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The GMC Acadia, Chevy Traverse, Buick Enclave, and the retired Saturn Outlook are all the same basic vehicle (Lambda platform). They are the largest of the CUVs, considerably larger inside than a Chevy Tahoe or GMC Yukon. Just a little bigger inside than a Ford Expedition. They're basically a big fat minivan without the stigma, and with SUV-like attributes for AWD, suspension, and towing. I drove different ones for a total of about 20K miles. While originally rated 19mpg city and 26 mpg freeway, my experience was closer to 17 city / 22 mpg freeway. My best was 24 mpg on a long trip. But that mirrors my fuel economy experience in minivans as well.
The Ford Flex is just a little smaller, but the same basic idea. Same goes for the Mazda CX9, although it's argueably better looking and more fun to drive.
The other three-row CUVs will likely be too small in the third row. There is a new Durango coming out and it appears to be a huge step in that direction, but I haven't looked at it in the flesh.
The Suburban (Yukon XL, Escalade ESV) or Expedition EL (Navigator L) has more room behind the third row than any minivan or three-row CUV. But they're much thirstier. Figure 11-13 around town and 16-18 freeway.
My recommendations:
First, rule out a good minivan. They're better people haulers, smoother, more comfortable, and typically use less fuel
If the minivan doesn't fit the bill, look at the Buick Enclave (just like Souk's Outlook but different)
Also, your large boys would benefit from center row buckets (7 passenger)
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