[dsad1]

I have a 9, 6, 2, and 6 month old and am going to need a bigger car soon.

I was looking at the new escalade esv, as much as I dislike the exterior, the interior and features are pretty impressive. But I am starting to have a lot of doubts about driving a car that big daily, especially when my wife is the one typically with the kids.

My wife has a model x that she loves, which everyone fits into, but that's about all that will fit. We couldn't take that on road trips for multiple reasons.

The esv seems very comfortable, but those of you with 4 kids, is it that benifficial to have a car that big? Or am I over thinking it? Would it make more sense to get something a little smaller like x7, q7, etc...?

[aftercorbu]

Thank. Now I have that jingle going through my head.

I have been through the van stage with the kids. And honestly there was a lot to say for the sliding door and all the stuff. Not too huge to park, etc.

[mantis]

Originally Posted by aftercorbu

Thank. Now I have that jingle going through my head.

I have been through the van stage with the kids. And honestly there was a lot to say for the sliding door and all the stuff. Not too huge to park, etc.

same, now thats going to rattle around in the noggin for a day of two

denali suburban

[dsad1]

Originally Posted by mantis

same, now thats going to rattle around in the noggin for a day of two

denali suburban

Damn, I Googled it to see what you guys are talking about. That was a mistake.

Is the suburban your primary car?

[stein_325i]

An X7 would probably fit all the kids, but not their stuff since you'll be using the 3rd all the time most likely. With four kids, a truck based SUV like an Escalade or Suburban/Expedition sized vehicle will likely fit you and all your kids as well as their stuff best. Minivans are also a great family vehicle, but most of course can't get past the looks despite their practicality and ease of use and driving since they are smaller than any Escalade/Suburban.

[dsad1]

Originally Posted by jstein55

An X7 would probably fit all the kids, but not their stuff since you'll be using the 3rd all the time most likely. With four kids, a truck based SUV like an Escalade or Suburban/Expedition sized vehicle will likely fit you and all your kids as well as their stuff best. Minivans are also a great family vehicle, but most of course can't get past the looks despite their practicality and ease of use and driving since they are smaller than any Escalade/Suburban.

The looks don't bother me, but I am a sucker for new technology, features and comfort. Would be nice to have a "higher end" mini van on the market.

[21F90M5C]

The upcoming Grand Wagoneer

[bvrider1]

Get a truck. Go camping and enjoy time with the little ones.

[swanson]

Its better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it. In other words, get the Escalde ESV.

[aftercorbu]

Originally Posted by 16F10M5

The upcoming Grand Wagoneer

Yeah, but isn’t that thing going to be 100k?

[Smgs1992]

I like the volvo xc90 for kid friendly SUV

[aftercorbu]

I have a buddy that has this. He’s got three kids though. It is a nice vehicle.

[21F90M5C]

Probably depend on the trim level

Caddy Escalades are close to that 6-figure pricing too and may even surpass it based on trim levels

Top trim minivans are in the $50K - $55K levels already

Originally Posted by aftercorbu

Yeah, but isn’t that thing going to be 100k?

[Alfisti]

Unless you are towing, and I know you do not want to hear it, is a minivan.

Before we get to that, imho Q7, X5 etc are too small, they just are. No way you are getting 4 kids in there with bags, and whatever else.

So, minivan. Compared to a large truck based SUV, a minivan is a far better tool unless, as stated, you are towing. Either way you are driving a big box, it may as well be a big box with sliding doors, stow n go seats, a genuine 3rd row that is FAR more accessible and a million other very handy conveniences. You will also save about 40K vs said truck based bling machines.

Now, even if you are keen your wife will scream blue murder because women make no fucking sense. Go to war over it, it's worth it.

[P1]

I think it's better to have a bit too much, than to cram into something that somewhat fits. You aren't getting a Sprinter van, and I doubt your wife will be parallel parking an Escalade ESV all day long. Plus, think of the safety aspect of it: you will have your five favorite people in it. I say the slight inconvenience of a large SUV is outweighed by having everyone both safe and comfortable.

[chassis]

Originally Posted by dsad1

The looks don't bother me, but I am a sucker for new technology, features and comfort. Would be nice to have a "higher end" mini van on the market.

dsad1 Mercedes AMG R63 is the one for you. If you don't want to search for and restore an older R63, a 2018-2019 GLS is something to think about. 2019s are available as leftovers and the prices seem to me to be reasonable, considering their original MSRP. The 2020-2021 GLS is on a new platform and having significant launch problems and factory delays, so the prior X166 platform is attractive in my view.

[mantis]

Originally Posted by dsad1

Damn, I Googled it to see what you guys are talking about. That was a mistake.

Is the suburban your primary car?

it was my primary for 2 years



oh and your welcome for the catchy tune. the post title had us thinking your were gonna donate car

[mantis]

https://www.gmc.com/suvs/yukon/denali

standard

xl

[Joe240]

If you want "on the cheap, but new" then the chrysler pacifica is the one (even in hybrid if you want). Doesn't look horrible, but it's still a minivan.

My go to (and I've been trying to convince the wife for years and finally got her considering) is the 2021 Chevy Tahoe Z71 package. (the others aren't that eye catching imo with all the chrome bits).

Suggestions: Tahoe/Yukon
Big suggestions: Suburban/Yukon XL/Escalade

Notice no one is suggestion the ecoduds from Ford (expedition). There's a decently good reason.

Reasons for the Tahoe/Yukon:
New model (2021) has USB in all rows for the kids who love their phones. You can get the optional dual tv screens with integrated connections in the center console for the back seats (SSD in a game console and you have PS4/XB/Switch connected for those long road trips without crashing hard drives). You can fit comfortably 2 adults up front, 1 kid and a rear facing child seat in the middle captains chairs, and 2 in the back seat (independent suspension in the rear on the 2021 models so you have leg room for adult size people back there), and you can still fit carry-on luggage for all 6 of you in the back trunk area for a weekend getaway (or if you're like me, a carry-on will house a weeks worth of clothes and necessities). If you absolutely need extra space, a roof rack can be added (or what I do with my x3 is a tow hitch rack) and throw excess stuff into a water-proof container (I have a dewalt tool box from home depot, was like $80) secured with some ratchet straps. As previously mentioned, independent rear suspension on the new models means you will have a more compliant, comfortable ride on road trips than you would with the Escalade. Honestly can't remember if the new Suburban or Yukon XL have the independent suspension, but I would assume they did since they're all on the same chassis. I don't believe the Escalade ESV is on the new platform yet so it'd have the solid rear axle and less rear leg room.

[Alfisti]

Originally Posted by mantis

https://www.gmc.com/suvs/yukon/denali

standard

xl

See it's this stuff that makes zero sense to me unless towing. Minivan for half the price does a far better job and they both scream "kids" so why the stigma with minivans?

I'll never understand it.

[9M71]

MB Sprinter!

[mantis]

Originally Posted by 9M71

MB Sprinter!

second choice too