What about a Buick Enclave? Our neighbor has one and loves it.

IMO, racer has it right. If you value utility more than ego, there is nothing more practical than a minivan...it hurts, but it's true. :(

Yeah, minivan.

I've got a Sienna. 8 passengers. Still room for luggage. 3 kids. 2 still in car seats. The eldest switches between the middle of the 2nd row and the 3rd row.

Very spacious. 19mpg city.

Yeah it's a minivan. But on the flip side, I get to keep my Porsche.

Yup. I'd totally get one, except the wife refuses to be seen in one. I think they are stupid-practical, but she wants to drive a station wagon. OK.

Just get a minivan. A crossover/SUV isn't going to fool anyone anyway, and a minivan is the better tool for the task.

We had the same problem. Another plug for the Flex...we loved ours:

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog....x-titanium.jpg

http://www.ford.com/resources/ford/f...B_interior.jpg

SUV's are dumb, get this instead. Because wagon.

http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/651608233/overview/

http://images.cars.com/supersized/DM.../752114/02.jpg

http://images.cars.com/supersized/DM.../752114/16.jpg

A Flex (or MKT) would work just fine for only two kids. Plenty of room for two kids + stuff, 3rd row seat to haul one friend each. We eliminated them because we have three and it's just not big enough, but really liked the MKT AWD with the Ecoboost.

When I travel for work, I take a few very large cases with me (Pelican cases, if you know them), so am normally stuck in a minivan as my rental. One time, they gave me a Flex; I loved it. Actually roomier than most minivans (and yes, until recently I owned a minivan /cry), drove very well and just felt like an all around good car, while still having decent aesthetic appeal.

Get a minivan.

Whatever you get for the child years, you will come to hate once you no longer have to be their taxi service, and you will want something different.

Don't spoil your chance to enjoy an SUV later ;)

I hear ya. 99% of the 3rd row medium SUV/Crossovers render the cargo area useless with the 3rd row up. Ever see a Honda Pilot or an X5 with the 3rd row up? You can basically forget hauling any luggage with anyone in the 3rd row.

If this is your issue, You are basically in need of a full size SUV like a Yukon or Suburban. Or minivan.

Cool, but no 3rd row which is what the OP wants/needs....

Thanks everyone for your input! I really appreciate it!

I ended up getting a 2016 Sorento EX v6 with the premium package...it basically has a ton of tech stuff without the nav/moonroof...i use my phone for nav. It also has the 3rd row...when needed. The UVO telematics are great and it has a ton of power and handles nicely....not an Audi but not bad at all... I'm really impressed with this car...it is tight as a drum! Korean cars have come a long way! Peter Schreyer it doing great things at kia/hyundai!

$370 a month including tax/license with nothing up front...for the lease. Might keep it the residual is 20k! :)

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1448157100.jpg