Best 6 seater on the market.

[look30]

I am looking for best option for a family of 5 including three car seats .
Right now we have a minivan but it is killing us on gas so We where thinking to get a secondary car for going around the city.
My first choice was Honda Element but for some strange reason they only make a 4 seater .

Any ideas ?.... remember the 3 car seats have to fit plus we need some cargo space for a stroller and/or groceries.

[prying eyes]

http://www.mazda.ca/root.asp?lang=eng

Incorporating the practicality and flexibility you would expect from a people carrier, the Mazda5 has something else - an added dose of sportiness. After all, why should you give up on a little exhilaration just because you've got seven seats inside?

The Mazda5 is designed to be driven; you'll instantly notice the precise and responsive handling. And when it comes to its good looks, there is no compromise. Its sleek and stylish design far outweighs the standard 'box' shape you might come across when looking for your perfect Compact Multi-Activity Vehicle (C-MAV).

It's also a clever car. The Mazda5 designers thought carefully about how the vehicle is used day-to-day and as a result, clever time-saving touches are included throughout. The Mazda5 offers seating for up to seven and offers outstanding luggage-carrying capability and impressive seat flexibility while no other people carrier has twin sliding rear doors that offer such convenience and access. Tight car parks need never be a problem again

[ruckus245]

ncorporating the practicality and flexibility you would expect from a people carrier, the Mazda5 has something else - an added dose of sportiness. After all, why should you give up on a little exhilaration just because you've got seven seats inside?

The Mazda5 is designed to be driven; you'll instantly notice the precise and responsive handling. And when it comes to its good looks, there is no compromise. Its sleek and stylish design far outweighs the standard 'box' shape you might come across when looking for your perfect Compact Multi-Activity Vehicle (C-MAV).

It's also a clever car. The Mazda5 designers thought carefully about how the vehicle is used day-to-day and as a result, clever time-saving touches are included throughout. The Mazda5 offers seating for up to seven and offers outstanding luggage-carrying capability and impressive seat flexibility while no other people carrier has twin sliding rear doors that offer such convenience and access. Tight car parks need never be a problem again

Did you copy that directly from the brochure?

[look30]

ncorporating the practicality and flexibility you would expect from a people carrier, the Mazda5 has something else -

Isn't it a little too small for three carseats ?

BTW
I heard that this car requires long visits to the mechanics...

[prying eyes]

kia rhondo???Isn't it a little too small for three carseats ?

BTW
I heard that this car requires long visits to the mechanics...

[Avatar]

There are quiet a few choices but all takes a bit of gas since they are 6+ seaters.

They are Toyota Highlander, Rav4, Mazda CX-9, Ford Flex and Honda Pilot, Toyota 4Runner, Toyota Sequoia or Nissan Armada, Acura MDX,Subaru Tribecca.

I think the Highlander has a Hybrid version as well.

[fastlayne]

Dodge Journey w/4 cylinder.

[KawaiiTentacleBeast]

New Ford Flex.
Or Used Mercedes R63 AMG.

[fastlayne]

New Ford Flex.
Or Used Mercedes R63 AMG.

You are right, the OP's title did say "best".

But if he is not an MB fan, he could always go for the Audi Q7 and could opt for the V6 Diesel.

[thegradas]

http://www.mazda.ca/root.asp?lang=eng

drove a rental in Florida a month ago (for 2 weeks)... definitely not a car for me: poor handling, noisy, fuel consumption average 9.6 l/100km with only 2 adults on board...

[Spray]

Volvo XC90.

[charliebrown]

drove a rental in Florida a month ago (for 2 weeks)... definitely not a car for me: poor handling, noisy, fuel consumption average 9.6 l/100km with only 2 adults on board...

One of our family friends (2 young kids) have a Mazda5; in the 6 seat configuration, there's barely enough room for ONE stroller (good luck with 3 :D )

The Toyota RAV4 comes in 7 seat option too...compact SUVs that fit your needs will include:

Toyota RAV4
Dodge Journey

bigger SUVs (i.e. more gas guzzler, and i assume all starting at or above $35k before pdi/tax)

Toyota Highlander
Honda Pilot/Acura MDX
Chevy Traverse & its GMC/Buick/Saturn twins
Mazda CX9

[look30]

Great choices but don't forget with three kids I'm trying to save on gas not to spend more money on a luxury vehicle. While I would LOVE the MB and Audi's let's see the best from ALL points of views not only comfort and excellence.

Right now I am looking to something like a Subaru Wagon as the smallest or something like a Ford Taurus in cars which will provide 5 real seats (although I want 6 if possible)

P.S. Doesn't have to be a new vehicle, used if fine as long at it povide a great value in family transportation.

[UrbanPoet]

Sounds like you need a station wagon.
That hyundai elantra touring edition looks very economical in price and fuel efficiency.

Not many cars besides pickup trucks, large SUV's, minivans, and a very very select few small SUVs have 6 or more seats.
Toyota Rav 4 can seat 7, but the 3rd row sacrifices pretty much all of your trunk space.

One alternative.... would be one of the mid-size GM sedans.
The Chevy Impala still offers 3 passenger front bench.
http://www.chevrolet.com/assets/en/images/model/2009/impala/gallery/interior/masthead/chevy_impala09_pg_int_06CHIM00023.jpg
Being a fairly large mid-size american car, i could only assume the trunk is a good size.
http://images.autobytel.com/view/aic/CHEVROLET/IMPALA/sdn/usa_2007_chevrolet_impala_sdn_4_x_incargo_x.jpg
That looks like enough room for 3 strollers.

[y2chuck]

AFAIR the Journey doesn't have tether bolts for the 3rd row so unless one of those 3 car seats is just a booster seat and doesn't need a tether anchor, you might be out of luck other than a minivan or bigger crossover.

The Mazda5 has tethors for the 3rd row and I think the Rondo does too.

[downeasteralexa]

Depending on the size of the car seats, I'll vote for the Mazda 5, but only the 2008 or 2009 GT model. My co-worker has a 2008 and we went on a road trip in bad weather. Very little noise, three adults fit comfortably in the second row and with the third-row up, all of our luggage (5 people, total) fit fine. It has way more room than my early-2000s Subaru.

[afong56]

I am looking for best option for a family of 5 including three car seats .
Right now we have a minivan but it is killing us on gas so We where thinking to get a secondary car for going around the city.
My first choice was Honda Element but for some strange reason they only make a 4 seater .

Any ideas ?.... remember the 3 car seats have to fit plus we need some cargo space for a stroller and/or groceries.

3 full size car seats? you are going to need 2 rows of passenger seating after the front row. it will be completely shoe-horning them in if you don't. any car that is wide enough not to need shoe horning is not going to be decent on gas

Great choices but don't forget with three kids I'm trying to save on gas not to spend more money on a luxury vehicle. While I would LOVE the MB and Audi's let's see the best from ALL points of views not only comfort and excellence.

Right now I am looking to something like a Subaru Wagon as the smallest or something like a Ford Taurus in cars which will provide 5 real seats (although I want 6 if possible)

P.S. Doesn't have to be a new vehicle, used if fine as long at it povide a great value in family transportation.

so you need something cheap as well? that really cuts down on your options.

Isn't it a little too small for three carseats ?

BTW
I heard that this car requires long visits to the mechanics...

your real choices are the mazda5 or kia rondo. both start under $20k

both have 3rd row access that will make it difficult to put 2 car seats in the middle row, so it's probably best to put 2 in the back row, with one in the middle row. perhaps the parent who's minding them can sit in the empty second row seat.

otherwise, imho, you're back to talking about minivans. if mileage is the key, buy a used honda odyssey

my .02 cents

[Tolo]

Ok do you need a 5 seater or 6? Are all the seats forward facing or mixed? have you considered narrower child seats - may be a cheaper and still safe option. I've seen 3 child seats across the back of a Ford Escape... may want to look into them.

[labrite]

We have the Mazda 5; we have 4 car seats in it all the time. No problems with the kids getting in an out of the back (4 & 5 year olds). To solve the not enough storage space, I got a roof rack and carrier. Works fine for strollers, etc and for those times we are making long trips (from ontario to east coast).


I find it great on gas (have the 5speed manual), handling is fine in summer and winter. Only thing that I would change is the summer tires, they can give a bit of road noise, but with 4 kids in there, road noise isn't my big concern ;).

Also, I'm 6'4" and fit in it fine.

[ThePointblank]

A Toyota Venza might do the trick for a 5 seater...

[johnsa]

You appear to have the same dilemma aas my wife and I..You may reach the same conclusion that we do....many of the vehicles mentioned above are TOO SMALL for 3 kids and ANY CARGO..including Rav4,Kia,Mazda 5,..the rest..are all more expensive and WORSE on gas than your average minivan, including...ALL of them except the Hybrid Highlander...which happens to have crappy 3rd seat vs storage....and especially the Subaru Tribeca..just not enough room and poor mileage..

If you want to save gas AND have the room..trust me keep the van and hope VW gets smart and brinngs over their turbo-diesel ppeople carrier form Europe instead of a rebadged Dodge Caravan.

Good luck!

[johnsa]

A Toyota Venza might do the trick for a 5 seater...

Nope..not with 3 car seats...

[johnsa]

Dodge Journey w/4 cylinder.

Very small ...0 cargo space with the 3rd seat up....NOPE

[YZFMax]

Look into the Ford Flex. I test drove it and was impressed. It has seven seats and the rear doors open up like a normal car. The maintenance is cheap on these cars as compared to my Maxima. After driving the Flex, I would prefer it over the Maxima.

[johnsa]

We have the Mazda 5; we have 4 car seats in it all the time. No problems with the kids getting in an out of the back (4 & 5 year olds). To solve the not enough storage space, I got a roof rack and carrier. Works fine for strollers, etc and for those times we are making long trips (from ontario to east coast).


I find it great on gas (have the 5speed manual), handling is fine in summer and winter. Only thing that I would change is the summer tires, they can give a bit of road noise, but with 4 kids in there, road noise isn't my big concern ;).

Also, I'm 6'4" and fit in it fine.

we checked this one out...sure there is room for the car seats, but I could not even put the family groceries in the back...not about to put them in a roof rack..

[johnsa]

Ok do you need a 5 seater or 6? Are all the seats forward facing or mixed? have you considered narrower child seats - may be a cheaper and still safe option. I've seen 3 child seats across the back of a Ford Escape... may want to look into them.


3 car seats in the back of an \Escape?? No offence but that does not sould like much of a fun driving situation..

[Brandon]

How about the Ford Flex? It seats 6/7 (depending on seating config), has good fuel economy compared to the import competition in its range (the 2010 model will have even better mileage), it's rated pretty well:

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2009-ford-flex-review/

...comes with a good power V6, Ford SYNC is free now I think, and pricing is good (0% financing for 5yrs, no downpayment, and I'm assuming there are cash purchase and financing rebates).

[roguechameleon]

Another vote for the Ford Flex. We just picked ours up on Sunday (to replace a Pontiac Montana) and absolutely love it.

Go check one out... it's the perfect family vehicle imho.

[arm2000]

Another option would be Ford Taurus X, though more expensive than Mazda5 or Kia Rondo. BTW, Rondo 7 seater starts at 23K
Other than that, Johnsa's advice is the best: a minivan is the only way to get 6 or more seats while keeping somehow low gas mileage (lower than a 7 seater SUV) and costs.
The big problem with minivans is almost all of them have poor reliability records (the only exceptions are Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey)

[brendonp]

3 car seats in the back of an \Escape?? No offence but that does not sould like much of a fun driving situation..

Nope..not with 3 car seats...

John - might want to rethink your choice of car seats. Trying to justify a vehicle based on fitting in the carseats is actually a pretty backwards idea. Take a look at a better car seat solution, then buy what fits the bill financially. I'd recommend looking at Sunshine Kid's Radeon line of car seats - 3 abreast in compact/standard size car (never mind mini-UTE).

I'd throw the same comment to the OP as well. Sure, you'll spend $600-$900 in car seats (and have a bunch of extras), but it'll open up some significant savings opportunities when coming to your vehicle purchase.

Another option would be Ford Taurus X ...

If you really want 3 rows at a decent price, this is probably one of your better options - depreciation is killer (buy used) but there's tons of space...

BTW, I skipped the fuel economy options and simply picked up a used Land Rover LR3 (65% depreciation in 2 years, used in the US was tough to resist when the dollar was close to par); I won't justify the purchase based on size (it's a "want" not "need"), but prior to this vehicle we managed quite easily in 2 door coupes with kids for a few years by simply packing tightly (try a 14 hour wind surfing road trip to NC's Outer Banks in a 2 door BMW with a 2 year old!). The LR3 was more my desire to have a big comfortable cruiser for road trips with friends and family. This ties back to car seats, since the Radeon's are narrow enough that I can seat two in the second row and still tumble forward the 2nd row outer seat to allow access to the third row - we can pack in 4 adults and 3 kids in car seats (more regularly 3 kids / 3 adults, but same idea).

[look30]

Great discussion here, Flex is on my list along with Taurus X .
How about the Subaru Forester or Outback?

[KawaiiTentacleBeast]

The twin turbo AWD Flex is coming right around the corner. It gets pretty much the same fuel economy as the NA version.

http://jalopnik.com/5264270/ecoboost-goes-drag-ford-flex-lincoln-mks-hit-the-strip

[ThePointblank]

Great discussion here, Flex is on my list along with Taurus X .
How about the Subaru Forester or Outback?

Might be a little tight, as the Outback is based off the Legacy sedan, but the Forester is a probable. You will need to see it to make sure.

[Billa-786]

Depending on the size of the car seats, I'll vote for the Mazda 5, but only the 2008 or 2009 GT model. My co-worker has a 2008 and we went on a road trip in bad weather. Very little noise, three adults fit comfortably in the second row and with the third-row up, all of our luggage (5 people, total) fit fine. It has way more room than my early-2000s Subaru.

how can you fit 3 passengers in the second row?...it's a 2-2-2 configuration.

[encinc]

Great discussion here, Flex is on my list along with Taurus X .
How about the Subaru Forester or Outback?

Subaru's are horrible for carseats (unless they've changed the design since 2008). There's a slight hump in the middle of the backseat which makes it hard to install a seat there. You might want to check out the carseat.org forums. They have a thread over there with lots of different 3-across seat combinations. The trick is having the right seats as much as it is the right car.

[look30]

BTW, I skipped the fuel economy options and simply picked up a used Land Rover LR3 (65% depreciation in 2 years,

That SUV is HORRIBLE on gas... worst than my Kia Sedona...

[brendonp]

That SUV is HORRIBLE on gas... worst than my Kia Sedona...

True in regards to poor mileage; it sits with the rest of the full body on frame vehicles (even though it's a hybrid monocoque/frame) however the real mileage is relative. I typically achieve about 15l/100kms combined (pretty bad), but can eak out 12l/100km relaxed highway - note that it's actually rated at 18l/100km city!!!!). The real advantage is that we often now take one vehicle with friends when we used to take two; this obviously requires a bit of planning, but generally works out to an overall savings in fuel economy over taking two vehicles.

However, as I said, the mileage is pretty irrelevent to us given the vehicles intended purpose (ie, not a commuter car).

[blizzah]

That SUV is HORRIBLE on gas... worst than my Kia Sedona...

Land Rovers aren't meant to be compared to a Kia.

If you can afford a LR, you can afford the gas.

[Spidey]

face it, you have 3 small kids, you need a minivan. Plus anything new you get that would give you the amount of room you need, would probably be the same in gas milage as your currently getting.

If you cant afford gad for it, maybe cut something out of your life so you can afford it

[ppl4golf]

Might be a little tight, as the Outback is based off the Legacy sedan, but the Forester is a probable. You will need to see it to make sure.

Legacy/Outback is considerably bigger than Forester.

If I had to ditch a van for, it would be a Legacy wagon or a Venza, or maybe a RAV4...

[downeasteralexa]

how can you fit 3 passengers in the second row?...it's a 2-2-2 configuration.

Doh! You're right, there were only two of us in the 2nd row, now that I think back on it! I'm confusing that trip with another one in a Hyundai where we fit three in the back row. Everything else in the post remains the same, however, minus one bag.

[jed]

I'm going to speak up here, as I've got one - how about an older (01 or so) Buick LeSabre or newer fullsize equivalent? 3800 V6 gets great fuel economy, but if you're looking for room, ride, back seat that will fit 3 child seats, seats 6 and cheap, it fits.

We're replacing ours with an Uplander, and there is no more usable room in the minivan than the Buick IMHO. Trust me, when 3 women (and me) pack up for a 200 mile trip, one way, I get to fully experience all of the various crooks and crannies both the Buick and Uplander, have to offer. ;)

[Tolo]

3 car seats in the back of an \Escape?? No offence but that does not sould like much of a fun driving situation..

I would think the same till I saw it in my buddy's. I couldn't get out to his place to take pics of his but he pointed to the site that showed he got his "inspiration" from:

http://www.car-seat.org/showthread.php?t=10983

Not to mention the V6 is pretty darn economical!

[sandyriver]

Actually, we speculate often on what we'd replace our 6 year old Chevy Venture with, if we were to do it. The van's running fine, fuel-efficient as vans go, and has been good for us so far. The requirements are similar to yours, fuel-sipper with six+ passenger seating. The exercise was somewhat speculative - we thought we might be tempted, but weren't fixated on buying.

We didn't like Mazda-5. Dodge Jorney seems interesting, but even its 4-cyl version seems to consume as much gas as our minivan does. (As per fueleconomy.org). Highlander hybrid is very expensive for what seems like marginal advantage in fuel consumption.

We came to the conclusion that there's nothing now that seems tempting enough to upgrade. Hopefully, we get a few choices with all the upheavels in the auto market and the legally mandated fuel efficiency averages.

- sandyr.

[rc51]

Comes in 6 seat luxury config or 7 seat regular config

Ultra luxury...:) (http://www.audi.ca/audi/ca/en2/new_cars/Audi_Q7/Audi_Q7_int360.html)

[ThePointblank]

Legacy/Outback is considerably bigger than Forester.

If I had to ditch a van for, it would be a Legacy wagon or a Venza, or maybe a RAV4...

Maybe front to back, the Forester is wider than the Legacy or Outback, and that's important if you are installing 3 car seats in the back. The new 2010 Outback of course, changes this, as it is now almost 2 inches wider. The Tribeca is of course, another 2 inches wider than the new Outback.

[CaptSmethwick]

I'm having difficulty reading the "need" on this one, although the basics are clear enough: 2 adults and 3 car seats + (modest) cargo. Seems to prefer 6 seats but would go for 5 (I get that as well) but, regardless of 5 or 6, needs cargo room. Have I got that right?

I'll add safety equipment and crash protection in the mix because, well... just because I do myself for anything that regularly hauls my family.

So, if those are the requirements, once upon a time that meant a full-sized sedan or station wagon. Nowadays, it means a minivan or a CUV. But you'll get a mileage penalty for that.

Back in '00, this was our need and we were tired of the minivan. Not so much for the fuel penalty but more because I didn't see it as much fun and found that we weren't really exploiting its cargo capacity. After a fashion, we settled on full-sized cars and ended up with a '00 Bonneville: Not everybody's cuppa but large backseat, cavernous trunk, one of the safest track record on the road, more than half-decent road performance, reasonable fuel economy (certainly better than a minivan), and extraordinarily reliable. UrbanPoet suggested Impala - more or less a contemporary version of this car (different platform)

I don't know if this would be our first choice today and 3 kids in the back is very different from 2 - just the accoutrements of any kind of family trip mean you'll want access to "stuff" when travelling and have the room to turn and deal with "issues" behind you. I personally wouldn't want the interior space to be too confining in those circumstances. And that tends to point one toward a minivan or CUV. Still, you'd get far more interior space with an Impala or Taurus (or current Accord or Avalon or used Bonneville or DTS) than you would with a Mazda 5 or its ilk.

We went the fullsized sedan route and were happy with it for quite a number years - it's ideal for the years in between the toddler years and the pre-teen years. If you're still heavily into strollers, my advice would be to ride out those years in your current minivan. Once those strollers are mostly behind you, consider your options anew.

Just my $0.02

[look30]

Land Rovers aren't meant to be compared to a Kia.

If you can afford a LR, you can afford the gas.

How about pollution and Al'Queda ?

I have three kids so environment is important for me not just money and baling.

[look30]

There is a forgoten model , the Ford Freestyle, and looks liek a very atractive vehicle for my family.
Has 6 seats and plenty of cargo room if folding one of the back seats.

[benkana]

Fuel-Sipping Three-Row SUVs, according to Car and Driver.

Not sure "fuel-sipping" is the right term for these vehicles, but I guess it's all relative. Also, this was written in 2008, so you may want to add the Honda Pilot and Ford Flex to the list, and remove the Santa Fe, which is no longer offered with a 3rd row.

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/high_performance/features_classic_cars/fuel_sipping_three_row_suvs_feature

[artekds]

I am looking for best option for a family of 5 including three car seats .
Right now we have a minivan but it is killing us on gas so We where thinking to get a secondary car for going around the city.
My first choice was Honda Element but for some strange reason they only make a 4 seater .

Any ideas ?.... remember the 3 car seats have to fit plus we need some cargo space for a stroller and/or groceries.


New cars depreciate rapidly, added insurance costs, added maintenance costs etc. Will the gas savings offset these, I don't think so IMHO.

EDIT: Crunch the numbers, you will see getting a second car to save on gas may not work out. At least in my case it did not.

[antman59]

Interesting post, Look30 what did you end up going with?

[sandyriver]

If you can wait a year or two, Chevy Orlando and Ford C-max are on the way. They may be worthy competitors for Mazda5.

What will be really cool is a diesel 7-seater - like an Jetta TDI.

- sandy

[CUVShopper]

Mazda CX-9. We love ours. Lot's of room, drives like a car and looks great. (unlike Flex).

[sandyriver]

CX-9 is no better than a minivan in fuel efficiency. Nice car though!

The original poster wanted a more fugal engine. I follow the thread because it resonated. In my case, the "uncoolness" of my 6 year old minivan doesn't bother me. As I mentioned upthread, no 6-7 seater in the market is tempting enough for me to trade the van in. Particularly in the fuel efficiency factor.

- sandy.

[antman59]

Mazda CX-9. We love ours. Lot's of room, drives like a car and looks great. (unlike Flex).

Love the car:cheesygri Hate the price:(

[chene]

+1 on mazda 5 + roof rack. If you have kid(s) you'll appreciate the sliding door. It is a god-send when you are parked in a tight parking lot and have to take out the car seat.

I own a 09 model (since June), GT/automatic. As for fuel efficiency, on highway I average 13km/L without roof-rack/cargo, and about 10km/L with. In city I average about 10km/L without, I don't drive in the city with roof-rack/cargo often. My normal driving condition is 2 adults + 1 kid, car seat/stroller, and trunk-full of baby stuffs :razz:

[zeddy]

You never answered why you need a 6 seater for 5 people. If I only had 3 kids I would get a car. I miss our Buick LeSabre. The trunk was huge. It could hold a stoller all the time and lots of groceries. I also liked that if we ever were in a crash the cargo was not going to be flying around where people were sitting.

Also if you go with a 3rd seater SUV you are going to have to be careful about where the teather bolts are. Most do not have them on the 3rd row. Or have one on 3rd row, 2 on middle row. How easy is it going to be to get to the third row then? I know old Ford Windstars had plenty of teather bolts but I don't know about the Flex's. In newer vehicles they are preinstalled and it is usually not an option to add more.

We are looking at Envoys and Trailblazers but we have 4 kids, don't communte and want something to pull a trailer. I rarely take all 4 kids grocery shopping so I don't need a lot of cargo room and we use a roof rack for long holidays.

My friend has a Buick Rendevous and they found the mileage better than their Caravan. You will have to check tether bolts for that one.

[win-star]

Hummer H2 holds 6 people

[Peanuts]

Hi all,

Been lurking here a while, but I've got my heart set on getting a Mazda5. Good on gas, good starter van for the family. Drove one while on vacation in Hawaii, loved it.

I just found using Google a list of the US 2010 Mazda5 specs and trim packages. Excellent stuff... Traction and stability control is now available!

http://www.mazdausamedia.com/files/2010%20MAZDA5%20specs.pdf

[kev604]

drove a rental in Florida a month ago (for 2 weeks)... definitely not a car for me: poor handling, noisy, fuel consumption average 9.6 l/100km with only 2 adults on board...

Poor Handling compared to what:?: A Porsche 911 a Hyundai Pony.... a useless comment if you don't say what your comparing it to.

As far as the fuel consumption goes, being in Florida did you have the A/C on full blast? were you driving highway, city or mixed? Average fuel consumption versus what? A Jeep Commander a Honda Fit... Again useless comment if you don't state what your comparing the fuel consumption against.