middle, which makes climbing through very difficult and my oldest will be in the back in a 5 point harness for awhile yet. With the sliding seats I can just slide one of the middle seats over and climb into the back very easily. Plus the Odyssey was just redesigned and is much nicer on the inside than the Sienna. </p> <p>We didn't really look at 3 row SUVs, just because of the car seat situation and I also really wanted automatic doors. I really wanted to be able to get in and out of the car and get the kids in and out of seats as easily as possible. </p> <p>We'll see how it does this winter. I am nervous about it bc I get nervous driving in the winter anyway...I would like to get snow tires but right now we really do not have anywhere to store four extra tires. If it seems like we really need them then we'll find room somewhere though.</p> <p>ETA: I forgot to mention though that we live in a suburb and use the car every day. I might have thought differently if I only used the car on the weekends. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toyota-sienna-or-subaru-ascent-car-shopping-before-baby3#post-2882563 Mon, 29 Apr 2019 20:37:05 +0000 ElbieKay 2882563@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We really liked everything about the Ascent except that my gearhead husband was not on board with a CVT transmission.</p> <p>We felt the VW Atlas was comparable and got one of those. We have had it for a year and are very happy with it.</p> <p>I held on to my anti-minivan bias. My husband might have caved on that if it wasn’t for my dedication!</p> <p>We opted for a bench middle row so we could do three across while the twins are small. I did not want to sequester their big brother in the back by himself. When they are all FF then maybe we will put two kids in the back and one in the middle. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toyota-sienna-or-subaru-ascent-car-shopping-before-baby3#post-2882552 Mon, 29 Apr 2019 18:53:56 +0000 Silva 2882552@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I always like to check here for car reviews when carseats are an issue!: <a href="https://thecarseatlady.com/vehicles/suv/subaru-ascent/" rel="nofollow">https://thecarseatlady.com/vehicles/suv/subaru-ascent/</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toyota-sienna-or-subaru-ascent-car-shopping-before-baby3#post-2882551 Mon, 29 Apr 2019 18:52:36 +0000 Silva 2882551@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm very pro mini van when kids are in car seats. We have a sienna, but not the AWD model. I live, and grew up in, rural Vermont so I'm very familiar with driving in wintery conditions. We decided to just get nice winter tires, and avoid the hit to gas mileage year round. It's been totally fine, the thing is a tank and handles very well in the snow. </p> <p>Sliding doors with car seats is a game changer. Also, consider if you would ever be transporting other people. We have a rear facing convertible and a bucket seat in our captains chairs, and a forward facing 5-point/booster seat in the back row. We usually leave the other half of the back row down so that we can transport strollers, bikes, etc. Its nice to be able to quickly put the back row up if we have other people riding with us. When the back row is up I can still get our double bob in the trunk (a little awkward, but doable). </p> <p>We will be moving in about 3 1/2-4 years, and will need AWD at that point (end of a steep dead end private road). I'm hoping there will be some new options then- something that does better with gas, but if not I really do love my Sienna. Its been a great car for our family! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toyota-sienna-or-subaru-ascent-car-shopping-before-baby3#post-2882531 Mon, 29 Apr 2019 15:42:30 +0000 misolee 2882531@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have 3 kids and Sienna. It’s not flashy but it gets the job done. Mine are 6 in high back booster. 3 years old in diono. And a one year old in convertible rear facing. </p> <p>If you were to get Ascent, I would make sure to get captain chairs. I think without, accessing 3rd row is near impossible and pain. Also not sure how many latches they have or you need, but look into that too. </p> <p>Some pros for minivan is the sliding doors. And they’re farther away from you so the crying/whining/fighting/arguing is less than a suv where it sometimes feels like surround sound 😂 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toyota-sienna-or-subaru-ascent-car-shopping-before-baby3#post-2882522 Mon, 29 Apr 2019 14:56:02 +0000 woodentulip 2882522@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We also have a Subaru Ascent, but only have two kids. We have the captains chairs, and pop the back up and down as needed no problem. I think that the bench seats with Subarus are notoriously frustrating for 3 car seats, and I am not sure how much you would love the captains seat option with one kiddo in the very back. I have a friend who has that setup, and it works well for them, though!<br /> With the captains seats and the back seats down we haven't actually needed to pull out our rooftop carrier! We are also a ski family, though we keep our skis in a locker at the hill we primarily ski at, and rented on a trip out west this past winter. The car handles exceptionally well in the snow, though as a Subaru owner you would know that already!<br /> Anyhow, never a regret in our purchase...other than the gas the car consumes...hoping it is our last exclusively gas vehicle! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toyota-sienna-or-subaru-ascent-car-shopping-before-baby3#post-2882518 Mon, 29 Apr 2019 14:25:43 +0000 SouthernGothamCityMama 2882518@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thanks everyone! </p> <p>@nwm: I hadn't seen that thread--thank you for pointing it out--very helpful! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toyota-sienna-or-subaru-ascent-car-shopping-before-baby3#post-2882504 Mon, 29 Apr 2019 13:30:32 +0000 nwm 2882504@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>we are in a verrrry similar situation in NYC and i found the responses very helpful in this post ICYMI: <a href="https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/recommend-me-your-three-row-suv" rel="nofollow">https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/recommend-me-your-three-row-suv</a></p> <p>a few folks weighed in in favor of the ascent, though not directly in comparison w/sienna. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toyota-sienna-or-subaru-ascent-car-shopping-before-baby3#post-2882496 Mon, 29 Apr 2019 13:21:55 +0000 graceandjoy 2882496@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Honestly at this stage, it's all about function and practicality. We have a Toyota Sienna (we had no say in getting this car). Yeah it's not the best looking but all things considered, AWD just helps to ease my anxieties when driving in icy conditions. It's roomy, fits everything, etc. We will drive it to the ground and hopefully when that time comes, we won't need a minivan anymore! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toyota-sienna-or-subaru-ascent-car-shopping-before-baby3#post-2882491 Mon, 29 Apr 2019 13:06:41 +0000 charm55 2882491@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I really really love our Subaru Ascent. There’s nothing I don’t like and I’d buy it again in a heartbeat. We live in a really snowy place where winter tires and AWD are a must.. I feel totally safe in the Ascent. </p> <p> I have 2 kids and we have the captains chairs. We keep the third row up most of the time and it has come in handy. If I had 3 kids though, I’m not sure what I’d do. It’s easy enough to get to the third row in the Ascent but it’s not as functional as a minivan. </p> <p>I do transport my niece quite often and it’s pretty easy, I throw my daughter in the 3rd in her booster (she can buckle herself) and my niece and DD2 in FF Foonfs in the second row. But if I had to go to the third row every time to do up my DD1 I could see that being a PITA... a minivan might be easier. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toyota-sienna-or-subaru-ascent-car-shopping-before-baby3#post-2882490 Mon, 29 Apr 2019 13:02:45 +0000 Becky 2882490@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'd say consider some other 3rd rows (VW Atlas, Chevy Traverse are the 2 on my list because of their storage space) if you want the storage space. It sounds like you're mostly driving locally, and I'm guessing if there was a big storm you probably wouldn't be driving upstate (or wherever) to ski anyway. BUT if you're skiing and visiting family, you're going to want the space for gear and luggage in the trunk and the Ascent has basically no trunk space. FWIW I grew up in the Catskills and while it was great to have AWD eventually (my parents got an Outback when I was in college), my parents got me to the slopes every weekend without it for years and I really don't think it would have been necessary if we were weekenders. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toyota-sienna-or-subaru-ascent-car-shopping-before-baby3#post-2882489 Mon, 29 Apr 2019 12:58:43 +0000 gotkimchi 2882489@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@SouthernGothamCityMama: We don’t do anything! My minivan drives fine! If we had to do something we would do snow tires for the winter, if they’re mounted on rims you can change them yourself but that wouldn’t really work for weekend trips - better for 6mo on/6 mo off </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toyota-sienna-or-subaru-ascent-car-shopping-before-baby3#post-2882488 Mon, 29 Apr 2019 12:55:22 +0000 SouthernGothamCityMama 2882488@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>How do you handle mountainous snow driving? Do you do snow tires? (and if so how much of a PITA is putting them on? I'm not even sure how you do that.) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toyota-sienna-or-subaru-ascent-car-shopping-before-baby3#post-2882484 Mon, 29 Apr 2019 12:46:06 +0000 gotkimchi 2882484@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Do you really need awd? I live in the frozen tundra (literally got snow Saturday) and do just fine without it. I’d skip that and get the Honda if you like it </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toyota-sienna-or-subaru-ascent-car-shopping-before-baby3#post-2882479 Mon, 29 Apr 2019 12:33:03 +0000 SouthernGothamCityMama 2882479@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My husband and I live in NYC and have decided we need something bigger than our Subaru Outback (which we love) before baby#3 makes his appearance this August.</p> <p>(I think) we’ve narrowed it down to the subaru ascent or the toyota sienna. Just wanted to see if anyone is driving either of these cars and has similar needs to our family and can weigh in with their experience.</p> <p>We live in NYC. We use the car almost every weekend–often to run to Trader Joe’s just outside of the city, go to the zoo or the Children’s Museum, to visit family out of state, or to go up to the mountains (we’ve been out of skiing for the last few years but have aspirations to start up again once the kids are old enough to teach–our oldest was introduced to tubing this year and can’t wait for skiing starting next year). So we feel like AWD is needed.</p> <p>We currently have our (almost 4 year old) in a clek fllo carseat which we just switched forward facing this past weekend (to his great delight) and our (very very small) 2 year old in a clek fllo carseat rear facing (and I’d like to keep her rear facing for as long as is possible). We will put baby#3 in a bucket car seat. I had been thinking that by the time baby#3 outgrows the bucket we would be able to move him into our oldest’s carseat and move our oldest (who will then be 5) into a booster. I am thinking that we need a 3rd row vehicle and that we will put our oldest in the backmost row and the rear facing baby and toddler in the middle row.</p> <p>My husband really liked the honda odyssey. But it doesn’t come with AWD. In fact, the only minivan that we can find is the toyota sienna.</p> <p>I’m not sure if I’m being ridiculous, but I just didn’t love the sienna. I am not anti-minivan but it just felt outdated and boxy.</p> <p>If we don’t go minivan and instead go with a mid-size 3 row SUV: we really liked the subaru ascent (and we admittedly have a pro-subaru bias). But I’m worried it might be too small for all the baby gear we inevitably bring on our annual two week summer roadtrip back south to visit family. And my husband is worried that the backseat is going to start to feel really small as our kids get bigger.</p> <p>Does anyone drive either? Does anyone have a subaru ascent with a rooftop carrier? Do you feel like you have enough space? Do I need to just get over my sienna minivan concerns? </p>