[onewhippedpuppy]

When we still needed the space we bought a Ford Flex Ecoboost Limited AWD instead of an SUV. It’s based on the same platform as the Explorer but we found it to be more spacious and better to drive. The interior is equivalent of a last generation Ford but they are very well equipped, nice to drive, and have great power. The third row seats are also actually usable and they have plenty of space behind the third row and everything hauls flat for hauling.

I guess most importantly I’d say to drive and check out your multitude of options. I’ve had newer 4Runners as rentals and found them to be cheap inside, underpowered, and more truck like than my F150s. My parents have a loaded Highlander and I despise it, the transmission is dim witted and heavily biased for MPG and everything has a lag, like having to hold the trunk handle for a half second before it responds. The Pilot is basically the same platform as the Odyssey but less practical due to packaging but still a solid choice. The Explorer isn’t bad and you can get more sport oriented models that are better to drive. Another interesting option is the Durango, the R/T is great to drive and has a great Hemi V8. One other option would be a Mercedes or Volvo wagon, you get a massive hauling area with car dynamics. Finally I’d concur to not write off a new 1/2 ton truck, they are huge inside and drive great, and you have the bed space for hauling stuff. For a few years my wife drove an F150 as our family car and it did great.