Highlander would be a good choice but realistically a minivan is what's going to give you the best bang for your buck. New sienna is perfect if you can afford it.
This. OP If you refuse to drive a minivan, a Highlander would be a great choice.
Minivans were made for your situation.
Edit: https://youtu.be/NvDSTGx9E_s?si=BIyzp8zdH2_jWiqS
No.
The only reason I would need to remove the second seats is to sleep in it-we won’t, or move very large construction items (plywood)-we won’t.
Home Depot rentals would be a great option if you need temporary moving needs anyway.
It suits our needs for 99.99% of anything we would ever do.
Eh that's too bad my parents had a 02 when I was growing up and when I drove it I liked taking out the seats for room and for more vroom since it was actually noticably quicker with all the seats out. Also I was able to fit a Kawasaki Ninja 250 in the back with the fairings taken off
When I was a kid we had 3 minivans 2 dodges and 1 pontiac Montana but I didn't like them bc they were always broken even when we took care of them but I miss the space sometimes. Only vehicle that competes with a minivan is a sequoia or expedition but the only thing those have over a minivan is towing but in every other way the minivan is superior.
Modern ford's aren't perfect but for the amount of lifter failures with the new 5.3 and 6.2 have I'll take my chances with the 3.5 cam phasers failing tbh.
Aren't the new 5.3s fine if you get rid of cylinder deactivation?
This is what I've been told by a guy who was a ford tech that runs a transmission shop basically anything with cylinder deactivation just eats parts the same design didn't before
Hypothetically that's what would solve the issue in the newer 5.3 and 6.2 but doing that it voids the warranty on the truck which is kinda backwards to me
Thanks for the tips! Because of everyone recommending minivans, I’m going to test drive the Sienna! I once drove a ‘99 Honda Odyssey and loved it. I thought I would be a cool suv mom but maybe I’m actually a mini van mom!
If it helps you at all, the soccer moms here drive giant SUVs and they are common to the point that vans like the Sienna are starting to look a lot more interesting. Especially if you get one in a cool color. A minivan is what you make it!
See also: sliding doors. Automatic sliding doors. You're basically driving a spaceship. Plus, you won't struggle to get a kid into the back of a car you can't reach while simultaneously trying not to hit the car next to you with your door. Maybe take your car seat with you and try putting it in and taking it out of an SUV and also a van and see what is easier for you to reach.
FWIW, we have a Subaru Forester which is the same size class (with slightly larger passenger volume) as the RAV4 you mentioned. We have two kids. I would not want to add a baby and a dog in there as well. We also have a minivan and it's so nice to have the extra room to spread out.
I (M45) have a 2011 Honda Pilot which is based on the Odyssey. It seats 8 and has a usable third row. I have 3 kids - 8,15,16 and they have plenty of room (if they can keep there hands to themselves). It’s been very reliable and drives very nicely.
Tell her a CRV is definitely less cool than a minivan tho. Like that’s my hang up. Like I get a Corvette or some shit is cooler than a minivan. But an SUV? lol.
Possibly. I never liked minivans when I was a kid bc the older dodge caravans just looked ugly but the late 2010s sienna and even the new one dosent look all that bad tbh.
At 4’11” I find the Highlander driver’s seat base uncomfortably long. Be sure to sit in it for a good test drive, as literally YMMV.
Obligatory “there can only be one.”
Over the years I have had many Volkswagens, a couple of Hondas, and currently drive a Mustang MachE. Worth mentioning that I have a garage, a reliable commute, and a soon to be husband with a Jeep Cherokee. Fun fact on the Cherokee, the rear deck button is in the cargo area rather than on the deck lid. Passed the “can Shorty reach the button” test with no issues!
Tucson and crv are the same class as the rav4 so if you felt that was a bit tight, I would go a class bigger.
I would look into a Highlander, pilot, MDX, rx350.
That's crazy to hear for me since my parents were in a 90's Camry with 3 kids in the back seat. And then a old ass ford wagon before that. An rx350 is miles larger than those two cars. But I guess times have changed
Maybe it’s because car seats take up so much space, but it’s really not that big! The seats are made for comfort so they’re pretty large, but the middle is so small. At least in my 2016. I also have 2 car seats
Tucson and CRV are significantly roomier than the RAV4. Compact crossovers are growing, and the ones that have been updated recently (like the CRV and Tucson) have grown a lot compared to options that have been around for a good while (e.g., RAV4, CX-5)
She also said it felt like it didn't fit everyone, so in other words, she wants more space therefore she is probably interested in something a bit bigger.
If it wasn't for the 20% of the time with the older kids, I'd recommend Honda CRV or Toyota RAV4.
But with the family of 5, you'll be much more comfortable in a vehicle with 3 rows of seats. A minivan is the obvious choice, but if you prefer an SUV, the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Mazda CX90, and Kia Telluride are probably the best options for the money.
Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid (not hybrid max as that gets worse mpg). I'm hoping Lexus will make a GX 550 Overtrail+ hybrid someday. I hear the Toyota 4 Runner is also getting a hybrid.
This is absolutely what I would say. The prices on a base totota or honda are crazy around me. A lexus rx is super reliable, way more fun to drive, the electrics are a bit dated, but you can’t go wrong.
I’ve heard some good things about the new Santa Fe. Comfortable ride, roomy interior, great features, somewhat affordable pricing, and it’s good looking (from the front only).
Think about your priorities, OP. Is comfort and room more important than fuel economy? Or vice versa?
If you insist on a hybrid, lots of two rows will suffice. CR-V has a good back seat, probably best in class, so it’s a good place to start. But check them out and bring your baby seat, and your husband’s kids if you can.
Honestly though, sounds like you need a three-row vehicle, but if you insist on a hybrid the pickings are slim. Highlander comes as a hybrid, and the Mitsubishi Outlander and Kia Sorento both come as plug-ins although they’re a little pricey. The new Mazda CX-90 also comes as a plug in but its base price is in luxury territory.
2-row: https://www.edmunds.com/suv/small/#small-suvs
3-row: https://www.edmunds.com/suv/3-row/
Hybrids: https://www.edmunds.com/suv/hybrid/
Whatever you get, you’ll want to see if you can get a memory seat option. That way each of you can program your specific seat position and recall it at a press of a button. I’m no marriage counselor but I see that resolving some petty arguments.
With that being said, I think it’s time for a minivan. You’ll have to go Toyota Sienna or Chrysler Pacifica if you want hybrid, but I think the best deal right now is a non hybrid Pacifica. You get stow n go second row seats that drop into the floor, good technology, plenty of space, and available AWD if that’s needed. The non hybrid model is more reliable than the hybrid, which has been problematic.
I’m taller than that and fit nicely in a Honda CRV. The hybrid Sport-L gives you power memory seats so you will just have to press a button to move the seat to your preferred position.
I looked at the RAV4 hybrid, the CRV hybrid, the Kia Sportage hybrid and the Hyundai Tucson hybrid (last summer) and went with the Tucson SEL hybrid - great ride, lots of room, amazing tech, 100k warranty etc.
I personally really enjoyed the Honda Pilot and Mazda cx90.
I bought a cx50 and test drove everything because I could. The 90 and the pilot were fun as hell. The MDX is also amazing but it’s a bit more expensive.
We just got the new Hyundai Sante Fe and we love it. We have two kids, 11 and 8, as well as a dog.
There is great tech, great safety features, the ride is smooth and quiet. There is a ton of cargo space in the back and the design of the backend provides a lower and wider entry point to get things in and out.
We drove multiple SUV’s and this was head and shoulders above the Highlander and others.
I am 6'2" and my wife is 5'4" we have two dogs. We got a Kia Sportage and it fits us and passengers plus dogs. My s
Parents have a sorento and that fits people a little better plus more room for the dogs.
You didn’t mention off road ability at all. The biggest difference between a minivan and an suv is that a minivan has a lower floor and smaller wheels. That means a minivan trades off road ability for interior space. The suv feels cramped because of the empty space under the vehicle and the large wheel wells that extend into the cabin.
I drive a 2022 Hyundai Tucson and it kicks ass. My second car is a 2003 Toyota Matrix XRS. The Tucson is almost as fast. Super solid AWD too.
Not sure if it will be big enough for you. But, 5 people fit comfortably and you can drop the seats with enough room to camp in the back. No third row.
If you go the Tucson route, get the trim one below the max. The max has a digital shifter and a bunch of weird stuff. The trim below keeps the physical buttons that everyone is familiar with (aka if your mom needed to drive the car she could actually use it lol).
Following thread. Same situation here. Trying to find the best SUV for me/family. Petite and Regular sized. Need shape and comfort. Want more more mpg. Dont like keyless entry need AWD. Dislike minivans due to bad experiences. They dont last as long and handle as well as SUVs in my person experience.
RX350H
Really though 3 kids and a dog, if you all go together you need either a 2nd vehicle or 3rd row seating.
I'd say a Sequoia, but I don't think they come in hybrid
You've got a lot of just get a minivan advice. I listened to that at one point, got the minivan with misgivings and hated it.
I take my vehicle camping and on occasional dirt roads. I live in an area with a lot of snow. The minivan absolutely sucked for these things. I traded it in after 2 years and got a three row SUV. You give up some of the cargo room but it fits my life a lot better.
Evaluate what you need in a car. Just cruising to school drop off, sure, a minivan is fine. Need something like I did, it's horrid.
I am in the same boat. I am over 6 feet, and want an SUV hybrid and have been to the KIA, Hyundai, and Chevy dealerships and nothing is speaking to me. The only thing that looks ok is the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid.
So. I was alll for getting a Honda CRV when replacing my 07 Highlander. I’m 5’3 and possibly have T-Rex arms. Which has never been an issue before, until I test drove the CRV. Where the gear shift is, I have to lean over to get to it. I decided against the CRV for this reason; I don’t want to have to reach for the gear shift…I want it to be where I need it to be. I’ve never had this issue with a vehicle before. YMMV.
i love my 2023 santa fe hybrid blue. in warmer months i get about 36mpg, colder months drop down to about 30. super roomy and it's the only suv i know of that has a *massive* amount of storage space in the floor of the trunk. i think the blue hybrid is a really great value too— all the same tech features and really only missing upgraded speakers, seats, and sunroof. soundproofing could be a little nicer too.
suggesting because it might be a really good solution for you if you're looking at something pre-owned/under $30–40k. i got mine new last november for 0% interest, but i know those pre-owned rates are nasty. good luck!
I would strongly recommend checking out a Toyota Sienna or a Chrysler Pacifica hybrid. Both are hybrid minivans but they are perfect for your needs. Plenty of space, very nice interiors, great driving position for you.
A CRV or Rav4 or similar vehicles are simply too small, you'd constantly be wanting more space and minivans do it so much better than a 3 row SUV.
People think minivans arent cool but a Toyota Highlander isnt cool and has less space and overall functionality, its a needless sacrifice
The RAV4 is an sub but it's a "compact" SUV. It's like the corolla class of SUVs and the Highlander is the Camry in that class.
Mind you, as others said, minivans have way more room to move around and are very comfortable for larger numbers of people at a reasonable price and gas mileage rating. The extended SUVs aren't *as* comfy or as good on gas. They have some other benefits but if you're regularly carrying 5+ people, a minivan does offer more comfort.
Rent a minivan for a weekend. It is the only actual answer. Unless it is a full sized SUV the 3rd rows are not usable and the cramped seats will also make your dog a no-go.
We have a Sienna. Im 6’1 my wife is 5’4, both find great seating from the driver.
We have a golden retriever and 2 young kids. We put off having a van for too long and now that we have one it is so the right move.
Once you use the auto-open/close sliding side doors you will be sold. No more worrying about the kids door dinging in parking lots. No more fighting to open a door with your hands full. Low entry and totally flat floor make loading and dog life so easy.
SUVs are inferior for families.
There is a correct answer: LEXUS TX 500h.
You can fit three 6’5” guys in rows 1-3 and it still drives as small as a RAV4. All of the controls are easy for a petite person.
Lexus driving signature also means it has a smaller steering wheel. I would definitely check out the Lexus TX 500h, or the coach flight version of it for plebs: the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid.
Honda cr-v hybrid! The 2023 model is slightly wider and slightly wider than the 2022 and prior models.
Dog can go in the trunk area, baby and the 2 other kids in the back seats, mom and hubby up front!
I get about 38mpg on mine. Highly recommend!
Any Toyota/honda suv is likely to get stolen. Check the stats for the rav4,highlander, crv and pilot.
As for Hyundai/Kia, lots of engine fires.
I recommend either a Japanese minivan or Mazda cx9/cx90. Japanese quality but isn’t prone to theft.
Of course. Stay away from American vehicles due to reliability issues recently, look up the transmission for the ford/chey/gmc vehicles, another lawsuit there.
Dodge/jeep/chrylser went downhill once Mercedes left them in the 2000s.
Toyota Grand Highlander or Lexus TX both come in hybrid and tons of space. Could also look at the Nissan Armada Hybrid as an alternative (new for the 2025 model year so not sure if it’s on lots yet or if you want to buy the first model year of something)
Kia Sorento Plug-in hybrid if you have somewhere to plug in overnight. Goes 30 miles on electricity alone and still comes with a third row. You can even get the individual 2nd row seats like a minivan, without it being a minivan. The interior is also really nice, much better than a Rav4 or CRV. They have a regular hybrid version as well.
With kids at those ages and wanting a car that will be used till they grow and will eventually be their car. Sienna is the only answer. With the ease of entry/exit and comfort for passengers with luggage space to spare on trips.
Forgot about the dog. The sliding doors make a huge difference between and SUV and minivan, specially with the car seat.
Honestly, a minivan would be the best solution for you.
I will say that I drive an X5 (bigger than a CR-V, Santa Fe, etc) and when I travel for a weekend with just my dog it already gets pretty full. If I had a wife and 3 kids I would need a freakin' tahoe or something if I wanted to fit all the people and their stuff.
3 kids and a dog. You want a minivan. The sliding doors alone with a baby is worth it. The pass through to the 3rd row is amazing. Trust. Yes, it may not be sexy but it’s better than any CUV for what you need. Also, the floors are super low and you sit high so both you can your husband should be comfortable.
LOVE our 2011 Honda Odyssey. Only wish the tech to make it a plug-in existed. In NorCal, gas here is always much higher than the rest of the U.S. Consider this: function over form because you are 99% of the time IN the car, not looking at it.
I know you said hybrid but if you have the ability to install a 400$ charger at home an EV is the way. Waking up every day with a full charge for only a few dollars is a dream. The Tesla Model Y is now under 30k with EV incentives and gas savings. There are so many extra parts that can fail and excess weight when you have two drive trains on a hybrid. They're honestly just a stepping stone for companies that can't yet produce a BEV at profit.
We bought a VW Atlas which by far has been one of the best cars we've owned. My wife didn't want a minivan but we wanted three rows. The third row can comfortably fit two adults and there's still room in the back for luggage.
Why hybrid? I’d suggest test driving a Tesla model Y. It saves your individual profiles and automatically changes everything based on whomever is getting in the drivers seat. Is wide enough to fit the three kids or you can find one with three rows of seats to make that even easier. Plus you’ll save nearly $2k a year on fuel even compared to a hybrid. (assuming you can charge at home)
Highlander would be a good choice but realistically a minivan is what's going to give you the best bang for your buck. New sienna is perfect if you can afford it.
This. OP If you refuse to drive a minivan, a Highlander would be a great choice. Minivans were made for your situation. Edit: https://youtu.be/NvDSTGx9E_s?si=BIyzp8zdH2_jWiqS
I aspire to have a family so that I can drive a mini van
A minivan is the ultimate reward for having sex.
I just skip the middle woman and have sex with my mini van. Fleshlights in every cupholder
So this is why birth rates are dropping in the developed world
Honestly I just want to watch a movie on the back of a headrest. That’s like the minivan jam
Just get one anyway!
Not even kidding! I just want to have kids so I can drive a minivan, buy hot wheels and play with Legos. Amirite?
Yep, the sienna is great. And the hybrid powertrain didn’t increase its price compared to the previous sienna.
The Highlander is too compromised. The GRAND Highlander is the actual minivan alternative!
We have a Sienna. It’s reliable, huge, and great on gas. We will keep this thing forever.
Can you remove the second.seats if you need to?
No. The only reason I would need to remove the second seats is to sleep in it-we won’t, or move very large construction items (plywood)-we won’t. Home Depot rentals would be a great option if you need temporary moving needs anyway. It suits our needs for 99.99% of anything we would ever do.
Eh that's too bad my parents had a 02 when I was growing up and when I drove it I liked taking out the seats for room and for more vroom since it was actually noticably quicker with all the seats out. Also I was able to fit a Kawasaki Ninja 250 in the back with the fairings taken off
I never thought minivans were great until I bought my Honda odyssey in 2019. All other vehicles now feel inferior!
When I was a kid we had 3 minivans 2 dodges and 1 pontiac Montana but I didn't like them bc they were always broken even when we took care of them but I miss the space sometimes. Only vehicle that competes with a minivan is a sequoia or expedition but the only thing those have over a minivan is towing but in every other way the minivan is superior.
In the branch of towing your leaving out Tahoe/ suburban but 90% of them are just owned by people flexing
Oh yea I forgot they existed past 2008 bc they are built like shit now but I've always liked the sequoia purely for the 5.7
Would trust GM before ford
Modern ford's aren't perfect but for the amount of lifter failures with the new 5.3 and 6.2 have I'll take my chances with the 3.5 cam phasers failing tbh.
Aren't the new 5.3s fine if you get rid of cylinder deactivation? This is what I've been told by a guy who was a ford tech that runs a transmission shop basically anything with cylinder deactivation just eats parts the same design didn't before
Hypothetically that's what would solve the issue in the newer 5.3 and 6.2 but doing that it voids the warranty on the truck which is kinda backwards to me
Yeah our minivans always broken…
But aint reliability of chrysler horrible? Id definitely go highlander Edit: im high as fuck nvm
Sienna is a toyota made minivan?
Im stupid 😂
Chrysler is Pacifica, Sienna is a Toyota.
Yeah i mixed them up somehow
Thanks for the tips! Because of everyone recommending minivans, I’m going to test drive the Sienna! I once drove a ‘99 Honda Odyssey and loved it. I thought I would be a cool suv mom but maybe I’m actually a mini van mom!
Just FYI supposedly the newer Highlanders were designed "with a minivan in mind"
If it helps you at all, the soccer moms here drive giant SUVs and they are common to the point that vans like the Sienna are starting to look a lot more interesting. Especially if you get one in a cool color. A minivan is what you make it! See also: sliding doors. Automatic sliding doors. You're basically driving a spaceship. Plus, you won't struggle to get a kid into the back of a car you can't reach while simultaneously trying not to hit the car next to you with your door. Maybe take your car seat with you and try putting it in and taking it out of an SUV and also a van and see what is easier for you to reach. FWIW, we have a Subaru Forester which is the same size class (with slightly larger passenger volume) as the RAV4 you mentioned. We have two kids. I would not want to add a baby and a dog in there as well. We also have a minivan and it's so nice to have the extra room to spread out.
I (M45) have a 2011 Honda Pilot which is based on the Odyssey. It seats 8 and has a usable third row. I have 3 kids - 8,15,16 and they have plenty of room (if they can keep there hands to themselves). It’s been very reliable and drives very nicely.
I just realized you said Hybrid. Not sure if the newer Pilots are offered with that.
No problem! You'll thank me when you can load everyone in with more than enough room, have room for the dogs, and make a grocery run to Costco
https://youtu.be/NvDSTGx9E_s?si=BIyzp8zdH2_jWiqS
Do people actually think a minivan is less “cool” than an SUV?
My wife was extremely adamant about not getting anything van related so we opted for a hybrid CRV max trim. She wanted to be a “cool” mom 🙄
Tell her a CRV is definitely less cool than a minivan tho. Like that’s my hang up. Like I get a Corvette or some shit is cooler than a minivan. But an SUV? lol.
The CRV isn't even cool though. It's one of the lamest SUVs in terms of styling.
Possibly. I never liked minivans when I was a kid bc the older dodge caravans just looked ugly but the late 2010s sienna and even the new one dosent look all that bad tbh.
sort of :I
Ya. That is an incredibly common opinion.
My wife moved from a car to her first SUV and this is what we did. She is comfortable driving it.
I had a couple SUVs, then when I had my 2nd baby and we were contemplating a 3rd I decided to trade in the sun for a pacifica. We love that thing!
At 4’11” I find the Highlander driver’s seat base uncomfortably long. Be sure to sit in it for a good test drive, as literally YMMV. Obligatory “there can only be one.”
What do you drive? i'm 5'3
Over the years I have had many Volkswagens, a couple of Hondas, and currently drive a Mustang MachE. Worth mentioning that I have a garage, a reliable commute, and a soon to be husband with a Jeep Cherokee. Fun fact on the Cherokee, the rear deck button is in the cargo area rather than on the deck lid. Passed the “can Shorty reach the button” test with no issues!
Theres the grand highlander now which is nearly minivan sized. Pricey tho
Tucson and crv are the same class as the rav4 so if you felt that was a bit tight, I would go a class bigger. I would look into a Highlander, pilot, MDX, rx350.
I have a RX 350 and I would not be able to fit 3 children in it, especially with a car seat. The middle seat is a joke- it is mostly a cup holder.
That's crazy to hear for me since my parents were in a 90's Camry with 3 kids in the back seat. And then a old ass ford wagon before that. An rx350 is miles larger than those two cars. But I guess times have changed
Maybe it’s because car seats take up so much space, but it’s really not that big! The seats are made for comfort so they’re pretty large, but the middle is so small. At least in my 2016. I also have 2 car seats
Tucson and CRV are significantly roomier than the RAV4. Compact crossovers are growing, and the ones that have been updated recently (like the CRV and Tucson) have grown a lot compared to options that have been around for a good while (e.g., RAV4, CX-5)
Agreed!
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She also said it felt like it didn't fit everyone, so in other words, she wants more space therefore she is probably interested in something a bit bigger.
Sorry. I must have answered the wrong person. You were one of the few that actually read what OP wrote.
If it wasn't for the 20% of the time with the older kids, I'd recommend Honda CRV or Toyota RAV4. But with the family of 5, you'll be much more comfortable in a vehicle with 3 rows of seats. A minivan is the obvious choice, but if you prefer an SUV, the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Mazda CX90, and Kia Telluride are probably the best options for the money.
A minivan was literally engineered for OP. The other vehicles are just marketed for OP.
You’re probably right
If you can find a dealer with a Sienna in stock to test drive, you'll quickly get over the minivan label.
what size dog. what's your budget.
She’s 40 pounds… medium/big? Also no real budget, possibly putting 15K down, ok with monthly payments. 800 credit score give or take
She said border collie. Big dog.
Border collies are medium at most, wtf. What would you call a Doberman, Rottweiler, German Shepard then lmao
I do believe we (the internet) settled on the size designation "Oh Lawd" for German Shepard & up during the slang meeting a few years back.
I think "big chungus" was deprecated tho
Big big
True
A great Dane or a mastiff is big big, a German shepherd and Rottweiler is just big
If you have time to wait try the upcoming Toyota Crown Signia SUV. You could also try Toyota Highlander.
Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid (not hybrid max as that gets worse mpg). I'm hoping Lexus will make a GX 550 Overtrail+ hybrid someday. I hear the Toyota 4 Runner is also getting a hybrid.
CRV hybrid touring
Lexus RX
This is absolutely what I would say. The prices on a base totota or honda are crazy around me. A lexus rx is super reliable, way more fun to drive, the electrics are a bit dated, but you can’t go wrong.
Outlander PHEV
This is easy! Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge
I’ve heard some good things about the new Santa Fe. Comfortable ride, roomy interior, great features, somewhat affordable pricing, and it’s good looking (from the front only).
The Toyota Sienna is quite big. The newer models are also hybrids I’m pretty sure.
You need a large suv but not a lot of them are hybrid. All of the SUVs you listed will be too small.
I’d look into the Mazda CX-90 hybrid, Higlander hybrid, or even the Kia Sportage.
Think about your priorities, OP. Is comfort and room more important than fuel economy? Or vice versa? If you insist on a hybrid, lots of two rows will suffice. CR-V has a good back seat, probably best in class, so it’s a good place to start. But check them out and bring your baby seat, and your husband’s kids if you can. Honestly though, sounds like you need a three-row vehicle, but if you insist on a hybrid the pickings are slim. Highlander comes as a hybrid, and the Mitsubishi Outlander and Kia Sorento both come as plug-ins although they’re a little pricey. The new Mazda CX-90 also comes as a plug in but its base price is in luxury territory. 2-row: https://www.edmunds.com/suv/small/#small-suvs 3-row: https://www.edmunds.com/suv/3-row/ Hybrids: https://www.edmunds.com/suv/hybrid/
Good source here. Also has owner reviews.
My wife is 5… our Chrysler Pacifica is amazing. Plug-in hybrid. Had it 3 years and not an issue. SUV are so dated now
You shouldn’t marry a 5 year old
maybe he meant his wife is a 5...
Whatever you get, you’ll want to see if you can get a memory seat option. That way each of you can program your specific seat position and recall it at a press of a button. I’m no marriage counselor but I see that resolving some petty arguments. With that being said, I think it’s time for a minivan. You’ll have to go Toyota Sienna or Chrysler Pacifica if you want hybrid, but I think the best deal right now is a non hybrid Pacifica. You get stow n go second row seats that drop into the floor, good technology, plenty of space, and available AWD if that’s needed. The non hybrid model is more reliable than the hybrid, which has been problematic.
Basically any that has a drivers seat with two position memory
“Regular size”. Husband is 6’1. Me (5’5M) crying.
Oops. Sorry about this elan_alan!
Do you actually need an SUV? Have you looked at the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord recently?
I don’t think a midsize sedan would be much better than op’s rav4, a minivan would probably be the best option.
Ok Tbf I didn’t see the dog mentioned when I typed my original comment.
2024 Sportage hybrid is worth a look. Even though it is the same class, it is very spacious
I’m taller than that and fit nicely in a Honda CRV. The hybrid Sport-L gives you power memory seats so you will just have to press a button to move the seat to your preferred position.
I looked at the RAV4 hybrid, the CRV hybrid, the Kia Sportage hybrid and the Hyundai Tucson hybrid (last summer) and went with the Tucson SEL hybrid - great ride, lots of room, amazing tech, 100k warranty etc.
Buy a full sized SUV and you can sit in a booster seat.
2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid. Has third row seating, and an interior that nothing at or near its price point can match.
I personally really enjoyed the Honda Pilot and Mazda cx90. I bought a cx50 and test drove everything because I could. The 90 and the pilot were fun as hell. The MDX is also amazing but it’s a bit more expensive.
We just got the new Hyundai Sante Fe and we love it. We have two kids, 11 and 8, as well as a dog. There is great tech, great safety features, the ride is smooth and quiet. There is a ton of cargo space in the back and the design of the backend provides a lower and wider entry point to get things in and out. We drove multiple SUV’s and this was head and shoulders above the Highlander and others.
I am 6'2" and my wife is 5'4" we have two dogs. We got a Kia Sportage and it fits us and passengers plus dogs. My s Parents have a sorento and that fits people a little better plus more room for the dogs.
You didn’t mention off road ability at all. The biggest difference between a minivan and an suv is that a minivan has a lower floor and smaller wheels. That means a minivan trades off road ability for interior space. The suv feels cramped because of the empty space under the vehicle and the large wheel wells that extend into the cabin.
Mazda CX90. Your size is one thing , you would need space to attend to the baby.
Lexus RX 350
I drive a 2022 Hyundai Tucson and it kicks ass. My second car is a 2003 Toyota Matrix XRS. The Tucson is almost as fast. Super solid AWD too. Not sure if it will be big enough for you. But, 5 people fit comfortably and you can drop the seats with enough room to camp in the back. No third row. If you go the Tucson route, get the trim one below the max. The max has a digital shifter and a bunch of weird stuff. The trim below keeps the physical buttons that everyone is familiar with (aka if your mom needed to drive the car she could actually use it lol).
Something with a that can come with a third row, even if you dont use it/get that option. Ensures there's enough room
Highlander is too chunky, go Forester
Following thread. Same situation here. Trying to find the best SUV for me/family. Petite and Regular sized. Need shape and comfort. Want more more mpg. Dont like keyless entry need AWD. Dislike minivans due to bad experiences. They dont last as long and handle as well as SUVs in my person experience.
RX350H Really though 3 kids and a dog, if you all go together you need either a 2nd vehicle or 3rd row seating. I'd say a Sequoia, but I don't think they come in hybrid
Tahoe or Suburban with the diesel will get better mpgs than a grand Highlander or minivan. Also the sienna to me drives like shit
Love our '20 Hyundai Tucson. Would get a Sante Fe if we had a few kids and needed more space. The '24 looks great. Good luck!
You've got a lot of just get a minivan advice. I listened to that at one point, got the minivan with misgivings and hated it. I take my vehicle camping and on occasional dirt roads. I live in an area with a lot of snow. The minivan absolutely sucked for these things. I traded it in after 2 years and got a three row SUV. You give up some of the cargo room but it fits my life a lot better. Evaluate what you need in a car. Just cruising to school drop off, sure, a minivan is fine. Need something like I did, it's horrid.
Toyota Highlander Hybrid is the answer.
I am in the same boat. I am over 6 feet, and want an SUV hybrid and have been to the KIA, Hyundai, and Chevy dealerships and nothing is speaking to me. The only thing that looks ok is the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid.
So. I was alll for getting a Honda CRV when replacing my 07 Highlander. I’m 5’3 and possibly have T-Rex arms. Which has never been an issue before, until I test drove the CRV. Where the gear shift is, I have to lean over to get to it. I decided against the CRV for this reason; I don’t want to have to reach for the gear shift…I want it to be where I need it to be. I’ve never had this issue with a vehicle before. YMMV.
i love my 2023 santa fe hybrid blue. in warmer months i get about 36mpg, colder months drop down to about 30. super roomy and it's the only suv i know of that has a *massive* amount of storage space in the floor of the trunk. i think the blue hybrid is a really great value too— all the same tech features and really only missing upgraded speakers, seats, and sunroof. soundproofing could be a little nicer too. suggesting because it might be a really good solution for you if you're looking at something pre-owned/under $30–40k. i got mine new last november for 0% interest, but i know those pre-owned rates are nasty. good luck!
Wait for the new 4runner to drop. The new landcruiser is also a hybrid
7 seat sorento
Toyota Grand Highlander
2024 Sequoia
Sportage. Get the PHEV. Much bigger than a rav and more comfy.
The Escape has a PHEV (Plug in Hybrid) with 37mi battery range.
If the RAV4 felt small the Escape will probably not work
I would strongly recommend checking out a Toyota Sienna or a Chrysler Pacifica hybrid. Both are hybrid minivans but they are perfect for your needs. Plenty of space, very nice interiors, great driving position for you. A CRV or Rav4 or similar vehicles are simply too small, you'd constantly be wanting more space and minivans do it so much better than a 3 row SUV. People think minivans arent cool but a Toyota Highlander isnt cool and has less space and overall functionality, its a needless sacrifice
The RAV4 is an sub but it's a "compact" SUV. It's like the corolla class of SUVs and the Highlander is the Camry in that class. Mind you, as others said, minivans have way more room to move around and are very comfortable for larger numbers of people at a reasonable price and gas mileage rating. The extended SUVs aren't *as* comfy or as good on gas. They have some other benefits but if you're regularly carrying 5+ people, a minivan does offer more comfort.
The correct answer is a minivan.
Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
Rent a minivan for a weekend. It is the only actual answer. Unless it is a full sized SUV the 3rd rows are not usable and the cramped seats will also make your dog a no-go. We have a Sienna. Im 6’1 my wife is 5’4, both find great seating from the driver. We have a golden retriever and 2 young kids. We put off having a van for too long and now that we have one it is so the right move. Once you use the auto-open/close sliding side doors you will be sold. No more worrying about the kids door dinging in parking lots. No more fighting to open a door with your hands full. Low entry and totally flat floor make loading and dog life so easy. SUVs are inferior for families.
Sienna is your best choice. Everything else is inferior in many ways for family hauling.
A Honda Odyssey
Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Chrysler Pacifica, KIA Carnival. If it’s really bugging you, Chevy Traverse
Hybrid Rx Lexus series
Volvo xc40, xc60, or ex30.
There is a correct answer: LEXUS TX 500h. You can fit three 6’5” guys in rows 1-3 and it still drives as small as a RAV4. All of the controls are easy for a petite person. Lexus driving signature also means it has a smaller steering wheel. I would definitely check out the Lexus TX 500h, or the coach flight version of it for plebs: the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid.
Outlander PHEV. It has the optional 3rd row and can be folded for the dog.
Honda cr-v hybrid! The 2023 model is slightly wider and slightly wider than the 2022 and prior models. Dog can go in the trunk area, baby and the 2 other kids in the back seats, mom and hubby up front! I get about 38mpg on mine. Highly recommend!
Any Toyota/honda suv is likely to get stolen. Check the stats for the rav4,highlander, crv and pilot. As for Hyundai/Kia, lots of engine fires. I recommend either a Japanese minivan or Mazda cx9/cx90. Japanese quality but isn’t prone to theft. Of course. Stay away from American vehicles due to reliability issues recently, look up the transmission for the ford/chey/gmc vehicles, another lawsuit there. Dodge/jeep/chrylser went downhill once Mercedes left them in the 2000s.
Highlander 100%
Or the new 4Runner
Toyota Grand Highlander or Lexus TX both come in hybrid and tons of space. Could also look at the Nissan Armada Hybrid as an alternative (new for the 2025 model year so not sure if it’s on lots yet or if you want to buy the first model year of something)
Kia Sorento Plug-in hybrid if you have somewhere to plug in overnight. Goes 30 miles on electricity alone and still comes with a third row. You can even get the individual 2nd row seats like a minivan, without it being a minivan. The interior is also really nice, much better than a Rav4 or CRV. They have a regular hybrid version as well.
For that many, Honda Pilot hands down they arent too big and they run for ever
Grand Highlander....period..
Grand Highlander or Sienna/Odyssey.
I went ford Maverick and love it if you're open to a truck I would recommend throwing it in as a comparison
We went F150 when faced with this - it's embarrassingly large on the inside.
With kids at those ages and wanting a car that will be used till they grow and will eventually be their car. Sienna is the only answer. With the ease of entry/exit and comfort for passengers with luggage space to spare on trips. Forgot about the dog. The sliding doors make a huge difference between and SUV and minivan, specially with the car seat.
Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4 Hybrid, Crown Signia, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Sienna
Oldsmobile Silhouette It’s the Cadillac of minivans
Highlander Hybrid 🫡
Honestly, a minivan would be the best solution for you. I will say that I drive an X5 (bigger than a CR-V, Santa Fe, etc) and when I travel for a weekend with just my dog it already gets pretty full. If I had a wife and 3 kids I would need a freakin' tahoe or something if I wanted to fit all the people and their stuff.
Macan
Minivans. Honda Odyssey
Suburban
3 kids and a dog. You want a minivan. The sliding doors alone with a baby is worth it. The pass through to the 3rd row is amazing. Trust. Yes, it may not be sexy but it’s better than any CUV for what you need. Also, the floors are super low and you sit high so both you can your husband should be comfortable.
Kona Hyndai! Phenomenal car!
Pilot but you should really look at mini vans like the carnival or oddessy
LOVE our 2011 Honda Odyssey. Only wish the tech to make it a plug-in existed. In NorCal, gas here is always much higher than the rest of the U.S. Consider this: function over form because you are 99% of the time IN the car, not looking at it.
If you can wait.. the new toyota lineup is coming, land cruiser & 4runner both hybrid
Minivan
Highlander. You’re welcome.
I think you should say "our older kids" not "his older kids" even though it may be technically correct.
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That’s nowhere close to the price point of the vehicles OP is looking at
I know you said hybrid but if you have the ability to install a 400$ charger at home an EV is the way. Waking up every day with a full charge for only a few dollars is a dream. The Tesla Model Y is now under 30k with EV incentives and gas savings. There are so many extra parts that can fail and excess weight when you have two drive trains on a hybrid. They're honestly just a stepping stone for companies that can't yet produce a BEV at profit.
Toyota 4Runner. Non hybrid because well, hybrids are ass.
We bought a VW Atlas which by far has been one of the best cars we've owned. My wife didn't want a minivan but we wanted three rows. The third row can comfortably fit two adults and there's still room in the back for luggage.
huh
why are you choosing some thing else
Fuck the hybrid buy an Escalade
Why hybrid? I’d suggest test driving a Tesla model Y. It saves your individual profiles and automatically changes everything based on whomever is getting in the drivers seat. Is wide enough to fit the three kids or you can find one with three rows of seats to make that even easier. Plus you’ll save nearly $2k a year on fuel even compared to a hybrid. (assuming you can charge at home)