crossbow wrote: ↑Tue Jun 06, 2023 10:58 pm
OP, what kind of stuff do you lug around in the vehicle that families 15 years ago did not? The size of the average car not too long ago was much smaller than what it is today; most families got by on what would be considered sub-compact sedans by today's standards.
My point - instead of searching for a specific size of vehicle, is it possible to downsize the stuff you intend to carry around? That might give you more options in your search for a vehicle.
I don't think I necessarily have any out of the ordinary needs than most parents. Our 2 row suv with 2 kids is barely enough to get a bike trailer OR a stroller and a few bags. If we were out with the strollers and needed to shop, there is no room for bags. A trip to the beach or the bike path is barely enough room and we aren't even bringing kids bikes yet. I would like room inside to stuff the smaller bikes until they are large enough for the bike rack.
With three kids, I am thinking stroller needs for at least 3 -1/2 more years and that is what takes up the room. So add strollers to the mix of coolers, tent, chairs, kids sports bags / beach bags / bike trailer etc. Not all at once, but a combination of them needs to work. I probably won't have kids sports bags that are potentially large for a number of years with younger kids.
I am not sure what sports my kids will be in as they get older, but I know a few families with just 2 kids who don't have enough room behind the second row in suv's the size of an ascent, mdx, xc90 etc just going to a kids sports game if they are a coach and their kids are playing and they have extra stuff to bring like nets etc on top of a stroller, cooler, chairs, tents, sports bags, every weekend or several nights a week.
I just don't want to get something and feel cramped for space and regret it.
I am hoping my purchase lasts 9/10 years. 120-135k before issues start creeping in.
So if I keep that long, by the end of this car's life for me, I will have a 13 yo, 10 yo, 9yo
I could probably get by with something the size of a pallisade, telluride, explorer, pathfinder, highlander, pilot,etc. As others have mentioned, roof or hitch mounted storage options are possibilities as well if I find I need just a little more room.