That's interesting. I actually had the opposite experience. But I did not compare the dimensions.

I have a Sienna Minivan and we often remove the third row on long trips for the extra space. I was amazed last winter when for the first time we took the 35d on a ski trip. Everything we normally took with us in the minivan (for 4 people) fit in the back of the 35d and I even had a clear rear view. I opted for no third row. So I could use the space under the floor lid. I also have the winter option and used the ski bag.