Bergman

I drive a Yukon XL. It is an amazing people hauler! With 4 kids as well (15,14,12,11), it’s a must for leg room for the 6’ crowd. Everyone can stretch out, even on 10 hour vacation road trips. Good resale value, and looks fantastic.

Having said that, it averages 17mpg in town and 19-20ish on the highway. It’s had some frustrating typical-GM repairs (things that have been weak designs for many years, like fuel pump, magnetohelical shocks, and LED taillights.). But overall not bad. Turned 100,000 miles last month and it’s a 2015.

We plan on buying a Kia Telluride once the older two start driving. It gets great reviews and looks great inside and out.

I did endure the Honda Odyssey phase. I agree they are the most reliable, best driving yet spacious people haulers if your ego can tolerate it. The sliding doors are key for loading babies into car seats.

You can always buy a used Miata also if you need a sports car to feel better about life.

usmc-sgt

Along those lines, the Hyundai SUV (etc) once the third row is utilized has not enough enough cargo space to fit a cooler.

Mini van is where it’s at. Unless you want to spend $75-$110k then get a Yukon Denali Xl etc.

GivemeVSP

We bought a Toyota Highlander Platinum 2 months ago. I was pleasantly surprised by its performance, but what really set it apart from the others was how much room there was in the 3rd row of seats.

nonrev dad

...and check the overhead clearance of your favorite haunts, e.g. drive throughs, parking garages, your own garage!

BoilerUP

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUG3Z8Hxa5I

Trip7

Kia Telluride has one of the highest ratings ever given to autos by Consumer Reports. And the exterior looks amazing. I'd go with that

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Scoop

Lots of good information already in this thread but I will chime in since I have owned two mini-vans and still have a Suburban that I have owned for over 20 years.

Mini vans are awesome - we had a Ford Aerostar that could comfortably seat eight and also tow light to moderate loads and fit a standard piece of plywood in the back. As practical as it gets. We then had a Toyota Sienna - also seats eight and much more car like and sporty but not as all around practical as the boxy Ford - but better for just moving eight people.

Some people however cannot overcome the "stigma" that comes with driving a minivan.

I still have my '99 2500 454 4WD Suburban. Its a beast and can sit eight but the back row has less legroom and it gets 12 MPG on a good day so it is not as practical as a day to day people mover. But you can take it into the mountains for skiing or tow a boat or a camper.

If your main priority is moving eight folks regularly I would go for a mini-van. IF it will rarely be eight but you want additional capability - heavy towing, mountain snow capability - go with a Suburban or similar SUV.

Keep in mind an SUV will be a lot more expensive to insure, fuel, and maintain in almost all regards.

Scoop

Hrkdrivr

Look at the VW Atlas. Similar in size to the others mentioned but less expensive. Second row is truly roomy and fits 3 adults comfortably. Third row is a little smaller but still roomy enough for kids or small adults. And there’s still some cargo room in the back.

iaflyer

I have to add my suggestion for a mini-van. We went from 1 kid to 3 (twins, fun!) all the sudden, so we switched one car from a sedan to a Honda minivan. While it doesn't have the look of an SUV or mini-SUV, it will haul a load - fold the last row down and take out the middle seats, it's a nice box for moving stuff. Flexible seating options, and can actually take 5 people's bags when driving 5 people somewhere. We went to Florida in Jan and drove from Michigan down there, fit all the stuff. We take out one of the middle seats for ease of entry and piling stuff there too.

Last row folds down quickly, making it easy to haul stuff. Middle seats come out pretty easily too, just a bit heavy.

I like Honda's reliability too - this is our third Honda and we're passing 150K with only minor problems. We average 23 mpg with plenty of in-town driving.

RunFast

Couldn't agree more. Blended family of 7! Kids from 12-19. 2018 Ford Exp Max Limited. Kids ride comfortably for 12 hour drives. With a roof top box all our ski equipment and needs for a week+ trip fits. 4x4 and the towing package for beach camping SCUBA trips. Really impressed with the 3.5l eco boost and the drive train.

We tried another SUV with a 3rd row, it didn’t fit us and our stuff for just a long weekend. YMMV.