Best family car? Not minivan and avoiding a big SUV?

Question

We currently have a Toyota Sequoia - it has tons of room for the 5 of us. But it's a hog and we're thinking of switching out into something more conservative.

We like to get into minor off-road situations (fire roads, a few rural mountain roads) for camping several times a year and we DO NOT want a minivan.

Is there a small or midsize SUV that has a 3rd row (3 boys that are growing fast!) that can be recommended? Other solutions?

Answer 1

5 people doesn't really require a 3rd row. My car has 2 rows and fits 5 people with an average height around 5'10" or so.

You won't find any small SUVs with 3 rows, unless they were made for dwarfs.

I'd think your best bet with 3rd row seating would be a Honda Pilot or it's luxury cousin the Acura MDX.

If you can settle for less (recommended) Subarus, Honda CR-Vs, Ford Escapes and Toyota Rav4s are less hog-like.

Though as minor as your off-road experience is SUVs might not really be needed and you can settle for a sedan. Though I'd try to find one with a limited slip differential just incase one of your roads is muddy.

Answer 2

Check out some Subaru's Pretty roomy, all wheel drive, and good mileage.Not the prettiest car on the planet but some of the newer ones look pretty good.A good quality car.

Answer 3

What about a Pontiac Vibe?  From what you state, it may be a little small for you, but it's 35mpg and a hardy little car.

Answer 4

Subaru. Go look at the Outback and Forrester and see what size you need.  

Answer 5

Honda Pilot. Awesome car. We love it.14 in city 22 on highway

Answer 6

I'd look into these suv's. they all have comfortable rides and good to agile handling. All the mpg figures are for fwd only so take off one or two it you want awd for a little offroad capabilities.

Toyota Rav4 V6 - gets 22 mpg and fairly roomy for being a small suv. 4 cyl gets 23 but probaly need V6 with awd.

Subaru Forrester - most peolpe don't know this but it is arguably better than the Rav4 and CRV. comfy ride and good steering. excellent for the occasional offroad detour and respectable 20mpg on a turbo 4cy. also roomy inside.

Honda CRV- bascally same as the Rav4 but only 4 cyl available that gets 21 mpg which is why i'd get the V6 Rav4 over it or even the 4 cyl Rav4j.  The Acura RDX is a more luxurious version of it.

Toyota Higlander - good room and gets a decent 18mpg. the hybrid gets 24mpg but it takes 4-5 years to make of the price difference in the gas money you save. has small 3rd row available but only for little kids.  Lexus RX is more luxurious version of it even though it looks different and doesn't offer third row.

Honda Pilot - very roomy with usable by adults third row. seat 7-8 people and lots of cargo room with 3rd row folded down. gets an okay 17 mpg.  but you have to remember it is super roomy inside and really not that big on the outside.  There is a more luxurious version of it in the Acura MDX.



Saturn Outlook or its cousins the GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave - Very roomy inside.  My dad has one. Adults can seat in third row. I did and im 5'10" and 18 yrs old and im comfortable.  Gets only 16 mpg but it is 200 in long and weighs 5000lbs so that isn't too bad being thats how much half ton trucks weigh.

Hyundai Sante Fe - good amount of room. good all around suv. competes well with higlander and gets 18 mpg. the Hyundai Veracruz is a 3 row version of it but the 3rd row is only for kids and gets 17mpg.

Mercedes Benz GL 450 - If you really want to throw some money around.  But is possibly the best suv ever made.

BMW X5 - again cost is high and probably overpriced. good suv though with good handling but stiff ride. a 3rd row is offered.

Answer 7

Mazda CX-9 and GMC Acadia should offer 3rd row seating capabilities.

Answer 8

Honda CR-V EX 24,785

Hyundai Tucson SE 24,595

Subaru Forester 2.5 X 24,140

Answer 9

Dodge Magnum

Answer 10

subaru legacy outback. its a wagon, but they are awesome offroad. not to mention they are very reliable, seat 5, roomy, fuel efficient, and easy to maintain. SUV roomy without SUV drawbacks