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We have a Kia Sorento and it's awesome. It has a 3rd row that folds down (the third row seats 2, so it seats 7 total). We got a 2011 right after the 2012s were released, so we got a great deal. Even new they are very reasonably priced. It also got excellent safety ratings, which was very important for us.

I currently drive a CRV and with 1 dog and 2 kids (2, 4) and its way too small. I've been looking for over a year now and have narrowed down my choices to the GL450, QX, JX, and the Q7 has made it back onto my list since the latest model now has the rear entertainment options. I was going for luxury as this was going to be our long drive car, not everyday commuting car (we keeping the crv for that).

The JX is the smallest out of the ones I listed but I think it has some of the best features especially the ease of access to the third row, you don't have to remove the car seat =)

The QX is a monster of a suv but it drives really nice and I love all the things you get for the price, down side the third row has no latch anchors, and really no legroom, think knees to chest when sitting back there and I'm only 5'2".

The GL450 2013 model has just been released and I've been waiting to test drive this, Drove the 2012 last year and loved how it drove and the space but some dashboard an placement of blinkers, nav system bothered me. Well it has been all updated to follow suit of the ML350 so I can't wait to drive it. The third row can fit 2 adults, it has a foot well so knees to chest is not an issue. It also has anchors on the 3rd row to tether car seats to it.

Amy

I have a Honda Pilot... I don't know if it's considered "mid-sized", but I figured I'd chime in since a few people mentioned third row seating. It seats 7, has a fold-down third row and it's suuuuper roomy. Even with the third row up there's plenty of room in the back. for cargo.

I was driving an older model Pathfinder before, and the Pilot took a little getting used to, size wise, but I love it now.

@mrsjyw: i have been looking too...I have two top contenders...Acura MDX or Honda Pilot...torn between the two...third row is on my need list...

I drive a BMW X3 and I LOVE it!!

We have a trailblazer, which is ok. Its a little bulky for me but I've gotten use to it. My mom drives a mazda tribute and I love to zip around in that little thing and I also like how the carseat sits in her car..

We are looking this weekend! We are looking (for our one LO on the way, one dog, and frequent road trips) at Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot.

@Mrs. Superhero: me too. 4Runner is great in the snow. Mine has the optional 3rd row of seats - they are jump seats, not a full row.

I have a BMW X3 and love it. I do have to say though, traveling with stuff for 2 adults,a 14 month old, and a dog (lab pit mix) makes for a cramped ride sometimes.

DH has a Nissan XTerra, which is definitely larger than the X3. Much roomier for trips. Its not any more difficult to drive due to size, but provides a lot more interior space

@mrsjyw: We got a Honda Pilot the month before LO was born. It took a while to get used to its size, but now I am in LOVE with it! We got an 07 with low miles, and it is fantastic. And ours has the 3rd row seat, so if we need more room, we have it.

We had a cadillac SRX and it was the best car we've ever had (we have had 9 cars between the two of us). It was smooth, quiet, comfortable--perfect. I'm thinking about getting another one.

We looked at the Madza cx-5 which was a lot nicer than what I expected (test drove a mazda3 awhile back and didn't care for the quality but they have really improved). But I really love the Toyota Highlander. So much. It's up there with the cadillac on my list but is more affordable with more room.

@anonysquire: ha totally had the urge to start doing the head-bobbing hamster dance when I saw the pic of your car

I love our Toyota Rav4, and we got it with third row seating. So great!

We really like our BMW X5! It's a great size and easy to drive...

@Mrs. Lovejoy: I had an MDX and loved it. I wish I would have kept it, Iloved the way it handled.

OP: When the transmission went out in my MDX, we decided to go for a fully loaded GMC Acadia. We like the bells and whistles and the layout (the second row is captains chairs, which is a life saver with 2 kids=no touching each other). It does handle more like a truck compared to the MDX. All in all we are pretty happy with it.

We have an X5 and I really like it cause it's super roomy and has great trunk space. And my son loves it when we open up the panoramic sunroof. If I could do it all over again though, I would've bought the Highlander. My friend has it with all the options and it's pretty darn awesome. I love that she has a rearview camera (we didn't buy that option on our car).

We have an Acura MDX and a Lexus GX470-I love them both but I wouldnt consider the Lexus to be midsized. I primarily drive the Acura; I love that the backseat is really big (so getting the infant car seat in and out isn't cumbersome) and if you don't have the third row up, you can fit an uppababy vista, a bob, 6-12 packs of diet coke, a case of water and about 15 bags of groceries. I also like that the back gate lifts up (versus the lexus, which opens out).

One thing that I dislike about my car (which is one of those things that you never appreciate until you have kids) is the fact that you can't roll down the windows with the keyless entry. With the nissans and infinitis (and probably other mfgs) you can-its such a nice luxury (especially in the south!)

I still have a sedan but my next car will be a crossover. Really liking the Rav4, murano, or the CX-7.

My brother is really liking the new Ford Escapes for his family of 4. He rented a rav4 hybrid for their last trip but wasn't impressed with the gas mileage.

Sorry, I'm leaning towards foreign cars.

I would love to have a used Lexus RX350 but for the price I would have to get a 6 year old car to fit in my budget. I love the car and it's options but I'm just afraid in 5 years, I'll want another car. So my dilemma is newer car over older luxury car. I always wanted a newer car so that's what I'm leaning towards. I can have my Lexus when my kids are grown and I'm ready to retire.

We have an Audi q5 and a Toyota 4runner. We love them both.