Best minivan or family car? Esp with rear facing kids

Question

We are expecting our second baby in April and I’m currently driving a Nissan Sentra. It would be cramped with two kids and we want a bigger family vehicle. 
We went and saw a 2016 Honda Odyssey today and liked it a lot except that when we took a test drive and put our toddlers car seat in, and then put our son in, the minivan door didn’t open out far enough and was in my side the whole time while I was buckling in my son! I was not expecting that and was a big disappointment and possibly a dealbreaker.
I still like the thought of a minivan but need something that is going to be easy putting my rear facing kids in.
Anyone have a Toyota Sienna or other minivan worth checking out?? Or other family cars that have been great for you?

Answer

It’s only a 5 seater but I’m very happy with my 2017 Ford Edge! It fits both of my rear facing convertible seats with ease!

Answer

I was debating on the Toyota Sienna or Buick Enclave. I ended up going with the Buick and LOVE it! We have 2 kids #3 on the way and it has plenty of room

Answer

We have the Chevrolet Traverse. I absolutely love it! We have the captain chairs and plenty of space (3 rows). We feel safe and love all the features it has.

Answer

I have a 2021 Pilot and absolutely love it. My mom has a 2016, and she loves hers, so if you’re looking for used I can tell you the older models are still great! We have the option for a third row, but I never use it since we have two kids…so our trunk space is awesome! It’s good for strollers and I keep a potty back there for when our toddler needs to “go” on the go lol.

Answer

We have a Chrysler Pacifica and it is phenomenal!! We got the 2020 launch addition because it has AWD and we have harsh, Canadian winters.
We have 2 kids, 3.5 and 5 months. The van has 2 captains chairs, then a 3 seat bench in the back that also has car seat connections. Both car seats fit with lots of space, stow & go seating folds right into the floor, lots of room, few bells and whistles. We’ve done several adventures with 4 adults, 2 kids and has more than enough room for everything & everyone.
The doors are automatic, sliding doors which has been great. My son can open his own door and hop in while I load his sister. They open nice and wide. After my csection it was a life saver not having to try and load a 43lbs toddler lol.
I can’t say enough good things about it! Good luck with your search :)

Answer

I have a Honda Odyssey and the slides wide enough for us to put our kiddos in. We have 5. We put the two toddlers in back with a teen in middle. And our infant and teen is in the middle row. I personally love our mini van.

Answer

We have a Toyota Sienna and really like it. When we went out of town we rented a car and it was a Chevy traverse. It was super roomy and easily fit out two car seats, plus four adults.

Answer

I don’t love minivans, but my brother is very happy with his Pacifica. 
Our RAV4 is great with one car seat, but it wouldn’t be enough for 2 seats. I loved the Atlas I drove for awhile and if we have a second kid, that’s going to be my first test drive. It was super roomy, but didn’t feel like driving a huge car.

Answer

We have a 2022 Honda Odyssey. It's fabulous. Car basically drives itself. Haha. Lots of room. I took out the middle seat in the second row to make captain seats. That gives me super easy access to the third row. We don't really use the third row right now, but it's super roomy. We have two kiddos, 2.5 and 10 months. Both rear facing. We are TTC #3 now. I'm not concerned about using the third row at that point, or just putting in the middle seat in the second row.

Answer

I have a Suburban LTZ with 2 toddlers and 6 dogs and I will never drive anything else. It’s super easy to get kids in and out

Best minivan or family car? Esp with rear facing kids

Let’s Glow

Glow is here for you on your path to pregnancy

25+ million

4.8 stars

20+

Getting Pregnant

Pregnancy

1st Year (Baby & You)

Baby Products