If you're going to be needing the space of the 3rd row often, a van is a great option. It's got plenty of space, is reasonable with fuel economy and the 3rd row is easily accesible for the kids.

I agree 100% with everything you said. Maybe sooner or later I will get one.

Yeah ... somebody suggested that for me and i don't even have kids....:confused:

Sorry. I did the Odyessey years ago. I don't want to do that again.

What was wrong with it? :dunno:

For many years, we had a '92 Toyota Previa that we bought used back a while ago. It was probably the most practical vehicle ever. It had tons of room, it was comfortable and spacious, and it was no worse on the fuel than today's minivans (it was AWD actually). The only real shortcoming was probably the modest 2.2 litre I-4 which was mounted right under the driver's seat. Power aside, it was actually fairly decent to drive. The steering was well-weighted (unbelievable for a Toyota), the gearbox worked properly and smoothly, and the handling was surprisingly agile. I thought it was better balanced than my Lexus ES. And being one of the older Toyotas, it's likely to last longer than the universe. That thing was a workhorse; we used it more than the X3 for carrying large cargo and equipment.

I think he wants a little more luxury along with a serviceable third row for the kids..That would be my guess as to why he's not going for the minivan....

The new Tahoe's and Yukon's are great. Stay away from the Escalade, they float too much.

You can get captains chairs in the 2nd row and a full bench 3rd row.

You might want to give the lincoln navigator a try. Yes I know its a Ford and as much as I dislike any car from that mfg, I've rented a it a few times (old and new) and it's hard for me to admit this but I enjoyed driving it very much. It seats 7 adults comfortably and has plenty of power and luxury inside as well. I used an infant seat (usually takes more space than toddler seats) in the 3rd row along with 2 adults back there and it was not uncomfortable for them. Give it a test drive, you might be surprised.

I tried both, and you still get more room on the MB. Not only that, but the MB is the closest thing in driving experience to an X5. Then you have the hassle of taking the third row seats on and off when not in use, and storing them is a pain in the a**.

Remember folks, the whole point of this thread was that I was dissapointed that I had to give up the X5 experience. Therefore, I made it a mission to find something a bit bigger that felt close to the X (the MB was the closest, still not the same, but close enough). The minivans do not behave the same as an X5, neither does the Yukon, nor any of the Japanese SUVs with third row. I tried them all.

Btw, I still look at the new X and drool. What a bad a** looking SAV.