OK, this here thread is to discuss the various big 'uns, the cross-overs, SUVs, SAVs, wagons, estates, minivans, whatever you call them, that have three rows of seats and can carry up to 6, 7 or 8 passengers. Chris started this discussion in the Longest Thread, but I think we need to bring the action over here where it can be more readily searched and referred to in the future.

1. Which vehicles currently meet this description and are really useful as a family hauler for people and stuff?

2. Which ones are good looking?

3. Which could be considered to have good performance and handling?

I think we can include the CX-9 and MDX as qualifiers. What about the Highlander, Pilot, XC90, X5, Pathfinder, Commander, Aspen, Durango, Town and Country, H2, Pacifica, XL-7, Freestyle, Explorer, Outlook, ... ?

Pilot looks to be very good value in Canada right now.

I don't know about the others, but CX-9 has rave reviews. MDX beats X5 in reviews.

CX-9 would be the CUV I would choose or everyday use. Its also the Motor Trend SUV of the year.

09 Hybrid Aspen/Durango

PROS:
Hybrid
Hemi power
7-8 passenger
Luxurious

CONS:
Only 5-7 mpg improvement
Maybe overpriced.


http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m227/chrisrt-4/hemi.jpg

09 Hybrid Aspen/Durango

PROS:
Hybrid
Hemi power
7-8 passenger
Luxurious

CONS:
Only 5-7 mpg improvement
Maybe overpriced.
Dodge



fixed

lmao

BMW X5

PROS:
Sporty design

Smooth ride
BMW-like handling and performance
Good resale value
Powerful 3.0L engine
Free Maintenance(4 yr. / 50,000 mi.)

CONS:
Overpriced
Leg room
Uncomfortable 3rd row seat



http://z.about.com/d/cars/1/0/u/Y/ag_07bmwx5.jpg

GMC Acadia

PROS:
Passenger seating (8) -three adults comfortably in second row bench
Smooth ride
Appearance

CONS:
Acceleration
Visibility to the rear
Lacking power

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/02/2007-GMC-Acadia-DC.jpg/800px-2007-GMC-Acadia-DC.jpg

Cool, thanks for the mini reviews, Chris! Have you driven any of these?

7 mpg is actually a big improvement for the Aspen/Durango.

• Chrysler Aspen Hybrid joins Dodge Durango Hybrid in 2008
• Vehicles feature 5.7-liter HEMI® Hybrid with Multi-displacement System (MDS)
• HEMI Hybrid delivers more than 25-percent fuel economy improvement
• Full-size SUVs to boast nearly 40-percent mpg improvement in the city
• Chrysler Group's advanced hybrid system leapfrogs traditional hybrid design
http://www.autobloggreen.com/2007/04/30/chrysler-announces-aspen-two-mode-hybrid/

What about the CX-9, Pilot and the MDX?

Another one I found is the Land Rover LR3.

I got to park next to CX9 today. About the size as my Pacifica.

I got to park next to CX9 today. About the size as my Pacifica.

So what is your main beef with the Pacifica, not enough cargo space, or not enough seats, or space available in the seats is too little?

So what is your main beef with the Pacifica, not enough cargo space, or not enough seats, or space available in the seats is too little?

No beef with my Pacifica. Just looking ahead for a replacement.

CX9 Vid

http://www.roadfly.com/2007-mazda-cx-9-road-test-video.html

Thanks, Chris. I like it, but I don't want to have to drive it regularly. I hope I can find a way to convince my wife that the best bet is to keep the Escape Hybrid (27 mpg city and 30+ mpg hwy, real world, US gallons) and get a second smaller 5 passenger AWD car. Sure, that means having four cars in the family, but the Escape is paid off and every year we keep it the depreciation is less and less, compared to selling and getting a new crossover.

Here's how she played out, wife bought an MDX to drive herself, we've got the Hybrid up for sale now and later she will sell her 06 330i. Where does that leave me? Free to buy whatever I want without having to worry about having two cars seats in the back. Woo hoo! Back to the indecision and value proposal...STI or Evo or WRX or ... and now I'm not sure of the time line of when I will need a car. When the Hybrid sells I'll need to drive something, maybe the MX-5 for a short-time or the 330i (although that is my wife's baby and she doesn't really let me drive it), then when the 330i sells I need a new car!

We're leaning towards a Hybrid Yukon in May.

Got the Escape up on Craigslist...anyone in Vancouver want a 2005 Escape Hybrid? :)

I would consider a BMW X5 or a SRT8 Jeep. Actually came close to getting the jeep but it wouldnt have been able to tow my jetboat easily without towbar modification so easily so stuck with my current tower (4WD Diamante Sedan) and went with the Evo X..

BMW is considering a BMW XM5.. now that would rock.

for towing nothing beats a 3500 dodge cummings truck.i would consider buying a tahoe or a gmc denali both are nice and comfy for the family.but the denali looks better imo.

Yeah, towing was not an issue for us. The Escape does not really tow anything due to the hybrid drivetrain and CVT. Maybe 1,000 lb... I did not check to see what the MDX can tow.

Looked at an Acadia again today. Leaning towards getting one now.

What do you like about it? Is the GM version of the Saturn Outlook, right? Either come in a hybrid version (not that I really recommend it from an economic perspective)?

Roomy.
It can hold 7-8 passenger. Ample cargo space. Can tow a midsize car.
The Outlook and the Acadia are almost identical.
No hybrid version. 16-24 mpg.

^ and it looks more like an SUV rather than a Crossover.

Kinda reminded me of the Highlander profile when I first saw the picture.

Im ordering an 08 GMC Acadia from the factory in a few days.

Its gonna be the fully loaded version.
Leather
dual sun/moonroof
AWD
Nav
10in DVD
HUD
HID
Back up sensor and camera
Tow package
Bose Audio
XM
etc.

Also looked at an Expedition today. What a tank!

does the xm come with the xm tv as well.my wifes brother has an explorer that came with sat tv but his is sirius not sure if xm offers that.

nissan armada 9,100lbs of towing

toyota sequioa 10k lbs towing

Due to complications with the pregnancy, my wife and I are gonna hold off getting the ACADIA :(

Hopefully nothing too serious! You have our best wishes for a safe birth and healthy mom and baby! The Pacifica will do you fine for the time being.

How's things going Chris, still holding off replacing the Pacifica? I drove the Acura MDX the other night and I was much less impressed in the driver's seat than I have been in the passenger seat. Just doesn't seem like much fun to drive. Maybe I just wasn't used to the size, weight and power. Then again, I had the back filled up with a toddler picnic table and a little tikes race car bed for my son!

We got a new Volvo XC90 it seats 7 and with a 311hp v8 it has lots of power.
http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd271/rstc2051/IMG_0801.jpg

How's things going Chris, still holding off replacing the Pacifica? I drove the Acura MDX the other night and I was much less impressed in the driver's seat than I have been in the passenger seat. Just doesn't seem like much fun to drive. Maybe I just wasn't used to the size, weight and power. Then again, I had the back filled up with a toddler picnic table and a little tikes race car bed for my son!

We might still get an ACADIA in the fall/winter.

We got a new Volvo XC90 it seats 7 and with a 311hp v8 it has lots of power.


I saw one at the Philly Auto show. My wife likes it. I bit pricey though.

We got a new Volvo XC90 it seats 7 and with a 311hp v8 it has lots of power.

Nice, very yellow :) but nice!

The power of the MDX isn't a concern for me, just feels too big for my liking. The LGT Wagon is only 6 cm shorter but handles like a much shorter and smaller vehicle. Low centre of gravity helps, too.